MISSION BOAT AND WORKERS, MAKING A VISIT IN THE ROBBER-INFESTED DISTRICTS, SWATOW, CHINA
MR. BOWEN gives us herewith a very interesting account of a great work. The experiences of the blind heathen woman who could look into the future, and of Brother Stahl among the Indians of South America, to mention but two items, are full of interest and inspiration. This great world movement carries with it compelling convictions that are leading men into all parts of the world to proclaim the good news that has filled their own hearts with joy. The deeds of self-sacrificing heroism are enough to move to enthusiastic admiration the heart of the most emotionless Stoic.
WHEN John the Baptist was pressed for an answer as to who he was, he said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." Evidently John clearly understood his mission. He gave himself to the great task of preparing Israel for the appearance among them of the Son of God.
The message John bore was directed against the prevailing sins at that time, and cut to the heart, laying bare, as it did, the condition of both Pharisee and publican. Multitudes flocked to the Jordan. Many, with tears of repentance, went down into the waters, to be buried by faith with the promised Messiah who John preached was soon to appear among them.
These very people who thus believed John's message, soon beheld with their own eyes the sinless Son of God as He took up His work after being baptized Himself of John in Jordan. Thus this work of God's servant prepared the way for the first advent of Jesus.
A MESSAGE TO PRECEDE HIS SECOND COMING
Likewise before Christ's second coming to the earth in power and great glory, the Bible records that a message is to go to all the world, heralding to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that this most important event is nigh at hand. Not one voice this time, but many, will be heard proclaiming the same clear message around the circle of the earth — a mighty message, saying with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His Judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Rev. 14:7.
And, reader, this voice is heard to-day in India, in China, in Africa, in every continent, east, west, north, and south, including the islands of the sea. Seventh-day Adventists do not claim that they are commissioned of heaven to convert the world in this generation; but they do believe they are called of God to proclaim to all the world in this generation that Jesus Christ, who ascended into a cloud from amid the little band of disciples on Olivet nearly nineteen hundred years ago, is, "in like manner," coming back to this earth again, seated upon a cloud, in power and great glory; and further, that as the people to whom John the Baptist preached, saying, "The kingdom of God is nigh at hand," actually saw Jesus, so likewise the generation to whom this world-wide message is proclaimed shall also behold Him coming from heaven, accompanied by all the holy angels in power and great glory.
Houses for missionaries built at Lo Wan Ho, China, by J. J. Westrup, in 1913
A brief sketch of what has been accomplished by this movement in its onward progress throughout the earth the past year may be of interest to the reader.
A WORLD'S CONFERENCE
Early in the year 1913, missionaries began planning for the world's conference to be held in the United States, at Washington, May 15 to June 8. The 356 delegates assembled, each representing five hundred or more believers, came from China, India, East, West, and South Africa, Australia, East Indies, Siberia, all sections of Europe, Russia, Japan, Korea, Philippine Islands, South America, and the West Indies, as well as United States and Canada.
About three thousand believers were in attendance. Among them were a few aged ministers who were associated with the pioneers who began preaching the near advent
and Sabbath reform message over fifty years ago. During the conference, the fiftieth anniversary of the first general conference held by this people was celebrated. And one minister was present who participated actively in the deliberations of that first one of fifty years before — Elder J. N. Loughborough.
IMPRESSIVE FAREWELL MEETING
One beautiful feature of this missionary conference was the assembling, near its close, of all the missionaries in attendance from outside the United States and Canada, upon a large circular platform at one end of the canvas pavilion, for a farewell meeting. Opportunity was given each one for a two- or three-minute testimony. We will quote a few sentences from some of them:
F. A. Allum, China: "As I go back to China, I am going to tell the people about this meeting. Silently the workers are going to the different parts of that great empire, like Gideon's band of old; and I believe the grand and glo-
rious day is coming when the pitchers shall break and the great light of this message shall flood the world, and then we shall see the Saviour come."
F. H. Okohira, a native delegate from Japan: "I have received a great blessing during this great meeting. I was inspired by what I saw, by what I heard. This afternoon I met one brother and sister and baby who are going to Japan. How I was glad indeed! I will take good care of them. Don't be afraid. Don't worry about them. Send more."
