Japan by H. Kuniya

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 29, 1907

Japan

By H. Kuniya

H. KUNIYA

AFTER our general meeting at Kobe in January, I left the work at Nagasaki in charge of Brother Kobayashi, and removed to Tokyo to assist in the work of translating for our paper, and of preparing other literature for publication. But before beginning my work in Tokyo, I made a visit to my home country, as some were interested there. I spent two days at home, and had a good visit with my parents. I am so thankful that my father no longer opposes the truth, but is willing to listen. One morning I saw him standing with clasped hands, praying as he used to do. I asked him why he did so. He replied, “I prayed for your God to bless your work.” He is not yet converted, but he has believed in the true God since the time I was delivered from the military service during the recent war.

Next day I went to see a friend with whom I had been corresponding. Here I met Brother Suzuki, who had come to assist me in the work. In the meetings we held from this time, I preached the simple gospel, using our magic lantern to show Scripture illustrations. At every meeting we had good attendance, and some were led to ask, “What shall I do to be saved?” Two families were converted, and are now giving the light to their neighbors. They asked me to stay and study the Bible with them for a month, so that they might teach the truth to others. I agreed to do so; but soon an invitation came from the next town, “Come and teach us about the true God.” Though I wished to remain for the sake of the believers, I sent the word, “I will come.” This word was like a signal gun; for soon invitations came from all directions, so that I could not answer them all.

Day after day, from early in the morning till midnight, I continued to teach. Often I hardly had time to eat or rest. It was like throwing a piece of bread into a pond among hungry fishes. They did not seem to think that I might be tired; but one after another came to me with questions. The Lord blessed me by giving strength for the work. Praise his name!

One family who kindly entertained us for a week were all converted, and began to observe the Sabbath. The aged father in this family was a Shinto priest. He and his wife were much opposed when their son and daughter were converted. But through the paper partitions of the house they could hear all that was said while we studied the Bible. One morning he beckoned me into his room. I entered, and asked him what he wanted. He replied, “I want to be a Christian from this time.” I was surprised and asked him, “Then shall I help you remove these images?” But he said that he wished first to tell his wife of his decision. So I went on with the Bible study with the others, and soon the old lady appeared, and bowing down with her eyes full of tears, confessed her sinfulness, and asked us to pray for her. We thanked God and praised his name for his wonderful way of saving souls.

Such were some of our experiences during a short stay in the country. Is it not a sign that the end is near? But who will water the seed we have sown? And there are many parts of the country where no gospel work has been done as yet by any church. We must have a school where we can train young men and women, and then send them out to sow the seeds of truth all over Japan. I hope you will remember this field in your prayers.