Burma by R. R. Cook

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1910

Burma

By R. R. Cook

KEMMERDINE, RANGOON.—As the year is drawing near its close, I thought all might be interested to know how we have been getting along in this little corner of the great harvest-field. Although the force of laborers, already small, has been weakened by the absence of Elder and Mrs. H. H. Votaw, yet we can see marked advancement during the past year. While the arm of flesh may be weakened, the arm of God is equal to any emergency.

Yesterday we gathered again at the lake side, and I had the blessed privilege of baptizing five souls. This was a very happy occasion. Not only were there a good number of our own members present, but quite a number of strangers were there, also. We are glad to have strangers come to witness this solemn and impressive service, as it leaves an impression on their minds that they do not soon forget. We know that this is true from past experience. Some who have come only as on-lookers have been our next candidates.

During the past year, eleven have been baptized and added to the church in Rangoon. Four are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet received the rite.

The tithe for Burma has shown a marked increase. During the year it has more than doubled. For all of 1908 we received 1,769 rupees; for the ten months just past we have received over 3,000 rupees. This does not include the American missionaries' tithe. The Sabbath-school offerings for 1908 were 424 rupees; for 1909 they amount to more than 600 rupees. Other offerings amount to 1,950 rupees.

Aside from this evidence of God's love, we have seen his hand leading out in other ways. The truth has been brought favorably to the notice of the highest officials in this country. A few months ago Elder Geo. F. Enoch, of India, with Brother R. A. Beckner and Brother Stevens, met the lieutenant-governor, by appointment, to lay before him our school system, and ask his aid in securing land for educational purposes. He was favorably impressed, and promised us his support. Since then he has written, asking that we make written application for land. This we have done.

Not long ago Brother Stevens and I looked at, and decided upon, a tract of fifty acres, lying just north of Meiktila, one of the most healthful locations. If this land is granted to us, it will be free from any promise on our part to conform to any government rules or standards of education.

We are so glad to learn that some are on their way to the field. We are looking forward with a great deal of pleasure to meeting them. We plan to hold a general meeting in Rangoon for all the believers in Burma, about the time of their arrival.

This leaves us all full of courage, and determined to press on to the finishing of the message. R. R. Cook.