B. P. HOFFMAN by B. P. HOFFMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 30, 1913

B. P. HOFFMAN

By B. P. HOFFMAN

Japan

B. P. HOFFMAN

ALMOST a year has passed since we joined the band of workers who are preparing the way of the Lord in the Far East. We are glad to be here. It has been a pleasant year to us, filled with blessings from God, and special help from his almighty hand in struggling with the difficulties of language study. The language school closed the last of June, and since then I have been at Tsuchiura most of the time, where we are holding a series of tent-meetings. Brethren Miyake and Maehata are doing the speaking, and while the attendance is fluctuating, and not so large at times as we should like it to be, we are thankful that a few come regularly and seem to be interested and to comprehend the truths presented. I am sorry my limited knowledge of the language does not enable me to take part in the speaking, but I have enjoyed helping the workers plan the different subjects to be presented. I am sure I shall return to the language school this fall with a greater determination to do my very best, because of having had a little experience in the work this summer, which has enabled me more clearly to comprehend the greatness of the work that lies before us.

Even while studying the language I have had a taste of the joy of teaching the truth to these people who know it not. For some little time I have been teaching a Bible class, which is composed of employees in the government offices and teachers in government schools. While it is true that the willingness on the part of the Japanese to study is usually prompted by a desire to learn English, still I believe in the promise that the word of the Lord shall not return unto him void.

One of these young men, who is employed in the educational department of the government, came to my home once a week during the winter, and we studied the most important points of our faith. He has expressed his belief in the truth, and also his desire to keep God's law and the true Sabbath. Accordingly he has written to the minister of education for permission to be absent from his office on Saturday, giving his reason for making such a request. My prayer is that God will strengthen his determination to obey the truth.