W. O. JAMES by W. O. James

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 26, 1903

W. O. JAMES

By W. O. James

India

BOMBAY.—We landed March 30, and obtained a small room at the Y. M. C. A. home for a few days. As a result of our stay at the Y. M. C. A., I took an order for the Oriental Watchman from the acting superintendent. He is a fine man, and wishes to know the truth. He is willing and anxious to read. When the first meal was served, we told him that we were vegetarians. He did his best to prepare suitable food for us, and even discontinued the use of meat himself. He told me to-day that he feels much better on a vegetable diet. He was not feeling well when we came.

The hot season is just beginning, and we intend to be quite careful, as it is dangerous for newcomers to be exposed much. It has been quite cool up to the present time, for which we are grateful.

India is indeed a great harvest field, and I am thankful to have a part in this blessed work, although I often wonder how the message will reach the millions of downtrodden natives who are treated more like dogs than souls for whom Christ died. May God give us the Saviour’s love for these. That is the only thing that will win, and I am seeking it, for without it there can be no ministry.

A person has to be able to speak some Hindustani before he can get around among the natives, so we are trying to introduce it into the home as we learn it.

There is so much to be done that one hardly knows where to begin. May the Lord hasten his people into the vineyard, that the earth may be reaped, for O, how many pitiful and unsightly scenes are of every-day occurrence here—poverty on every hand, and such filthy places for human beings to live. Truly, “the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants.”

There seems to be just two ways in which the natives can be reached. One requires a special study of the language; the other is to bring into the truth those who have already mastered the language. It seems an impossible thing, and it is, from a human standpoint; but how thankful we are to know that we have a God with whom all things are possible! India needs many workers—workers who realize that in the commission, “Go ye into all the world,” the Lord is speaking to them. It means much, and I am glad to be learning the lessons which it brings. May God bless the young people who know this truth, and put such a burning desire into their hearts to reach lost souls that only one thing will satisfy, and that the carrying of the gospel. I expect to remain in Bombay until I canvass for the paper.