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Entering Amoy, China

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 35.

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Entering Amoy, China

By W. C. HANKINS

AFTER a visit of nearly two weeks with Brother and Sister Wilbur and Sisters Anderson and Thompson, during which time we learned many of the Chinese customs and habits, we are now in our future home, Kulangsu, which is a sort of suburb of Amoy. Kulangsu is a very pretty little island, about two miles long by one wide, about half a mile from Amoy. The population of the latter place is largely Chinese, while that of the former is, to a certain extent, European.
Kulangsu is said to be one of the prettiest places in China, while seafaring men tell us that it is one of the most healthful ports in this country. The situation is such that we get the sea breeze direct, without its passing over other land, and especially from the south, from which comes most of the breeze in summer. As the result of this, the temperature here is cooler in summer, and warmer in winter, than at Shanghai, which is nearly three hundred miles north. For this reason, and because of its beautiful scenery, fine beaches for sea bathing, and its freedom from the clamor and dirt of most Chinese cities, it would be an ideal spot for a sanitarium.
A sanitarium would be patronized by people from Hongkong, Canton, Manila, and many other places north and south. It is quite common for the Europeans during the summer months to seek a change of climate, to recuperate their strength. A little judicious advertising would draw the people here to regain their health.
The island abounds in beautiful trees, boulders, grass, flowers, rugged hills, and little valleys. The Chinese have hundreds of small farms, where they raise rice and vegetables, scattered all over the island.
Brother Keh met us at Canton, where he came to counsel with the workers. He and Brother Wilbur accompanied us to Amoy, and have been busy ever since our arrival, helping us to get settled. This is a much more difficult task than those living in the States would suppose. Brother Keh has learned some Cantonese, so he and Brother Wilbur can talk. When we do our shopping, we tell Brother Wilbur what we want. He tells Brother Keh, who tells the shopkeeper, who tells his assistant, while he notifies the boy to get the article asked for. And many times all this is vain, and we must go to another shop for what we desire. Quite often the article must be made to order, or can not be had at all.
Slowly but surely we are getting settled in our new home, which is a rather modern Chinese house, shaded by two large trees. Brother Keh and his family live a few yards away, as do alsothe other Chinese preacher and family who have accepted the truth. This man is preaching for us in a small country village. His and Brother Keh's family, with a few interested outsiders and ourselves, made quite a little congregation last Sabbath for Brother Wilbur. People interested in the truth are daily coming and going, while on some days quite a number are here at the same time. We hope that in a few months we shall be able to talk to these people without the aid of an interpreter.
Sabbath afternoon we crossed over to Amoy, and held a Bible reading with an interested family. We found them eager to learn more of God's will. We feel that our first Sabbath in Amoy was profitable, and contained much of the blessing of God.
On Sunday the head bookkeeper for the Standard Oil Company in Amoy came to see us. He speaks very good English, so he kindly interpreted for us while Brother Keh and we studied the nature of man. The result was two-fold: Brother Keh gained some new thoughts, while this young man learned and accepted the truth of this important subject.
God is working here in China, as well as in other places, and we are glad to have a part with him in carrying the good news of the kingdom to this needy field. We are daily praying the Lord to send forth laborers into the vineyard, that the ripe harvest may be quickly gathered into his garner. Remember this field in your prayers.
W. C. HANKINS.