p. 12 | Kalyan, India by M. D. Wood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 15, 1914

Kalyan, India

By M. D. Wood

M. D. WOOD

I AM sure the brethren in the homeland will all be glad to learn of the organization of the first Marathi Seventh-day Adventist Church in western India, and for that matter, the first in the world. When we were sent to Kalyan, about a year and a half ago, the intense longing of our hearts was to gather a company of Marathi-speaking people and teach them the truth for these times. It has been no small disappointment to me personally to be compelled to spend the last eight months of my time looking after the erection of buildings, so that I could preach and teach but very little. Still our one aim has not been changed in the least. We want to see the church gathered out and prepared for the Lord. God has been good to us, and in spite of obstacles, has greatly encouraged our hearts and blessed our efforts.

On Sabbath morning, July 18, our heaviest monsoon rains were pouring down at Kalyan in torrents. But at the family altar we pleaded that if it was the Lord's will, he would dispel the clouds above us just long enough for a little band of believers to go to the river to baptize our first convert from heathenism. His name is Sada Shiv, practically meaning a devotee or servant of Shiv, the Hindu god of war. Our prayer was answered. The sun shone as it had not for several days before, and we had the pleasure of baptizing our new brother in the faith. We had talked with him about the unchristian significance of his name, and asked if he preferred to change it. “O, yes; call me Daniel, please,” was his quick reply. So in baptism we gave him that good, familiar name. God grant he may be a Daniel not only in name, but in deed and truth as well.

This young man has been with us for some time, and is a faithful student of the Word. We have proved him in many ways, and he has always stood the test. He is master in charge of one of the best village schools. Several years ago he learned of Christ, but his father and friends opposed him so bitterly that he was hindered in taking the step for the right. Not long ago his father died, and he purposed to become a Christian. He studied the message with us, and earnestly desired to follow Christ in baptism. Quite a company of heathen listened in profound silence while we conducted a service at the water's edge. They had never seen the like in Kalyan.

The baptismal service over, we all went to the meeting place at Sunset Ghat. Our Sabbath afternoon service is usually conducted at five o'clock. To all, this was the best service we had held for some time. We felt that the Saviour was near, and all hearts seemed melted in holy tenderness. It was a blessed hour, not soon to be forgotten.

The three missionaries at Kalyan had formally organized a church a few weeks before. Miss Reid was appointed church clerk, Mrs. Wood treasurer, and I the pastor. The beginning had to be made. In this particular Sabbath afternoon service, the right hand of fellowship was extended to five Marathi-speaking brethren and sisters, making eight names on our church roll. Four of these we had led to the knowledge of Christ some time ago, and each one had received baptism at our hands.

A different spirit pervades all our work since the organization of this new church. We all feel that God's blessing is upon us, and that we are moving in the right direction. Several others are studying the Bible, and hope to unite with us when fully instructed in the message.

Last week a few of us had the privilege of attending a good meeting at Panvel station. Brother and Sister Kelsey are in charge. An excellent spirit prevailed. While there, Brother G. W. Pettit, of the English congregation in Bombay, baptized two persons whom Brother Kelsey had thoroughly prepared for the step. They very readily answered the questions put to them. This meeting, too, brought joy to our hearts. The Panvel company will probably unite with the Kalyan Marathi church for the present.

While all this territory is new, nothing having been done in these parts before, we feel that we must begin to look for definite results. We have a few young Marathi workers, all in medical and school work. We must provide our own preachers and evangelists, or we shall not have any. Real Seventh-day Adventists among this people must be the product of our efforts under the divine blessing.

We are earnestly praying that an advance may be made, and that from now on souls may be gathered into the remnant church to await our Lord's return. Brethren, please pray for the Kalyan church.