BAPTIST ASSEMBLY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21182, 1 November 1938, Page 9

BAPTIST ASSEMBLY

Work in Mission Field Encouraging Progress Special to “ The Timaru Herald." WELLINGTON, October 31. The Baptist Assembly devoted the whole of Friday to missionary affairs. Described by the president as a “Veritable Romance,” reports both of finance at home, and work in India were very encouraging. Revenue from every source had increased. The credit balance of £125 was voted towards a motor-car for Tripura State. Increased work in that State was especially pleasing, Since its Inception three years ago little Christian communities totalling 300 had been gathered together In 16 villages, baptisms there numbering 70 for the year. The work of Hospital, Women’s Home, Schools, itineration in Brahmanbaria and Chandpur was both encouraging and disappointing. Barriers of illiteracy, economic conditions, ignorance, superstition all retarded work. Important references were made to future missionary policy by Dr. Chas. North, who urged that no drastic reduction in institutional work be made in favour of itineration extension; the work of Hospital, Dispensary and Women’s Home should not be touched. Miss E. Beckingsale a former missionary, pointed out* that institutional work was essentially evangelistic. Missionaries Just returned, Rev. B. N. Ede and Miss E. Coad, were enthusiastically welcomed, and greetings were sent to European and Indian workers in India. Reports were presented from B.W.M.U. (Miss H. Rive), Ropeholder (Miss E. Beckingsale) and Missionary Box Department. Result of Elections Elections resulted: Missionary Council, Dr. A. Hodge, Dr. C. North, Revs. S. Jenkin, J. Ings, E. N. Goring, F. A. Parry, J. Takle, G. C. Reay, Mrs A. Ansfice, Miss E. Beckingsale, Messrs S. Barty, H. H. Driver; missionary preacher, Rev C. B. Boggis; missionary editor, Rev. S. Jenkin; missionary box organiser. Rev. D. W. Batts. A rug made by Mrs Hart of Richmond, Nelson, whose 100th borthday would shortlj take place, was displayed at Assembly and purchased to assist Missionary funds. On the motion of Mr W. J. Bardsley a committee was set up to consider some mode of systematic giving to all missionary and Baptist Union Funds. The Budget for the following year provided for a balanced income and expenditure of £8245. Missionary Rally At the missionary rally on Friday evening, Miss Eunice Ogilvie who returns to India next week, and whose visitation work to churches during the last year has been much appreciated, spoke of the need for continued zeal, not only in the encouraging Tripura State, but also in more difficult Brahmanbaria and Chandpur. Miss Eileen Coad, newly returned from India on her first furlough, told of the lessons and blessings of her first four years. The president spoke the Assembly's farewell bjth to Miss Ogilvie and to Miss A. Reece, who goes to India for the first time. A picture of the new mission motorboat, presented by the Y.M.B.C. Union, was presented to Rev. 3. N. Ede by Mr H. A. Harris.