JAPAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 27, 1900

The following is from a native convert who assists on the Japanese paper, spending as much time in the field, aside from this work, as he can:—

I desire to write you about the work in Japan; but it is very difficult for me to write a letter in English. However, I will make an effort to tell you how the Lord has blessed me during the summer. I was planning to go to the northern country the latter part of June, when I received a letter from a lady physician in the south, who was a Bible student here two years ago. At that time she was called home, and we feared she would give up the truth. In the letter she said that she was determined to serve God with her whole heart, and urged me to come at once and teach them, as her family and friends also wished to study. I felt that I must go to Nagasaki, instead of to the north, but I did not have enough money. As I was thinking about this, I learned that some money had been sent me as wages, which was quite unexpected, and I really felt that it came from the Lord.

With this I started on my trip. I preached on the train, and visited some of the readers of Owari no Fukwin on the way, and in two weeks reached the place. I rented a small house, and began teaching the Third Angel's Message. For five weeks the interest and attendance increased. I had over thirty young students. Then persecution began, in churches and in families, and many came no more. Seven took a firm stand for the truth, and began to keep the Sabbath, and desired baptism. Others were almost persuaded when I returned to Tokio.

I traveled more than twenty-five hundred miles, and never lacked for anything. People were very kind to me, giving me food, and showing me great kindness in every way. I will go north soon. I have been getting letters from that place, during the summer, pressing me to come. The people have waited long. I am anxious to go. I feel that the Lord is coming soon, so I can not stay at home all the time. I am trusting the Lord to guide and help me in all things. Pray for the work in Japan. H. KUNIYA.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA.

At Contented Hall lives a brother who, three years ago, accepted the truth by reading. Through his labors, assisted by occasional visits from Brother Eastman, his father, mother, brother, sister, and neighbors to the number of about thirty adults, have accepted the truth, and they have a Sabbath-school numbering forty-eight. This brother, who is the leader, was a teacher in another part of the island before he learned the truth. About a year ago he started a school for Adventist children, with an enrollment of about twenty-one regular attendants. His object is to win the children to Christ, and a number have already been converted and bear good testimonies. He conducts the school, as nearly as he understands, on the plan of our church schools. He gets his support by cultivating what land he can, and by contributions from the people. It is sometimes pretty close work to make both ends meet, as he has a wife and two children. A little over a year ago these people erected a class-house, and now they are getting material for a church.

August 26 we dedicated our new church at Jointwood. The house was filled to overflowing, many of those present having been bitter opposers. A collection was taken to purchase a bell and lamp, and many of these assisted. The Spirit of the Lord was present. Such a breaking down of prejudice I have not seen in a long time. The brethren and sisters went to their homes praising God. The building was dedicated free of debt. We used twenty-five dollars of the one hundred allowed us by the board. Five persons have been baptized at Jointwood since the dedication.

The Swift River chapel will soon be ready for dedication, also one at Devon, and we expect to finish one at Font Hill in about four weeks. Until we get a chapel in their place, it is hard to convince the people that we are there to stay. We have recently placed another native helper in the field. The Lord has blessed this brother in starting the work in two places, at one of which we have a Sabbath-school of thirty-one members, and also in labor for his family. Recently his mother, who was the last and most bitter opponent, has yielded, and is now rejoicing in the truth.

Our tithes and offerings have more than doubled during the last year, amounting to about eleven hundred dollars. Although the people are poor, nearly all pay tithe. F. I. RICHARDSON.