p. 12 | R. A. BECKNER by R. A. Beckner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1909

R. A. BECKNER

By R. A. Beckner

Burma

R. A. BECKNER

“Bo gyee lah pyee.” These were the words I heard the other day as I came to Mg. Chit Yun’s house for my Burmese lesson. They came from a bright-eyed little Karen boy of about five years, sitting on the steps. Not knowing what all the words meant, I asked what it was that Ko Ko Gyee (older brother), for such was his name, was calling me, and I found that he was informing them that “the big Englishman has come.”

I thought Hebrew and Greek were hard; but they did bear some resemblance to English, while Burmese is about as much like it as Chinese. Yet the Lord is blessing the efforts put forth, and after only ten weeks of study, the sounds are beginning to separate themselves from the general mass, and to convey a meaning.

I am glad that even while putting our best time to the learning of a language, we still have a chance to give the message. My teacher has heard more or less of the truth before, but now is taking a new interest, and has asked for something to read on some of the points of our faith. He is a descendant of Judson’s first convert, and a cousin of one of our Burmese workers.

This is the hottest time of the year, the break of the monsoon; but our health is good, and our courage is high.

Rangoon.