School Work, Successful Labors, and Experiences with Robbers
By John J. Westrup
Chinese Christians Rejoice in the Bible — Converts Baptized — Divinely Kept among Robbers
By JOHN J. WESTRUP
We closed the men's school March 31. I never before received so much light and blessed strength from the study of the book of Revelation as I have received this winter while teaching it to the Chinese.
THE CHINESE BRETHREN GRASP IT
The Chinese brethren realize more fully the import of Rev. 1:3. In this age of every form of deception, those who are protected by this wall of truth are blessed and strong, and shall escape every evil thing, and go through to the kingdom. A pity that so few know what belongs to their peace, and so many despise the word of God!
These Chinese brethren longed to go to work for others. Most of them felt like Jeremiah: "His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay."
BAPTISMAL SERVICE
At our workers' institute, about a hundred being in attendance, we baptized nineteen persons, and one was hindered by sickness. This was one of the best baptisms I have administered in Honan. The candidates had an intelligent knowledge of the truth of God, and thoroughly believed it; and I am confident that I shall meet them in the kingdom.
EXPERIENCES WITH ROBBERS
The robbers are bolder and more active than ever. The Chinese soldiers seem to be unable or unwilling to cope with them. One mission station far inland was robbed of its money and seventy-four boxes — a year's supply, which had just arrived. The missionary writes, "It is hard to live here without money and food, and it is very dangerous to leave, as the whole territory is infested by local robbers."
NATIVE CONVERTS ATTENDING SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MISSION SCHOOL, HONAN, CHINA — WALL OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDING IN BACKGROUND
Last night, by the great number of lanterns, I knew that many were on the city wall watching, which is an indication that the robbers are close. I also heard the cannon going yesterday, which indicates the same thing.
WITH GOD'S CARE WE SLEEP
We always commit ourselves earnestly to the Lord's care, and sleep well all night. What a blessing it is to be able to rest in God — a peace that surely passes all understanding! The love of God constrains us to stay at our post.
Next Friday we start on an itinerating trip, visiting the out stations, and will be on the road for about three weeks. We are sure the dear Lord will bless us and keep us from all evil. "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass." "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." Ps. 37:5, 31.
