Dear brothers in Christ:-

I have enjoyed the blessings accorded to all who read Help and Food; it has been all to me that the name implies. I have been much taken with the reports on the Foreign Work, and am quite sure it is a much needed department, giving the names and addresses of those who have been willing to forsake all and to go where the Lord desired them to be used to set up a testimony to His blessed Name. When once the soul has learned its own sin, and the love of God in providing a full salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, it fills the heart with the desire to go and tell it to others. I am quite sure that in order to adequately decide where the Lord would have one to go, one ought to have some idea of what work has been done by others in the various parts of the world. I believe too that those left here in the homeland should enjoy having fellowship with the Lord in making it possible for one to give full time and service in telling out the glad news, by knowing where the various laborers have gone. I think having a committee of brothers who are willing to attend to the correspondence between the laborers abroad and the assemblies at home a good thing when properly understood and that it will be a blessing to all.

I have spent much time in such places as Alaska, Panama, Mexican waters and Japan, and I can see how important it is that all funds be distributed as the Lord may direct, so that there may be no lack among those abroad. This seems an orderly way to conduct this most precious business.

Often those just launching out in the Lord's work may not be known outside a little circle of friends. We know the Lord will supply their needs if you and I are willing to serve in the capacity He has made possible, by sharing what He has given to us with those whose whole time is given to His service.

What you write about the Harbor work among seamen is of special interest as I have gone to sea for several years in the U. S. Navy. The Lord seems to have opened many hearts to hear the Word through me, from time to time. Our dear brother Raabe has been most faithful and untiring in his efforts to lead precious souls to the Lord among those on the ships which put into San Diego Harbor. Yours in the hope of His soon return,

Frank J. Thompson.

The above correspondence, adapted from an interesting letter, is inserted as showing the place which can be filled by such a Department as we are seeking to conduct, as an intermediary between the assemblies and the workers in the Foreign Field. We must be most careful not to usurp the place which the Holy Spirit alone can fill, and not to divert the attention of the laborers from the bountiful Lord of the harvest to those who at most can be only channels for His care to reach His beloved servants. It is earnestly hoped that the assemblies will make all use of this way of reaching those of whom naturally they could know but little. And this need not in the least check the intercourse in correspondence between them and workers in the field.

Foreign Work Meetings
At the San Diego Conference an hour was devoted to hearing accounts of the Lord's work among foreigners. The labors of brethren among the Indians in Arizona and New Mexico were described, as well as the needs in the Province of Quebec among the large numbers of French Catholics there. These latter willingly receive copies of the French Testament, or Gospels, as put forth with the approval of the Church authorities. Large numbers of these have been distributed. An opportunity was given for those desiring to have fellowship with the work in the Foreign Field to contribute, and quite a large sum was given, which will be distributed as the Lord may direct. Such a feature might well form part of all our conferences, without resorting to any unscriptural methods.

An interesting work among Italian fishermen along the California coast invites our prayerful interest. There is a settlement of these foreigners at Monterey, who devote much of their time to fishing in the ocean along the coast. In the providence of God our brother Raabe met one of these men on a vessel in the harbor, and was eagerly invited to accompany him out to where the fishing fleet were at work. This he did, and the dear Italians gladly came to one of the vessels where our brother was, and drank in the Word of life. Quite a number of these men are believers, and their joy at finding one who can help and lead them on is great. It is hoped that there will be much fruit from this intercourse, which has been continued by correspondence, and that the Lord may open up a testimony to His truth among these men of Italy.

Foreign Workers at Home

Our brother Malcolm L. Gross and family who recently came from Nigeria, Africa, are spending their furlough at Philadelphia, near relations and friends, and in the enjoyment of fellowship with the various assemblies in those parts. It is hoped that our brother may be able to get about among the gatherings a little later to give accounts of the work in which he has been engaged. On the completion of his furlough, he expects, if the Lord please, to unite forces with the Woodhams party in the Eastern Congo, where a vast field of labor invites them. We trust the entire family will be greatly refreshed in every way, and invigorated for a renewed period of service in the needy land of Equatorial Africa.

