FOR SOME time I had been planning to make a trip to the southern part of the country to visit interested readers of our paper, and friends with whom I have been corresponding. So on the 18th of May I started from Tokyo, making several stops on my way to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan.
From here I went to Tamba district, some miles to the northwest, to visit a friend. But I found that he had become interested in mesmerism, so I could not interest him in Bible truth. However, I learned of a number of Christian families not far away. This section is near the north coast, and very mountainous, so is seldom visited by missionaries. All these Christians made me very welcome, and at several homes they bought a copy of each tract and pamphlet that I had. One man, a physician, was especially interested. He bought my remaining supply of reading-matter for distribution, and also made a donation in money. He entertained me at his home, and invited me to return and make his house my home as long as I could stay and labor for the people, even for a month or for six months. I shall surely try to return.
When I had been in Tamba only two days, I received a summons from the military authorities calling me to a two weeks’ drill at Sakura, several miles east of Tokyo. This was quite a disappointment, but I had to obey or be liable to arrest. So I returned in time to reach the barracks by June 1, the appointed time. I had served out my regular time in the army years ago, before accepting the truth; but the authorities still require occasional periods for drill for all who have been in the service.
The drill began on Monday, so I had several days before the first Sabbath. What I should do about keeping the Sabbath perplexed me somewhat. Finally I decided to tell the officer in charge about it, and request permission to keep the Sabbath. I walked past the guard at the gate, who made no attempt to stop me. At headquarters the officer received me very kindly, and asked what I wanted. Upon hearing my request, he said, “I thought that Christians kept Sunday.” This opened the way to present the truth to him, not only about the Sabbath, but other truths as well. He seemed much interested; and before I left him, he gave me permission to remain off duty on the Sabbath, and requested me to send him a Japanese and a German Bible from Tokyo.
When Sabbath came, the other men missed me, and inquired why I was off duty. This gave me the opportunity to present the truth to them, and some seemed interested, while others mocked. I feel very thankful for the Lord’s special blessing during this experience.
There are many people all over Japan who are interested to know the truth; but there are very few workers to carry it to them. The workers in the other denominations are inclined to crowd into the cities instead of searching out the interested ones in the country districts. Even isolated believers are often left without help or encouragement. It is my purpose to search out and help such ones, also those who have never heard the gospel.
