R. W. MUNSON by R. W. MUNSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1911

R. W. MUNSON

By R. W. MUNSON

Java

R. W. MUNSON

The first of April we began labor here in Batavia, which is seventy-five miles north of Soekaboemi on the railway line. Brother Emmanuel Siregar had spent about three months laboring here late last year, and a lively interest was awakened among the Ambonese and Menadonese Christians, who are here in considerable numbers, and are engaged, most of them, in some department of the government service.

We began at once to hold meetings, and already one man has taken his stand and is keeping the Sabbath. Another is taking steps either to secure the Sabbath off or to retire from the service, in order that he may keep the Sabbath. There are still others who are fully in sympathy with us and accept the truth in theory, yet who find it very hard to give up their situations in order to keep the Sabbath. To such we say that Christ has definitely promised that if they seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, he will supply the food and raiment needful. The Sabbath is a great test to prove the sincerity of the faith of the believer.

Though we meet with discouragements of one kind and another, we are still of good courage in the Lord. This conflict can never end until the victory is won for the truth.

Sister Thorpe, our mission treasurer, has had a return of malaria, and with her husband and little daughter has gone up to Soekaboemi to see what a few weeks in the mountains will do for her. If the temperature is not cold enough there, she will have to go to Lalidjiwa, nine thousand feet up Mt. Ardjoeno, in East Java. Our Soember Wekas mission is situated on the lower slopes of this mountain. At Lalidjiwa it is very cold, and the malaria germs are soon made inactive.

Brother and Sister Thorpe are trained nurses of long experience, and we hoped to have the benefit of their assistance in the work in Batavia; but there is reason to fear that Sister Thorpe can not live in the plains. If such proves to be the case, then we must dispense with their services; but they can help with the work at Soember Wekas, if not in the cities of the plains.

In speaking of the cities of the plain, I am reminded how wicked these cities are. There is abundant need that the last warning message should go speedily to them; for if wickedness guarantees the prior doom of the cities over the rest of the world, these great cities of Java will certainly perish first.

We need very much an experienced Dutch laborer, who can take up the medical work here, and carry it forward efficiently without much supervision. Conditions are different here than they are in Holland, and a newcomer would have many lessons to learn before he could become familiar with the situation and proceed intelligently.

I am at present engaged on Bible studies in Romanized Malay for inquiring Christians, and for our workers to use. The people are very eager to study the Bible. Our method of teaching is so different from that of the Dutch missionaries, and it appeals to their heads and hearts so strongly that sometimes they sit up all night studying the Word.

A Roman Catholic native teacher, or assistant preacher, heard of our truth through a man who was his predecessor, but who joined the Methodists. His village is six hours' walk into the country, yet six times he came into Batavia to search out Mr. Pietersz, a man who has heartily accepted the truth, in order that he might learn about it from him. He is now sitting in the next room studying the Bible with Emmanuel Siregar. He thinks he can bring at least some of his countrymen in the Roman Church with him. This indicates the doors open before us here in Java. O that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into the harvest!

The Australasian Union Conference Committee has asked the General Conference Committee to take over the administration of this East Indian field, as Australia can not carry it longer. As the work expands and the burden of expense grows heavier, it is bound to exceed the financial ability of the Australasian Union. This is an empire in the East Indian Archipelago, and there is much work yet to be done. I beg all the readers of the REVIEW to remember this great field in their prayers.

The climate is trying, and the perils to health great. Cholera and the plague have been carrying off hundreds of people within the past few months. Malaria is an ever-present menace to the health and lives of workers. But fortunately we have a fine mountain health resort at Soember Wekas, where sick workers can go for rest and recuperation. If that altitude (about two thousand feet) is not sufficient, Lalidjiwa is available.

Brother W. W. Fletcher and family have recently left Singapore, quite broken down and sadly in need of rest and change. He will labor in South Australia for a year. Brother and Sister G. F. Jones returned to Singapore from Australia to relieve Brother Fletcher. About the same time Brother and Sister Montgomery from America arrived there to assist in the work.

The work in Sumatra is encouraging. The Sabbath services are well attended, and a good interest in the gospel message is manifested.