Honan, China by John J. Westrup

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

Honan, China

By John J. Westrup

JOHN J. WESTRUP

“THE Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Ps. 126: 3. The Lord has indeed given us a great opportunity to work for him; and we are confident that he will give us grace and strength to follow up this work. A week ago twenty-three persons were buried with Christ in baptism, and by faith put on Christ, henceforth to walk in newness of life. Others are ready for baptism, although we decided to have them wait until next spring. We have worked for these souls, and they have kept the Sabbath, from one to two and one-half years. They are overcomers, some having had to conquer one of the hardest habits to overcome. We are glad to say that all the sisters who were baptized have unbound their feet; and all who were baptized pay their tithe. This, in view of their very small income, together with the unbinding of the feet, is a greater test to this people than anything else. A woman unbinding her feet is looked upon with scorn, and is subjected to all kinds of slander. This heathenish custom has such a hold on this people that a woman with unbound feet can hardly get a husband. The smaller a woman’s feet are, the better chance she has of marrying well. Our being here would be worth the while even if we could do no more than to be the means of relieving these women of their terrible, life-long pain. But O for the joy of leading these precious souls into a full and free salvation in Christ! In him they are made free from every fetter that binds them, and will shine forever as stars in our Father’s kingdom.

We were all greatly blessed by the visit of Elder I. H. Evans. His visit was the means of giving new courage and inspiration to our souls. On Friday we walked about three miles to one of our out-stations, where the chapel was crowded with those who are regularly attending. Elder Evans (myself interpreting), by incidents from the Bible and daily life, made it plain to our brethren that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” O how we all daily need to rest in that truth! In the evening we opened the Sabbath with a preaching service. On Sabbath morning twenty-seven believers partook of the Lord’s supper. This was one of the most solemn and blessed occasions that I have experienced. We wept for joy as we thought of the time, perhaps very soon, when these children of God will stand glorified in his presence. As we washed one another’s feet, some of our brethren were so deeply affected that they wept.

At eleven o’clock the church was crowded with people. Our native evangelists preached in the open air to quite a number who could not find room inside. Elder Evans spoke to us about the progress of the third angel’s message, showing plainly that the everlasting gospel is now being preached in almost every country and island in the world, and that the great event that we all look forward to with so much joy may take place very soon. He encouraged our brethren to come to school, that they may quickly learn the whole truth, and lay hold of it by faith. They should do all in their power to give it to the people in their own country. This is much easier for them to do than for foreigners. As some of our brethren had come ten miles to the meeting, arrangements had been made for them to stay to dinner. After we finished our dinner, we brought down our little organ into the yard. Elder Evans played, and we sang. At 3 P. M. we had our Sabbath-school. We were glad to have Brother Miller with us, who instructed the men, and Mrs. Westrup the women, as usual. It would, perhaps, interest many to know that our Sabbath-school collection amounted to one dollar, gold. In the evening we closed the Sabbath with songs and prayer. The next Sabbath our church was again crowded to overflowing, although we had meetings in three different stations. That evening Elder Evans and Brother Miller took a boat, going on to visit our brethren in Cheo Chia K’o.

Being alone with all these believers and inquirers, we are kept very busy in the Lord’s work, for which we praise him. We finished our church just two days before Elder Evans arrived. Before that we often held our meetings in the open air. Now we are putting up another cheap building, to accommodate the believers who wish to attend a school in order to become established in the whole truth. In the women’s school we have seventeen pupils in attendance, and in the men’s twenty-two. We have little time to sit down and study the language, although we do take a little time each day to do that; but in teaching these dear brethren the truth we are continually learning the language. Thus we learn by doing.

Elder Evans is placing before us high ideals in regard to our future work in China. We believe that God is going to help us realize these plans in the near future. If our dear brethren at home could only realize that just now is the right time to give this closing message to this people, I know that many would quickly consecrate themselves for the finishing of the work in China. The Spirit of the Lord seems to move upon the hearts of this people, and many are coming of their own accord, asking for the truth. Every country seems to have its day of visitation, and this is surely such a time for these almost numberless millions. Who will come to the help of the Lord against the mighty?

Hsiao Iao, via Cheo Chia K’o.