p. 17 | Sumatra by G. A. WANTZLICK.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1908

Sumatra

By G. A. WANTZLICK.

It was a pleasure for us to have Brother Gates spend a week with us recently in counseling and planning for the work in these parts, and also in getting the several Battak natives to attend our school in Singapore, six of whom we had living with us at our mission home. Their names are Immanuel, Hezekiel, Gaius, Petroes, Hermenes, and Simion. The three former, being the oldest, accompanied Brother Gates on his return to Singapore, while it was thought best for the present, to have the three younger return to Tarvetving, their home.

It is the special desire and ambition of Immanuel and his companions, to write for and edit a paper in their native tongue (Battak), setting forth the present truth and circulating it broadcast throughout the interior. This is their own original plan of operation.

As they have the Bible in their own language, and are able to read and translate our Malay literature freely, it can readily be seen how the message could, by this means, be made to speedily reach the remotest parts of the interior, occupied distinctly by the Battaks, who are counted as being the oldest and original stock of natives of Sumatra.

The Lord has certainly prepared the way by means of more than sixty German missionaries who have done faithful work in breaking up the fallow ground, teaching this people to read, and introducing the Bible freely throughout this land.

At present I am working in the Dutch community, particularly the more well-to-do, along the Belantoeng. This is where the governor and other high officials reside. I introduced my work with the tract on "The Second Advent," followed with others. I was encouraged from the first with pleasant and courteous receptions on the whole, and have at present over one hundred names on my list, of those who are reading our literature.

G. A. WANTZLICK.