FOR years, just a few minutes before twelve o’clock, noon, the workers in the General Conference Office have been accustomed to meet in the board room to bow down together at the noon hour in prayer for the work and workers out over the fields, at home and abroad. It is but the service of a few moments; but as news comes in of progress, and needs, or of difficulties and dangers, it is a comfort to the workers in the general office to spread the needs before the Lord, to thank him for victories and progress, and to pray for workers amid special difficulties.
Many of the workers in the fields have their own home circle, dear ones left behind, where they know they are continually remembered before the Lord. And many are especially remembered in the home church from which they went out. But somehow the workers in the General Conference Office feel that the noon-hour prayer season is a sort of general home prayer circle for all the great family of workers who are giving their lives to spreading this message.
It may be that many of the believers would like to know of this prayer season at the noon hour, and join in it. The pressure of activity in doing things in our busy work is such that we give the Lord too little opportunity to make us partners and sharers in the work beyond our personal reach.
“Who delivered us from so great a death,” wrote Paul, “and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; ye also [the Corinthian believers] helping together by prayer for us.”
By prayer we may join our brethren in grappling with the difficulties and the needs in the great cities; in tropical lands, where the deadly fevers lie in wait for the workers; and amid the darkness of heathenism, over which we see the Spirit of God hovering, to let in the light of the last message.
The noon hour is often a busy one, but just a moment’s petition sent winging its way to heaven, in the midst of the cares, may brighten the day, and lighten our own and another’s load. The workers at the ends of the earth often speak of the help it is to them to know of the noonday prayer moment. Miss Brockman, of Montevideo, Uruguay, where four missionary nurses are working away alone in the great city, writes:—
It is such a help to us to know that we are remembered in the noonday prayer season, and you may be sure we do not forget to pray for the work and workers in the home land.
From away in Mandalay, Burma, Brother R. A. Beckner writes:—
At your noonday service remember in prayer the work and workers at “the Center of the Universe” (one of the flowery titles of this “Land of the Pagoda”).
We pass on this word, that others may know of this noon-hour prayer moment, and perhaps, even with hands full of work, remember to send up a petition from the heart in behalf of all toilers in the Lord’s whitening harvest-fields. W. A. S.
Statement to July 1, 1911
By W. T. Knox
The $300,000 Fund
SURELY although somewhat slowly this fund for the relief of our work in the great mission fields is being created. More than one third of the full amount has been raised. This is encouraging, and should lead to an increased interest to complete the work. Let the people of God be willing in this day of his power. Let all place their shoulders to the wheel, and have a part in this good work.
Statement to July 1, 1911
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England ........ $ 3097.47
Greater New York .......... 2683.91
Maine ..................... 310.80
New York .................. 1493.82
Northern New England ..... 1007.23
Southern New England ..... 459.69
Western New York ........ 1206.93
Total .................... 10259.85
Canadian Union Conference
Maritime .................. 248.37
Ontario .................. 1460.68
Quebec .................... 500.80
Newfoundland ............. ....
