Essentials for Work in the Foreign Field

First.-THE CALL OF GOD TO THIS WORK. It is very cheering to see an awakened and increasing interest in this stupendous work of God. Millions unnumbered have never heard the gospel, and the heart of God has already been expressed in its untold love to the world. We need not be surprised therefore if He, who has provided the gospel, should also send further laborers into His harvest.

While a general interest is most encouraging, and should never take the place of the direct contact between the soul and the Lord-"Lord, what wilt THOU have ME to do?" it is possible that enthusiasm may be contagious. Even an example of devotion may stir up something akin to imitation, but these can never take the place of being before God about His mind. It is well to remember this in days when human activity and bustle so often take the place of the work of the Spirit of God. Nor is this something of a mystical character, which leaves one in any uncertainty as to His mind. Many things would point in the direction in which God would lead. If one has a love for souls in China he will love them in this country. If he is desirous of taking the gospel to regions beyond, he will be glad to speak a word in season to the sinner whom he meets in his daily walk. Where God has really burdened us with the gospel there will be this yearning for souls. Gradually it may become a conviction that the mind of the Lord is that one should devote his whole life to the foreign field. It need hardly be said that this will be the outcome of prayer, and perhaps much exercise.

Second. – COMMENDATION BY THE LOCAL ASSEMBLY. At last conviction is reached. The brother, or sister, has reached a conclusion in his own soul that the Lord would send him forth. The next step which seems to be indicated is that the local assembly with which he is connected should be notified and their fellowship sought. This is most important because the exercises which have led one to a conclusion will stir up the interest of the assembly and perhaps also be the occasion for much helpful and profitable counsel. There is no thought that the assembly can appoint anyone to this, or indeed any other work, but there is such a thing as assembly recognition, followed by assembly fellowship, and this we fully believe should always be shown. It confirms the convictions of the individual and gives confidence to the saints at large that it is not a sporadic act. It is recognized, as any other act of assembly fellowship is, as confirming the Lord's people at large in the belief that the brother or sister in question has really made no mistake. It encourages us to general prayer, which is an essential if the Lord's work is to be maintained.

Third.-ACQUAINTANCE WITH THOSE ALREADY IN THE FIELD. When the country, to which one believes he is led, is decided upon, there should be a correspondence with the saints who are already engaged at that place, getting all information and finding out too if there is an opening for further help. This is usually quickly answered in the affirmative, or by valuable suggestions as to work in some near-by locality.

Fourth.-FINANCIAL SUPPORT. This is put last because it really comes last. Where money is too easily available, or where it is given too prominent a place, the necessity for individual exercises and waiting upon God will often not be so clearly seen. Therefore it is only after the decision has been made in dependence upon God and in fellowship with the saints generally, that provision for the expenses will be made, and we cannot question that if it has been God's work thus far He will not suffer it to fall short by not providing the means. And here it is necessary that the proposed Missionary should be looking, not to man nor to the assemblies, but to the Lord of the harvest, for all that is needed for support in this great work. Surely He will never fail those who trust Him. How many can bear witness to this, no matter how feeble that trust has been. But means are needed for providing an outfit in the way of clothing, etc., and transportation to the scene of labor, together with sufficient to cover all needed preliminary expenses. For this the servant looks to his Lord and Master, but our Lord looks to His people to see that they provide it. In this way there is a twofold turning to the Lord, both by the servant and by those who rejoice also at their share of this service, and in this way money is sanctified from a common to a holy use. May the Lord preserve us from anything like an ecclesiastical system in this regard, but instead may there be a devotion of our means to Him who has given His all for us.

Our readers will be glad to read the following intensely interesting letter from our beloved young brother, Virgil Pennington, and his wife. Our prayers are with them in this most happy service.

Newark, N. J. Dear brother:- Nov. 22,1926.

Some of the Lord's people, and especially among the Young Believers, may be interested in knowing how the Lord has been leading my wife and me in connection with the work in China. As you know she was born in China (Chang-sha) and educated in an American school there. On coming to this country and taking work in an insurance company while staying with her sister, it was without any expectation of ever returning to China. We were married about a year and a half ago, and set up housekeeping. But the Lord laid a continual and heavy burden on our hearts for the millions of Chinese who are lost in sin with no knowledge of the Saviour. Through many contacts which we had with missionary work in China, we were constantly being brought face to face with conditions there. Having shown us the need, the Lord showed also that we could fill it in the measure of His grace; and "Could go" became "Must go." This aroused a greater desire to study and search the Scriptures for light on the Divine plan of missionary endeavor, and needless to say God's Word abounded in assurance, yea, in commands.

