RUSSIA

In connection with the mention of Russia in our last issue the following has just come to hand from a brother who is in touch with believers in that country:

I spend a_ good deal of time in visiting the countries adjoining Soviet Russia and am in touch with many Russian believers both within and outside that country. I have just returned from a journey chiefly in Poland, which took me to the borders of Russia.

There is much need for prayer that our brethren in Russia may be preserved in the crushing persecution to which they are now subjected, and that the testimony of Jesus Christ in that country may not be destroyed.

In the earlier pages of this number will be found a stirring account of how a faithful witness was used in bringing souls to Christ.

HARBOR WORK-Port of New York

Work among the seamen in this port goes forward with everything to cheer us. The Lord has not forsaken, even though the times are difficult, and so long as the day of grace continues and souls that are anxious will listen we must witness for Him to them.

The time of depression and its consequent distress all over the world has given many of the lads on ships cause for sober thought. There is a growing feeling amongst almost everyone we meet that something ominous is coming on this world. This affords excellent opportunity to show men from the Word (and we cannot number the many we have spoken to) just what will take place. There is nothing that can take the place of a simple reading of Scripture verses to those who are groping for light, and we bless God for the attention so many seamen exhibit, especially those from the British Isles, where a good substantial Bible background has not altogether lost its influence.

I found a young steward on a trans-Atlantic passenger ship a few months ago recuperating from an infected finger. The vessel was due to leave within an hour, but I sat down and talked to him about the Lord. When I finished he showed much concern and said, "Please come again; we chaps down here in the 'glory hole' do not ever have a chance to hear these things. Thank you for your visit."

On a Dutch steamer plying between here and the Dutch East Indies I met a very earnest Christian sailor, a middle-aged man, who because he had lived in New York for some years was able to speak English fluently. He certainly had a hard time of it, for he was out and out for the Lord, and much to my surprise I found that almost every member of this crew (all Hollanders) were bitterly opposed to him and his faith. Several times I visited this dear man and I can thank God these visits proved a real encouragement to him. As a rule, Dutch people are friendly to the gospel. These were not.

I have recently met a very sincere French missionary who labors among the French seamen in this port. Whenever a French vessel comes in he boards her, and so often has he done this that he is known to almost every member of the crews, at least of the vessels that come and go regularly. I had him on a Belgian ship in Brooklyn with me. We were much stirred to hear him testify to the Chief Steward, a Belgian infidel, though an exceedingly polite fellow. Several members of the catering department, together with some officers, listened to the conversation, and from what I could gather myself (I do not speak French) I know he told out the glad tidings with no uncertain sound. A goodly supply of calendars in French to these men always makes a point of contact.

The members of the LIFE-LINE GOSPEL MISSION in Brooklyn have very heartily co-operated with us in taking care of seamen who are willing to go to a Mission. Where men can understand English I invite them to spend an evening at this Mission (it is always open) and as we promise a ditty-bag to every one who attends the men go in good numbers. Mr. Chapman, the leader, a devoted Christian, has done everything he can to make the lads welcome, and I am happy to report some definite conversions as the result of hearing the Word at this place. To Him be all the praise! -R. A. west.

BRAZIL

Our brother J. P. Ribeiro departed to be with Christ on March 7th at his home in Parintins. Word was received, just after our last issue went to press, from his brother-in-law, Jose Penna, at Parahyba, who had a wire giving no details. Confirmation was received from a son of our brother Ribeiro, but written in Portuguese, which we cannot translate.

As reported in the Feb. No. our brother had undertaken a gospel tour into the interior. He was taken ill and had to return home. He leaves a sick widow and six children, the oldest a girl of 14 years. Our hearts go out to them in their sorrow and bereavement.

BARBADOS

From our brother J. B. Hoze also comes sorrowful tidings. His daughter Consuelo, who has been her father's constant companion from childhood, was taken from him quite suddenly by consumption, leaving two young children. Her end was bright and happy, giving our brother cheer in his sorrow. Let us be much in prayer for him.

The Missionary Prayer Meeting in Elizabeth that would have been held on the 4th inst. has been postponed to Monday the 25th, as a farewell meeting to our brother Dr. Woodhams and family, with Miss Dejonge and Miss Creighton, who will, D. V., sail by the "Aquitania" at midnight, May 27th.