The Message in Japan by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1903

The Message in Japan

By F. W. Field

F. W. FIELD

The truth is gaining ground. At Tara and Wakamatsu near Nagasaki, far to the south, a father and daughter have begun to obey. At Kobe there is a good interest, and four have fully decided to obey the Lord. One of these has given up a good position, and is now on his way to his home province, some distance north of Tokyo, where he will labor to present the truth among his relatives and friends. One of our young men, who came from Wakamatsu last spring, has lately returned to his village home. His people were much opposed to his becoming a Christian; but now their prejudice has been removed, and they are much pleased with the change they see in the young man, and willingly listen to Bible instruction. He reports that several are deeply interested, and gladly receive the truths presented.

These are some of the evidences of progress that we see. At this writing we know of ten or eleven who have begun to observe the Sabbath, but who have not yet fully united with us. There are others much interested, and apparently just on the point of decision.

With sadness we have to report that several of our young men have yielded to the pressure brought to bear by relatives, and have compromised their faith. But we have hope that by patient labor and earnest prayer these may be restored.

The medical work in Kobe continues to prosper. Plans are being considered for enlarging the work, so as to reach a larger number of the Japanese people. We have every reason to believe that it was a wise move to establish our medical work in Kobe.

The work in Tokyo also presents encouraging features. Several students in my Bible class have shown a real interest in the truths of Christianity, as manifested by their regular attendance and earnest questions. Recently I was invited by a Japanese pastor to teach an English Bible class every Sunday morning. The services are held in his own house. I have accepted his invitation, and hope by this means to interest him in the truth, also to reach some of the students who attend. I have begun the distribution of our Japanese paper among them.

These are uneasy times in the far East. The strained relations between Japan and Russia over the Manchurian question still continue, though there are reports that active negotiations have been opened between the two governments. Our prayer is that the winds of war may be held a little longer, that the Lord's work be not hindered.