Total .................... 2209.85
Central Union Conference
Colorado .................. 720.53
East Kansas .............. 1875.54
Nebraska ................. 7706.68
North Missouri ........... 729.22
South Missouri ........... 429.84
Western Colorado ......... 651.31
West Kansas .............. 652.89
Wyoming .................. 1174.04
St. Louis Mission ........ 77.00
Total .................... 14017.05
Columbia Union Conference
Chesapeake ................ 716.99
District of Columbia ..... 1224.47
Eastern Pennsylvania ..... 908.02
New Jersey ............... 1577.50
Ohio ..................... 2660.50
Virginia .................. 393.5513West Pennsylvania ........ $ 580.26
West Virginia ............ 352.00
Total .................... 8413.29
Lake Union Conference
East Michigan ............ 4228.81
Indiana .................. 3407.43
Northern Illinois ........ 1601.21
North Michigan ........... 567.45
Southern Illinois ........ 1190.33
West Michigan ............ 4092.62
Wisconsin ................. 1951.82
Total .................... 17039.67
Northern Union Conference
Iowa ..................... 4084.06
Minnesota ................ 4286.94
North Dakota ............. 2069.13
South Dakota ............. 1524.08
Total .................... 11964.21
North Pacific Union Conference
Montana .................. 1564.31
Southern Idaho ........... 1678.40
Southern Oregon .......... 858.46
Upper Columbia ........... 2938.25
Western Oregon ........... 2941.59
Western Washington ....... 2774.48
Alaska .................... 2.15
Total .................... 12757.64
Pacific Union Conference
Arizona .................. 520.21
California ............... 3856.01
Central California ....... 5.00
Northern California-Nevada 12.59
Southern California ...... 5920.10
Utah ..................... 130.30
Total .................... 10444.21
Southeastern Union Conference
Cumberland ............... 1419.73
Florida .................. 1715.87
Georgia .................. 666.40
North Carolina ........... 439.64
South Carolina ........... 297.35
Total .................... 4538.99
Southern Union Conference
Alabama .................. 176.81
Kentucky ................. 225.50
Louisiana ................ 214.75
Mississippi .............. 334.03
Tennessee River .......... 472.22
Southern Union Mission ... 5.00
Total .................... 1428.31
Southwestern Union Conference
Arkansas ................. 201.31
New Mexico ............... 94.18
North Texas .............. 441.27
Oklahoma ................. 1887.06
South Texas .............. 189.86
West Texas ............... 77.90
Southwestern Union Mission ....
Total .................... 2891.58
Western Canadian Union Conference
Alberta .................. 525.20
British Columbia ......... 505.55
Manitoba ................. 630.10
Saskatchewan ............. 864.25
Total .................... 2525.10
Miscellaneous
Australasian Union Conf. .. 3623.12
Various countries ........ 648.42
Miscellaneous ............ 449.99
Total .................... $ 4721.53
Grand total .............. $103,211.28
W. T. Knox, Treasurer.
Note and Comment
Prohibition in Maine
An unusually strong influence is being exerted at the present time to break down the laws of the State of Maine which prohibit the sale of intoxicants. Untruthful reports of drunkenness in Maine are circulated broadcast through the agency of the powers that are trying to nullify and destroy the prohibition law of Maine. A report purporting to come from Bangor, Maine, and copied largely in the press of the country, tells of the death of a certain man in an unfrequented part of the city of Bangor, supposedly through the drinking of a large portion of a keg of ale. This is set forth as a terrible example of the futility of the prohibition law, and the harmfulness of its working. The report states that there is nothing to prevent liquor being shipped into Maine by parties from the outside, and says: “This is done continually, and shows the absolute uselessness and absurdity of the law.” But it does not show the uselessness and absurdity of the law; it shows the lawlessness and cupidity of the liquor interests, which ship liquor into the State of Maine for the purpose of breaking down the law, and causing it to appear obnoxious and inconsistent. Before asking for a change in the law and condemning the law, these liquor interests ought themselves to show a clean record in the matter of the observance of the law. The demand for a change in the law comes with poor grace from those who have persistently flouted the law, and that for the sole purpose of gain at the expense of virtue, sobriety, prosperity, and even life itself. If one keg of ale sold in defiance of the law resulted in the death of the party mentioned, what may Maine not expect if the law is abolished, and the concerns that produce and distribute such death-dealing beverages are permitted to work their will, unhindered save by the mere payment of a license?
Looking Toward the Big Fund
HERE is an extract from one of Elder F. H. DeVinney's letters, showing how Japan is looking toward the help that is to come from the $300,000 Fund. These needs are an incentive to push the fund to completion:—
We are very anxious to get the printing plant and school out of the city, where we are not in constant danger of burning out. We pray that we may receive from the big fund enough to buy the land, and get these two little institutions upon a right basis. Just a few days ago, before daybreak, we were routed out of our beds by a fire only about three rods from us, that, but for the merciful care of the Lord, would surely have taken everything we had. If you could see these little narrow streets, the light, flimsy house, and the means of fighting fire, you would not wonder that when we go to sleep, it is to keep one eye open for fear some one's carelessness may burn us out. We have just had in Tokyo, only about two miles from where we now live, a fire as great as that of Chicago, and no doubt as extensive as that of San Francisco.
