Kiang-Su Mission, China
By K. H. WOOD
As we take a retrospective view of the past year's work in this field, we can see abundant evidence of the Lord's guidance and blessing. In fact, the results realized from our labors during this period have been more encouraging than ever before. The believers at Naziang, where work was opened last spring, now number about thirty. These are faithfully living up to all the light they have received, and several of them expect soon to go forward in baptism. Of this company, one man and his family, who have been Christians for years, accepted the third angel's message, and are now keeping the Sabbath and paying tithe. As a rule, the Chinese women are very fond of jewelry, and it is often quite a cross for them to take off these adornments; but when the truth on this subject was presented to the wife and daughter of this family, they immediately removed their rings, earrings, brooches, and all other ornaments of like nature. Another woman who formerly was a devout idol worshiper, has also accepted the gospel, and her very appearance testifies to the blessing and joy she has received as a result. For years she has been a user of opium, sometimes smoking as much as a dollar's worth in one day, and this was in addition to one hundred cigarettes daily. She has used neither of these poisons since last spring, and has cast away the idols which she used to worship. However, her newfound faith has brought trials and persecution as well as happiness. Before her conversion, her sons gave her all the money she desired with which to buy opium and cigarettes, but they have recently threatened her with starvation if she does not renounce the truth which has freed her from these soul- and body-destroying habits. Her faith does not waver because of these things; and the last time we saw her, she was rejoicing that one of her sons had bought a Bible and was studying it. In the same home lives a blind woman, who also has received the gospel message. Although she herself cannot read, it is her greatest delight to listen to the reading of God's Word. Another interesting case is that of a young girl who has been suffering with tuberculosis for seven years. She is unable to walk, and was carried to the meetings by her father. The promise of eternal life is very precious to her, and she longs for the time when she can see her Saviour face to face. Her life is gradually ebbing away, but she wishes to be baptized and to prepare for the Lord's soon return. Many interesting details might be given regarding other brethren and sisters who have recently come out of heathen darkness, but space will not permit. A three hours' trip on the canal from Naziang takes us to the walled city of Kading, where we conducted meetings soon after the summer's heat was over. This is a very ancient city, and is quite an educational center. There are a great many private schools, and the government has opened several large ones in old, unused temples. A pavilion constructed of bamboo poles and reed mats was erected for the meetings. Rough boards, supported by posts driven into the ground, served as seats for several hundred persons daily, and the crowds on the outside formed no small part of our audience. In China there is no difficulty about drawing a crowd, but it is often just as easy to lose it. On one occasion the tent was full when a lamb outside began bleating. In a moment a large audience had left us to see what the excitement was about on the outside. However, there are always some interested ones whose attention is not so easily detracted from the stirring truths for this time, and quite a number are studying daily with our evangelist. After the meetings had been in progress for some time, we planned to have a service in the chapel especially for inquirers. We had taken the organ, pulpit, and other articles from the tent to the chapel; but long before the hour for opening the meeting had arrived, the seats were full and a large number were standing, so we were compelled to return to the tent and have the meeting as usual for the company of three or four hundred who had assembled. The persons whom we have met here are a very good class, and unusually well educated. This is especially true of the young men and women. We pray that the Lord will lead some of these young people to accept the third angel's message, and become efficient workers for those about them who are still in darkness. The brethren and sisters who have recently accepted the gospel naturally desire that their children should attend Christian schools. To supply this need, we have opened schools in connection with our outstations. Most of the common branches are taught, and the evangelist at the station conducts a Bible class one period each day. We believe that the present plan will mean much to the future of our work.