China by P. J. Laird

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1909

China

By P. J. Laird

I feel certain that the following incident will be an encouragement to all friends of the Chinese. We had been requested at the Shanghai council to take up a collection for the Mission Press at Shanghai. From time to time, hints of this had been thrown out, and after the usual Sabbath exercises on April 3, the matter was again broached. To emphasize the great need, a map of China was hung before the congregation. A few texts were then read in concert, special emphasis being laid upon: “He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. . . . Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work.” 2 Cor. 9: 7, 8, A. R. V.

Beyond this, little or no appeal was made. Tears of joy filled our eyes when Brother Huang Hanyong said he would donate ten dollars, provided he could pay it in ten instalments. When told this would be acceptable, the dear man’s head had to droop to hide the gathering tears of gratitude. Until last month this brother, our general teacher, received but seven dollars per mensem; then it was increased to eight dollars. He pays his tithe regularly, and it has been noticed that his Sabbath offerings are usually five cents, with a cent or two additional from his wife and daughter. Others said they would pray over the matter, and yesterday I received a slip with four names, containing two pledges of three thousand, and two for two thousand cash respectively, to be paid in ten monthly contributions, one of the givers enclosing his amount for the ensuing month. I am unable to say anything definite as to the income of these men, but feel certain it is very meager. One is glad for us to give him a lodging. His wife refuses to have anything to do with him so long as he is determined to attend worship here. He has not been coming regularly for a long time. Another of the contributors has been with us less than half a month.

Feeling led to ask Brother Huang Hanyong if he thought he could really afford to subscribe so much, he said, with choking words, “God is able to give me much more than this in added blessing.” I could only reply, with deep feeling of thankfulness to our Father, “God bless your self-sacrifice and devotion to the third angel’s message.”

Our two brethren temporarily located at Hankow have not yet subscribed, but we feel sure they will also show that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Personally, I am grateful to God that I never have had to learn to love the

Chinese, and such self-denial as we have recently been privileged to witness endears them to us more than ever. The prayers and labors of such Christians will develop the work in other places speedily. Already Brother Lu Weilin writes from Hankow that seven meet regularly with him on the Sabbath, and he calls for more literature, having sold thousands of tracts during the last month. Brethren, pray for us. P. J. Laird.