I well remember how twenty-six years ago I walked the streets pondering how we could gain entrance to the homes of the people. But now all is changed. We have here in Shanghai one Bible woman (worker) for the Clinic, one at the Sanitarium, three Bible women to follow up the work, and one self-supporting Bible woman. Still we cannot answer all the calls to give Bible studies with the people, for the message is going as never before.
When I first came to China, I found it profitable to learn their way of doing things, as it made my work more effective with the people. Paul realized the advantage of this in working among the heathen, that he might save some. It is not difficult to learn their manners and customs. We soon discover that in China their Chinese ways are better than our American ways. I enjoy being with the Chinese; I like to live with them.
When we approach the illiterate classes, sometimes we find them quite alert, again we find the opposite; but with our own hearts warm with the love of Jesus it is a wonderful privilege to work for this class of people. Simplicity is eloquence in working for them. Usually we first explain where we obtained the Bible, then the creation, the fall of man, the fall of Satan, faith, redemption, conversion, the new birth, prayer, and the love of God.
As we give these subjects in a simple, comprehensive way, it is our rule on each subject we give to teach them to read one question and then the answer from the Bible. Thus more real good is accomplished than if we gave a long Bible study. We continue until they have a knowledge of the state of the dead, the sanctuary, some of the prophecies of Daniel, and the three angels' messages. These women are able to give very intelligent answers when they are examined for baptism. It is "not by might, nor by power," but by the Holy Spirit that this work is done.
Work for the higher classes requires much patience. When we go to their homes, we often have to wait a long time. When we make appointments for them to come to our homes, we are often disappointed. But there are many precious souls among them, and they are being gathered in. At the present time I have ten of this class coming to my home for Bible studies.
Mostly through correspondence and sending our literature, I have been working with a young Catholic priest who is very highly educated. We expect him to make us a visit in a few days, as he has taken his stand for the truth. I have also been studying with another well-educated young man, a doctor who was graduated from a German university. He has now kept the Sabbath for almost two years. A young business man, who is a. Catholic and highly educated, has studied the truth for one and a half years. He has struggled to keep the Sabbath, and decided he would have to give up his good position. But God has given him victory, and at last his employers have given him the privilege of having the Sabbath off. He with others was baptized last week. We do not baptize new believers until they are firmly established in tithe paying, for we know that unless they are honest with God, they will make weak Christians.
We are of good courage in the Lord. We realize that now we must work as never before, for the fields are already ripe for the harvest. My life in China has been filled with precious experiences, and I pray that Jesus will continue to give me strength daily to labor for Him.
Shanghai, China.
