p. 13 | Another Field Entered by W. C. Hankins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

Another Field Entered

By W. C. Hankins

W. C. HANKINS

Although Formosa at present belongs to Japan, it was formerly a part of China, and by far the larger part of its population are Chinese, about three million of whom speak the Amoy dialect. It is only one night's ride by steamer from Amoy to Tam-sui, Formosa; so, as the language is the same, it was thought best to make it a part of the Southeast China Mission.

Since the Japanese have been in possession of the island, they have built good roads and railroads, and have widened the streets of the cities, besides cleaning up in general. A large quantity of tea is raised in Formosa, and shipped either to Japan or direct to foreign countries. Sugar-making is also carried on quite extensively, and the manufacture of camphor is one of the leading industries.

We have wished for some time to enter this field, and last fall we sent two of our Chinese workers there to spend a few months in taking subscriptions for our Chinese periodical, selling tracts and calendars, and obtaining what information they could concerning openings for work. They returned a short time ago, having taken nearly three hundred subscriptions for the paper, besides selling some hundreds of copies of the same, and about nine thousand copies of the Sabbath Calendar. They reported that it was a good land, and that we were well able to go up and possess it in the strength of our God.

There are only two Protestant missions in the island,—the Canadian Presbyterian working the northern half, and the English Presbyterian in southern portion. Although our workers made no special effort to reach the Christians, the advent of this new doctrine among them caused considerable comment. The fact that our workers were on the island, and something of what they believe, were soon well known among all the churches.

A few weeks ago, while on our way to the Swatow general meeting, we met two young preachers from Formosa who had subscribed for our paper. They inquired minutely about what we believed; and as we were delayed nearly two days by a fog, we were able to have several good Bible studies together.

Thus a few of the seeds of truth have been sown in this new territory. We hope that you will pray with us that the Lord of the harvest may send laborers to work in this portion of his vineyard, that many precious souls may be gathered out for his kingdom.

Kulangsu, Amoy.