Unrest in Portugal
EVER since the establishment of the new Portuguese republic, Catholic papers in the United States, and that portion of the public press which is dominated by Catholic influence, have been taking the position that the republic of Portugal can not succeed. Prominence has been given to every adverse report from Portugal, and little or nothing has been published favorable to the new régime. It is not difficult to understand this matter when we realize that the Vatican considers that the establishment of this republic is a menace to itself and to its interests in Portugal. In spite of the fact that some prominent American Catholics declare their belief in the principle of separation of church and state, one of the greatest objections which the Catholic hierarchy has to the present order of things in Portugal is that church and state have been separated there. The Royalist party is composed largely, if not entirely, of Catholics; and when Catholic papers make so much of the prospect of an invasion of Portugal by the Royalist party, it must be considered that the wish is father to the thought. The Washington Post of June 12 says that the new administration has aroused considerable discontent because of its “sudden and violent separation of church and state. It has aroused the religious element.” It must be apparent, therefore, that it is the religious element which is responsible for the larger part of the unrest in that country, and that discontent has come from the separation of church and state, a principle for which many American Catholics profess to stand.
The Number of Mohammedans
ACCORDING to the Mohammedan journals of Constantinople, as quoted by the Christian, the disciples of that false religion are as follows:—
The Ottoman empire, 27,000,000; Bosnia and Herzegovina, 600,000; other Balkan States, 100,000; Russia, 24,000,000 out of a total population of 135,000,000; India, 60,000,000, of a total population of 250,000,000; China, 40,000,000; independent Asiatic States, 20,000,000; Java and neighboring islands, 25,000,000; Philippines, 500,000. They estimate that the strength of Islam in Africa is no less than 60,000,000 to 70,000,000. In conclusion the journals put the total number of Mohammedans in the world at 270,000,000, and affirm that this number is being rapidly augmented by conversions as well as by the large birth-rate, which is a feature of Moslem life.
Inasmuch
By Eliza H. Morton
ELIZA H. MORTON
KINDNESS, gentleness, forgiveness,—
All are in the word!
Thoughts of others, self forgotten,
Highest feelings stirred,—
“Inasmuch.”
In the home as well as far lands,
Lands beyond the sea,
Just a smile, or word of courage,—
This is charity.
“Inasmuch.”
Hearts are aching in the garden
Where the Saviour knelt,
Left alone, and, O the horror
And the sadness felt!
“Inasmuch.”
This is why the admonition
Comes to me and thee;
This alone can give a power
To our ministry,—
“Inasmuch.”
Jesus, give us hearts so tender
That the ice will melt,
And the sweetness of God’s Spirit
In our souls be felt,—
“Inasmuch.”
Woodford Station, Maine.
The Work in the European Division During 1910
By L. R. Conradi
(Concluded)
L. R. CONRADI
Siberian Union Mission
SINCE New-year’s, the Asiatic portions of Russia, including Siberia, Central Asia, etc., have been organized into the Siberian Union Mission field. We have not yet fully settled upon all the territory of this new mission field; but there are now in Central Asia and Siberia proper about 300 members. In Harbin, Manchuria, where the plague raged so fiercely, our people have been kept, and the church has continued to send us a good tithe. Brother G. Perk, the new superintendent of the field, has lately visited Siberia, and he writes that they have had good meetings. They expect to baptize about 100 believers during this second quarter.
British Union Conference
Great Britain, with her 45,000,000 population, thus far forms but one union, which contains four conferences, — North England, South England, Scotland, and Wales; there is also one mission field — Ireland. Last year 277 members were received, bringing the membership of this union up to 1,939. The work in this important field is onward; but when we look at the population and the many large cities, we must admit that we have hardly touched this great country. Last year’s tithe was $26,463, and $2,000 was received in appropriations, so that about $28,000 was spent in developing the evangelical part of our work here. The North and South England conferences, with 33,000,000 people, not only paid their tithe to the union, but helped with a second tithe to support the work in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In offerings they raised about $7,700. Altogether the British Union Conference turned over about $5,000 to the General Conference.
