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British North Borneo

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 25, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 52.

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British North Borneo

By R. P. Montgomery

R. P. MONTGOMERY
August 2, in company with a Chinese young man, I left Sandakan for a trip around to some of the coast towns of British North Borneo.
We stopped a day at Kudat and another day at Jesselton, at which places we sold a goodly number of our Chinese books and pamphlets, besides visiting interested ones. At Labuan loving hospitality was shown us by Brother Wong and family. According to British colonial lines, Labuan is a part of the Straits Settlements, but geographically it is a part of Borneo. Brother Wong and family are the first Sabbath-keepers in Borneo, having accepted the truth from a young Sabbath-keeping colporteur who had come over from Singapore. It was a real pleasure to spend nine days at the home of this family; they are so happy and cheerful. We searched the Scriptures daily, and sang together many of the songs of Zion.
The family had not yet had instruction on all points of present truth. One evening I gave them a study on baptism, and after the study we read several passages of Scripture on the wearing of jewelry. The mother and three oldest daughters wore earrings. I did not know how they would receive the study, but waited patiently. We sang a few hymns and retired. The next morning all four appeared without the earrings. This experience brought great joy to my heart; they were so willing to obey the Word of God.
August 12 we went down to the sea, about two miles from their home, and the father, mother, three daughters, and En Fook, the young man who accompanied me from Sandakan and acted as my interpreter, were baptized in the clear waters of the South China Sea. All returned home happy in the Lord.
On our return to Sandakan we found that the night services at the hall, which are being conducted by Brother Chan, are well attended. There is a good interest here. Great effort is being exerted to prevent people from attending our meetings, but in spite of this they come. We beg an interest in the prayers of God's people.