F. W. FIELD by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 5, 1906

F. W. FIELD

By F. W. Field

Japan

I have just returned to Tokyo after a two weeks' visit to Kobe and Nagasaki. On Sabbath, April 21, we had a good day with the Kobe church. In the afternoon we celebrated the ordinances with them. The following Sabbath Brother Okohira baptized six young people who have recently given themselves to the Lord's service. Four of these are connected with the work at our Japanese sanitarium.

Monday morning I started for Nagasaki, Brother Okohira accompanying me as far as Hiroshima. Here Brother Tatsuguchi has been living and practising dentistry for over a year. Meanwhile he and his wife have been earnestly seeking to impart the light of present truth to others. His two apprentices have begun the observance of the Sabbath, and desire baptism. A local elder in one of the other churches has just begun to observe the Sabbath, but has not yet fully investigated other points of our faith. Hiroshima is an important center, and we are greatly rejoiced to have the truth gain a foothold there.

Tuesday morning I reached Nagasaki, and was met by Brother Kuniya and Dr. Kawasaki. We went at once to Brother Kawasaki's house. Here I saw a number of familiar faces. The workers at the Japanese sanitarium in Kobe have divided forces, and Dr. Kawasaki has already begun a similar work in Nagasaki. Treatment rooms and other conveniences have been fitted up, patients are already coming for treatment and consultation, and the work starts out in a very promising manner.

On Thursday Dr. Lockwood and his wife arrived from Kobe, and remained over Sabbath. We had profitable times in talking over the interests of the work. On Sabbath, after a Bible study on the duties of church-members, the Nagasaki church was organized with nine members. Eight of these come from the Kobe church; one was baptized a few days before. Several others are awaiting baptism, and still others are interested. Brother Kuniya will devote his efforts to the building up of the Nagasaki church for some time to come. Nagasaki is recognized as a difficult field, on account of the strong conservatism of the people, and their settled opposition to foreign ways and a foreign religion. But the outlook for our work is promising, and we are much encouraged. A favorable place for holding meetings has been secured on a prominent street of the city.

Brother Kaname, of Wakamatsu, has recently transferred his business to Shimonoseki

He deals in lacquer ware, and finds a better market in the south. He reports that his agent, or clerk, has become interested in the truth, and has begun the observance of the Sabbath. Thus one more little light is shining in another important center.

So while we can not report large accessions to the truth thus far this year, we rejoice that the truth is spreading, and catching here and there in new places; and we wait and pray with earnest longing for the baptism of power that will make every feeble light a blaze, and put a tongue of fire in every mouth.