India by G. K. Owen

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

India

By G. K. Owen

CALCUTTA.— The gospel of the kingdom is advancing in the Orient. Although the circumstances are such that it must be expected to move slowly for some time, yet it is evident that an unseen power is pushing it forward in a manner that is exclusive of human glory.

One omen that seems prophetic of future prosperity, is the success of the few canvassers who have already gone into the field. Even those of limited experience, and with little or no training, soon begin to send in reports that exceed our expectation. As all our workers needed encouragement and instruction, we decided to call them together for a two weeks’ institute, to begin next Tuesday evening, January 31.

In various ways the Lord is pointing out work for us to do. Young men come to us from the colleges and from different positions, pleading for instruction, and many of them seem really hungry for the truth. Since writing the foregoing, I have stopped to talk and pray with one who called on us for the first time, having attended two or three of our meetings. For three years he has been attending a college of five hundred students, and expresses an earnest desire to give his life to the service of the Lord. He says that he obtained a pamphlet on the subject of the Sabbath, became convinced of the Sabbath truth, and resigned his position as clerk of the college that he might obey the Fourth Commandment. We have met other interesting and hopeful cases which we have not time to mention.

The building that we had been using for an office and a meeting hall did not well answer our purpose, and we examined many other buildings that were offered for rent, but in every case the rent was too high, or some other reason prevented an engagement, until our landlord notified us that we must vacate by the first of January, or pay higher rent. For a time no suitable place could be found. The thought was expressed that perhaps the Lord had a better place waiting for us, and would show it to us in due time. Finally just the kind of hall that we needed was found on the opposite side of the street, only a few rods away. The rent is about the same as was asked for the one we formerly occupied.

Another cause for gratitude and rejoicing was the safe arrival of Brother and Sister L. F. Hansen, and Sisters Burrus and Black, from America. Sisters Orr and Kellogg, who came to India with this party, remained at Bombay to labor for a time. The help of these six laborers will be much appreciated, and there is room in this large field for many others.

Before starting for India, and while en route, we heard some startling snake stories, but I have not seen a snake since I came here, though I have no reason to doubt that they abound in some parts of the country, where great caution may be necessary to avoid them. But let every one who comes to this land beware of the old serpent, for this country is distinctly marked with traces of his presence and his work. His influence seems to be holding the inhabitants in a bondage in which they of themselves, though groaning to be free, are utterly helpless. Many of them are hungering for the word of life, which is “quick and powerful,” and able to reveal to them the saving truth that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.

We are beginning to plan for an industrial school, and some are manifesting their interest by depositing rupees for that purpose.

There has been some slight illness among the workers, but faith is grasping the thought that the Great Physician has light on the subject of health for His workers, and power to sustain them in good health, even in a plague-stricken land. We must not forget that we have an important part to act in securing such a result.

G. K. Owen,

Jan. 20, 1902.