AMONG the charitable institutions in Japan, probably none are more deserving of notice than the Okayama Orphanage. Begun twelve years ago by an earnest Christian man, Mr. Ishii, with no endowment whatever, it has, year by year, extended its work until there is now an enrolment of twelve hundred children. How the last eight hundred children were received is best told in the words of Rev. J. H. Pettee, who, with his wife, has rendered invaluable assistance to the enterprise from its very beginning. In a recent appeal to the public Mr. Pettee says in part: 'Now that the severest distress in the north has been relieved by generous gifts from all over the world, I beg leave to report the part taken in this timely work by that mother of children's homes in Japan, the Okayama Orphanage.
'Its superintendent, Mr. J. Ishii, visited the affected region five months ago and gave formal notice to the governors of the three suffering prefectures and the local aid committees that the Okayama institution, being not local but national and even international in its aims, would receive as many genuinely needy children as might be sent to it. As a result 825 such children have already come to Okayama from the famine district. This brings the present number up to twelve hundred.
'The faith, patience, pluck, and spirit of unceasing toil manifested by the workers of this brave-hearted institution to meet such an emergency can not be overstated. Cottages have been bought or built, large quantities of clothing and bedding prepared, and the running expenses trebled.
'Let it be remembered that a large majority of these famine children are under eight years of age. Many of them are in a pitiable condition. They need continued care and training. If this can be given them for a few years, they can return to their old homes strong, intelligent, self-reliant, enterprising young men and women full of the spirit of service based on Christian principles. This is no idle prophecy, but a suggestion of what is sure to happen if the Okayama Orphanage be helped to carry out its altruistic purposes.'
Even before these famine children came there were times when the supply of food was so low that it was difficult to tell whence the next meal would come. At such times the children would have little prayer-meetings and ask God for food, and He never failed to answer their prayers. When this added burden was taken, the managers knew not how the extra expense would be met, but they trusted that God would supply their needs, and this He has done through many channels.
The readers of the Signs who have contributed to the famine fund will no doubt be interested to know that a part of the amount collected was handed over to the trustees of this orphanage, and the accompanying cuts show some of those to whom aid and comfort have been given. The grateful thanks which were tendered for this gift we pass on to those who have remembered these children in their affliction.
S. A. LOCKWOOD, M. D.
Superintendent, house-mothers, teachers, and assistants. Superintendent, Mr. Ishii, over the cross, second row from the top. Rev. J. H. Pettee, first row at the right.