As for city work, something has been done in London, where we have about 400 believers; there are also small churches in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, etc. But London alone, with its 7,000,000 people, presents the greatest problem in city work furnished by any one city on the globe. Besides this great city, England has nearly fifty cities with a population of over 100,000 each. In the British Union Conference there are about fifty evangelical workers, only fourteen of whom are ordained ministers. In other words, if there were in the United States twenty-eight ordained ministers, it would be better supplied with ordained help than Great Britain is to-day. One hundred seventy-four agents were employed last year in this conference, and their sales amounted to $70,000.
Latin Union Conference
This conference now includes France, with Algeria and Tunis, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Roman-Switzerland, containing 107,000,000 inhabitants, and a membership of 1,060. Last year 140 members were added. There are now two conferences in this union, to which Paris has been added as a union district since Jan. 1, 1911; it has four mission fields. There are forty evangelical workers employed in the union, fourteen of whom are ordained ministers. Its tithe was $11,037; to this we must add the appropriation of $11,700, so that it actually took about $23,000 to man the work here last year. As there are more people in the Latin Union than in the United States, it is about as well served with laborers as the States would be with ten ordained men. The conference returned to the General Conference $3,085 in offerings. This union also has its city problems. Paris has nearly 3,000,000 people. Then there are Marseilles, Lyons, Naples, Rome, Madrid, and Milan, with half a million each. Little Roman-Switzerland, with only 1,000,000 inhabitants, 564 members, and a tithe of about $6,800, gives fully twenty-five percent of its income to help the union conference work. There were eleven canvassers at work, whose sales amounted to about $10,700.
Levant Union Mission
Quite a number of changes for the better have taken place in this field. For the last ten years the work had been nearly at a standstill, but during last year no fewer than sixty members were received, bringing up the total membership to 320. The tithe also increased to about $1,500. The field was divided, so it might be worked to better advantage. There are now five separate mission fields here. In the farthest east we have the Armenian; then comes the Central Turkish and the Grecian; then the Syrian and the Egyptian. Last year we assisted this field by about $9,000 in appropriations. It now has about twenty workers, of whom seven are nurses, and six are ordained ministers. The Levant Union Mission takes in the Turkish empire, Egypt, and Greece, with a population of about 41,500,000. The canvassing work began last year, and nine workers labored during the latter part of the year. Publications amounting to $634 were sold. The offerings were $430. We are glad to report encouraging prospects for the Levant.
African Missions
Our African work has greatly increased during the past year. In German East Africa we now have two divisions. The Pare district, near the coast, reported thirty-one baptisms, bringing up its membership to nearly seventy. It has been decided to open up a fourth station. About 1,000 young people are attending our schools. Last year’s appropriation to that field was $6,100.
In the Victoria Nyanza district we have a territory of about one hundred miles by fifty, with a population of 200,000 people, speaking various dialects. The Roman Catholics have two stations near us, and the Church of England has one. Thus far we have planted five stations, and two new sites have been granted us by the government. Elder B. Ohme, with a number of workers, has gone to take charge of that field. About 800 young people are attending our schools. In order to save freight, our brethren have lately bought a sailboat, only a little more than a year old, for $500, and the first three months they were able to clear one fourth of that amount by carrying freight for others, in addition to saving our own freight expenses. We recently lost one of our workers here, Brother E. Raessler. As we have put up a number of mission buildings, our expenses were about $9,200 in this district last year.
In British East Africa, just north of the Victoria Nyanza district, we have two stations. Elder A. A. Carscallen reports hopefully of the school work carried on there, and that they expect to reap the first-fruits of their work this year. Our appropriations for this mission in 1910 amounted to $4,700.
In our Abyssinian Mission the brethren15were able to complete their buildings. They erected a mission home for two families, a school building, and a stable; dug wells; and also made some improvements on the mission farm. Last year’s appropriations to this mission amounted to $4,900. On the other hand, all the African missions returned to us about $1,000 in tithes and offerings. We now have 100 members in these African missions, of whom twenty-four are workers; four of them have been ordained.
Persia
To this country we have just sent Brethren Dirksen and Oster, who will locate at Tabriz, one of the leading cities of northern Persia. We are also in correspondence with a local preacher, who has heard the truth, and who seems to be interested.
