Japan by W. D. Burden

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 21, 1907

Japan

By W. D. Burden

Kobe.—We had a very interesting time with the tent this season, and we regret that our force of workers is so small that we can not make such an effort oftener.

The two young men who have been working in Takasaki the past few months have fallen in love with their work. For years we have tried to get our native brethren to take hold of the canvassing work, but this is the first time an effort has really proved satisfactory. Sometimes they would take hold of it spasmodically, always without much result.

Last January when these brethren went to Takasaki, I spent a few days with them there, getting them started in the work. We got a map of the city, and with this as a guide made larger maps of the main divisions of the city, large enough so we could mark each house on them. Then in a book we made a careful record of just what papers and tracts had been placed in each house, and when, also entering any other items we thought might be of interest. From time to time I have visited them, to counsel with and encourage them, and we all feel much pleased with the results.

At first we voted to print four hundred extra copies of our paper, for the use of these two young men. They placed them in the houses, then when the new papers came out, they exchanged them for the old ones, using the old ones to extend the work. The scarcity of papers has retarded their effort somewhat, but from now on we will give them one thousand copies. They will leave Takasaki soon, and go to Maebashi; but they will run down to Takasaki to supply the new papers to those who have promised to buy them. It costs only eleven cents for a return ticket on the cars between the two cities.

Hearing of the work of these brethren, some of the others have caught the spirit. One brother away up in the north sent in word, saying, “I wish to work in this place as they have been doing in Takasaki, so send me one hundred copies of the paper.” I hope to visit him before long, and help him what I can in planning his work. Many of our native brethren might be doing acceptable work, but they do not know how. They need training, and some one to lead them and show them the way.

One of the decisions of our committee recently has been to make the Owari No Fukuin a semimonthly, instead of a monthly paper as heretofore. I think this is a timely step.

Elder Field and I are now on our way to visit Korea. We will also visit a number of places in the southern part of Japan. We are glad that there are so many encouraging features in the work. Of course there are discouragements, also; but it is the Lord’s work, and he is able to take care of and finish it. We are all of good courage, and are looking forward with a great deal of pleasure to the hope of soon having one of the General Conference men here with us, to help with his counsel.

W. D. Burden.