Japan by W. D. BURDEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1908

Japan

By W. D. BURDEN

THE town of Fukushima is about two hundred miles north of Tokyo. All the way up from Tokyo we passed through rice-fields. In fact, all over Japan the chief business of the farmer is growing rice. It is the principal food of the Japanese; and when it is lacking, they are as greatly troubled as are Americans when the bread gives out.

The Japanese are very thrifty farmers. No weeds are allowed to grow among the grain. The ground is laid out in small, irregularly shaped patches, and the grain is sowed in rows; so a farm presents a very pleasing appearance.

WORKERS AT THE TENT-MEETING IN FUKUSHIMA

As we go north, the broad plain surrounding Tokyo becomes divided into several valleys. The one we follow gradually narrows till at Fukushima it is not more than two miles wide. For several months past some of our Japanese workers have been busy distributing our literature in this place. September 15 we pitched our tent and began meetings. For two weeks we had an average attendance of about seventy-five, then the weather turned cold and rainy, so we were not surprised when the attendance became smaller.

We found some interesting cases during our stay there. One man, who received a small Testament thirty years ago, but was unable to understand it, and yet was impressed that there was something in it for him, came to the meetings. He seemed anxious to understand the book which he had kept so long. He was faithful in attendance, and we left him rejoicing in the truth. Surely God has gone out before us in this section of the country.

There were but four who professed conversion during the meetings, but we secured the names of several interested persons, and Brother Watanabe, who still remains at Fukushima, will continue to work for them. We hope yet to see a strong company raised up there.

One young woman who arose for prayers said she was reading her Bible at home, but had to read it when no one knew; and she could attend meetings only when her parents did not know it, for they hated Christianity.

Another young woman, though always present and listening with deep interest, was very timid, and always sat in the rear of the tent. One other was too timid to enter the tent, but would stay on the outside and listen. Our workers who stood at the door to welcome the people tried to persuade her to come inside, but under no consideration would she enter; yet the questions she asked showed that she was studying her Bible faithfully. She said she would not dare let it be known that she was attending a Christian meeting. May God bless these poor souls, and give them strength to step out on the side of right, even if they have to do so in the face of opposition.

One night toward the close of the meetings, we had a dreadful rain-storm. No one but our workers came, and we were not surprised. We decided to have a prayer-meeting, but the rain was falling so hard that we could scarcely hear one another pray. By and by we were surprised to hear voices in the back of the tent, and on arising were still more astonished to find that two women had entered. They had come from quite a distance. We invited them forward, and had a Bible study on the saints' reward. The Lord blessed by the presence of his Spirit, so that not only they, but we also, were greatly refreshed, and they became constant attendants at our services, and are still studying.

We have long been hoping and praying to see a deeper moving of the Spirit of God in our work, and we are thankful for the evidences that God is now setting his hand to finish this work speedily.

After the Fukushima meeting we spent a few days visiting and encouraging the scattered believers in the surrounding country; then on our way back to Tokyo we had special meetings with the Wakamatsu

church for three days.

The brethren had announced our coming. The house was well filled every night. The presence of God's Spirit was quite manifest, and we trust the words spoken will be treasured by some. We learned that some had come several miles. When asked how it happened, they said that some of their friends who attended the previous evening told them what good meetings we were having, so they, too, had come. One night a local pastor said to us at the close of the meeting, “You are having good meetings, aren’t you? I don’t understand it. We can not get the people to come out this way, even when we advertise the coming of some prominent worker.”

We were sorry we could not remain longer here, but Elder I. H. Evans was in Tokyo waiting our return, so we had to leave the interest to be followed up by the local members. We are thankful for the evidence of God's presence in the work, and we wish to be faithful in the discharge of our duties.

W. D. BURDEN.