Since that time we have been exercised as to what part of China the Lord would have us go. At first, Western China, with its counties in which the name of Christ has never been known, appealed. But the Lord has definitely been showing us in many ways that the first step should be toward Taitowying where Brother Kautto has so faithfully been preaching the Word in the midst of many difficulties. We have had very happy correspondence with brother Kautto and praise the Lord for his testimony there. In all this we have had the prayers of many of the Lord's people, and see throughout, not anything in ourselves that we should have this privilege of making Christ known in China, but God's grace even whereby we were saved, and His answer to their prayers.

We are spending this year, the Lord willing, taking a missionary-medical course. It is intensely practical, covering Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases. The most important and practical part can be acquired with the proper amount of effort. We have clinic privileges at the Roosevelt Memorial Hospital through the favor of a few Christian doctors on the staff, and thus combine theory with practice. (In addition, I am studying Greek, and we are enjoying a course in the History and Archeology, etc., of Genesis.)

I have a position at the City College of N. Y. teaching mathematics, in the evening, having of course given up my regular business on coming to this school. By this we hope to have some laid by toward our passage to China next year, if the Lord so direct. Meanwhile with study on the Chinese language, and of course private meditative study of the Bible and prayer, there is hardly any that can be called spare time, although many things seem to call for attention. We realize the need too of conserving our strength and are thankful for the measure of health we enjoy. Will you not pray for us that we may be guided only by the will of God, that self may in no way intrude, and that wisdom may be given us? How happy we would be to know that we are being borne up in prayer by an army of intercessors, so that His name may be glorified through the preaching of the Word.

But how blessed to know that before next year rolls around, even before the next tick of the clock, the Lord may descend from heaven with a shout-and we shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet Him in the air, and so shall we ever be with Him.

Trusting that I may hear from you when time permits, I remain,

Affectionately yours in the Lord,

Virgil Pennington, Jr.

SOME FACTS RELATING TO VARIOUS COUNTRIES ADJACENT TO INDIA

BALUCHISTAN, a part of the Indian Empire, is peopled by Arabs, Persians, and others, as well as the Baluchis from whom it takes its name. The country measures roughly 300 m. from E. to W., and 450 m. from N. to S. The people are said to be bandits by tradition, but nevertheless frank, fairly truthful, and temperate. They regard courage as the highest virtue, and are considered pleasant to deal with. The population in 1901 was 914,551. Out of every 100,00 of these, 94,403 were Mohammedans, 4,706 Hindus, and the rest Christians or other religions. There are 3 missionary societies working in Baluchistan, maintaining one station each, with a total of 14 workers.

AFGHANISTAN is a country of Central Asia, N. of Baluchistan, and between India and Persia, having an estimated population of 5,000,000. Afghan chroniclers call their people "Beni-Israel," and claim descent from King Saul, through a grandson named Afghana. Nine years after Mohammed's announcement of his mission, they sent a delegation to Medina, who became converted to his views. These, on their return, converted their countrymen. After varying political fortunes, the present government was established, which is an absolute monarchy under the Amir, succession to the throne being hereditary. The laws of the country prevent the entrance of foreigners, and, of course, the introduction of their religion. In Afghanistan, only those in the Kafiristan region are non-Mohammedan, and these are said to have a low form of paganism. Persian is the language of court and literature, although other languages are spoken in various parts of the country. The Afghan is described as being by breed and nature a bird of prey. The repression of crime and the demand of taxation he regards alike as tyranny. The people continually boast of their lineage, their independence, and their prowess. There are no Christian missions in Afghanistan.
TIBET, located in Central Asia, is the highest country in the world. It is bounded on the N. by Turkestan, on the E. by China, on the W. by Kashmir and Ladak, and on the S. by India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It has an area of over 1,000,000 sq. miles, and an estimated population of 3,000,000.The temperature varies much, but wind is a prevailing feature throughout the country. The Tibetan race is thought by some to belong to the Turko-Mongol stock. Monogamy, polygamy, and polyandry are each practiced in various parts of the country. Tibet was for long under the suzerainty of China, but with the revolution in that country in 1912, Tibet declared its entire independence. The government is administered by the Dalai, or Grand Lama, with the seat of government at Lhasa. Industries are limited, but they import many things from the surrounding countries. One of the chief imports is brick tea, which is universally used, and even passes for currency. The most commonly used coinage is the Anglo-Indian rupee.

Due to the natural difficulty of travel, and the political exclusion of foreigners, Tibet was long an unexplored country-a land of mystery. From about 1328 to the early part of the 18th century, some half dozen travelers passed through the country, mostly missionaries of the Roman Catholic Church. About 1708 some Capuchin friars seem to have passed freely between Calcutta and Lhasa, and even founded a mission there, which lasted until 1733. There were but few visitors after that, until in 1904 the British Armed Mission forced its way through the country to Lhasa, and disclosed its secrets. "Lamaism," a Buddhist hierarchal system similar to Roman Catholicism, with the Grand Lama at its head, is the religion of the country. See "The Opening of Tibet," by Percival Landon. There are no Christian missions, although the Scripture Gift Mission has for the past few years been able to circulate the Scriptures in Tibet, chiefly from the Chinese border. Also various other shave skirted the western borders, among whom is one of the "Brethren."