Our sister, Miss Marie DeVries of Detroit, who has offered herself for the Lord's work in Africa, is waiting till He gives the word for her to go. Meanwhile she continues to teach in the High School, where there is a good opening for the gospel among the students, a good many of whom attend her Bible Class. It is hoped that our sister may be able to leave for her field of labor during the present year.

Baka Mbule, Congo Beige. My dear brother in the Lord:August 20th, 1926.

We are often reminded of our dear girlie whom we had to leave behind us at Antwerp. The loss left a blank which has never healed, but it is always a comfort to remember that the Lord who loves all His lambs took her to Himself because He wanted her. Our second child, Mary, is a great joy to us. She is 21 months old today. We are very much distressed about the lack of workers. As you know Mr. Westcott was invalided home, as also Miss Desborough. Mr. Moyes and Mr. Amies are both away on furlough. Mr. Nixon and Miss Chalmers must go as soon as Mr. and Mrs. Wilson return to the field. Every station is understaffed. Here at Baka Mbule we have a big school of boys who live on the premises and have to be catered for as well as housed and clothed. A family of orphans demands constant care. Pharmacy and hospital work is a big item. Schoolwork too requires a good deal of time and thought. Out-school work would keep a man going were he available. There are about 110 schools in many of which are two teachers. Were we numerous enough to properly supervise the work the number of out-schools could very easily be doubled There is a very ready ear for the gospel and splendid opportunity for work amongst young Christians, but alas, the workers are not available. Regions beyond the territory already occupied appeal to us by their need and we would fain branch out and extend our coasts, but we cannot move. What are the young men and women in the homelands doing? Perhaps they do not realize the need for workers. We appeal to them to come over and help us. We cannot continue indefinitely to work over strained as we are doing, so if our prospective helpers delay much longer in coming out they will find that their first job will be to bury the old veterans who by reason of overwork and strain have become old before they are young! We had the joy of baptizing 52 young lads a fortnight ago. All of them have been taught to read, and many of them are employed as teachers in the village schools.

A sad incident occurred here this month. An explosion of gunpowder took place in a leaf-hut in which seven young people were sleeping. They were all badly burned. Miss Chalmers went to dress the wounds, and bring the patients here. This involved a four days' journey. She found that one of the victims had already died, a second died while she was there; a third on the way to the Mission, and three others have died here, so that out of the seven only one remains. She is a little orphan girl. She was crying the other day when we were dressing her sores and her old Granny who has come with her said, "Don't cry; orphans never die." I think she will recover as she was not as badly burned as the others. For the others recovery was impossible. There are many sights which make our hearts bleed as we move about amongst these people. So many orphan children we would like to take and care for. We know, in spite of what the old woman says, they will die from sheer neglect and starvation, but we positively dare not take any more. It is futile to attempt the impossible.

We find the meetings encouraging. An exposition of the Word is given morning by morning. Monday evening we have a Bible address on Romans. Wednesday evening, an address by one of the native Christians. Saturday evening, the prayer meeting. Lord's day is a full one. There are three meetings in the morning, and in the afternoon a visit to one of the villages, where a gospel meeting is held in the open air. I write to you freely as a friend interested in all our doings. Our united love in the Lord to you. Yours affectionately in Christ,

Chas. Althorp.

Tonneins, France. Dear brother in Christ:- Nov. 30,1926.

Our brother LeGarrec is in Brittany seeking to arrange for a Gospel Meeting in the main city of the province of Morbihan.

As Rome is very powerful in that part of France, it is not an easy matter to find a building for a meeting:very few indeed will dare to rent their places to such as preach the gospel independently of that Church.

If the Lord opens the way I will probably go to help him. The work entrusted to our care is going on with encouragement; there is much to do for Him and we are thankful that we are thus enabled to serve Him while He tarries.

Some days ago the largest market of the year was held here. With a young brother who is exercised as to going into the Lord's work, we went, gave out over 2,500 tracts, preached the gospel to good companies, and sold some Bibles and Testaments, and gave away some 300 Gospels to those who would care to read the Word. Kindly pray for us. Yours in Him,

Louis J. Germain.

