Labors in Japan by H. Kuniya

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Oct 30, 1907

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 44.

Labors in Japan.

By H. Kuniya

It is now over eight years since I entered the missionary work in this field. During this time we have often met trials and hindrances in our work, but we trust all in the mighty Hand, and sow the seeds of truth here and there over Japan.

Altho missionaries of different churches have been laboring in Japan for about forty years past, still many souls do not know even the name of Christ. To these people we must first tell about the true God and the Saviour. The minds of many in Japan are filled with Buddhist philosophy, and they like to argue about the doctrines of religion; but such arguments only make it the harder for them to accept the simple truths of the Gospel.

Among Japanese believers in various churches, there is now quite a strong movement in favor of an independent Japanese church, and some of the leaders are strongly opposed to being controlled by foreign missionaries. Some are teaching the Unitarian doctrine that Jesus is not the divine Son of God, and this doctrine is spreading rapidly, like a pestilence. As a result of these conditions, many sincere believers are seeking the true church. For example, in Nagasaki where I am now laboring, a girl who attends our Sabbath-school came to one of our sisters and asked, "Isn't Christ the Son of God? You teach me so; but lately I attended the — church [an evangelical church], and the teacher explained to us that Christ is not the Son of God, but simply a good man."

In the first epistle of John we are warned against false teachers; and now is the time for us to work, and teach only the Bible to these interested ones. But who will do this work? For years I have desired that we might have a devoted lady Bible worker, who could labor from house to house in Japanese families. In my experience, wherever I go women are the first to become interested. But I often find it difficult to present the truth to them, where a lady worker would be free to enter the home and study with them, without going contrary to Japanese custom.

Especially among the higher classes there are many women who are very unhappy in their domestic life. Are there some who have a desire to help these unhappy women? A devoted lady worker could enter homes that would be closed to a man.

The work in this field seems very slow to develop; but we must allow time for the seed sown to bring forth fruit. We praise the Lord and thank Him for His wonderful salvation. He has promised to be with us till the end of the world. This message must be preached to every class of people. The Lord has already opened the way for us to enter the large cities. I have often been perplexed because I could not answer all the calls of those who were interested here and there. The Lord bids us pray for His vineyard, and we are praying; and I rejoice to see His blessing of late.

H. KUNIYA.

Evangelist Kuniya, and Class of Japanese Students.