India by H. H. VOTAW

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

India

By H. H. VOTAW

BURMA.—During the dry season we must do the larger portion of our work for the year. This season the good hand of our God has been with us. We have set our hearts and hands to the task of doubling our numbers, at least, during the present year. We are praying and working with this end in mind.

Mrs. Votaw and I have just returned from a trip to Upper Burma. We saw many evidences that the field is ripe, and that God has put his hand to the finishing of the work. We spent a little over two weeks in Meiktila, and five adults have taken a decided stand on the Lord's side. Some of these had been reading the Oriental Watchman for some time, and of course they already had gained a partial knowledge of the message. We were compelled to return in order to prepare for Elder Shaw's visit, and consequently were unable to present all the points of truth. The Sabbath, the condition of man in death, the punishment of the wicked, the reward of the righteous, the second coming of Christ, the millennium, and some of the prophetic lines were presented, and all saw the points clearly and accepted them.

There are many children in the homes of the believers, and we were able to organize a Sabbath-school of about seventeen members. A number of other adults showed a real interest in the studies, and we feel sure that some will obey when we again visit Meiktila.

Of those who began the observance of the Sabbath two are attorneys, and it was recorded in the court journal that because they had become Seventh-day Adventists, they would no longer appear in any cases upon the Sabbath.

One woman had been a Catholic nun for seven years in her earlier life, and when we showed the prophecies concerning Rome, she could testify that we were telling the truth when we showed the fulfilment of the word.

While we were on the train on our way to Meiktila, Mrs. Votaw was taken suddenly ill. We were helpless, as we had no medicines, and no physician could be had. When we reached the station where we had to change cars, we felt very much like returning home. But after giving the matter thought, we felt that this would be wrong, so we knelt in the station and asked help of God. From that time there was an improvement. After we saw how eagerly the people received the truth, we were convinced that the enemy had endeavored to hinder us, as he was afraid that some would obey.

Brother and Sister Cook are getting a good hold upon the work in Rangoon, and we appreciate their help very much, as their being here leaves us free to answer some of the urgent calls that we have been receiving for a long time. There are several souls in Rangoon who seem much interested, and we feel sure

that some will obey. In these lands, I find that the people are more accustomed to being bound by the opinions of their leaders, and are less independent in thought, than the people in America. Sometimes we feel almost discouraged in regard to those for whom we have labored long, but after a while they obey, and the joy of seeing a soul step out causes us to forget the long hours of labor and waiting.

Dr. Oberholtzer seems to be as busy as she can be. During a recent visit to Moulmein, I found her fairly overwhelmed with work. She must have some one stationed with her soon.

H. H. VOTAW.