Nagasaki, Japan by Walter L. Foster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 3, 1910

Nagasaki, Japan

By Walter L. Foster

WALTER L. FOSTER

JAPAN is one of the most interesting of mission fields. And the history of missionary endeavor in Nagasaki is especially so. Usually new visitors to Japan are at first unable to appreciate the scenery as much as they do later; but the pleasant and desirable things of life are so evenly mixed with the undesirable that it is a great wonder many are not seeking opportunity to labor here, where at present we hear of none. As I become acquainted with the people and their needs, the service grows dearer, and I only praise the Lord for a call to this land in such a time of need.

Friends, do the calls from an “enlightened

heathen land appeal to your hearts? When the writer made request for an appointment, Japan was not so much as mentioned; the request only expressed a sincere desire to go to the “most needy mission field.” “To Japan,” was the answer. That country had already waited two long years for help. Eighteen months have since passed. The needs here, like those of other lands, are increasing—but who is to supply them? Are there not many of those consecrated to the Lord and his service who would count it a great privilege to come to Japan?

Perhaps the difficulties encountered in the past have been made too prominent. Difficulties to be met exist in all lands. Japan is not without hers, but if we are faithful and diligent, most of them gradually fade away. Some, however, remain which are not to be overcome in that way. God has much for some one to do here in saving souls who are just as precious in his sight as are those on the opposite side of the great blue waters of the Pacific. Just half a century has passed since the first Protestant missionaries entered these islands; and still, less than one hundred thousand of these people are directly under the influence of Christianity. When will the remnant church arise in the strength of God and finish the work? We must not sit idly and say, “It is to be done quickly.” We must do all we can. God wants to use us.

For a number of years we have had interests in Nagasaki. This is a city of one hundred seventy thousand people, the largest on the island of Kiu-siu, which has a population of approximately six million five hundred thousand. Most of the different missionary societies in Japan have found it profitable to carry on quite extensive operations here. The message opened in Nagasaki almost of its own accord, when Elder Grainger was living, and quite a number have been gathered out as time passed. These have gone to other parts of the kingdom, and have been active agents in carrying the light to others. At present only two members remain. One of these was baptized less than one year ago, and gives promise of developing into an excellent laborer. Several have recently begun to keep the Sabbath. The brother mentioned above has a good education; had conducted a private school in the city for several years, but closed it in order to engage more actively in the spread of the message. Twelve are receiving instruction daily at his home from God’s Word. Our Sabbath-school is not large, but we have fifteen or sixteen in all. Brother Tsukamoto has many friends among the public-school teachers, some of whom have become interested. This gives me something to do each day, as they are able to understand some English. Brother Tsukamoto is acting as my language teacher. None of the believers on this island are able to use English, so this is proving to be a good place for us to study Japanese.

It was quite a disappointment when we were not permitted to enter Shikoku. That island and the Riu-kiu group remain untouched; and the great island Yezo is abandoned until more help comes. It is my fond hope that the new year will bring more new workers. But even if they come soon, it will be nearly two years before they can speak well enough to even begin labor in one of those places. We have four or five companies on the mainland, which might do much in their provinces if they only had shepherds over them. Some of these at present can not be visited more than once in six months.

Eleven have been baptized at Kobe recently. Our missionaries in all parts of the country seem to be of the best courage. We are looking forward to the finishing of the work.

Nagasaki.