A. A. Carscallen, British East Africa, from the Lake Victoria Nyanza region, where Livingstone pioneered: "Both in Africa and since I have returned, the question has been put to me, 'Can anything be done with those heathen in Africa?' Well, I read you, a few days ago, the greetings from our brethren and sisters, converts from heathenism, who have accepted the truth. Before I came away, the boys and girls gathered149for a farewell meeting. One young girl was leaning against the post of the veranda, and as I was passing by I heard her sobs, I put my hand on her shoulder, and said, 'Malinda, what is the matter?' She replied: 'O, sir, we do not want to see you go away! You have been here these years, and the door has been shut before you, and you have had so much opposition; and now, just as the doors are opened, it seems that you should not go home.'"
Native homes in the mountains where Brother Stahl labors among the South American Indians
J. W. Westphal, South America: 'Wonderful changes have come in this field to which I went twelve years ago. It creates in our hearts a wonderful longing to see still greater things.'
Mrs. L. V. Finster, Philippine Islands: 'Some ask me if I am not sorry I am going back to the Philippines. I feel sorry for you who can not go back with us. We have a people there one can not help but love.'
J. L. Shaw, India: 'As we hear of those who have fallen at their post [During the conference a cablegram from South Africa announced the death of C. L. Bowen, a missionary in eastern Rhodesia], we are reminded of the conflicts we have had. I have been called to the bedside of the sick; I have seen them fall; I have gone to their graves. We must expect this. It is one of the incidents of warfare. And as we send out more missionaries to the field, I presume there will be more graves in the mission field. That matters not. If we are only faithful to the work, in a little while we shall reap, if we faint not.'
Many more spoke, but this gives us a little insight into the love and devotion these missionaries have for their work.
MANY RECRUITS IN 1913
As a result of this world's conference, there were voted out then, and since, during 1913, by the Mission Board, 157 missionaries, not including children, to the distant waiting fields. This means a few more added to nearly all the great mission fields already entered, such as China, India, Africa, and South America.
Not much new territory was entered last year, as this large band of recruits were mostly needed in missions already established. However, during the year, missionaries entered the New Hebrides Islands in the East Indies. Also missionaries are under appointment from Europe to pioneer into Madagascar.
Two missionaries formerly of Nyasaland, who had been absent from their field for a time, returned last year to open a new mission in the region of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Out-stations have been opened in many of the mission fields, such as the interior of Africa, China, and India, to augment the work already established at the missions in different sections of these great heathen fields.
AMONG ROBBERS, BUT NOT AFRAID
In this connection, we give a few brief extracts from many most excellent reports
received from the missionaries out on these frontiers during the year.
J. J. Westrup, laboring in Honan Province, China, writes: 'The country is terrorized by robbers, who have robbed and killed not a few. Recently in visiting an out-station, when we had gone about thirty-five li, we saw at a distance some twenty-five wagons coming toward us at a great rate. One teamster had already told us that there were robbers ahead, and our drivers were not slow to turn around, and off they went at a gallop. I enjoyed the ride immensely. I never before had such a fast ride in China. I stood up in the wagon and looked behind and tried to see the robbers pursuing, but could not.
Grave of C. L. Bowen, Rhodesia, Africa, he having gone to that country as a missionary in 1912
INDIANS IN THEIR CANOES ON LAKE TITICACA
'Well, it was a queer thing to be pursued by robbers, but I was confident the Lord would protect us. In the morning, on the road, I had been so happy praising God that I was His! Although driven back, that same day in the evening we got two other wagons, whose drivers were willing to go to Lo Ho the same way we went the day before, as we felt sure the robbers had gone by this time. We are now here building houses.
'We have had rain again, thanks to the Lord. The people will manage to raise some kind of food. I like to be out on the fron-
tier, in the thick of the battle, even though there are many dangers on every hand. Somebody has to be here. Here faith is tested and character developed, and one feels constantly the necessity of keeping very close to our dear Saviour.'
ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SEVEN BAPTIZED
During a general meeting held in Honan, China, last summer, one hundred thirty-seven
believers were buried with their Lord in baptism into death to sin, to rise to walk in the new life. Some of these candidates walked forty miles through the dust and heat to attend this meeting, some, too, having to walk upon feet made small by cruel bindings.
