GEORGE WOOD by George Wood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1911

GEORGE WOOD

By George Wood

Java

BROTHER and Sister E. E. Thorpe, who were in Soember Wekas for more than two years, have removed to Batavia, where they are now located with Brother and Sister R. W. Munson and family. After their departure it was suggested that we connect with the work here; so our appointment practically began with the month of March. Our work is of a general character, such as treating poor and suffering Javanese, who come almost daily, while at other times we visit some of the numerous neighboring villages and give treatments or simple remedies to those who flock to us for assistance. Miss Tunheim has the care of the evangelical work in east Java, and spends her time partly in Surabaya and partly here, or in surrounding districts where she finds an opening.

We have a school here, where children who come from the neighboring villages are taught to read and write in their own language. Its characters are somewhat difficult to learn, each one representing a syllable. Two sessions are carried on in the school, one from 8:30 A. M. to 12:30 noon, and the other from 6 P. M. to 8 P. M., the latter four times a week, and the former five. Arithmetic, simple geography, and physiology are also taught. Of course, we endeavor to teach the pupils as much Bible truth as their untrained minds can grasp. Our teacher is a young Javanese, who with his wife is located close by the mission home. A few are learning the Malay, using “Christ Our Saviour” and some simple lesson books such as are used in the government schools of Java. One lad reads from “Christ Our Saviour” very well, and the teacher, who is our instructor both in Javanese and Malay, assists the boy to translate what he reads into his own tongue.