MISSIONARY WORK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 16

MISSIONARY WORK

DISCUSSION OF METHODS BAPTIST ASSEMBLY VIEWS INSTITUTIONS OR PREACHING [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday The question of whether missionary work should be conducted through institutions, such as hospitals, homes and schools, or whether the available fund should be applied principally to actual preaching, was discussed by the New Zealand Baptist Assembly in Wellington to-day. "Our field committee, in common with the workers of other societies throughout India, has been earnestly considering missionary policy in the light of thfe changing conditions of life in the country," stated the annual report of the Baptist Missionary Society. "The Government, for example, is greatly extending educational facilities and is encouraging many forms of welfaro work, including medical benefits. Closing of Mission School "A conviotion shared by all missionary leaders throughout India is that supreme emphasis must be placed or. the presentation of the Gospel as a message of reconciliation with God. Institutional work should be subordinated and made contributory, to this end. It is recognised, however, that educational, medical and social services may become instruments of the Gospel of salvation. "Two changes have been endorsed by your council. The first involves the closing of the mission compound school at Chandpur. By so doing the expenditure saved will contribute largely toward the maintenance of work in Tripura State. The other change affects several of the inmates of the widows' home at Brahamanbaria. These have come from other missions and are to be returned to their respective districts." Dr. Charles North, a former missionary, protested against any curtailment of institutional work. He said the best way to the hearts of people was through good works. Miss E. Beckinsale, also a former missionary, supported him, and other delegates concurred in the view that the society should vbe very careful about abolishing any institutional work.

The report was adopted. Appointment of Oouncil Missionary day was observed by the Assembly to-day. Three missionaries at present on furlough from East Bengal, the Rev. B. N. Eade, and Misses Eunice Ogilyie and Eileen Coad, were welcomed by the president, Mr. F. W. Horner.

The following missionary council for the ensuing year was elected:—Dr. A. Hodge (Auckland), Dr. C. North (Dunedin). Rev. S. Jenkins (New Plymouth), Mrs t A. Anstice (Christchurch), Rev. J. Ings (Napier), Rev. E. N. Goring (Invercargill), Rev. F. A. Parrv .(Greymouth), Miss E. Beckinsale (thinedin), Mr. S. Barry (Auckland), Rev; J. Takle (Wellington), Rev. G. C. Reav (Hamilton), and Mr. H. H. Driver (Auckland). The following are members of the council exofficio: —Mr. F. W. Horner (Hawera), Rev. W. P. Lascelles, Rev. L. A. North, Rev.W. S. Rollings (Wellington), Mrs. E." N. Goring (Invercargill), Misses H M. Rice and N. Wilkinson (Auckland). In the missionary budget, which was adopted after lengthy discussion, receipts were estimated at £8245 and payments at £7849. The annual Assembly tea was held at the conclusion of the afternoon session and in the evening a missionary meeting was held at which addresses on missionary work in the field were given by Miss Ogilvie and Miss Coad.