Burma by Herbert H. Votaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 15, 1906

Burma

By Herbert H. Votaw

INSEIN.—We are glad to be able to report advancement in the message. Yesterday, August 23, it was my privilege to baptize three more souls. These were a soldier from the regiment stationed here, Brother Hansen's daughter Florence, and a lady who lives near us here in Insein.

Our soldier brother has had some interesting experiences. About one year ago he came to Rangoon. Soon after coming, he stopped in front of our hall one evening, and was reading the announcements. I invited him to come in. He did so, and ever since has attended our services regularly. After he saw the faith as we teach it, he made a written request to the commanding officer for permission to observe the Sabbath. The major in charge signed this permit, evidently without reading it. But the adjutant read it, and sent for Brother Parker at once.

For about two hours our brother was questioned in regard to his belief. The officer said, “Sunday is the seventh day.” Brother Parker replied, “Look at your calendar, sir.” The officer turned to another, and said, “That’s right.” Later he said to Brother Parker, “How do you know that Saturday is the seventh day? The whole world keeps Sunday. It must be the seventh day.” Brother Parker asked, “Why do you observe Good Friday?” He replied, “Because our Lord was crucified upon Friday.” Then our brother pointed him to the last verses of Luke 23, and said, “Our Lord was crucified on Friday, and the Bible says, ‘The Sabbath drew on.’ Now, what day draws on after Friday?” The officer replied, “Saturday.” Finally he said, “You may get off every Saturday. I wouldn’t lay a straw in the way of any man who wishes to be a Christian.”

The lady who was baptized yesterday received her first knowledge of the truth by reading “Great Controversy,” which her little daughter had drawn by some sort of lottery arrangement. Later, Brother I. D. Richardson sold her “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “Steps to Christ.” Some two years ago she moved to Rangoon, and located in Insein a little later. Mrs. Hansen called upon her first, then Mrs. Votaw, and still later Brother Hansen and I. She is with us fully, and is laboring as much as she can among her friends.

We had expected to baptize a young Burmese woman; but her Buddhist parents brought such an influence to bear that she promised to wait a little. This young woman is a noble soul, and we expect to see her fully established yet. Her mother used a peculiar way of

reaching her. One of her sisters had recently married against the parents' wishes, and another is quite ill, so the mother said: “I am worried on account of your sister who is ill. Your other sister has gone contrary to my wishes, and this worries me. Now you have been taught in a Christian school to honor your parents. Will you go contrary to my desires, and add to my worries?”

We have other interested ones, whom we hope to see fully identified with us erelong.

Brother Maung Maung has a good interest among some Karens, and we expect fruits from these. One of the Rangoon papers is giving us some attention, though not very favorable. A minister in Insein is to preach upon the Sabbath question, on September 9. We are planning to distribute tracts at the close of the sermon. HERBERT H. VOTAW.