Progress in Japan by F. W. Field

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1903

Progress in Japan

By F. W. Field

F. W. FIELD

Since our last report from this field, the work has been progressing. Five more candidates for baptism have been accepted. Of these, two are the wife and daughter of a brother who was himself baptized in March; thus this family becomes united in the truth. The other three candidates are young men from Wakamatsu.

The problem of providing some instruction for our young men has been pressing itself upon us of late. So we arranged for Brother Kuniya to devote two hours a day in class work for them. They meet in the class room at my house, and study one hour from the Gospel of John, and one hour from the Revelation. Then I give one hour to a study of Genesis with those who understand English. Brother Oko-hira is now carrying on this work in Brother Kuniya’s absence.

But class work alone does not meet the needs for these young men. All of them are dependent upon themselves for support, and some have been obliged to leave home and give up everything for the truth. Hence the urgent need of providing some sort of work that will furnish them an industrial training, and also some means of support. With such facilities they could soon be trained, and go out as workers. We have in mind to connect the health-food work and the publishing work with our training school; but at present we have not sufficient means to carry on these lines of work. However, we are thankful for what has already been given to start these industries, and trust that we shall not need long to delay this important enterprise.

Five tracts recently translated have been received from the printers, and our workers are engaged in circulating them. These tracts present the gospel as related to the Sabbath, the signs of the times, and the second coming of Christ. Our workers appreciate them very much. They range in price from about one cent to four cents a copy. By putting out large editions, we could furnish them much cheaper.

A few weeks ago Brother Matsukura made a trip to the north, visiting his home and the neighboring country. He found an encouraging interest among the people wherever he went. In one village he met a young man who had attended our Bible school at Shiba, Tokyo. This young man received him gladly, entertained him at his home, and encouraged him in his work. There are many young men who have heard the gospel in our Bible classes, and we trust that the truths learned will not be forgotten. But best of all, Brother Matsukura reports that his relatives are now quite favorable toward the truth; and while he was at home, his mother fully decided to obey the Lord. We rejoice with him; for his people were for some time much opposed to his being a Christian.

Recently Brother Kuniya started out on a trip to the southern part of the country, to visit interested readers of our literature, and to spread the light of truth. He labored first near Kyoto, and found a ready sale for our tracts and pamphlets. But just as he got nicely started in his work, a summons came from the military authorities calling him to a two weeks’ army drill; so he had to return. He expresses the hope that he may be able to do something to advance the truth among the officers and men during his stay with them.

The medical work in Kobe was opened the first of this month (June), with Dr. S. A. Lockwood and his wife in charge, and Dr. Kumashiro and two nurses as assistants. We have quite a definite promise of more help from America for this work sometime this summer. The opening in Kobe seems very favorable, and the workers are of good courage. We shall expect Dr. Lockwood to keep the readers of the REVIEW informed concerning this work.

Of late the church in Tokyo have been considering the matter of building a meeting-house. None of our people are wealthy, and wages are so low in Japan that their offerings to the cause can not be very large. However, it was thought that the time had come for action. So at the last business meeting a building committee was chosen, not to build a church, but to devise ways and means. The committee has recommended the plan of having the members make pledges to pay for a certain number of bricks each week. A good brick costs about three fourths of a cent. Some young have pledged two bricks a week, some five, some ten, etc. We hardly expect to build a brick church; but some brick will be needed, and it was thought that this plan would be stimulating, and enable all to do something definite. Beginning with next Sabbath our regular services will be held in the class room in Hongo. When we build, we hope to secure a more central location.

These are some of the omens of success, and some of the needs, of the work in Japan. We have our trials and perplexities, and ask that the brethren in the home land remember us in their prayers, and with their sympathy and help, as the Lord may bless them with grace, and with talents of means.

Tokyo.