Meiktila (Burma) Industrial School by R. B. THURBER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1911

Meiktila (Burma) Industrial School

By R. B. THURBER

R. B. THURBER

It is now a year since we opened this school, and during that period we have had varied experiences. Not having land, nor any money with which to buy at first, we endeavored to get a grant of land from the government. In this we failed, no doubt because God desired us to have freehold land. Later we found a better piece, and in a better location than that which we tried to get from the government. Our divine Treasurer sent us the money when we were ready for it, and recently we purchased some twenty-six acres of second-class land about a mile from town. The price paid was twelve dollars an acre. The soil is similar to that of a property next to us, on which the owner is getting excellent results in raising many varieties of fruit.

Up to the present time we have procured for the school about one thousand dollars in cash, and twice as much in pledges, from the people of the country. This has come mainly from Rangoon merchants, through the efforts of Brethren H. H. Votaw and A. W. Stevens. With this we have bought the land, and secured some equipment for the school. We are expecting four hundred dollars soon, with which to buy material for our first building.

When the school opened, one year ago, we had fifteen boys. By the middle of last summer the number had increased to fifty. Then the plague visited the town. Before its ravages were stopped, over four hundred persons had died, and this in spite of the fact that nearly all left the place. We had to close the school for three months. Two of our boys died, and many others did not return. At present we have twenty-three pupils.

The principal cause of our small attendance now, however, is that we have set the formal opening of our school for June 1, and many are waiting until then. Besides, we can not now take boarders, and our larger attendance will be from a distance. We have issued a printed announcement in English and Burmese. What we plan to do is well known all over Burma, and everywhere the people are much interested in our efforts.

A small carpenter shop has been equipped, and a few boys are being instructed in wood-working. The Lord sent us a good Christian Chinese carpenter and contractor. He will teach his trade, and will superintend the construction of our buildings. He is a Sunday-Sabbath keeper now; that is, he is at the transition stage, where he keeps both days. We hope he will soon identify himself fully with us. He is one of the kind that moves slowly, but that is faithful. His workmanship in his craft is excellent.

The pressure of school and business duties has been so great that our progress in the language is not all that we had hoped. We should have help; for we are working to the limit, and then not doing all we should be glad to see done. And, too, we must push on through the hot season, which is now beginning. The time lost last fall must be made up. We are conscious of a depleted treasury, and do not desire to make any vain cries, but sometimes our situation seems desperate, because of lack of help.

Besides our other work, we have filled an occasional opening to speak the message to the English soldiers in the barracks here. Deep interest is shown by those who attend, but we can not follow it up, for our native work must be first in our consideration.

One Burmese boy, an orphan, who came to us, is now fully in the truth. He was a strong Buddhist when he came, but he says Buddhism is all dark to him now. A sister in the United States is helping him through school. Another boy is being supported by another sister. These boys are devoted and energetic, and are working hard every day to prepare themselves to carry the third angel’s message to others. Perhaps there is some one else at home who would be glad to send thirty-five dollars a year to keep a boy in school. It is seed that will bear much fruit.

Meiktila, Burma.