p. 16 | F. W. FIELD by F. W. Field

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 25, 1904

F. W. FIELD

By F. W. Field

Japan

WE observed the week of prayer, January 2-9, as the readings from America did not reach us in time for the appointed date. Daily meetings were held by the believers in Tokyo, and a profitable season was enjoyed. I spent the greater part of this week with the company in Kobe. Meetings were held daily, both forenoon and evening. The believers enjoyed a rich blessing, and quite a number of interested persons attended the meetings. I organized a church of seventeen members; eleven of these were members of the Tokyo church, three came from churches in America, and three new members were received by baptism. Others will join soon. This is our second organized church in Japan, and we begin the year with a total membership of fifty-five, while twelve others are keeping the Sabbath.

The medical work in Kobe continues to advance. From the middle of June, when the work opened, until the close of the year, the office and bath-room treatments numbered six hundred and eighty. Of these seventy were given in October, one hundred and eighteen in November, and one hundred and eighty-eight in December. The addition of the two trained nurses from America to the corps of workers has been a great help in the work. A Japanese building has been secured in a favorable location near the famous Nunobiki Falls. Dr. Kumashiro, one of our native physicians, is in charge. Here accommodations in Japanese style are offered at rates within the means of many of the Japanese people; and already patients are being received, and treated according to our sanitarium methods.

We feel much encouraged at the opening of the new year. Some of the brethren are meeting with good success in circulating our tracts. We expect to carry on a vigorous campaign by entering new places with the truth. The people are anxious to hear the gospel. At some of the meetings recently held in Sendai by two of the brethren, over two hundred persons were in attendance. Thus far tent-meetings have not been attempted in Japan by any mission workers. But we have thought for some time that such work could be done to advantage, though the damp climate would doubtless be hard on tents. So in response to our appeal, the friends in California have sent us a new tent, which has just been received. We are very glad for this, and take this occasion to thank all who have contributed toward its purchase. We shall feel under obligation to report the work done under its shelter.

F. W. FIELD

Tokyo.