These countries are wild in their structure, and are people by men of wild spirit; yet it is written, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace" (Isa. 52:7). May we have "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Eph. 6:15), ever ready to follow the leading of our Lord.

NEPAL is an independent state on the N. E. frontier of India. Its extreme length is about 525 m., and its breadth varies from 90 to 140 m. Its population is estimated by the natives to be about 5,200,000. The southern part of the country is level and cultivated, the northern part is mountainous. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world (29,002 ft.), is on the northern frontier. Many large wild animals such as the tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, etc., are found. Hinduism seems to be the general religion, but it is not very carefully observed, even the caste distinctions being held very lightly. Temples are numerous, and both Hindu and Buddhist priests abound. Every family of rank has a special priest. Astrologers are also numerous, and in constant demand. All families of good standing also have at least one medical man in constant attendance, and there are many general practitioners. Various languages are spoken, amongst which is the Tibetan. The Nepalese have relations with China and Great Britain, but allow no internal interference. Theoretically, the Maharaja is the supreme ruler, but actually this authority is exercised by the prime minister. The kingdom is thought to have existed prior to 633 A.D., although accurate records date from about the 14th century. The dynasty then founded lasted until 1768. Continual fighting marked the succeeding era, although there are now friendly relations with the British. There are no Christian missions known to the writer.

BHUTAN is an independent kingdom east of Nepal. It is under various commercial and other arrangements with the government of India, from whom it also receives an annual subsidy. The whole of Bhutan is mountainous, and its area and population are unknown, although the former is estimated to be about 16,800 sq. miles. There are nominally two supreme authorities, the Dharm Raja (Dharma, doctrine), the spiritual head; and the Deb Raja, the temporal ruler. Actually, the law is administered by anyone capable of doing so. The Dharm Raja succeeds as an incarnation of the Deity. On the death of a Dharm Raja, a year or two elapses before the new incarnation appears in the form of a child, usually born in the family of a principal officer. The child establishes its identity by recognizing the cooking utensils, etc., of the late Dharm Raja. He is then trained in a monastery, and on his majority is recognized as Raja. The Deb Raja is elected by the council, and is the nominee of the strongest existing political power. The people of the country are industrious, oppressed, and poor. Nothing they have is their own, their property being always subject to confiscation. "Might is right" is said to be the whole and sole law and custom. The people profess Buddhism, but their worship consists chiefly in the propitiation of evil spirits and the mechanical utterance of a few sacred sentences. Trade relations are with Tibet, rather than with India. There are no known Christian Missions.

BURMA is a province of the Indian Empire, lying to the east of the Bay of Bengal. Its extreme length is about 1200 m., and its greatest width is 575 miles, with an estimated area of 238,738 sq. miles. The total population of Burma in 1901 was 10,490,624. The Burmese have a gay and lively disposition, and have been called "the Irish of the East." The children are said to be adored by their parents, and have been described as the happiest and merriest children in the world. The cultivation of the land is by far the most important industry, and in 1901 but 9.4% of the people were classed as urban. Rice and timber are their chief exports.

It was in Burma that Adoniram Judson began his labors in 1813, and to-day the American Baptist Missionary Society has a total of 217 workers there. In all, there are 13 societies working in Burma, maintaining 356 workers and 73 stations. There is one brother connected with "Brethren."

SIAM is an independent kingdom of the Indo-Chinese peninsula, with an area of about 220,000 sq. miles. In 1909 the population was about 6,230,000, about half of whom were Siamese. Bangkok, the capital, had a population of 650,000, of whom one third were Chinese. The Siamese are said to be patient, submissive to authority, kind, and hospitable to strangers. They are able and intelligent cultivators of the soil, but the industries and trades of the country are in the hands of the Chinese. Rice is the chief crop, and it, with fish, forms the staple food. Slavery, once common, has been abolished. There is no such thing as caste, and low birth is not an insuperable barrier to the attainment of the highest dignities. In Central Siam canals are used for roads.

The first missionaries in the country were Presbyterians from the U. S., who went there in 1840. This denomination now supports 91 of the 102 workers in Siam, and maintains several schools and hospitals. Four of the remaining eleven workers are Seventh-day Adventists.

The countries here referred to are comparatively little known, and perhaps less thought of in connection with the gospel. May not this vast area constitute a challenge form the Lord, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" (Isa. 6:8). May we have the willingness of the prophet to answer, "Here an I; send me."

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