Dear brother in Christ:-

Taitowying, North China. Dec. 16th, 1926. Another year is nearly gone. How thankful we are to the Lord for His faithfulness and goodness. Although there have been oppositions and trials we can see the Lord's leading hand in all, and so all things are for our good and instruction. The Magistrate who was here last summer, and from whom we suffered not a little, has been put out of office and a new Magistrate is in his place. He is friendly with us for he has been in the mission school, and knows the doctrine not a little, his brother being a Christian. Yesterday he came here and I had a long conversation with him. I gave him a New Testament, and some other little books, which he promised to read.

Many of the native brethren are taking courage again, and I am trying to encourage them to have family worship each day, and those that can, teach their wives and children to read the new phonetic scrip so they may read the Word of God for themselves.

Chas. O. Kautto.

Alajuela, Costa Rica. Dear brother:- Dec. 2, 1926.

Two nights a week through the rainy season, as much as possible, we have open air meetings in different parts of the town. Some such trying things as water thrown at us, beating on tin cans, etc., occur, but we have taken things good-naturedly, knowing the poor blind conditions they are in, and yet the best of attention after speaking has commenced. There will surely be a reaping time later on if we continue faithfully sowing the Seed.

Our Sunday School is growing and there is good interest in other meetings. Affectionately in Him,

D. Lamorue.

San Jose, Costa Rica. Dear brother in Christ:- Nov. 26,1926.

We are encouraged by the attendance at the meetings in spite of rains and sickness. C. H. M.'s books, Genesis to Leviticus so far, published in Spanish by brother Crab-tree of Los Angeles, have been a great help:some young brothers have profited greatly and it gives us joy to hear them expound the Scriptures with more intelligence and giving preeminence to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Another matter that has given us joy and for which we praise the Lord is to see how He intervened and delivered a young sister in fellowship from Satan's snare.

May our gracious Lord richly bless you and the saints with you. Sincerely yours by His grace,

B. Montllau.

Para, Brazil.

Dear brother in Christ:- Sept. 8th, 1926. During the last days of July, I sailed on a gospel-trip, which was much blessed of the Lord. He gave me favor with the Boatswain, as I was in the steerage, and he brought along the big electric lamp that I might see enough for reading and singing.

The boat was crowded and a few minutes after I started singing, three from among the passengers came with their Bibles and hymn books. They were believers that I had not known before.

The preaching was attentively heard and those that could read came for one or two tracts after it was over.

The next day it was a treasure to be busy explaining the gospel to a few earnest souls.

While in Manaos, one more family was added to the household of faith, a very bright couple, and two children. It is exceptional to meet with a really earnest soul among the educated class, but in this case, I can testify I have seen one. The wife had no rest until assured of full salvation in Christ, though hearing the gospel for the first time; and her husband, though not equally earnest, professed belief in the Lord. Yours in Christ,

J. P. Ribiero.

Dear brother:-

St. Louis, Mo. Jan. 22,1927.

Just these few lines to advise you that I have made reservations on the steamship "Ceiba" to leave from New Orleans, Jan. 29, if the Lord will, to resume the work in Pereira (Caldas), Colombia, So. America. I feel the need of the prayers of all the Lord's dear people now that I am to return alone and have the responsibility of building a Hall and the living quarters.

I cannot but feel sad and disappointed as I set out alone (Mrs. Poehner and our child are remaining here) and without the hope of meeting dear brother Hernandez and Will Wright at Panama as had been planned.

From letters received from some of the Christians, we learn that they are going on well, though of course, there is no public ministry. They are continuing in happy fellowship and selling some of the Bibles and books which I left in their care.

Through the mercy of God my wife and son are improving in health. With love in our Lord to all,

Yours in Him, W. J. Poehner.

On board S. S. Tuscania. Beloved brother:- Jan., 1927.

We desire to express our united heartfelt appreciation of the fellowship of so many of the Lord's very dear people in our going forth to the dark and needy land of Africa. We do seek a very special interest in the prayers of the saints everywhere. We have greatly valued it in the past, and we will covet them in the future.

With warm love in the Lord to you all, Baka Mbule Yours in the blessed Hope, Via Luzambo, Sankuru, Wm. G. Amies. Congo Beige, Africa.