China by Ida M. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 26, 1903

China

By Ida M. Thompson

MACAO.—We are all of good courage. Our chief aim at present is to learn the language. Since I am learning to read, it is a real pleasure to study the language. There begins to dawn a light in the distance, and cheering it is. I am so glad that I am here. I want to stay and teach these simple natives of a nobler life. The women are so childlike that it seems to me they can be led. I have visited a number of nice families, and the women invite me to teach them.

Our teacher says that we have come with a fuller gospel than former missionaries, and the people will give heed to it and live by it. He says he hopes by next year to be free to give his time to gospel work. There are indications that the Spirit is working on his heart. He is a teacher in the government schools, and seems to be glad to study the Scriptures, and nearly every day he says new thoughts from our lessons impress him. Through his influence four young men attend our Sabbath-school. Mr. Anderson’s teacher is a professed Christian, and also recognizes that new truths have come to him. We hope for both these men.

In Hongkong we have not met many missionaries. There is certainly need of Christian help there. The people are great lovers of money, and will do almost anything to secure it. The standard held up by Europeans has been altogether too low. The influence of foreigners has not been to make better Chinese, but rather to advance their own interest. The drunkenness and wickedness in that city are awful. It is a rare thing to see a drunken Chinaman. I remember seeing but one since I have been here. But O, those who ought to be teachers! A man who has ability to work for this class could certainly do a good work among the army and navy men in Hongkong.

One Sunday morning Stanley, Mr. Anderson’s five-year-old boy, was missing for some time, and when we found him, he was sitting just outside the back door, selling Gospels to the Chinese street passers-by. He sold four, then brought up his money, took more books, and returned to his former post. He is anxious

to do what he can, and is learning to use the language, too, and finds many friends. While going through a section of the city one day, I noticed a crowd about us, calling after us. Upon inquiry, I found that it was where Stanley and his mother had sold Gospels, and the men were reminding him of it.

Although the work moves slowly, yet we are persuaded that it is sure to succeed, and the faithful will triumph with it. We are rejoiced to know that the home friends are sharing this work with us. We see many evidences that the Lord came to China far in advance of us, and has been at work upon hearts. Surely these people are actuated by the Spirit of God. Why not give all we are and have to this work? We are certainly making a fine purchase; and we have eternity, and not merely time, to reap good results. I want to be faithful here. IDA M. THOMPSON.