BOARD OF MISSIONS' NOTES.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 6, 1 June 1936, Page 3

BOARD OF MISSIONS' NOTES.

Voluntary Evangelists m Middling. — The following interesting item is from Bishop Holden of Western China (Szechwan): — "I was particularly struck, amongst many other causes for thankfulness, with the work m the Suanhan region where, m spite of the absence of paid workers, a vigorous ministry has for years been exercised by voluntary evangelists, so that there are coming into being strong Christian communities away m the mountains there. Care will need to be exercised lest order and discipline should be lacking, but I am confident that this will be given, especially by means of the training classes for lay readers that are to be carried on there as well as m other parishes. What I saw throughout the long tour filled me with wellgrounded hope that, given stable conditions, the Church will again by God's blessing advance." Concerning the political situation m Mid-China, Bishop Holden adds: — "In general it is perhaps a little more uncertain than was the case when last I wrote. A big body of Communists is moving steadily m a north-westerly direction through Kweichow from Hunan with the obvious intention of joining with the Reds who have been harassing the far west of Szechwan during the last few months. With the continued presence of strong Central Government forces m the Province there is no cause for anxiety, but should the pressure from the neighbouring nation continue to be exercised, the

question arises how much longer naational self-respect will allow China to pursue the policy of compliance. Should any serious clash occur, one unfortunate repercussion might very well be the withdrawal of the Central Government troops to face the foreign foe, and that could have only disastrous results for Szechwan. Earnest prayer therefore is more than ever needed that wisdom may be given to the responsible leaders and that peaceful councils may prevail." What Happens To Converts. — In the April number of the International Review of Missions, Mr. John Elder gives us the result of a questionaire on this point. It is as folows:— "Lost track' of 5 per cent.; relapsed, 15 per cent.; cold but outwardly Christian, 14 per cent; fairly satisfactory, 40 per cent.; most satisfactory, 26. per cent." He adds: "If we combine the first three categories as unsatisfactory and the two last as satisfactory, it apears that about one-third of all those baptised belongs to the first group, and twothirds to the latter. This large leak-» age, while it may to some extent be unavoidable, certainly indicates the need for more careful thought and study of how to conserve results." Concerning the training of "The Enquirer," Mr. Elder writes: — "The most common rule is that there should be one year's interval between, the formal profesion of faith before the Church Committee or Missionary and the candidate's baptism. There is a tendency to lengthen rather than to decrease this interval. There is emphasised the need of giving the convert time to get settled m his new faith and to test him for ulterior motives. As to the instruction given during this period, some of the replies indicate that it is haphazard and casual, some indicate a well-worked-out course of study. One . reports: 'A course of thirty-seven lessons is provided by the mission. This included instruction m the truth of the fall and God's way of redemption based on the historical facts recorded m Genesis and Exodus; also lessons m the Apostles' creed, the ten comttiandments, baptism, the Lord's supper and practical Christian living.' Another reports a course of fifty lessons, ten from the Old Testament?

twenty-five on the life of Christ, fifteen on doctrine and the Sacraments. In some churches the candidate is referred to one particular missionary or church member for this instruction; m others there is a candidates' class. The most intensive seems to be the Indian course where daily instruction is given. In many churches the catechumen is admitted to a Christian meeting or prayer group where he is taught to lead m prayer and make devotional talks. It is here, too, that certain of the Gospels or Epistles are studied, and courses m church history and missions given. In some cases one of the absolute requirements is that he shall confess his faith m Christ to the members of his family m the presence of representatives of the church, and shall announce to them his intention of applying for baptism."

In South America. — In Brazil, m spite of the great Eucharistic Congress and consequent stirring of the dying embers of Romish faith and influence, materialism and indifference are the real enemies; not materialism as a philosophy of life, so much as a pre-occupation with material progress, and an absorbing interest m the discovery and development of the resources of their wonderful land. Men have no time for religion, they leave that to the women and priests. It has nothing to do with life and living. This is the attitude we have to combat m Argentina. And it is just here, by an actual demonstration of how tremendously the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to do with life and living that the Evangel will yet conquer m this land;. The non-professional missionary m such cities as Buenos Aires and elsewhere exerts a great and powerful influence. A man who rubs shoulders with his fellows m the street, the market, the bourse, and holds high, midst the rush and bustle of strenuous business, the banner of a pure faith and a blameless life, is a constant witoess to the power of Jesus Christ and His religion. At the same time, the steady, faithful preaching of the Gospel m busy city and far camp town, together with the systematic spread of the Scriptures by Bible coach and colporteur, is permeating the nation

and though as elsewhere m Latin America, it is chiefly the poor who hear gladly, yet they do hear, and many believe; and it has ever been God's way to work through a nation from the lower stratum upwards." — "World Dominion."

