Your ShelfYour Projects

Thanks From Japan

10%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 19, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 3.

Read the full edition

Thanks From Japan

By H. KUNIYA.

[AFTER a talk on Japan by Dr. Myrtle Lockwood, at the College View council, a collection was taken for the first Japanese church, which the Kobe believers were endeavoring to build. The doctor secured other offerings for this purpose at other places also. It is for this special help that the thanks are expressed. In the meantime, twenty-five dollars more has been given by the Boulder Sanitarium family, who made up the offering Thanksgiving day. It will be seen that our brother expresses himself in a foreign tongue, but we print his letter as received.—MISSION BOARD.]
I wish to express thanks to brethren in America for your great kindness to send us help to build the church in Kobe. When our church organized last January, we had meeting in small rented room. Soon more members join, then too small, so rented larger room. But large room cost much money, so we began to hope for own church building; but this cost much money also.
We prayed to God often, and Dr. Lockwood and I often counseled together, What shall we do? At last a carpenter brother found a building which we can buy for two hundred fifty yen [a yen is fifty cents]. We thought good, but owner break promise, so we can not buy. Then we called church meeting. Some thought we are small number and poor and can not build, but when they find seventy yen given, they encourage, and give until we have one hundred twenty yen, also promises for twenty-two yen every month until all paid.
When I went to Korea, building just beginning; but when I came back, all finish, and we had dedication while Elder Field was with us.
We thought the building should cost about four hundred yen, but cost more than five hundred fifty, and it seemed like it must be long, long time before we could pay all.
But when letter came from Sister Lockwood with money from American brethren, we are very glad and happy.
It cause much wonder among other churches that seventh-day people build so soon, and have so many members in short time. I wish to say much, but can not express very well, but will remember your kindness forever.
Your brother in Christ,
H. KUNIYA.