India by B. A. Kurtz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

India

By B. A. Kurtz

B. A. KURTZ

PRIOR to this year I spent most of my time in language study, canvassing for our literature, and nursing. But last April I came to Bhaluty, a native village in the Himalayas, where there were a few who had heard of the message and were interested. On my arrival, I was taken to the home of a native sister, where the best room in the house was given me. A few days later we began a course of Bible studies on present truth. From six to eight attended every day. They seemed much interested, and often in their prayers would thank God for the light they were receiving in regard to his Word. A native Christian and his wife came fourteen miles to study the message, and they are now both observing the true Sabbath. While on their journey here, the woman was thrown from her horse, and had her back severely injured, so that she could scarcely walk, and was unable to stand erect. Fomentations were given her, which entirely relieved the pain. The Lord certainly answered prayer in her case.

One day a native Christian, living at some distance, came to inquire about our religious teaching. We were having a study on the spirit of prophecy. He listened very intently, and at the close said, “This is all very wonderful, and entirely new to me. Could you not let me have some books from which I could learn more in regard to this new teaching?” I gave him several tracts, one on the seal of God and the mark of the beast. The following week I received a letter from him, stating that he had read this, and was thoroughly convinced that what it taught was the truth, and that if he wished to be true to God, he would have to observe the seventh day. From the tone of his letter, he seemed to be in great distress, as he was in government employ. He has a wife and six children dependent upon him. Some time later I received another letter, saying that he had had no peace of mind, and had decided to resign his position, and trust the Lord to provide for him. This he did on the first of August. Last week he wrote to me, saying, “You no doubt will rejoice to learn that your prayers for me have been heard, and that I am now among the number who refuse to have the mark of the beast.” After reading this, I felt strongly impressed to write and ask him if he would not like to canvass for a little pamphlet, the one written

by Brother L. J. Burgess, as he could in this way help to spread the message, and at the same time provide for his family. I thought this would be a test, as the people of this country do not take very kindly to canvassing. A few days after, he came, saying that he was ready to engage in the work. I gave him a number of the pamphlets, and he seemed quite happy as he started out. I believe he is sincere, and I ask that you especially remember him in prayer, that God may greatly bless him in this work.

I had been in Bhaluty only a few weeks when some of the children came and requested me to open a day school, as they wished to learn English. On May 18 we opened a school, with seven pupils. It has grown steadily, until now we have thirty-five enrolled, ranging in age from five to twenty-six years. They study both Hindi and English. One of our native sisters teaches the former, and I the latter. It is certainly encouraging to notice the progress they are making, and it is a pleasure to teach them. Some, when they entered, did not know one English letter from another, but they are now able to spell quite a number of short words, and give the translation, also to translate short sentences. Some, when they entered, did not know reading. At present we are teaching reading, spelling, writing, and arithmetic in both languages.

When we opened our school, we held our classes under the trees; but since the rainy season began, we have been conducting our school work, under difficulties, in the house at which I am staying, of which I will give you a description. The house is of one story, about forty feet long and fifteen feet wide, including the veranda. At one end I have my room—bedroom, dining-room, and kitchen, all in one. This is about twelve by twelve feet, and has a little iron grated opening, about twelve by fourteen inches, which takes the place of a window. I also have part of the veranda curtained off, which I use as a study room. In two small rooms not so large as mine, the family lives; and in the next room the goats are stabled.

Now do not imagine that we have wood floors, or even cement; it is simply the bare ground; and when the floor needs cleaning, it is given a fresh coat of mud. I do not mean that this takes the place of sweeping; but when the ground becomes broken from walking on it, it is given a coat of mud, which hardens when dry, and so keeps the dust from rising.

We now have to crowd our pupils on the narrow veranda, which is about twenty feet long and four feet wide. I hope that in the near future we may be able to put up a school building in this vicinity, so that the work can be conducted under more favorable conditions. I am in hopes that through the education of the children we shall be able to gain the confidence of the parents, to win them for the Master. Nearly all our pupils are of Hindu parentage, observing the caste system and worshiping idols. My prayer is that God may give me wisdom to know how to instruct these children so that they will see the folly of both these systems, and worship only the true God. When we first opened the school, quite a number of them would attend Sabbath-school. Lately there have been only a few attending; but the books we use in the school are of a religious character, and I trust that the seeds of truth that shall be sown through this means may be blessed of God to their salvation.

I am enjoying the work, and sincerely thank God for giving me a part in proclaiming this last message to these people. The Lord is also blessing me with health, for which I am truly thankful. I think I have never enjoyed better health than at present.

Jeolikote.