AFRICAN LANGUAGE REDUCED TO WRITING
Over in German East Africa, where our missionaries have entered the heathen district, having reduced the language to writing, translated portions of the Scripture into the vernacular, and prepared school-books for the natives, many thriving missions are established. At one of them, twenty-seven were recently added to the mission, making in all at this one station two hundred two baptized members.
Schools are established throughout this section, where the natives are taught to read and to do useful kinds of work; and from these mission schools, natives go out into the surrounding country on missionary tours, preaching the gospel among their own people. Such industrial mission schools are conducted in the Dark Continent not only in German East Africa, but in British East Africa, Nyasaland, Rhodesia, and other parts of South Africa, and also in West Africa.
PROGRESS IN TROUBLED EUROPE
During the past year, in preaching, among the different nationalities in troubled Europe, the glad news of the soon coming of Christ, about three thousand new members were gained, not a few of whom will be found in dark Greek Catholic Russia.
TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE WITNESS A BAPTISM IN ITALY
Last summer there gathered upon the banks of the Arno River, in Italy, more than ten thousand people, many priests being among them, to witness a baptismal ceremony. While
one brother was performing this sacred service, commemorating as it does the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, another brother, from a boat thrust out a little from the shore, spoke to this large audience, giving reasons from the Scriptures for this beautiful service instituted by Christ.
PHYSICALLY BLIND, YET HAVING A CLEAR VISION
Another impressive service took place at one of our mission stations a few miles out from Swatow, China. An old woman over sixty years of age applied for baptism. She had worshiped the devil all her life, be-
ing a devout idol-worshiper. She could not read, having never learned. And more, now she was blind.
The evangelist hesitated as to whether she was ready for baptism. But she intelligently answered every question as for some little time he examined her before the church company. At last she said: 'I can not see you, and have never seen the Bible, and I could not read a word of it even if I had150my eyes, but I am happy. And, brethren, I can see as far into the kingdom by the eyes of faith as any one of you. Some day I shall be able to see Jesus; and when He gives me my eyes, I want Him to be the first one upon whom they shall look. Then next I want to see the good man who has spent so many hours in teaching me the way to heaven.'
Needless to say she was baptized. Four hundred or more of her neighbors and friends gathered on the shore of the river to witness the baptism. As she came up out of the water, she stopped, and facing her friends, she gave a clear-cut testimony, telling them why she had renounced her idols, and the shrines where she with them had worshiped all her life, and had given herself to Jesus. It was a powerful testimony for Christ, our brother writes, coming as it did from one who had been in heathenism all her life.
EXPERIENCE WITH INDIANS NEAR LAKE TITICACA
From one of our missionaries laboring among the Indians in the high altitudes on the border between Bolivia and Peru, we get most interesting reports. Recently, with an Indian brother for guide, Brother F. A. Stahl, who is a medical missionary nurse, made an itinerating trip around Lake Titicaca, near which, in one section of Peru, a thriving mission has been established.
Our brother is known for miles and miles around as one who loves the Indians, and whom the people have learned to love because of his self-sacrificing labors among them. He treats their sick, prays with and for them, and preaches and teaches the word of God to them.
ONLY CATHOLICS HAD RECEIVED PROTECTION
Although some of our Indian brethren were thrown into prison last year through religious persecution, this was turned to good account by the Lord in bringing about a movement which resulted in the Peruvian government's voting out of its constitution one clause which for years provided for governmental protection for no other religion than the Roman Catholic. Concerning this trip around Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, our brother writes:
INDIAN HUTS AS FAR AS THE EYE COULD REACH
'Recently I made a trip with an Indian brother around Lake Titicaca. We left our Indian mission on Sunday, reaching Juli that night, making thirty miles. Well, I never saw such a large Indian city as lay near this place—Indian huts as far as the eye could see, and close together at that. O, how my soul longed for these dear people! How I longed to give them of the precious truth I knew! The next day we reached Pumata, where we stayed with a poor Indian who gave us food for our saddle animals. This Indian family has proved very friendly.
'The next day, we came to a village where was in progress an immense Indian feast. As we stopped a few minutes, the drunken Indians would bow to us and dance around us. Some would kneel in front of us and offer us of their 'fire-water'! They seemed greatly surprised at our refusal. They were feasting, drinking, dancing, and cursing, and all this in the name of religion.
