How I Was Saved by Sumi Sasaki

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, Nos. 39, 40, Harvest Ingathering Number

How I Was Saved

By Sumi Sasaki

BY SUMI SASAKI

WHEN the volcanic eruption occurred on Sakurajima (Cherry) Island, near Kagoshima, Japan, about a year ago, I was teaching a grammar school. Where I lived, the land was fertile, producing fruits and vegetables of all kinds. The scenery was beautiful. The island being out in the bay from the city, many tourists visited it, also people from the city came there for their vacations.

The school and village where I was teaching were entombed by masses of lava and ashes over a hundred feet deep. The gods of the ancestors, the temples, with their idols, as well as the property of the rich and the poor alike, were buried. Only by the grace of God were a few lives spared. I was among some who jumped into sampans (boats) and were saved. Had we delayed a few minutes, we should have been buried by hot ashes and rock. I saw the explosion from the water as our boat left the shore.

After this awful experience, in which I lost my dear mother and sister, I was reminded of the true God, whom I had heard a little about at meetings held by a missionary in a tent. My heart began to travail after the true God. I went to certain pastors to study the Bible, but could find no satisfaction. One day, a colporteur came to my home. What I bought, brought light to my heart, as I found truth in God’s word.

Dedication of Our Church at Wakamatsu, Japan, June, 1914

For my past sinful life I have deep sorrow, but am happy in God’s promise of forgiveness through Jesus, and the life to come. As soon as I am prepared to do so, I shall tell this good news to our Japanese women who sit in darkness.

Tokyo.