Burma by Ollie Oberholtzer, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 5, 1908

Burma

By Ollie Oberholtzer, M. D.

MOULMEIN.— The work seems to be moving on here quite nicely. I am not having all the work I might do, but all I should do while studying the language. Here we get the poorer class first, but have received cash for work amounting to three hundred sixty-three rupees. This was all taken during the last few months. I did work amounting to two hundred rupees more, but it is credited.

Last week I treated a baby that was sick with pneumonia. I tried to keep the chest protected, but with its clothing it was impossible. One morning I sent to the bazaar for some flannel. Then I sat down on a mat, and made a shirt for the baby. The same day I was called to show a woman how to make comforters, as we have just had the coldest weather in the history of Burma—sixty-four degrees.

One aged woman was much afflicted. She has been steadily improving since I began treating her, and I am told that she offers special prayers for me to her god.

One woman, when she found I could wash and iron, said, “O, won’t you please come and teach me? Often the dhobi does not come, and how thankful I would be if I could wash, starch, and iron the children some clothes!”

I mention these things that those who are planning to go as missionaries may be impressed with the importance of obtaining a knowledge of the practical things of life. I believe the secret of successful medical missionary work is in being ready and willing to do anything. We should not get an idea that because we have passed the examination of a medical college, or a sanitarium examination for trained nurses, we are exempt from the most humble work.

It would have done your heart good to step into our little Sabbath-school last Sabbath morning. We hold it in my rooms. Although it is only six months old, it has grown to twenty-four classes. The Burmese adult class is taught by David Pho Hla, and the Burmese children by Mah May. I teach the English adults, but will take the children, and Dr. Cooper will take the former. Last Sabbath in the Burmese class was a Chinaman, with his long queue. In my class were Dr. Cooper and family, who had moved in what is known as the higher circle in India. There was a man present, who, though in European dress, plainly showed by the mark on his forehead that he was a Hindu, and of lower caste. At his side was a graduate of the University of India, who had been raised a Brahman. I represented the Americans. It did me much good to see all these classes. I thought of the grand Sabbath-school when there will be representatives from every tribe and people.

I am doing what I can with the language; and, while the progress is slow, I can see improvements, and feel that the Lord is helping me. I have begun to read the Bible through in Burmese.

The climate here is delightful. Sometimes at midday it is hot, but the nights and mornings are delightful.

We are expecting Brother Shaw soon. Our people are looking forward to the time; for we are so far away, it is seldom any worker comes here.

I feel that the Lord is preparing us for a great work. I am thankful for the good reports of progress, and I look for greater advancement in 1908 than ever before. I hear there are financial troubles at home. I have heard business men, men of the world, say that for the last two years it has been coming, and they have been preparing for it. All these things are only telling us that we are just a little nearer the end. When one is off alone, there is in every sign a joy and sweetness which he never knew before.

OLLIE OBERHOLTZER, M. D.