In Honolulu by JAMES E. SHULTZ

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 18, 1913

In Honolulu

By JAMES E. SHULTZ

JAMES E. SHULTZ

JULY 26 we again turned our faces toward the Far East. Five years have we awaited the slow process of physical repair, and now, assured by our examining physician that we are physically able to return, our hearts are indeed glad.

We had arranged to stop over between boats in Honolulu to visit relatives for a period of three weeks, but it was not without a feeling of regret that we said good-by to Elders T. H. Okohira and C. L. Butterfield, with whom we had traveled thus far; however, the pleasure of meeting our relatives and the brethren here has amply repaid us. We were not a little surprised to see here Brother Bartholomew and family, whom we had so favorably known in the city of Washington. They are doing a good work at the treatment-rooms, which they have established, in reaching the higher classes here. We also found Miss Young, whom we knew in Kobe, Japan, doing a like work.

The first Wednesday evening here, I attended the church prayer-meeting in the city and found an earnest little company of believers seeking God for his blessing, that others may be led to accept the special message for this time. Present truth has long been known here, but our work has not progressed as in other fields. One reason is that the worker has so many nationalities with which to deal. It matters not what language is used in the public service, there are always those to whom the message is veiled by a strange tongue. At this prayer-meeting we had three distinct races and five nationalities represented. However, in the social service which followed the study of the Word, all bore testimony to the goodness of God and expressed their appreciation for a knowledge of present truth.

Having met with this church on two Sabbaths, I will give you the program of one, that you may know how the Sabbath is observed in the mid-Pacific:—

At half past nine in the morning, teachers’ meeting was held for the various departments of the Sabbath-school. At eleven o’clock I spoke to the church. In the congregation could be seen natives, Americans, Englishmen, Portuguese, Russians, Chinese, and Koreans,—seven nationalities in all,—and all equally anxious to hear the word of truth. It seemed like a return to Pentecost, when all heard the message with gladness of heart.

I was especially glad to meet our Russian brother who lived fourteen years in Manchuria, and received the truth through reading literature sent him by one of his Sabbath-keeping friends in Riga. Although he does not understand one word of the service, save when his little son interprets, still he is faithful in attendance at all our meetings, and also brings others of his countrymen to hear, who are benefited only by reading the texts used in the service, which are found for them by our brother’s son.

Not a few of the congregation are Chinese, the result of Brother Ching’s earnest work in behalf of his countrymen. Brother Ching is a dentist who accepted the third angel’s message about six years ago under Elder Williams’s labors. Brother Ching’s first work was to lead his wife to Christ, and since that time, they have unitedly labored with success to bring their relatives to an intelligent knowledge of the truth.

At three o’clock in the afternoon, Brother and Sister McKeague, who are at present in charge of the work here, took us to the Territorial Penitentiary, where services have been conducted for the prisoners every Sabbath afternoon for eight years. We met under the spreading branches of a beautifully blooming tree. A native male quartet composed of prisoners furnished acceptable music, after which earnest words of admonition were spoken in the English and native tongues. Nor have these services been without good results. At least one native has heard and accepted the message here. He was a member of the legislature, and was arrested on a political charge. Hearing the truth in prison, he readily accepted it, and has been a faithful member ever since. Being possessed of more than average abilities, he has been a great help to the church here.

At five o’clock in the evening, we again assembled in the church building for the Missionary Volunteer meeting. About thirty were present, and nearly all had some work to report. It was gratifying to hear their responses to the roll-call. Without hesitation, each one arose, repeated a Morning Watch text, and then told of the work God had helped him to perform. It appealed to me that many of our home societies would be edified by attending one of the meetings of this little band.

While assisting in the services at the Adventist church, it has also been my privilege to preach in the local Congregational church. It was the first time many of the congregation had heard a sermon by an Adventist, and I prayed God that the impressions made might tell on the side of right and lead some to an investigation of the message which has made us a people. About twice the usual number were in attendance at the service and gave close attention to the word spoken.

Last Sabbath was a good day for the little church. In addition to the regular forenoon and afternoon services, at which I spoke, it was my privilege to bury one believer by baptism. The candidate, an English woman, is a governess in the home of the English consul at this place, who chanced to travel on the same steamship with Miss Scharffenberg, of Korea. Against Miss Scharffenberg she had been warned by some missionaries on board the same vessel, they claiming that Miss Scharffenberg seemed to be a putter forth of a strange doctrine. This aroused the curiosity of the governess, and she demanded of Miss Scharffenberg a reason for her faith, with the result already stated. Thus are the precious ones of earth being garnered for the kingdom. A word in faithfulness spoken may decide the destiny of some honest soul.

Three weeks have passed, and the “Shinyo Maru” nears port with fourteen recruits for China. We shall join them here, and together, for Prince Immanuel, invade the land of Sinim. As we go, we ask an interest in your prayers that God’s Spirit may go before us and his angels surround us.