Tent-Meeting in Japan by H. Kuniya

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 19, 1911

Tent-Meeting in Japan

By H. Kuniya

Early in September we left our tent effort at Hiroshima and located at Nagasaki. Before coming here, we were told that there would be held a great festival, which would begin about the time we were planning to open our tent-meeting, and last until the tenth of October.

Many thought that this festival, which originated hundreds of years ago, would interfere with our meetings, especially so as the main object of its celebration at this time was an effort on the part of the people to oppose Christianity. But what a different experience the Lord had for us! On account of the cold weather setting in, we could not wait until the festival was over, so we went ahead, trusting in the Lord.

I pitched the tent about the middle of September, and began to preach the message. From the very first, the attendance was good, there being present from one hundred to one hundred fifty each evening. When the festival day came, we thought that those who had been attending our meetings would stop coming. But every day and night a thousand or more came to the tent, filling it to overflowing, many standing outside.

We feared that the mob might interfere with the meeting. Accordingly, we arranged to have it protected, but the meeting was remarkably quiet during this time. Often a number of drunken men would come in, and act as if they intended to give us trouble; but the angel of the Lord, we believe, was present to direct and guard. These men did no harm, but listened intently to the sermons.

When I had finished the discourse the first evening, some one said, “Is this all, or will there be other meetings? I want to hear more.” And, “Who is this man?” etc., was asked by the people. The daily paper gave favorable write-ups of the meetings, and many changed their ideas about Christianity, this favorable impression going so far that even other pastors apparently appreciated our work. We distributed many thousands of our Japanese paper among the people during this time of the festival. We hope that the seed thus sown will spring up and bear fruit.

Before the new year, I plan to go farther south, hold a series of meetings, and if possible create an interest in the message in this new locality. My wife and two young men will accompany me.

By what we have experienced in Japan this past season, we can hear the sound of a going in the mulberry trees, and we must follow as the Spirit guides. We earnestly pray that the Lord will direct us to just that place where he would have us, and give his truth the victory.

H. KUNIYA.

Nagasaki.