Japan and Korea by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 12, 1905

Japan and Korea

By F. W. Field

THIS is my first report since returning from General Conference. The work in this field has been progressing during the past summer. Souls have accepted the truth, and the believers are being built up. A native pastor has embraced the message while staying in Tokyo, and has remained to study the truth more fully. He has been engaged in evangelical work for some years, and will be able very soon to take part in our work. We are thankful for this new recruit, for several of our laborers are out of the work at present on account of illness or military service.

Also two Koreans have accepted the truth during the summer, while attending school here in Tokyo. They are men of good education and some experience, and give promise of becoming useful laborers. They are gaining a fair knowledge of the Japanese language, and so are able to study with our Japanese brethren. Quite a number of Korean students are attending various schools in and about Tokyo, and these new converts are very earnest in laboring among their countrymen; and already a number are much interested, and are studying with our brethren.

Through correspondence we learn that Brother Song Fun Cho has been laboring of late in Fusan, Korea, and quite a number are becoming interested in the truth. It will be remembered that this brother was one of the two Koreans baptized in Kobe, Japan, over a year ago. Fusan is the most southern port of Korea, just across the strait from Japan. Some of the new believers there have been corresponding with Brother Kuniya, and report that about thirty-five have begun to observe the Sabbath. Surely we are entering this field none too soon; and we hope and pray that there may be nothing to hinder our sending help to this needy field this fall.

[Elder W. R. Smith is doubtless in Korea by this time.—Ed.]

The work in Kobe is progressing very encouragingly. The sanitarium is well patronized, and the prospects are good for a prosperous season this fall and winter as the people return from the summer vacation. The work at the native branch sanitarium is also prosperous. All the available room is occupied by patients, and a good many outside patients come in for treatments. The donation of two hundred dollars for medical missionary work in Japan, made by the Pacific Union Conference, will be used to increase the facilities of these native laborers in Kobe. This assistance is certainly timely, and will be much appreciated. And in behalf of these workers I extend thanks for the same to our American brethren.

Our property and lives have been in danger here in Tokyo during the rioting of the past week. Disappointment over the terms of the treaty with Russia roused the feelings of the people against the government, then against the police for endeavoring to preserve the peace. A certain evangelist exhorted his hearers not to join in the rioting. This directed the wrath of a certain class against Christians in general, and the following night a number of churches were burned. We have not been molested in any way; but the vigilant authorities have caused our house, in common with other churches and meeting places, to be guarded by soldiers for several nights of late. Quiet is now restored, but the police are still very watchful against further disturbance. Truly we are living in uncertain times; and these troubles make us long for the everlasting reign of peace, and lead us to pray, “Thy kingdom come.”

F. W. FIELD.