Honomu, Hawaii by Yoshio Tanimoto

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 5, 1911

Honomu, Hawaii

By Yoshio Tanimoto

I CAN never be sufficiently grateful for the encouragement and assurance which many of you have given me, that you will remember me in your prayers.

I reached home safely and well. A big feast had been prepared on my account. Japanese foods were served, with all sorts of liquor, and friends coaxed me to drink. I did not touch any of it, as I know it is a wrong thing to do. God is testing me whether I will remain true to his Word. Bless God, I will! Everybody went home with a peculiar impression. They wondered at the change that had come over me.

The first Sunday afternoon I spoke at the Japanese Christian church to a congregation of about two hundred. I gave my testimony as to why I became a Christian, giving the evidences of my faith. My father and some of my brothers were there. I have many calls to go out and preach and lecture, but as I have little money, I can not go as often as I want to.

My parents feel bad because of the work I have chosen, and not only they, but all my brothers and sisters and friends. I realize I was a great disappointment to them, and did not myself expect to become a missionary when I started out to America to obtain a business education. They are all ashamed of me for this strange change, and even scorn me.

My father seems willing to accept Christianity. This is a remarkable change in him. But he does not think he can accept it now, as he thinks he would lose his store; and he has no money to start anything else should he lose his business. The Japanese are Buddhists; and he thinks that should he turn to be a Christian, no one would patronize him.

Pray for my people, and for me, that my work may please the Lord.

YOSHIO TANIMOTO.