AFRICA
We quote the following extract from Dr. Woodham's letter, dated July 8th, 1929:
We have had the Lord's table at Nyangkundi with the natives for some time, and they have been happy occasions. Quite a number gather including native sisters. Last Sunday, here (Mambassa), there were five natives with those of us who came from Nyangkundi. Much sin has come to light since we started the Lord's table and, in all cases but one, been judged, so communion restored. If this is contrary to "white nature" it is far more so to native nature-admitting and judging sin, I mean. But it is according to God and our new nature. "He that is born from above does not practice sin," and if such a one does sin he is to confess it-how simple and how within reach this is!
Before I forget, I want to express our gratitude for the generous ministry that has been coming in lately. It surely came at a time needed, and was ordered of our Lord who knew the additional expenses we would be under here. We have not had to hold back for lack of funds I am glad to say, but have been able to go ahead. For this we thank our faithful God, and look to the same One that we may have grace to continue looking to Him who never fails.
You ask in one letter about precautions against fire. I suppose you refer to the forest. There never is danger of a forest fire here for there is always so much dampness, and rain is so abundant. I often wondered about this same matter, but am told that in the tropics forest fires do not occur, and from what I see I can corroborate this. I wish they would burn more easily, for even after months I have not yet been able to get the great piles of logs and fallen trees burned from our little clearing. As to our house we are safer here from fire than we have ever been, for we use leaves for the roof instead of grass, and these burn very slowly, if at all.
The children have a fine time here. To-day the trees within seventy-five feet of our back door were full of monkeys, all sizes and ages, to the great delight of the children, especially John, whose eyes showed his feelings.
CHINA
An extract from a letter from brother Kautto will give some idea of the difficulties of travel in China (Isa. 40:31).
Last Monday evening we started back from the out-station at Shuang-shan-tze where we had been for two weeks. As it is very hot during the day, we prefer to travel at night, whenever possible. Arriving about halfway we tried to rest a little during the darkest part of the night, but as the inn was hot and infested by insects we thought it wiser to stay out-doors, and my wife tried to sleep in the cart and I on the cart shafts. Needless to say, there was not much sleep. The following morning we had gone only a little way (it was about 4 A.M.) when about a mile from the inn, on a steep grade and a bad narrow road, the cart axle scraped a stone wall and broke in two. We were some seventeen miles from home with no way to fix the axle, so sent a man to Taitowying, where he hired a cart to haul us home. The cart came about 7 P.M. so we put the broken cart on the other cart, piled ourselves on top of that and arrived home the following morning about 1 A.M. It is needless to mention how we valued a bed when we finally rolled in after being on our way for 33 hours, covering a distance of 33 miles!
JAPAN
Brother Craig sends the following extract from a letter received by him. This should remind us afresh of the unsettled conditions prevailing in Manchuria and Northern China, and the need for prayer on behalf of missionaries and native Christians in those parts.
Brother Totsuka has lately returned safely from his long gospel journey. He had opportunity for good testimony in Kiushu (Japan), Korea and in Northern China amongst the Japanese. In many churches he had opportunity to speak, using brother Booth's chart in Japanese. He has a large copy of this, and was able to sell altogether about 100 of the small size with key. From brother Totsuka's account of his journey, we believe, more than ever, that the end of the age is near. For example, in the crowded city of Mukden, Manchuria, Northern China, the bodies of slaughtered people lay on all sides, and the heads of criminals were exposed hanging from telegraph poles and police station boards. This reminded him of the conditions in Tokyo after the dreadful earthquake fire of 1923. This presumably is a consequence of the war conditions there.
COSTA RICA
We are glad to know from our brother Lamorue that he is in much better health and is able to travel again. He says:-
I am feeling quite a little better as to health. Tomorrow, D.V., I am going to Sequires for a few days, trusting I will be given strength of our God and Father to proclaim the good news to both English and Spanish. For two or three years I have been going down the line one week each month to preach the Word, but this will be my first trip this year. In many small places they have no preaching, or (worse) Catholic or Episcopal. The people seem much to appreciate the truths we know. Eating and sleeping conditions are rough, but the joy otherwise overcomes all. In the lower country in nearly all places there are many who appreciate the Word, but here the heathen priest-ridden condition is pretty hard. Still it is our privilege and business to sow the seed, Luke 8:11; Mark 16:15. Soon the day of grace and privilege will end, then glory forever with HIM. What a hope is ours!
Yours affectionately in Him.
D. Lamorue.
SPAIN
Brother Monttlau writes:
We expect, D.V., to sail on August 21st for Argentina. We have experienced the protection and loving care of our Heavenly Father during the two years of our stay in Spain, for which we praise Him and also for precious souls who have confessed His Name. We are conscious we are answering a Macedonian cry, and that the Lord has opened the way for us to go to Argentina, although we were not ready to go at first. While we wait for our Lord, we trust He will give us strength and wisdom to serve Him there.
Our address will be Mitre 1721, Lanus, F.C.S., Buenos Aires, Argentina, S. A.
BRAZIL
J. P. Ribeiro writes of much encouragement in an extended journey begun on June 2nd to Parahyba, and which he hopes (D.V.) to continue to Rio de Janeiro, S. Paulo and Minas Geraes, not reaching his home at Parintins till the end of the year.
Our brother Robert Deans, his wife, son and two younger children arrived in New York the end of August, en route to the Belgian Congo to join Dr. Woodhams, and expect to sail Sept. 14th.
INDIAN WORK
Brother J. P. Anderson writes as follows:Have just come back from the conference held at Flagstaff, where the Indian missionaries from all the south-west gather each year for twelve days, and where our brethren have been privileged to minister the Word each year for many years. We meet many Christian Indians, and they are a great help to us, for we see what the grace of God can do for these old men and women steeped in sin and superstition. It is a great encouragement and now we are back for another year's work, and are anxious to meet the new children who will be coming in next week.
Brother Dresch is here at present and will help us put , up the Hall at Peach Springs. Our sister Miss Hose Olson will have full charge of the Sunday School and work at the Gospel Hall at Kingman, living in the building herself. We are thankful for this as we could not keep up that work for the white people with all we have to do here and among the Indians. Pray for us all out here in the desert.
FURLOUGH FUND
A very generous response has been made to an appeal for the above fund, sufficient having come to hand to enable Miss Wilson and Miss DeJonge to return to this country for a furlough. May the Lord give our sisters wisdom in this matter, and guide them as to the arrangements for the carrying on of the work which they will have to leave and also for the journey home.
MONTHLY MISSIONARY MEETING
The monthly missionary meeting, usually held in Gospel Truth Hall, 357 Morris Ave., Elizabeth, N. J., will be resumed, D.V., on Monday, Sept. 9th, at 8 P. M. Tea will be served at 6:30 for all who can attend.
"IN THE BEGINNING GOD"