House-to-House Work in Java by P. TUNHEIM

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1908

House-to-House Work in Java

By P. TUNHEIM

P. TUNHEIM.

SINCE our last report we have had many interesting experiences, and have been able to visit several hundred homes among the different nationalities. In a place like this we find very little true Christianity, even among those who are professed Christians. Though we find this to be more true here than in our home fields, yet it has gladdened our hearts as we have met those here and there who have seemed eager to receive the literature that we have left in their homes. We are often questioned in regard to our faith, often in reference to our eating and drinking. This has truly opened the way for Bible readings in several homes, some of which are Chinese.

Last week I went to a European house to have a reading for the first time. Instead of finding two persons present, as I expected, seven or eight had come together. Seeing some quite intelligent men among them, and knowing so little of the language, I felt somewhat embarrassed for a few moments, and almost wished that I had not appointed the reading to be held there. But after my heart had been lifted to God for help, we began to study the second chapter of Daniel. All present seemed interested, remarking that they had never heard the Bible read like that before. One asked me to come to her house, where she had two girls and several native Christians to whom she wished me to read the Bible. Many are now persuaded that these things are so, and we believe some will take their stand before long.

We have been so glad to have Miss Gee Nio with us this last month. She is the first missionary sent out from Singapore. As it is not the custom for a Chinese nona to go anywhere alone, not even out into the street, it took some courage on her part to travel so far alone. She is a great help to us in our work among the Chinese, as she can speak the Malay fluently, and also one or two dialects in the Chinese. We lend tracts among the Chinese and natives also, and now we are getting into many homes where we are able to read the Bible.

Last Sunday we went to two places for the first time, and we read with them about creation. One large family, from the grandfather to his children’s children, seemed very much interested, and they wanted to buy a Bible. In the other house, as we left, a man was busy putting food on an altar for his dead ancestors. When we see these millions of people in darkness and heathenism, it rejoices our hearts to find those who are willing to turn from their idols and worship the true and living God. The interest is increasing week by week.

OUR WORKERS BEFORE THEIR RESIDENCE IN SOURABAYA, JAVA

I think Sister Nordstrom mentioned in one of her reports our sale of “Ministry of Healing,” toward a home in the mountains, where we can help many of the sick people who go there. The Lord not only helped us in disposing of the books, but also helped us in finding a country home, for which we have looked so long. An English merchant here has a piece of land (an acre or more) in one of the mountains nearest to Sourabaya. This he has promised us free for five years, and later we can buy or perhaps rent it. Neither Sister Nordstrom nor I have ever before seen such a beautiful place. This is surely an answer to our prayers, as we have for so long asked the Lord to help us find such a location. Brother Gates has promised to come to help us build a bamboo house on it, when the wet season is over.

The Lord has also helped us in finding a house in a more healthful part of Sourabaya, for which we have looked many months. This house is cheaper and more in the center of the town, and closer to the Chinese people among whom we expect to work. It has also rooms upstairs, where we can sleep, and breathe a purer air than on the ground floor. Very few houses here are built with two stories.

Sourabaya.