Back at Work in China by W. C. Hankins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 25, 1915

Back at Work in China

By W. C. Hankins

THE time since our arrival has been spent in settling and in getting hold once more of the mission work. The days seem all too short for what we want to do.

We had a pleasant voyage across the Pacific, and down the China coast to Hongkong. The first few days out of Seattle were a little rough, but the “Sado Maru” proved to be a very steady little boat, and there was no great amount of seasickness. After that short spell of rough weather it was very smooth down to Hongkong.

We had a good visit with our workers in Japan, and found them all of good courage and enjoying good health. The buildings for the headquarters, near Tokio, were nearly ready for occupation.

At Shanghai we had the pleasure of viewing the new quarters for the publishing work and the new homes for the workers. I am sure it would do the hearts of our people good if they could see what a change has been wrought in the condition of our work there. The workers have cozy, comfortable homes, which have been put up at a very moderate expense. The publishing house is roomy and convenient, and is so far ahead of the quarters they were occupying when we left China that there is no room for comparison. The orders for literature come in so fast that they have not been able to fill up their shelves with a proper stock of tracts.

The workers in Shanghai gave us a very cordial reception, and did everything to make us feel that we were welcome. We spent two days with them, and all wished that our visit might have been longer.

Arriving in Hongkong, we were met by Elder B. L. Anderson and Brethren Ham and Nagel. We accompanied them to Canton to attend a committee meeting, and there we had a chance to see the new homes for the Canton workers. It certainly rejoices our hearts to know that they are out of those old unhealthful quarters and into clean, sanitary homes where they can get pure, fresh air. Surely this is money well spent, and I only wish that our brethren in the homeland could realize the great difference it makes to the work in that place.

The two workers were stationed at Swatow and Kwang-si. Brother and Sister Bates went to Swatow, while Brother Thomas and wife went with Dr. Law Keem to open up work in the interior of Kwang-si province.

Our voyage up the coast to Amoy was uneventful. We stopped a few hours at Swatow, and saw the new house there,

and also visited with Brother Ang. We found Brother Ang’s daughter carrying on a fine girls’ school with about eighty pupils. The prospects for work in that section are very good.

And now we are at home again. It seems good to be back once more after all this time. We enter upon our work with fresh vim and courage. We are all feeling very well. The children enjoy the beach and the abundance of fresh air, while my wife seems better than she has for years. The message never seemed plainer than it does now, and our hope was never brighter. We rejoice to see the signs of the soon coming of our Saviour. Surely the time is short in which to work, and we want to improve it well. Pray for us that we may be given grace and wisdom sufficient to do the work that is before us.

W. C. HANKINS.