AFRICA
We are glad to have the following interesting account of a three weeks' journey, taken by our brother Robert Deans. We would request the prayers of the Lord's people for blessing upon the seed sown during our brother's trip.
On January 29th, accompanied by two Pygmies and seven of the Babila tribe, I started out on a safari into the forest, intending (D.V.) to stay out as long as our food lasted. Our desire was to "preach the gospel to every creature." The first day we reached the Ituri river, 25 miles from here. We came upon a fishermen's village, finding some of our own natives were there visiting. We held three services at this place, and had the joy of knowing the good seed was planted. May it bring forth fruit for His glory.
Crossing the river in the early morning in a native "dug-out" we started into the jungle, a Pigmy leading the way. Here we must keep our eyes on the path, or we are sure to be tripped up, for there are fallen trees here, there, and everywhere. Late hi the afternoon we reached a Balesi village. This tribe was the last to give up cannibalistic habits. At this village an old man sat with his stalwart sons around him. What a history he could give, this old cannibal, if he would! , What a joy it is to know we have a Saviour who "came to seek and to save that which was lost." This poor cannibal is no exception, so we preached unto him, his sons and their wives, the gospel of God's grace to sinners.
Resting here overnight we made arrangements before retiring for a kiongosi (guide), as our Pygmies did not know this part of the forest, for we were about 55 miles away from Lolwa. One of the cannibal's sons said he would lead us to the next village, adding, "Ye iko mbali sana" (It is very far). Starting out at dawn we reached the village at 5 p.m. We were convinced that everything he said about the long distance was true. It seemed as if we had walked 50 miles. Utterly exhausted it certainly felt good to stretch out on the cot. At this village, which is built alongside the Beni road, a good work is being carried on by a native teacher from Mooga, where the late Apollo labored so faithfully. For about 30 miles along this road "Apollo boys," the name by which they are generally known, are holding forth-so far as I could see-a good gospel testimony. We stayed at this village all the next day, holding two services, one in the chapel and one in the open. Our Pygmies now desired to turn back home. When I asked them the reason why, they said they were afraid of the white man's road, and as they overheard me say I intended, D.V., to travel S. W., and then direct west to Mambasa, they .were sure we would either be lost or killed. Comforting them with the words, "If the Lord spare us I will bring you back to your village in safety," they agreed to come. They are now looked upon as great men by their fellow-Pygmies who had given them up for dead. I learned with the Pygmies that the white man's road is all very well for automobiles but very hard to walk on, as I arrived with blistered feet at Oicha. Leaving there we started direct west for Mambasa, soon reaching the old slave trail, which is a little broader than the average native path. Hurrying a little ahead with two Pygmies, we rested at a clearing where there was a Pigmy hut until the others should arrive. Noticing the boy appeared startled as he looked in the direction of the jungle, we also looked in that direction and saw fourteen Pygmies with gleaming spears poised, ready to strike. They were after a wild animal. It was a splendid but scary sight. Shaking hands with them all, I asked if they would sit down for a moment, and I would tell them the best story man has ever heard. They readily consented, and it was with delight we pointed them to Him who has made atonement for all men, redeeming all who believe. The look of earnestness on their faces as they were told of God's love in sending His beloved Son to die for us was very precious to behold. Oh, that we may see some Pygmies meeting our Beloved when He comes for us to the air! Asking if they could now go, and being answered in the affirmative, they darted off after their animal. We now forged ahead as fast as we could, as we had a long way to go, and quite a few rivers to cross, before reaching the village Mupanga where we camped for the night. This village has a Roman Catholic teacher; we were therefore looked at with suspicion while we preached the gospel. Leaving at dawn we arrived at a village called Mipolongo, where we were welcomed and where we preached the gospel. It is very sad, however, how little interest some give to the message of the cross.
Journeying along old slave trails one cannot but think of the misery borne by thousands because of the sordid desire for ease and gain in the hearts of their white brothers. What a story the trees along these parts could tell if they could but speak! "The Lord of Sabaoth" does not forget those things.
Arriving at a place called Sengula (the gold mine district), we preached the gospel to the workmen and their families, and the next day arrived at Mambasa, where we were entertained by Dr. and Mrs. Woodhams. We stayed here overnight, setting out early in the morning for home, where we arrived on Friday, Feb. 16, having been away almost three weeks. We do thank and praise Him, our Lord, for His grace and kindness to us.
Our brother Searle writes as follows:
Our little Thomas has been quite sick for some weeks, but now is better, although thin and with a scant appetite.
