AFRICA

"And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how He had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).

Dr. and Mrs. Woodhams, with their four children, after crossing the continent by auto and visiting many assemblies, arrived safely at Plainfield, N. J., on Monday, March 9th. They expect to remain there until they sail again for Africa, probably during the latter part of May. The Lord willing, Miss DeJonge will return with them, and it is also expected that Miss Creighton of San Mateo, Calif., will sail at that time.

It will be remembered that the original party sailed from New York on May 2, 1925, and one of the members has given the following brief account of the Lord's dealings with them since they sailed to begin the work:

1925-1926. Party of six adults and three children left New York May 2, 1925. First sorrow while still en route, when Baby Paul Woodhams was taken at Masindi, Uganda, June 28.

Arrival in Congo Beige, July 12. Among the Babira tribe, first station at Nyangkundi, a strong R. C. center. The chief, Biliniama (since that time he has been crowned king of all the Babira, some 30,000) not at all friendly toward the former missionaries at this place. The medical work has proven to be the means to gain an entrance to these people. Nothing in print in the tribal vernacular nor in Kingwana, the trade language of this district. The first thing was to reduce the language to writing,
translate Scripture verses to use at school, while the Gospel was given out at every opportunity. First two years no visible fruits were seen.

1927-1928. After two years first converts openly confessed the Lord, from the Babira tribe. Out-school was also being carried on by our faithful Mikairi, from the Bahema tribe, with blessing upon the work. Also encouraged and greatly helped by the translated portions of . the Scriptures sent out through the good work of Mr. Lowder. Tentative editions of most of the New Testament books have since arrived on the field. Itinerating for extension of work further afield, a site was chosen in Fall of 1928, near Mambasa, in the Ituri forest, 84 miles beyond Nyangkundi.

1929-1930. Beginning of 1929 the clearing of site for the new mission station was begun, and building of mud and wattle houses. Middle of year the Woodhams family moved, and two months later, Miss Wilson and Miss De Jonge followed to help in the work in the forest. The work at Nyangkundi is being carried on by the Searles. In November of this year, 1929, the Deans family came in answer to prayer for a definite number to be thrust forth into these parts. In 1930, the second member from the little party which left New York, May, 1925, was taken from us when Miss Wilson fell asleep in Jesus, Feb. 28th. She has fought a good fight and finished her course. From time to time more natives openly confessed the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, from other tribes as well as from among the Babira, so that now there may be eighty or more Christians at these two places. A native assembly meets both at Nyangkundi and Mambasa to remember the Lord each Lord's Day.
In March, 1930, a new station was opened by brother Bill Deans at Lulua. about 50 miles beyond the first station at Nyangkundi. Out-schools are going on nicely at various places. Among the Walesi tribe where our faithful native brother Mikairi carries on a testimony, three or four^- natives have confessed the Lord during this year.

There is still much land to be possessed, but how few are the laborers! The time is short, and what is to be done for the Lord must-be done quickly. Who will say with Isaiah of old. in response to the voice of the Lord, "Whom shall I send and who will go for Us?" "Here am I:send me?"

"To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Cor. 2:16).

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" (2 Cor. 3:5).

Our brother Bill Deans has had to leave the Lulua station on account of ill-health, but it continues to be occupied by native Christians. Mr. Deans, Senior, will probably settle there after the return of the Woodhams to Mambasa.

Brother Robert Deans writes as follows:

I am sure you will all rejoice to learn how our gracious Lord has heard and answered prayer on Bill's behalf. I can hardly believe my eyes when I see him walking around now. I remember when brother Searle and I took him to Dr. Trout about six months ago, I really thought we would not be able to see him in the body again as he was so terribly weak, but praise God, our Father has raised him up, and although he is only at the stage similar to the man in the Gospels, "seeing men as trees walking," we have every confidence that the same One who made the man perfectly whole will also work in a similar fashion in Bill's case.

Last Friday while building a brick wall here one of the natives by the name of "Mabi" who lives amongst the Bangwanas (that haughty tribe so very hard to reach) said, "Master, I believe in Jesus Christ and wish to take Him as my Saviour." You can understand the joy I felt as I realized how our God was answering the prayers of the many saints at home, and fully believe the "ice" has been broken and that some more will yield to Him- their Redeemer, and ours. I began to test him and found he knew what he was talking about. I asked if he would confess Christ as Saviour at the gospel meeting where many Bangwanas come. He said he would, and yesterday he did after Bill had finished preaching the Word. We are exceedingly grateful to our Lord Jesus.

