In Populous Java by P. Tunheim

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 31, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, Nos. 43, 44.

In Populous Java

By P. Tunheim

WHAT can we do among so many? This is the question that comes to us in Java, with its thirty-seven millions. "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest."

As we watch the harvesting of the vast rice fields, which is done by cutting carefully one handful at a time, we wonder when it will all be gathered. But it is not left to one or two to perform this tedious task; a large number come together, till the yellow field is a moving mass of people, and in a very short time all the precious grain is gathered. So it will be when the prayer for many laborers is answered; souls will be gathered, not wholesale, but one by one, till the field is reaped and the precious grain is stored in the heavenly garner.

During the four years of our labor in Java, some have been gathered and are in training for reapers. At our mission home at Soember Wekas, we have a little school, with an enrolment of twenty-five children.

The other evening at our prayer-meeting, many prayed for one of the sisters who has been very ill, but who is now, through prayer, much better. One boy showed his faith, thanking the Lord for having already made her better. The simplicity of faith with which these children approach God in their prayers is very touching.

The teacher of this school, and his wife, came to us about a year ago. He was a staunch Mohammedan, but since coming to us has shown a deep interest in the teachings of Christ, and has now openly expressed his desire to be a true follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. His prayers are simple and earnest, and the interest he takes in his work proves the genuineness of his profession. It means much for a young man like this to step out boldly from the superstition of Mohammedanism; because in so doing he lays himself open to bitter persecution, even by his nearest relatives.

But we are of good courage. The Gospel of Christ possesses a power which man does not, and God is able to work, even as in times past, marvels with a few. He can multiply the seed sown, and accomplish a great work with small means.

P. TUNHEIM.

Soember Wekas.