Fruits from Faithful Work in Java
By G. A. Wood
IT gives us pleasure to write about the work here in Soerabaya, for we have seen the Holy Spirit moving upon the hearts of men. Some three months ago Brother Pietersz, our native worker here, met a countryman, an ex-soldier, and began giving him the truth. The man became interested and came to visit us. We were then invited to his home in the country, and we went to visit him, remaining overnight. A good deal of the time we spent in reading the Bible. Afterward we sent him Bible readings by letter, and also the Sabbath-school lessons. He has now accepted the truth, and with his little girl, has moved into the city, where he can be near and attend our meetings. He keeps a barber shop, and this is closed from Friday evening till Saturday evening, as a witness for truth. About three months ago we went to a Chinese home for a Bible study. As we began reading, a Chinese woman came in and sat very quietly listening. When we were finished, she said that she was a very wicked woman, and had for a long time been desirous of being a Christian, but as she had no one to show her the way, she had kept the desire in her heart. She said she had a husband and two children, and wanted to know if she could become a Christian without them, as they were not ready. We were asked to come to her house to teach her what she must do to become a true Christian. We were glad and thankful for this privilege. She could not read a word, but got such a desire to read the Bible, that she undertook to learn, and, with the help of her little stepson, is now able to read fairly well. As she reads the little she can, the Spirit teaches her. One day she told us she would wear no more jewelry, and it is gratifying to see her with plain white buttons in her kabaya instead of gold ones. Not long after this woman heard the message, a Dutch family came to live in her street. They were in poor circumstances at the time, the husband being out of work. When she had made their acquaintance, she learned that they liked to pray, and at once sent her little boy for me to come and visit them. They have had some severe sickness since, and we were able to render much needed assistance, and as a result they are interested in the message and are walking in the light as far as they have seen it. Another Chinese family with whom we are having readings is showing a good interest.189We have had our first Malay paper printed, and have sold about seven hundred in Soerabaya and its neighborhood. Our earnest prayers are that God will bless these silent messengers, and prosper His work in this needy field.