Summary
During 1910 we had 500 evangelical workers proclaiming this truth throughout the European Division; of these, 135 are ordained ministers, 100 are licentiates, and the others are Bible workers. The number of those baptized was 3,484, and of those added by vote, 575, or a total of 4,059 persons added. Our membership increased from 19,626 to 21,948; our tithe from $194,500 to $215,980; our offerings and general gifts were nearly $50,000. While thus far prosperity has attended the progress of the cause, we know that God has greater things for us. If we consider the number of our workers, we find that we have only one ordained minister for every four million people in our division, and one gospel worker for every million of its inhabitants. Appeals for more help come to us from all parts of the field. Whole kingdoms are scarcely touched. Great problems await solution, and only God’s Spirit can solve them. What we desire, and that for which we pray, and what we must have, is more of God’s Spirit, more divine power, and more laborers for these destitute fields. May those who read this report study carefully the great openings that present themselves to God’s people, and may they feel constrained to ask the Lord to bless his work, that a still greater work may be accomplished in 1911.
Hamburg.
Maranatha Mission
By W. S. Hyatt
W. S. HYATT
THE truth has been taking root in the hearts of the natives living near us, and several have begun to obey the Lord; a few weeks ago I organized a church at the Maranatha Mission. Last Sabbath was a good day for our little church. After Sabbath-school I spoke, Brother Moko interpreting. The Lord greatly blessed, and at the close of the service five adults presented themselves for baptism. One was a man living near, for whose acceptance of the truth all had been hoping and praying, but no one knew he had decided to obey.
In the afternoon we had the Lord’s supper for the first time with our little church. It was a precious occasion, and bound the hearts of the little flock closely together. Our church numbers thirty-two, ten Europeans and twenty-two natives. Seven more natives are keeping the Sabbath, and several others are deeply interested. We are encouraged to see adult natives accepting the truth, and some of them are developing into good workers.
Some of the schoolchildren are greatly troubled about the Sabbath; their people belong to other churches, and when they go home, their people refuse to allow them to keep it. One of our girls was crying yesterday, and asked us what she should do. Her father had promised her twice that she might keep the Sabbath, but each time he compelled her to go to work on that day after she had been at home a week or two. This was during school vacation. Others have had the same trouble. We pray that God will help us, and open the way so our children can obey.
We have here a large field. This province is larger than the State of Texas, and has fully 1,800,000 natives. Of this number 1,500,000 are Kafir-speaking. It was among these tribes that missionary work began over one hundred years ago. A century ago scarcely a native could read, but to-day tens of thousands can read intelligently. Truly, God has done a great work for this people, and we have done very little. There are more natives in the Cape province than there are Europeans in all South Africa. This people must have the truth. It seems to me that plans must be laid to do more for the tens of thousands of civilized and semicivilized natives, and also the large number of heathen among us. Our courage is good.
Grahamstown, South Africa.
Sweet Tidings to an Idol-Worshiper
By Myrtie B. Cottrell
MYRTIE B. COTTRELL
“This gospel doctrine that you preach is the sweetest thing I ever heard,” was our first introduction to a kindly faced man of some fifty years of age who came into our chapel one evening. From that time on, he has been present at nearly every service, drinking in the truths of God’s Word as only a thirsty soul can.
When at the close of our Bible institute we asked all who wished to be baptized to hand their names to us, this man’s name was among the others. We called him aside for examination, and drew from him the following interesting story, translated as nearly as I remember from his own words:—
“All my life I have been a worshiper of idols, until, about two months ago, I became ill. Although I myself am a Chinese doctor, I could not find relief, and therefore I decided to go to the temple, and burn incense and silver shoes (paper money) as a peace-offering to the gods. While at this temple, a Christian Chinese saw me, and asked little why I was going through all this form. I told him I hoped to gain relief from my disease by so doing. ‘Ah,’ he said, ‘it will never come in this way; if you truly desire help, just pray to the great God of heaven, and read his Bible.’ I decided to do this, and sure enough, God healed me. From this same man I also learned of this mission here in Changsha, and that you rested on a different day than other Christians do; so I have walked the one hundred li from my country home to learn more about what I should do if I would please my Heavenly Father.”
