The God of Elijah Among the Heathen
By Myrtie B. Cottrell
Rain in Answer to Devout Prayer in a Pagan Village
Thank Offerings to Express Their Gratitude
IN charge of one of our outstations at Chang Djang Fu, Hupe, is a Chinese brother seventy-one years of age, who is known by all our brethren and sisters, as well as by the townspeople, as "old Mr. Djang,"—the term being one of great respect, as age is everywhere venerated and honored in China. According to the old Chinese schools, this man has a very good education, having received a classical literary degree for his attainments. This, together with his age, commands attention when he speaks, and we believe he is exerting a good influence for the truth in the town where he is located. Last spring, after the Chinese farmers had planted their rice, unfortunately there was no rain for about two months. The farmers were greatly perplexed. They depend largely on the rice crop for their food, and rice does not mature unless the fields are submerged with water until the grain is nearly ripe; so this to them was a real calamity. "What shall we do?" they asked, as they talked the matter over in the village where our outstation is located. They resorted to an old heathen idea, which is usually employed on such occasions. A dog was sported through the streets in front of the idol, the idea being that, according to a Chinese proverb, "A laughing dog brings response from heaven." MEETING TO PRAY TO ELIJAH'S GOD
They used every heathen method they had of pleading for rain, for weeks; but the sky remained cloudless. Finally, old Brother Djang called a meeting in our chapel, and extended an invitation to all the townspeople to attend. He first read from the Bible Elijah's experience in praying for rain, and expounded it to them; then he invited all who had faith in God, to manifest it by praying for rain. After the meeting had closed, the people returned as usual to their homes, but watched the sky closely for any sign of rain. As evening drew on, the believers discovered a small cloud arising, and at once they recognized this as a sign that God had heard and would answer their prayers. They closed all the doors and windows of their houses, and waited for rain. God did not disappoint them. During the night, the rain fell in torrents, and the crisis was averted. The following day was the thirteenth Sabbath, and the time for the special Sabbath school offering. When the people saw how13the Lord had answered prayer, you can readily imagine Brother Djang had a large attendance at Sabbath school; and he took advantage of the opportunity to tell them that that day had been set apart by our denomination for a special missionary offering, and asked all who appreciated the special blessing of rain in answer to their prayers, to give liberally to God. The people quickly responded, several of the heathen saying that they too wanted to have a part in donating to a God who answers prayer in that manner. The offering from this one outstation on that day was 30,000 cash, or about $10 gold. DISCARD IDOLS AND COME TO GOD
Nor was this all. Many of the heathen were convinced that we pray to a prayer-hearing God; and a number of them, from that time forth, became earnest inquirers. It was our privilege to meet one of these at our late Hupe general meeting. We found that she has put away her idols, given up the use of pork, is keeping the Sabbath, and is walking in the light as far as she knows. This woman will probably be baptized soon. Thus again we are reminded that "the God who lived in Elijah's time, is just the same to-day," and the faith of those who have so lately forsaken their idols, moves the God of heaven.