A BORDER-TOWN EXPERIENCE
'On reaching the border town, I sent Stephen, our Indian brother, for feed for the mules. He
came back saying that no one would sell him anything. I went to the village, but found the people very ill-tempered.
'As I was wondering what to do, a man came across the street, who I thought was a German. I addressed him in German. He was surprised and pleased. I explained my troubles. 'O,' said he, 'you must go to the prefecto. This being a border town, every one is regarded with suspicion.' I found the prefecto a very busy man. He gave me an order for feed, asking me to return and have supper with him.
'I was very tired, so did not promise. But just as Stephen and I were about to sit down to our frugal repast, a messenger called for me to go to the prefecto's house. I found the prefecto, and my German friend, and two other head men of the village, awaiting supper for me. They were all so kind and social that I soon forgot my weariness; and as they seemed disposed to listen, I told them of our work and what we intended to do for the Indians. The prefecto said, 'O that you would come among us here, for we need just such a work right here!'
BROTHER STAHL READY TO OPERATE ON INDIAN BOY
'After a very pleasant evening, I departed, promising that I would remember them in our work for the uplifting of humanity.
TRIED TO STEAL OUR MULES
'At four the next morning, I was awakened by an Indian boy calling to us through our door. I asked Stephen what he was saying. He said the boy was telling us some one was stealing our mules. We jumped up very quickly. As I reached the road, I found Stephen struggling with two men, trying to gain possession of our mules. I grappled with them, telling them at the same time that I intended to take them to the prefecto's office. They tried to get away. One of them did make his escape.
'As I was making ready to take the remaining man to the office of the prefecto, an army officer with soldiers entered the yard, and with a very stern voice said that I was under arrest. 'What for?' I asked. 'Because you have struck a Bolivian soldier,' he said. I explained to him about these men taking our mules, and that I wanted to take the two men to the prefecto. 'Well, you struck these two men, and they are soldiers,' he said. I proved that I had not struck them, for they were not wounded, which would hardly be possible had I done so. [Mr. Stahl is a robust, stout man.]'
View of a portion of the Foreign Delegates' Section of the World's Conference of Seventh-day Adventists — Their Takoma Park Sanitarium in the background
'I made ready to go with him. As we were about to start, a well-dressed man came running in and spoke to the officer in a low tone. Then they came to me and begged my pardon for what had taken place, scolding the men for trying to take our mules. The gentleman was the prefecto. I found it was the custom, in this part of the country, for soldiers on a march and needing saddle animals, to take them wherever they found them, but it was usually from the Indians.'
PATHETIC PLEA FROM AN INDIAN CHIEF
We can not forbear relating a very pathetic plea made by an Indian chief away back on the mountain as our brother was nearing the end of his journey about the lake.
'We noticed a small Indian village far up on a mountain among the rocks. I asked Stephen to go and see if the people would receive us, and if they would, to wave his hat, and I would come right on. I was glad to see him wave his hat.
'I found the Indians there very kind; and as they brought Stephen food, they asked him if I would be offended if they brought some to me. I understood, and told them I would be very thankful for their food, as I was very hungry and cold. They were much pleased that I ate so heartily.
'After eating, we held a meeting with the Indians. They listened intently. I told them that Jesus was soon coming to reclaim His own. They could not contain themselves any longer, and burst out in loud exclamations of 'Why! Why!'
'The chief then came to us and asked me when I would return to them. As we were so few workers, I answered that I could not tell.
'Yes, but I want to know when you will come to us again and teach us all.'
'Again I answered him that I really could not tell him for sure, as this village was so far away from our mission, and we were so few.
'O, but we must know,' he continued.
'Well,' I finally said, 'if I do not return, some one else will.'
'He replied, 'But how am I to know that some one else will teach us the same things?''
MEMORIAL OF THE BROKEN PEBBLE
'I thought a moment, and then I took up a small pebble and broke it in halves. I gave him one half, and told him that whoever would come to teach him and his people would have the other half and would bring it with him. He took his half, and put it away very carefully, and said, 'It is well.' They would take no money from us for their hospitality.