As he knew so little about the Bible and its teaching, we advised him to study a little longer before going forward in baptism, and to this he willingly consented. We believe he is an honest seeker after truth; for his wrinkled face fairly beamed as he told us his experience, and how wonderful this “gospel doctrine” seemed to him.
If the “first love” of new-born Christians at home is strong, how much more so must it be to these honest souls just rising out of the misery and darkness of heathenism!
Friends in the home land, would you not rather have a part in sending this gospel message to such waiting hearts as this, than selfishly to spend money needlessly for your own gratification, or even to have a good bank account to your credit? There are many more honest hearts now in darkness who await the acting of your part in fulfilling the promise that at the “eventide” of this world’s history, “it shall be light.”
Chang-sha, Hunan.
A General Meeting in Swatow, China
By W. C. Hankins
W. C. HANKINS
We planned to hold our general meeting in Swatow at such a time as would meet Elder I. H. Evans's convenience, so that he could be with us for a few days. As we had never held such a meeting in that district, we had no idea how many would attend; but we were very fortunate in being able to secure the use of a number of new, two-room houses at a very low rental, so that we could increase our accommodations as needed.
The meeting was appointed to begin March 23, but so many were there by the twenty-second that we began meetings that afternoon. We had a good attendance of our own people in spite of the fact that it was just at rice-planting time. From seventy to eighty adults attended at least part of the time; those who were farmers felt that they could not stay more than about half the time on account of the pressing need of getting in their crops while the rains continued.
Besides the attendance of our own people, we had quite a good interest from the outside. Our little hall was always well filled in the evenings, while on Sunday afternoon, when Elder Keh spoke on the question of “Is Sunday Sacred?”16the room was so crowded that many had to sit outside on the veranda.
We organized a little church of twenty-one members during this meeting. There were others who wished to join, but had to return to their homes before arrangements could be made. We expect this church to have a rapid growth, but we know that Satan will do all he can to hinder the progress of the work in this section. We are therefore hoping that all our brethren will join with us in praying for the prosperity of the work here. There are no foreign workers in this region yet, but we expect that the workers who have been promised us will arrive as soon as the hot season is over. We understand that the workers are ready to come, but that there is not sufficient money in the treasury to warrant their being sent on. God has blessed the work here in a marvelous manner, and it would seem a great pity if our people should fail to provide the means for filling such an opening as this.
As we see the power of God manifested as it has been in the work in this region, our hearts are encouraged, and we feel that the time is not far distant when he will have finished the work, and we shall see him coming in the clouds of heaven. God grant that we may all be faithful, and be counted worthy to have a home in his everlasting kingdom.
Kulangsu, Amoy.
Michigan
By George W. Amadon
Benton Harbor.— In Benton Harbor and St. Joseph there is a small company of Sabbath-keepers, and from eighteen to twenty usually meet for worship on the Sabbath in the small chapel in Benton Harbor. They have Sabbath-school, although there is only a ten-year-old boy to represent the children. Three brethren besides myself compose the male members. Nearly the entire company attend the Sabbath-school; but of these there are only three young sisters to represent the young people. There is no elder in the church, but we have a deacon and a church clerk, also the leading Sabbath-school officers. A capable and devoted brother, who formerly held his membership here, has gone to North Carolina to assist in a small industrial school in the mountainous district.
The company here is not often visited by any minister, so they have managed matters as well as they could in their somewhat lonely condition. When I came, they seemed very much pleased that some one was to be with them to help in church work. Sabbaths I have taken twenty minutes or more in giving talks on some prominent feature of the faith.
I came to St. Joseph as an invalid, but it is wonderful how my strength has returned since coming here. I have not the least semblance of heart difficulty, and often walk two or three miles without so much as thinking whether I have short breath or not. The Lord has done great things for me, whereof I can not help being glad. Ps. 126: 2, 3. May God bless his work everywhere.
G. W. AMADON.
Honolulu
By C. D. M. Williams
SOME weeks ago we started tent-meetings in one part of the city. Although we did not get much of a hearing, some interest has been manifested, and some are now taking Bible readings, and may yet take their stand for the truth. Since then we have moved the tent to another part of the city, and are having a better attendance. The language question is a great obstacle here; in some places there are Portuguese, Hawaiians, Chinese, and Porto Ricans; and while some of them understand a little English, many do not get enough to create an interest, so it is necessary to have an interpreter most of the time.
