J. L. SHAW by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 24, 1904

J. L. SHAW

By J. L. Shaw

Burma

I HAVE just returned to Calcutta from a trip to Burma, about eight hundred miles across the Bay of Bengal. I found the journey at this season of the year very trying, owing to the monsoon winds which blow incessantly from the southeast, and beat the waves into foamy caps continually. There are many things about the work in Burma to encourage us. The Burmese are a very interesting people. They have more independence than the natives of India, and when they see what is right, are liable to take a stronger stand. Already there are six or eight Burmese brethren, who are keeping the Sabbath. One brother lost a very good position about two years ago for the sake of the Sabbath, and since that time he has been doing all he could to enlighten others, and explain the different points of truth to his fellow countrymen. In fact, he has given his whole time without pay. As I sat and talked with him, and saw how earnest he was, and how faithfully he was studying the Word of God, I was moved to tears by his appeal for help. When I told him that I would do all I could to get a man to work among his people, his countenance lighted up with joy. He has written a tract in the Burmese language. The subject is, “The Law of God Written in the Heart.” On the outside of the tract is a picture of the heart, with a hand writing on it, “The Law of God.” We can do very much by getting our literature published in that language; for all Burmese can read. The children are taught by their poonghees, or priests, to read when very young. In this particular they are far ahead of the people of India; for, in the latter country, only a limited number can read, compared with the large number who scarcely know their right hand from their left.

The Burmese work appealed to me very much both times I was in Burma. There is a real need that a young minister go to that field at once to take up the study of the language, and work with Brother Mong Mong, whom I have mentioned before. He is continually holding meetings, and native Christians are being stirred by what he is saying concerning the law of God and the Sabbath question. If we could get a man to connect with him, Brother Mong Mong would teach him the language, and he, in turn, could further instruct Brother Mong Mong in points of truth. We are glad for the help that is coming, and it may be possible that one can go to Burma. Our corps of workers has been so diminished by those who have been compelled to leave that six will little more than fill the vacancies.

My health is better than when I returned from Burma. I think that when more help gets into the field upon whom I can lay some of my burdens, my health ought to greatly improve during the next cool season.

We have been very sorry to have any of our workers go from us. But the Lord has sustained us, and we are of good courage. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and go forward, the truth will triumph. Our hearts are very much encouraged by the progress the work is making in Washington, and the move our people in general are taking on the right side.