South China by A. L. HAM

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1916

South China

By A. L. HAM

A. L. HAM

The year 1915 did not pass without leaving blessings to our work in the Cantonese mission field, and as we look back upon the work we can see how the Lord has greatly blessed us. We have not accomplished as much as we hoped to do, for we have been hindered by lack of workers to prosecute the work successfully. Near the close of the year we started a training school, with twelve young men as students. We feel sure that this school will supply a long-felt need in our work here.

We have been able to repair our chapel in Canton, and to make it attractive, so that now it is a very good meeting place, and is usually well filled with attentive listeners. A growing interest is observed in our work in the city.

Bethel Girls’ School, at Tungshan, Canton, has prospered during the year, and five young ladies were recently graduated, two as teachers of private schools, two in our mission schools, and one as a Bible worker. Sister Susan Wilbur has the supervision of the school, and is doing her best to make it a success as a medium for winning souls. We feel very glad for her work and influence in the school.

We have seven outstations in this field, and regular meetings have been conducted at all these places during the year. In addition two general meetings have been held, which were well attended, and good interest was manifested in the instruction given. The total church membership has increased to 133, and the membership of the seven Sabbath schools is 175. Sabbath school donations for the year amounted to $213.43, which is an increase over 1914 of $84.04.

We have received many calls to enter new places and open new chapels, but because of insufficient means and workers, we have had to put these off. Often it seems that no time could be so advantageous as the present to accept the calls which come, but we are forced to postpone them. We hope that soon we shall be able to branch out farther into unentered fields.

The native tithe for the year was $236.24, a gain over the previous year of $39.74. Miscellaneous offerings amounted to $118.82.

Our literature work has increased wonderfully, especially the subscriptions to the Chinese Signs of the Times, which were 1,953, an increase over last year of 1,799; and in addition we circulated more than 12,000 single copies of the paper.

We have only one dispensary operated by a Chinese worker, but during the last six months of last year he treated 1,771 cases, and you may be sure that every person had an opportunity to hear something of the gospel. The cash receipts from the dispensary were $122.49, which is a total gain over 1914.

I am glad to report financial advances, as they show that God is moving upon the hearts of the Chinese to assist with their means in the carrying forward of this great work.

Brethren Meeker and Thomas and their wives are attending the language school in Canton, and are working hard on this difficult language, hoping soon to enter active work for the people. We are anxious for them to finish their school, so they can take up other work which is waiting for them. This should mean a strong advance in our work during the year 1916.

We need more workers and means. The burdens are quite heavy, but the Lord gives strength to his laborers, and we are anxious to press on with the saving message to China’s millions.

Canton, China.