We have good news from our brethren on the other island, Hawaii. They seem to be presenting the truth, and are earnestly asking for some one to come and start the work. While we have more than we can do here, I think I must visit them this year, and do what I can to encourage them.
We so much need help here, especially in the other languages; if we had some one with us who would speak the Hawaiian, we could get much nearer to the people. We ask an interest in your prayers, that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon this part of his vineyard.
C. D. M. WILLIAMS.
Soonan, Korea
By Riley Russell, M. D.
At the close of a ten days' meeting, thirty-eight persons handed in their names as desirous of uniting with God's remnant people, and thirty-one, mostly students from the school, were baptized and taken into the Soonan church. We now have the largest Seventh-day Adventist church in Korea,—seventy-four members, with a Sabbath-school attendance of from 125 to 140. We have outgrown the schoolhouse where we have meetings, and must provide larger quarters soon. At present we are doing our best to get the newly interested ones established in the truth.
Never in the history of this world have conditions been as at present. There are not only open doors, but also so many urgent calls that we see no possible way of answering, that we are greatly distressed. There are churches in17my territory that I have visited only once since I came to Korea. Here is our situation (at Soonan only): Our ministerial institute for native workers closed last Sabbath, after running for one month. Our school farm is running full force; and our school is still running on the spring term. I have operated on three patients in the last three days, two of them being now in a Korean house near by. Have had three letters this week urging me to visit companies that have among their number those who have waited for baptism for one year, having been ready all this time. Our burden is, What shall we do first?
Let those preparing for foreign fields prepare for roughing it on the firing-line, and to stand ready to join the battle at the front at a moment's notice; for we in these fields must have help. Let them get accustomed to the use of the weapons and uniforms of Eph. 6: 10-19.
We are of good courage; for the battle can not possibly last much longer.
RILEY RUSSELL, M. D.
Argentina
By C. E. Knight
C. E. KNIGHT
WHEN we arrived in Buenos Aires, it was thought best to rent a house with a room large enough for the church meetings. One of the first persons baptized was a sister who, with her husband, was living near by, in a house with a large Italian family. The members of this family were very much opposed to what she had done, in identifying herself with us, and did all they could to discourage her.
About six months afterward, the church prepared a program, and invited the children and parents living near by to be present. This Italian family came, and immediately afterward their attitude changed toward the sister living in their house. They continued attending the meetings, and the parents soon began to keep the Sabbath, and were later baptized.
A short time after this, they removed to one of the suburbs of the city, almost wholly Italian. Soon an interest sprang up among their new neighbors, and a minister was called to hold meetings with them. This interest increased until about thirty adults had united with them in worship. All these are Italians, and it is quite likely that we shall soon be able to organize a purely Italian church. We have in Argentina two churches composed wholly of French, and a number who are all German. We are glad that we shall soon have another nationality added, the Italian.
Buenos Aires.
Japan
By S. Miyake
A ZEALOUS Catholic lady has been earnestly studying her Bible with me for six months, and after a long struggle has received power to throw off the yoke of Rome. She has been baptized recently, and has gone to work to help save her Buddhist mother and her old acquaintances. It is a great inspiration to see such persons come out of the darkness and “stand complete” in Jesus Christ, no longer to serve an idol of wood or of stone, but to serve the living God.
S. MIYAKE.
Work Among the Colored People in Washington, D. C.
By W. H. Green
THUS far in the year the good hand of our God has guided and prospered us in the work for the colored in this city. For this we are thankful.
Many have been reached by Bible studies, literature, and the preaching of the word; and a few have accepted the truth, and seem earnest and zealous in the work of God.
Tent-meetings were begun on June 16 with a good attendance of those who seem to be interested in the truths presented. We trust that much good will result from this effort, and that many souls will be brought to the obedience of the gospel. We know that there are those in attendance who are settling themselves upon the sure foundation of this message. Several who have hesitated for some time have now fully identified themselves with us in all matters. Remember us at the throne of grace.
W. H. GREEN.