Burma by L. F. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1905

Burma

By L. F. Hansen

INSEIN.—We are glad to be in Burma. This is in some respects the most hopeful of the Indian provinces. Here are several Burmans who are working hard to publish the truth. When Brother Meyers came to Burma three years ago, he met a Burman who had been a Sabbath-keeper for two years. Two of her brothers are joining in her work. One especially, whose name is Mong Mong, you have doubtless heard of. He works from the love of the truth.

Burma is practically a Baptist field, but doors are open to other denominations. Methodists, Presbyterians, Church of England, and Catholics are all permanently established. And now we have secured a permanent meeting hall in what was formerly a Baptist church. Our people and our friends are all much encouraged over this step. God moved in a marked manner in our behalf. We realize the truth of this saying, “I have placed before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”

We learned many bitter lessons in Calcutta in regard to securing suitable living quarters. Here we profited by these lessons, and did not rest until we were sure that our company was in a healthful, cheery location. I know that, through zeal for the work and a self-sacrificing spirit, we sometimes wrong the cause by neglecting these matters; and many a noble soldier of the cross has laid his armor down all too soon from sacrificing absolutely necessary personal comforts. The Lord opened up the way for us to live in one of the suburbs of Rangoon, and we are grateful for our situation. In some parts of India it is less malarious and less enervating to live on the second floor. Here in Burma almost everybody lives on the second floor; for the houses are built on high posts, raising them from twelve to fifteen feet from the ground.

The Burmans are neat and clean, independent, and attend to their own business. They are of the Mongolian race, and in many things remind one of the Chinese. The latter, however, are not wanting, for nearly all mechanics and tradesmen are Chinese. The Burmans follow literary pursuits, that is, the men. The women are famous for their ingenuity in housekeeping and producing wherewith to do. In fact, they are reported to far excel the men in ability to acquire wealth. All can read.

Even in Judson’s days, this was the case. The Burmans, of all the Eastern people, seem ready for the gospel; and the past experience testifies to this. Burma has to-day many thousands of believers in Jesus Christ. May the Lord of hosts arise and capture India quickly.

L. F. HANSEN.