I took a trip through to Mboga two days from here, for the purpose of seeing the work of the Lord through His servants there. Apollo Kivebulaya, a man of God, a great native evangelist and shepherd of the flock who was there, has passed on to his rest. Upon being asked before he died whom he would leave with those that remained for the purpose of carrying on the work, he replied, "I leave with you God!" God has indeed blessed the labors of His servant, and now there are hundreds of converts and 50 or 60 village Gospel schools. In the beginning of his work, some 30 or 35 years ago, he suffered much persecution and tribulation from the chiefs and people. He was beaten with many stripes, and left for dead, but a woman rescued him from the jungle and nursed him back to health, and he continued his preaching to the amazement of all who thought he had been raised from the dead. On being sent by the chief to burn his hut, the men who were sent said they heard the voice of Apollo's God, telling them not to fire his house, for he was His servant. Apollo was praying, so they took him out of the house which was then burning and brought him to the chief. This chief, who tried to kill him by having him beaten with many stripes, was finally converted on the re-appearance of Apollo, who continued teaching the people and invited the chief to join in listening to the Word. This beloved servant of God is much missed, but his influence Godward will continue-"He being dead yet speaketh."
Now as to news of the work here. Again let me say, it needs very definite believing and faithful prayer. Apparently since our former blessing of about 160 baptisms, the work on the station has suffered some severe set-backs. The enemy has come in like a flood. Souls have been tripped up on all sides, and several have had to be suspended from fellowship with the assembly. It has been a sorrowful process with these, but we do pray and hope in God for their full restoration to Himself, and that they may become stronger in Him than ever before, as with Peter. In spite of this, several others have gone out into the work, occupying for the Lord, and we pray for blessing upon them and their new labors for Him. The school term is now half finished, and we are kept busy both preaching and teaching. Our classes are really to prepare Christian young men and women in such a way as to help them personally, and to make them more efficient in His work to which they are called.
The following extract shows how great is the need for this teaching:
Some professing young women were found at one place who had undergone the piercing of lips and ears recently, and both young men and women had submitted to the filing of teeth, to fulfil native customs. Apprehensive of rites to follow, we gave them the Scriptural position of the holiness of the body, the temple of the Holy Ghost, and, forewarned in this village, we were able to bring this message to believers in other villages who were as yet unmarred.
CHINA
Our brother E. J. Tharp writes from Manchoukuo:
We thank the Lord for bringing us back to this land of opportunities and difficulties. It is wonderful how the Japanese have opened up communications in the short time they have been in occupation, and we are endeavoring to make the most of these improvements, in getting around to the markets with the gospel car. We find, however, that the easy mode of traveling is bringing undesirable heresy propagators into the district. Seventh-Day Adventists are here, and are using underhand and base methods to carry on their work. They have plenty of money at their disposal, and they use it freely in enticing believers under discipline to become their leaders. They never go out and make known the gospel, but find out the dwelling-places of the Christians and creep into their homes, and thus try to lead them astray. We thank God that thus far none of the Lord's children in our city and surrounding villages have yielded to their enticements. There is a marked interest hi the gospel on the part of the people everywhere, and we can truly say with Paul, "A great door and effectual is opened," but we can also add, "There are many adversaries." However, with your prayerful co-operation, we shall triumph through our Lord and Saviour, and we believe there will be a great ingathering of souls all through this province.
The people have suffered much for many years, and are now appreciating the freedom from brigands and robbers as well as from the incessant demands of the Chinese militarists. Then, in addition to this, they have been relieved of excessive taxation. Food is not so dear either, so with grateful minds many of the people are seeking a place of rest for their souls, for they are beginning to realize the impotency of their idols as they have never done before. The new rulers are most strict and exacting in many ways, and we find it a little difficult to accommodate ourselves to their demands, but are very thankful that no restrictions of any nature have been put upon us in making known the gospel or in carrying on the Lord's work.
Also from our brother Foggin we have the following:
The last time I wrote, as far as I remember, was from Pingliang while I was waiting for a bus. I got to Lan-chow in three-and-a-half days from Pingliang, and was warmly received by friends there, staying over the Chinese New Year. Then I went on to Pingfang for three days, stopping with a young brother in the Lord. We had a good time together, and a profitable one, I think. Getting back my old horse I started off for Kanchow, arriving here after nine days' riding. I was quite thrilled with the expectation, and now I am here feel quite satisfied. I have been trying to get premises, but so far have found it very difficult.
I have long thought of Tibetan work, which is far more needed than Chinese, although there is much need here too. I would like to take up that work, but I am single-handed, and realize the difficulty of learning a new language. This makes me hesitate, but if brother I– feels called to that work, maybe we could go into it together. I have already mentioned it to him.
The following request for prayer is fr&m Miss Holcomb, laboring amongst the Indians in New Mexico:
The new administrator is bringing in many innovations, causing much concern to the missionaries. Will you not urge the Lord's people to pray earnestly that, if it please God, this man's plans may be brought to naught, and the gospel not be hindered on the different reservations till our Lord calls us home?
From China a missionary writes as follows:
The menace of Rome has come to be a live problem with us. There are some 25 priests and a number of nuns now working throughout our field. Most imposing structures are being erected in a number of centers. The Chinese are naturally much impressed with this show of wealth and power. Our people are not being drawn away from us through teaching of the Word of God, but by offers of temporal gain.