CHINA INLAND MISSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 16 April 1929, Page 2

CHINA INLAND MISSION

ADDRESS BY REV. IT. S. CONWAY - - S ;; Last evening an address on China and the work of the China Inland Alission was given to a very interested gathering in the library of the Alarsden Church Hall, by the Rev. 11. S. Conway the Dominion representative of the Alission. The political situation was described clearly and it was shown that the recent civil war was an attempt on the part of Young China, to throw off foreign influences and establish a stable government of its own. In the course of the disturbance unscrupulous leaders had seized the opportunity to advance their own ends at the expense of the country, which had protracted the issue and confused the position in Hie eyes of the outside world. Largely through the influence ;ind efforts of Marshal Feng, the position had now been righted, and the present controlling Government was composed of able men who were working in the best interests of China. Of the present ministry no, less than three were Christian, and were desirous of helping on Christian work in China. The China Inland Alission had some 260 slat ions in fhe land, but even so they were able to reach very few of the 400,000.000 of the population. In New Zealand Hie population was about 3 per square mile, in [lie district in China in which Mr Conway hacl worked it was 520 per square mile, which gave some idea of Hie density of the population. There was to-day a great desire for enlightenment among the Chinese, and an unparalleled opportunity presented itself for Christian work and missionary effort.

The speaker made a powerful appeal to those at home to consider their responsibility in helping on the Gospel work among the Chinese, mid mentioned the fact that his eldest daughter had recently returned to China as a missionary. feeling that she had boon entrusted by God with the Gospel, and that it was her privilege and responsibility to carry it to those who were still in darkness. The Mission had looked to God alone for its guidance and support, and some marvellous instances were punted of Hi; never failing help and direction.