A woman also at the service said, "I also believe on the Lord Jesus, and would gladly take my stand if my husband would let me." May the Lord give this woman strength to confess before her people even though opposed by her husband.

The building of the hospital is going on apace and will be ready for occupancy on the Doctor's arrival.

SOUTH AMERICA
Brother Monttlau writes:

On the 8th inst., three adults and five boys and girls, about 15 years old, were baptized. The hall and annex were crowded and fine attention was paid to the messages given by two brethren. It gives us joy to see many of the boys and girls in the Sunday School not ashamed of confessing the Lord.

On the 17th we had the privilege of meeting for special seasons, as announced. The afternoon meeting was taken by two brethren, who spoke on consecration to our Lord for the service He expects from us. A large number of young people from other assemblies were present, many standing for lack of seats. We felt the messages were well directed and we received much blessing. From 7:30 to 8:30 we held an open-air meeting right after the last meeting in the hall. An able brother spoke on "The best Treasure," dwelling on the vanity of temporal things and the worth of the human soul, whose redemption cost the Lord Jesus such an infinite price. We praised the Lord for His goodness in stopping the heavy rain just in time, and until the meetings were over and those coming from a distance could reach home before another heavy downpour. This was the first anniversary since the opening of the hall "Bethesda," and we have much to praise the Lord for, feeling at the same time unworthy of His many blessings and tender care. May we fight faithfully for Him, till He come.

CHINA

Our brother Kautto writes as follows:

Upon our arrival at Taitowying we found that all the bandits were driven away from the district, and the soldiers had left also. A few days afterwards we started having special prayer-meetings every evening. These we had for a week, and in connection with the prayer-meeting we studied Ephesians 6:10-19, how to "put on the whole armor of God" in order that "we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." We were praying for a revival in our cold, indifferent hearts, and through us a revival wherever we might be in those with whom we came in contact, as well as for all the Lord's people. I am glad to say the interest increased daily, and each evening there were more and more professing Christians on their knees, many tears being shed and many sins confessed. The following week we had expected to open gospel meetings and we were much in prayer for their success, but on the very first day along came a very cold north wind so that there were few people on the streets. Hardly any came that evening and the interest did not pick up, the main reason, I believe, being that it is now the last month of the Chinese lunar year, and all the Chinese have to have their accounts settled before the new year. All are busy trying to pay and get paid, and be ready to start the new year with a clear page. When we saw that the gospel meetings would not materialize we started Bible study meetings, taking up the book of Romans, and it has been very interesting and instructive. Almost all the professing Christians at Taitowying have become interested in the study which I believe is God's answer to our prayers.

A week ago Monday I left with Mr. Lee for Shuang-Shantze, where I found the village almost unrecognizable, for the flood had done awful havoc there. The bandits were all gone from that vicinity, some having hidden themselves in caves whence the soldiers hunted them out.

The Chinese soldiers are very horrible in their practices. After executing the bandits they cut their chests open, take their hearts out and eat them, thinking by so doing to get boldness to fight. It is estimated that some 500 bandits have lost their lives in the past three months, while only one of the soldiers is reported to have died in action. The Chinese say it is "T'ien e" (heaven's will) that the bandits should die, for their sin is too great.

On Thursday we went to Mutouteng and stayed there over Sunday. Many of those who used to carry arms and were something in their own eyes had been executed; others were taken to Shankaikuan, the county-seat of that county, and there executed, because they were selling arms to bandits. The soldiers were still there, going from one place to another to find law-breakers. The Lord's day I was there was a market-day, yet though there were lots of people at the market, not many came to hear the gospel, for they all seemed to be busy getting their accounts settled, and others were busy buying and selling. But now we have great hopes that the way will be cleared for us to go out that way and preach the gospel, for it seems as though that district will be cleared of outlaws."

RUSSIA

Can help be sent to our suffering brethren in Russia?

The above question has been asked by a brother who writes:

What can be done? What has been done to help such? True, we pray and have prayed, but what can be done for them and how?

For the benefit of any desiring to have fellowship with these brethren in Russia, we would say that it has been ascertained that ministry can be forwarded through reliable brethren in Europe. Owing to the dangerous conditions of life for Christians in Russia no names can be published.