SUMATRA by R. W. Munson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 23, 1900

SUMATRA

By R. W. Munson

We have just received several copies of the REVIEW AND HERALD, and they were as water to a thirsty soul. We feel so grateful for the REVIEW that we desire to record our appreciation of its pages, which are indeed full of solid food. There is a marked contrast to the church papers of other denominations. We have also been just feasting on the Medical Missionary and Gospel of Health, which is a great improvement on the old plan. It seems so much brighter and fresher and more helpful, but I doubt not that this is due largely to the circumstances under which we are placed. I think it is an invaluable coadjutor for the missionary, whether at home or abroad. The children look expectantly for the arrival of the Instructor, and enjoy its pages.

I am glad to report progress, good health, and a cheerful outlook into the future. The day school for boys continues to grow, and has at present an enrollment of fifty-three, which will certainly be increased in a few days. Indeed, every month witnesses an increase of four or five new members. Just at present we are exercised over the opening of a boarding school for boys. We have made it the subject of much prayer, and the Lord has shown us by his providential leading that he wants the work begun. We therefore feel sure of success. This we are confident will develop, and in a few months support the man and his wife whom we are expecting out to help us.

We have had the joy of receiving an entrance to one Dutch home with the message, chiefly through the use of Dutch tracts. The Sabbath was the first subject presented after that of the Lord's second coming. The old lady who is the head of the house gladly received the word in all readiness of mind, and began to search the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. The result has been a hearty and sincere acceptance of the message. She is now reading on the nature of man. If we had more time to visit among the Dutch residents, we could accomplish much more than we do.

The desirability, even the urgency, of medical work is beginning to press hard upon our minds. I have begun to introduce the health foods, and they are meeting with an encouraging reception. With judicious management, I think a good business can be built up, which will take a great deal of one man's time.

Our Sunday morning service is variously attended. Some weeks we have a full house. Our service is held on our commodious back veranda, which is the most cheerful part of our house, and where we spend most of our time. Other days the attendance is scanty, but there is always somebody to listen. Among the Chinese, we are known as “the Jews,” because, I suppose, the Europeans who know we are Sabbath-keepers have so stigmatized us. This has one result at least: it awakens curiosity, and leads some to come to our services who would otherwise not pay any attention to us. To the natives we simply explain about the law of God, particularly the fourth commandment, and say that we suppose we are called Jews because we keep the same day as the Sabbath that the Jews keep. We feel no cringing of the flesh because of this, but rather rejoice that unwittingly our detractors are uttering a sublime truth; for we are glad to reckon ourselves among the children of Abraham by faith.

In view of the sublime truths we have to proclaim and the opportunities presented here, we feel a profound sense of our unworthiness, which at times is overwhelming. It is then Satan assails us most fiercely, but he shows his lack of sense; for the result is always to drive us to our Refuge for relief and renewed strength. We are finding more and more the power of prayer in our extremities. God is a very present help in time of trouble. Nothing, absolutely nothing, but the power of the Holy Spirit, and the fullness of the Spirit at that, can meet the responsibilities of the foreign fields. But what a tower of strength has the missionary who has learned to rely upon God in every emergency! This necessitates waiting much upon God in prayer, and this leads to a study of the word.

How little of God is there in the world, or in the “church” either, for that matter! As I study more and more the truth for these days, the more startling does the close resemblance appear between this age and the days of Noah. To what a terrible awakening will the world of sinners be brought! What a sad day will it be for the foolish virgins, who are waiting for the Bridegroom, but who are not ready to meet him! I wonder how many Seventh-day Adventists will be among this number.

The government here, as in Holland, supports both Roman Catholic and Protestant ministers; and so, we have reason to expect, will not become a persecuting agent against keepers of the Lord's day—the Sabbath of creation and of the law. Thus far we have met with only the kindest treatment from the government officials. Indeed, we have had nothing but kindness shown us from any source. The policy of the government is to safeguard the interests of the state by not permitting more than one society to labor in a given field among a given race. Permission must be obtained before work can be undertaken; but when once given, the society so authorized is quite sure of a clear field, and no interference or competition from others. There may be objections to this policy, but objections are of no avail. As a rule, it has thus far worked satisfactorily in the Netherlands Indies. In some fields where large numbers have been converted, the government is very liberal in furnishing state aid in the support of missionaries where the societies that organized and began the work could not carry it on. This has not had the happiest results in some places, as men sent out by the government were not orthodox in their faith, and much harm to the native converts resulted. Private missionary enterprise is certainly the only Scriptural plan of spreading the gospel. But I set out to say that as we had been authorized to labor among the Chinese here, there is no probability of interference or interruption from any source except Satan; but our trust is not in the government nor in its protection, but in God.

We hope soon to open a school for Chinese girls. There is every indication that it would succeed. Indeed, there are many avenues that might be entered, but the preaching of the word is the main business. Yet, in order to be self-supporting in whole or in part, we must push out in these ways that offer some means of acquiring an income and at the same time give an opportunity of instructing the children in the Third Angel's Message.

In conclusion I say, “PRAY FOR US.”

R. W. MUNSON.

Padang, Sumatra, West Coast, Neth. East Indies.