p. 12 | Japan by F. H. De Vinney

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 9, 1914

Japan

By F. H. De Vinney

F. H. DE VINNEY

WE are now holding what we call an "institute," for lack of a better name; but we cannot hold exactly the same kind of meeting here that we would call an institute at home. We are spending time each day in praying together, and in seeking the Lord for a new experience and a better fitting up for his work. I have been working for the past eighteen months on a series of Bible studies to be used in tent meetings or home studies. We spend two hours each day on the study of these subjects, taking the entire time of one session for one subject. Then in the evening we invite the public to our meeting, and one of the laborers is chosen to present that same subject as a sermon. After the outsiders have gone, we spend at least half an hour in talking over the manner of presentation, correcting mistakes, etc., all taking part.

These meetings have been on my heart

and mind for months, and while at home on furlough I could hardly wait to get back here and for the time to come when we might begin them. We are more than repaid already for all the labor. I have had some good times presenting the message in days gone by; but never in all my work have I personally felt the power and the Spirit of the Lord, no, nor the love of the truth, as I have since we have been studying together with these workers who are so intensely interested in preparing for better work.

Sabbath, after the morning services, I started out for a walk along one of the little, crowded streets near my home. On approaching a little open space where a small canal joins the street, I heard loud talking. I was about to leave the street in another direction when something familiar in the voice attracted my attention, and I went on until I could see the speaker. I found three of our laborers and a canvasser holding a street meeting, with a goodly number around them listening to the word. I stood unobserved, and my soul went out to God in thanksgiving for this manifestation of the spirit of love and labor for souls that is coming in among our Japanese workers.

The spirit of depression and anxiety which sent me out for the walk, left me in an instant when I saw what was before me in the street, and I made up my mind that God is able to care for his own work, and that he wants me to trust him and rest. This little incident may not seem very great, but to me it is an indication that the Lord is giving a burden for souls, and a desire to reach them with the saving message, which is going to bring victory to our work in Japan. I never have been of so good courage as I am today, thank the Lord, for I know that he is on the giving hand, and is with us to bless our labors.

Tokio.