CEYLON AND INDIA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19377, 15 July 1937, Page 3

CEYLON AND INDIA

MISSIONARY’S ADDRESS fIRAPHTC STORIES TOLD Despite the inclement weather, there was a large attendance at the Church of Christ last evening, when Mr. D. Neilson, of the Ceylon and India General Mission, delivered an address on missionary work. The gathering was presided over by Pastor L. R. Usmar, who briefly introduced the visitor.

The missionary spoke of the work amongst the Mohammedans, with which he had been associated during his residence in Mysore. To give his hearers some idea of the difficult language the missionaries had to learn, Mr. Neilson read a portion of the 23rd Psalm from the Urdu Bible. In connection with that translation the speaker paid a tribute to the woik ot the British and Foreign Bible Society, as a result of whose efforts missionaries were able to sell a costly pioduction at a purely nominal figure. The lecturer explained that the mission he represented was founded in 1892 as a result of a definite cal! from God. Workers were first stationed in Ceylon, but about two years latei the mission was extended to Southern India. By graphic stories the lecturer was able to portray a clear impression ol the customs and life of the people, as well as the difficulties the missionaries had to face and the encouragement they received in their work. He Referred to the large part mysticism plaved in the religious practices of the' people. The speaker declared that whereas Buddhism, Hinduism, and Mohammedism were founded on great ideals and represented a high philosophy of life, they lacked _ the essential power for overcoming sin. Mr Neilson concluded his address by reminding his audience of the responsibility of Christians in the Homeland supporting the workers on the field by prayer. . „ An interesting film depictm„ scenes from the territory served by the Ceylon and India General Mission was screened by Mr. Neilson. a considerable portion of the pictures being in natural colour.