Korea by W. R. Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1907

Korea

By W. R. Smith

SUNAN.—We have been in Korea thirteen months. While we realize that we have come far short of doing what we should have done, yet we have labored hard for the advancement of the message, under very adverse circumstances.

A year ago last November we went to Seoul, and were allowed to move into a house belonging to a Korean nobleman. In the early spring the house was bought by a wealthy Englishman, so we had to seek a home elsewhere. Then we went to Chinnampo, to be near the Korean brethren. After living there for about six weeks, putting in our time studying the language and visiting among the churches, our baby was taken sick.

In the meantime an influential Korean, living at Sunan, a village in the interior, on the railroad, had learned of the truth, accepted it, and taught it to a number of his countrymen, and was very urgent in his request for us to make his village our home. And as it was a much more central, as well as healthful, location than Chinnampo, we complied with his request.

But our little child had already contracted the malaria, and at best we could get only a rude Korean hut in which to live. So, after battling with the disease for one month, during which time I was very sick myself and came near dying, we took the baby to the Kobe Sanitarium. In going from here to that place, one must be on the road three days and four nights. Mrs. Smith and the baby remained at the sanitarium during the summer months. I returned to Korea, where I spent my time visiting the Koreans, studying the language, and securing some land on which to build a house for ourselves.

Mrs. Smith and the baby returned about September 14. We thought the baby strong and well, but the malaria came back. By this time we were starting to build our house, upon a hill in a clean place. Part of the time we had twenty-nine men working on it. You will understand that the work had all to be done by Koreans, who did not know one word of English, with no experience in building this kind of house. When we moved into it, the house was only partly finished. The baby seemed to regain her health rapidly. But the germs of malaria seemed to cling to her, and she contracted diphtheria, and died November 24.

And now, although our hearts are very sad and lonely, yet we are of good courage. We are very glad to learn that another worker is on her way to Korea. We shall be pleased to meet Elder Prescott, also. When will a doctor come to Korea?

As to the language, about the only way which we have of judging of the progress we are making is by what we can do with it. In ordinary conversation I get along fairly well, and can give Bible readings to some extent.

The work is still moving forward here, and new ones are accepting the truth. Elder Field and Brother Burden have recently returned from visiting this part of the field. W. R. SMITH.