'It has been months since I have left them, but never have I forgotten that plea for a teacher.'
VISITING REPRESENTATIVES
During the year, A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, visited Europe, attending general meetings in Germany, Switzerland, France (in the very place where some Huguenots suffered martyrdom for the truth's sake during the Reformation), Spain, Austria, and Sweden.
Earlier in the year, another representative of our work, Prof. H. R. Salisbury, completed a tour of the world, visiting India, and returning by way of Singapore, China, Korea, and Japan. Later in the year, being selected as superintendent of the work in151[[FIGURE]]
India, he left with his family for that field, to labor permanently there.
ONE OUT OF EVERY TWELVE
Statistics for 1912 revealed that, counting as laborers in gospel work those connected with publishing houses, schools, and sanitariums, on an average, one out of every twelve members is devoting his time to the work of giving to the world this message in this generation. These laborers include ministers, Bible workers, colporteurs, missionary teachers, doctors, and nurses.
Beginning in 1874, when our first foreign missionary was sent to a field outside of the United States, the tide has flowed missionward, until, at the beginning of last year, of the 5,101 reported laborers at home and abroad, more than half, or 2,777, were laboring in fields outside the United States and Canada.
SOME AVERAGED $7.52, OTHERS $9.40
Another group of figures indicating rapid growth is found in the yearly appropriations to the missions. From $143,796.86 appropriated to foreign work in 1905, the yearly budget has steadily increased by one hundred thousand, two hundred, three and four, until for last year it reached $523,763. This meant that on an average for 1912 the denomination gave to missions, per capita, $7.52, while in the United States the average reached $9.40 a member. Figures for 1913 are not yet compiled, but will exceed these figures considerably.
THEY GAVE IT ALL
The Sabbath-schools of the denomination are deeply interested in missions, and give their entire offerings thereto. During the first nine months of 1913 (the report for the last three months not being in), the Sabbath-schools alone reported $178,570.56 given to missions.
During 1912, special objects began to be set apart, when one day each three months all united to give to that particular enterprise. Besides the regular offerings reported above, four objects during 1913 were set apart as follows: March 29, a school in Korea and work in the Philippines—result, $10,924; June 28, medical work in India, $12,807; September 27, transportation to their fields of the one hundred and more missionaries sent out, $17,615.29; December 27, four objects—the opening of a new mission in Africa, settling new missionaries in their fields, aiding missionaries in language study, headquarters in central China—result not yet reported; the total amount given to missions by the Sabbath-schools alone during the first nine months of last year being $219,917.64.
Publishing house recently erected at Seoul, Korea, to assist in supplying the demand for literature among that people.
During the past year, a well-equipped printing house was dedicated at Shanghai, China, also another at Seoul, Korea, while at Soonan, Korea, a hospital as well as school buildings was provided to meet a long-felt need.
GOD'S HAND IS IN IT
In brief this gives the reader a glimpse of what was accomplished last year by the people represented by this missionary paper, in their efforts to give to the world the message they devoutly believe to be due, according to the prophecies of God's holy word, at this time. There are abundant evidences that the hand of God is in this world-wide movement. From small beginnings, it has steadily gone forward in face of difficulties not easy to surmount, until now in nearly every language the same message is calling upon the people to prepare to meet their God.
Buildings at Soonan, Korea, erected with offerings given by the Sabbath-schools in the United States and Canada during March, 1913. The school building is at the right in the rear.
It is a call out from the world to become followers of the meek and lowly Saviour. It is a call out of the skepticism of higher criticism and unbelief in the Bible, to unbounded faith in God and implicit confidence in His word. It is a call from the traditions and doctrines of men, to the keeping of God's commandments, found alone in the Word. It is a call from the luxury and selfish ease of this age, to temperance in all things, and self-denial, that God's work may be finished in all the world in this generation. It is a call away from trusting to one's own merit or work for salvation, to receiving instead the imputed righteousness of the sinless life of the Son of God lived in sinful flesh. It is a call of deliverance from this present evil world, to the glorious kingdom of the world's Redeemer soon to be ushered in.
Surely such a hope may well gladden the waiting heart of every child of God.
On the right the publishing house at Shanghai, China, dedicated last year. To the left and in the rear, cottages erected for the missionaries.
