Fruitful Labor in Japan by H. Kuniya

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1910

Fruitful Labor in Japan

By H. Kuniya

IN response to an urgent request by letter from Brother Seino, I recently joined him in labor at Yamato, a mountain village about twenty miles from Wakamatsu. Last summer during the Wakamatsu tent-meetings, I visited Yamato and vicinity, and found a good interest among those simple country people. This winter Brother Seino has made an effort to develop this interest. He held three public meetings in as many different neighborhoods, with good interest in every case. At one place the Buddhist temple was opened for his meeting, the priest being in attendance—quite an unusual concession to Christianity.

As some seemed on the point of decision, I decided to go to Brother Seino’s assistance. At Shiokawa I stayed overnight at the home of Sister Ichiju, the young lady mentioned in Elder Field’s recent report. Her mother did not make me very welcome at first; but as I presented some of the simple truths of the gospel, she became somewhat interested, and invited me to come again.

The last seven or eight miles to Yamato has to be made afoot; and at this season there is much snow in those parts, and the weather is quite cold. I spent three days in the neighborhood of Yamato, visiting the people in their homes and holding meetings. We had a meeting each evening, and two during the day. The interest shown in the simple gospel story was very good, and reminded me of my work in Korea. At one evening meeting, about twenty young ladies were present; and all expressed their interest, and their willingness to become Christians. Surely there is a great work to be done there.

My last meeting was held at the home of Brother Sato, a man who has a good influence among the people. Years ago, though not a Christian, he organized a temperance society among his neighbors,

which continues to the present time. They pledge themselves against the use of tobacco as well as strong drinks. At this meeting Mr. Sato and another middle-aged man, and two young ladies, earnestly requested baptism. As I was to return to Wakamatsu early next morning, at the close of the meeting at eleven o’clock at night, we had baptism in a little pond but a few feet from the house.

We plan to follow up this interest by locating one of our earnest young men in those parts, and with the help of the Lord, we ought to see a church organized there this year. The two brethren who were baptized are already talking about having a church building erected. And as both are fairly well-to-do, and as the interest among the people is so good, the realization of this seems reasonable.

Returning to Shiokawa, I called again at the home of Sister Ichiju. Her mother warmly welcomed me, and called in her relatives and neighbors to hear the gospel. I stayed till evening, and held another meeting with them. Then the mother urged me to stay all night, saying she would like to attend our meeting in Wakamatsu with me next day, which was Sabbath. She expressed her decision to keep the Sabbath, and her desire to be baptized. Evening after the Sabbath her daughter was baptized, and I trust the mother may soon be ready to take this step.

At Wakamatsu the mother of one of our brethren has been much opposed to him. On a previous visit I called on her, and presented the simple gospel story, and her mind was completely changed. So on this latest visit she called on me, and expressed her joy in the gospel. Surely now is the time that we should be going into the hedges as well as the highways, to gather out a people prepared for His coming.

H. KUNIYA.