p. 18 | Japan by F. W. FIELD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1908

Japan

By F. W. FIELD

TOKYO.—Another year has closed on the work in this field; and a backward glance shows advance steps taken, and some encouraging results of the efforts put forth. The baptisms for the year number thirty-two. About half of these are in a new locality, where the truth seems to be making good progress. Among those who have accepted the truth during the year, three give good promise of developing into useful laborers. These with several others are now in Tokyo, receiving such instruction in the truth and training for the work as we are able to give them. Brother Okohira conducts daily classes each forenoon. The afternoons are devoted to work, for all are dependent upon their own efforts in meeting their expenses.

Here in Tokyo we had our week-of-prayer services from December 21 to 28, one week late, on account of the readings not reaching us earlier. There was a good and regular attendance on the part of the believers, averaging a little less

than twenty. In the prayer service on the first day of the meeting, prayers were offered in Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and English. The spirit of love and unity was present, and united our hearts as one. On the last day of the season the usual offering was made for mission work; and while the amount was not large,—less than twenty-five dollars, in all,—they gave what they could. Times are hard in Japan now, the cost of living having increased faster than the price of labor, so that there is much distress among people of small means.

The present year promises to be a close one financially; but in spite of this, we are planning to make it an aggressive one in our work. And we expect to see some decided advance moves in our medical work, and in providing a training-school for workers. We have nothing definite to report as yet; but we ask for the continued prayers and sympathetic interest of our people in the home land, that we may have wisdom to plan, and means with which to execute.

F. W. FIELD.