India by J. L. Shaw

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 11, 1902

India

By J. L. Shaw

WE are in the midst of interesting meetings here in Calcutta. We wish that our people who have shown so much interest in the work in India might see the little company of laborers assembled here from different parts for the purpose of studying God's word and the best way to work for Him in this land of heathenism.

The company of workers from America arrived just in time to join in the institute, and their help has been a great blessing to the meetings. Brother Robinson, who has been traveling from city to city in the north and west of India, selling our books and taking orders for the Oriental Watchman, is here, and reports good cheer from many places. Both he and Sister Robinson have found many persons who are interested in present truth, and we hope to see many brought into the full light of the truth for this time, as the result of the literature they have been circulating. During their trips they had some interesting experiences. One missionary who had been in India thirty years, and had established a large school, took “Great Controversy” and “Patriarchs and Prophets” to use in his school.

Brother Meyers brings us good news from Burma, where Judson first lifted the banner of truth. He has been selling our health books chiefly. In one day he disposed of thirty-three copies of “Man, the Masterpiece” and “Ladies’ Guide,” and took orders for thirty-five. At one place he canvassed a Burmese missionary for “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and the missionary became so interested in the book that he called in seven of his teachers, each of whom took a copy. There are several teachers supplied with this book. Where we might think nothing could be done, God goes before and touches the hearts of the people.

Burma is especially ready now for our books and papers. A railway, starting from Rangoon, goes through Burma to within fifty miles of the Chinese frontier, so the means of travel render it possible to send our books through Burma as well as through India. It is said that a famine was never known there. Times are prosperous, and people sociable. Any Burmese home is said to entertain a stranger, no matter what his religion or nationality.

So far we have had only one canvasser in all Burma, but we are glad the Lord is raising up another brother and sister to go to that field, and our hearts rejoice as we see some of our people in this country engaging in the canvassing work.

Brother and Sister Quantock have been in Southern India, and they feel burdened for the

work there, and in Colombo, which is the chief city of Ceylon.

We hope now to push the native work with greater energy than before. Sister Burrus and Sister Whiteis will give their time to zenana work.

Brother Barlow has opened up a native mission among the Santals. As he is able to speak the language, the Lord can use him as he goes from village to village telling the message of salvation.

During the institute our workers have all been stopping at the sanitarium. This has given them a better understanding of our health principles. Regular instruction has been given in healthful living and the care of the body. The Lord is teaching us that our sanitarium and health work will succeed only as we advocate the great principles of health reform, and consistently live them out in our lives.

Last Sabbath was a day long to be remembered by us all. Sister Burrus told us about her trip to America, and gave some interesting accounts of how our brethren at home had sacrificed to forward the work in India. A desire to give themselves to the Lord took hold of the congregation, and several gave their hearts anew to God. Some one called for the collection plate to be passed, and all gave freely. In counting the money and pledges, we found that seven hundred and sixteen rupees, a pice, and a ring had been given. This amounts to about two hundred and thirty dollars. So the spirit of sacrifice by our brethren in America stirs the hearts of our people in other lands, and the same spirit of sacrifice that went with their offerings, impressed hearts many thousands of miles away.

We are glad to know that so many are interested in the message in India. May the Lord lead many to give their lives and property to the work of God in this needy field.

J. L. SHAW.