p. 17 | Preparing to Enter Manchuria by O. J. Grundset

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 20, 1914

Preparing to Enter Manchuria

By O. J. Grundset

[It is one thing to have a foreign missionary enthusiasm, and quite another to overcome the stern obstacles that must be met in actually qualifying for work in some difficult unknown tongue. Brother Grundset, chosen by the Danish-Norwegian brethren in America to pioneer with the message in Manchuria, in a recent letter gives a little of his experience.]

WE are always glad to get letters from the homeland, also to read of the progress of the work in our papers. The loyal devotion of our people to the cause is surely one of the most important factors in its success. It is a comfort to know that we are being presented in prayer before the throne of God. Letters often contain expressions like this, “We have been praying for you and the work in China at our prayer meetings.”

When Mrs. Grundset and myself were selected to go to Manchuria, we were at the Danish-Norwegian Seminary, in Hutchinson, Minn. From the first, no little enthusiasm was manifested in our field, but storm clouds arose in the Orient, the raging pest in Manchuria, and revolution and unrest called a halt. In the meantime we attended school at Hutchinson, and at Washington, D. C. Brother and Sister Peterson were also called to go, and together we had the privilege of attending the General Conference.

On reaching China, owing to the unsettled conditions in Nanking last fall, the new recruits remained here at Shanghai. Dr. Selmon has conducted an English-Chinese class for us, and selected Chinese teachers; so we have quite a start in the language.

At present Dr. Selmon holds class for us from 6 to 7 A. M.; the Chinese teacher comes at 8 A. M. and stays by us until 5 P. M., with an hour off at noon. We have also studied with Brother Feng, a young man from Manchuria. In Dr. Selmon's class we change about in holding short Bible readings. We are able to carry on somewhat of a conversation with Mandarin-speaking Chinese, and get the gist of Chinese sermons and short talks. In reading portions of the Chinese Bible, we find fewer unknown characters than formerly. We have committed some verses and portions of Scripture to memory.

We not only learn to recognize the characters, but also to write them. This is a great advantage in many ways. Even Chinese, when speaking, write many of the characters on the blackboard, if there is one, and foreigners find it a help to write several expressions on the board if they have any idea that they may be misunderstood. When conversing with one another, it is very common to see a Chinese writing a character in the palm of his hand, using the forefinger of the opposite hand. In traveling, conversing, etc., foreigners also find this a convenient method, provided they are able to write.

There is a selection of five hundred characters which we are to master during this school year. We have learned nearly four hundred of these, besides, in reading and talking, acquiring many others.

So, although the language sounded somewhat strange at first, and notwithstanding the difficulties connected with remembering the characters, the strokes in writing, the pronunciation, tones, idiom, etc., we are rather encouraged with what has been accomplished, and our hopes are bright for the future. We have had good health, so have not lost any time on account of sickness.

O. J. GRUNDSET.