p. 15 | F. W. FIELD by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 7, 1904

F. W. FIELD

By F. W. Field

Japan

Tokyo.— Since my last report, the work in this field has made steady progress. I recently spent a week in Kobe in the interests of the work. The little congregation there now numbers thirty or more, and they have found it necessary to rent larger quarters for their meetings. The medical work is progressing in an encouraging manner. Brother Kawano, recently from America, will unite with our native physicians in their work. Five of the brethren are engaging in the canvassing work, with Kobe as headquarters. One has gone to the northern coast, another to his home province in Shikoku. Thus the seeds of gospel truth are being scattered.

Brother Matsukura has recently been laboring in the country district east of Tokyo. Opposition to Christianity is especially strong there; but some encouraging openings were found. One man over seventy years old, and a Christian for about twenty years, has been reading our Japanese papers for two or three years. As a result of Brother Matsukura's visit, both he and his wife decided to observe the Sabbath. But the tobacco habit has a strong hold on him, and he has not yet the victory over it. His wife fully decided to be free from this hurtful indulgence. The Lord truly worked upon their hearts. One more has fully accepted the truth here in Tokyo, being led to seek the Lord through deep affliction in the loss of his wife and only child. The Kobe workers report that a young man in Kiushu has become deeply interested through reading. It has encouraged us very much to learn that a young person of little education and no previous knowledge of Christianity could gain such an experience as he relates, from the reading of our little paper. It is truly a miracle of God's grace.

Several of our young men must pass their military examination this summer, and we are much concerned for the outcome. But God has shown himself able and willing to work for us in these matters, and we are still trusting in him. Truly, these times call for a full consecration and much prayer.