Sind. — In connection with the appeal for a second priest for Karachi, where Rev. C. and Mrs. Haskell are at present working, the following may be of interest:

'Sir Lancelot Graham was given an enthusiastic reception when he landed at Karachi from H.M.I.S. Indus and was sworn m as Governor of Sind. In replying to an address of welcome from the Mayor of Karachi, Sir Lancelot Graham read a message to the people of Sind from the King-Emperor, conveyed through the Viceroy. This drew loud ap-

plause, as also did Sir Lancelot Graham's statement: —

" 'By reason of the natural resources of the country, reinforced as they are by that magnificent enterprise the Sukkur Barrage, our dream of Sind is no idle fantasy but a clear vision of our country as it might actually be. To the realisation of that vision I stand dedicated, not only for a term of five years but also for such period of life as may be granted me, and I ask of the people of Sind to join with me m that act of dedication because without the persistent and devoted cooperation of all sections of the people the efforts of the Government cannot achieve a full measure of success.'

"A profound impression was created; by the manifest sincerity of the new Governor and by the thoughts expressed m his speech."

Jerusalem And The East. — Many of our people know Dr. Masterman's daughter, who before her marriage was on the staff of the Marsden School, Wellington. During Dr. Masterman's visit an effort was made to secure him for a talk over the air, but his time m New Zealand was unfortunately too short. The folr lowing is from the pen of Bishop Graham Brown of Jerusalem: —

"The C.M.S. conference decided to resume full responsibility as from Ist April for the Hospital at Es Salt. Last year it was determined to do

so at the earliest opportunity, and the decision this year was hastened by the knowledge that Dr. and Mrs C. F. McLean had resigned, to the regret of all. No one is more sorry than I myself at this resignation and

at present we are uncertain as to the future development of medical work m Trans- Jordan. On the resignation of Dr. and Mrs. McLean I cabled to Dr. E. W. G. Masterman, who was on a visit to his relatives m New Zealad, and we were greatly encouraged on hearing from him that he was willing to take over this hospital on the Ist June. Dr. Masterman has been vice-chairman of our council for several years and has a thorough knowledge of the work of the bishopric. His wife is a granddaughter of Bishop Gobat, and both he and she had spent many years m Palestine before the war. Actually he will be working under the C.M.S., for whom he has worked m England, specially m connection with their medical board."

"Be Not Conformed to This World." — The following is also f rom Bishop Graham Brown:

"This modernising process of adjusting the East to new developments and new thought throughout the world brings m its train terrific responsibilities, and many times recently I have felt the inadequacy of the spiritual quality of our lives to meet this situation. The policy and attitude of many Christian leaders seems to be that of accommodation to the prevailing fashions of thought and modes of behaviour of the world. The time has surely come when Christianity must make a resolute stand against false views of nationalism, socialism, and domination of the individual by the State. The teaching of Jesus Christ is simple, only by the establishment of the Kingdom of God, for which each one of us prays daily m the Lord's Prayer y can anarchy be avoided and peace and goodwill grow upon earth."

Financial. — The total received by the board to the end of April was £6981, as against £6620 at this time last year, an increase of £361. This is encouraging, but £6981 is a long way from £16,500, the amount we are asked to provide on the 30th June next.

As it happens every year, so now* the real effort lies upon us m this month and next. God grant we may none of us be slack, or lukewarm! This is one of Christ's greatest and most frequently urged commands: "Go ye and preach" — "Ye are my witnesses" — "As the Father has sent me even so send I you," etc.

No arguments about charity beginning at home, or not believing m missions, etc., can excuse us from obedience. We are stewards of God's salvation, and required to be faithful. Let us do our level best!