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Hongkong, China

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 13, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 41.

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Hongkong, China

By E. H. WILBUR

It has now been more than a year since Mrs. Wilbur and I arrived in China. We were located in Canton for a few months, but moved back to Hongkong last March. We have been studying the Cantonese language daily with a teacher, and also canvassing for our English publications as we have had opportunity. The Lord has blessed us with good health, and we have enjoyed the work here very much.
Hongkong is an important shipping center. In point of tonnage, it is said to be the second city in the world, Liverpool being the first. Steamers are constantly coming from and going to America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and India. There are about thirteen thousand English-speaking people here, more than two hundred thousand Chinese, and several thousand Portuguese and East Indians. Here is where Brother La Rue stood as a faithful sentinel for about fifteen years.
I am constantly meeting people who have been influenced more or less by his work. I believe that there ought to be a minister of experience located here, who could give his entire attention to the English work. We who are here have not been able to do this. Elder Anderson moved to Canton last spring, and we have all been studying the language, preparatory to carrying the message to the Chinese. Thus far, we have been almost silent witnesses, but, thank the Lord, the time is near at hand when we hope to speak with no uncertain sound. By the time this reaches you, Elder Anderson will, the Lord willing, have begun a series of meetings in Canton, speaking to the people in their own language. A suitable building has also been secured in Canton for a girls' school, which will be conducted by Miss Ida Thompson.
For months war between Japan and Russia was expected, and now we are in the midst of it. We do not know how many nations will be involved in the conflict, or what will be the outcome; but we do know what will be the outcome of the warfare in which we are engaged, and while “the powers of darkness are working with intense energy from beneath,” every Seventh-day Adventist should be doing all in his power to save men. There are honest souls in every land, and the Lord is asking us: “Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?” Eze. 13:18. May God help us to do so.
E. H. WILBUR.