Advancement and Success in Japan
By F. H. De Vinney
We have moved our presses into a large Japanese building near where we have been. The place is well adapted for our publishing work, and is really a better location. But we trust that ere another year passes, we shall be in our own quarters. For nearly two years now we have had an application before the government for a shadon, or permit to own property through a committee of the mission. The matter has lingered along until the present without a decision, on account of our doctrine of the coming of Christ, and the attitude that one of our young men took, while in the army, toward Sabbath work, he having refused to do service on that day. The matter is now in the hands of the minister of education, with whom we expect to have an interview soon, and we hope it may be closed up favorably to the mission. A party of nine from the mission, six foreigners and three Japanese, went to Kuji-machi to assist in the dedication of our new church there. This church is located in the country, among the farmers, who planned and built it. The building is 20 x 30 feet, painted, furnished, and dedicated free from debt. The dedicatory services were held with nearly all the members and a goodly number of interested neighbors and friends in attendance. In all, four services were held with them while we were there. Evening after the Sabbath, we gave a stereopticon lecture on the Holy Land; and no one but those who know how the Japanese can pack a house, can conceive of the number that succeeded in getting inside. We had with us a phonograph, with records of sacred music; and the pictures and music undoubtedly were a treat never before enjoyed by many who were present. Some, having come from a distance, arrived about an hour after the meeting was over, still hoping to see or hear a portion; but we had to disappoint them, as everything was packed away and we were getting ready for bed. There is a good interest at the place, and meetings are held several times each week, and we expect to see raised up a good, strong, substantial, self-supporting church of tithe-paying members, who have their own homes, and will be a factor in the support of the work of the Lord in this land.