p. 13 | Hunan, China by J. N. ANDERSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1908

Hunan, China

By J. N. ANDERSON

J. N. ANDERSON

ONE year ago last October, 1906, Brother P. J. Laird and wife, Dr. Emma Perrine-Laird, entered Chang-sha, the provincial capital of Hunan, the last province to open its doors to missionary effort, now a little more than ten years ago. The place is strategically important, and it means much that our work has made an entrance there. As Brother Laird had already learned the Mandarin language, having been a missionary in the Church Missionary Society for several years, he was prepared to begin work at once. Up to the present time he has carried forward a good work as a medical missionary with her meager but effective dispensary facilities.

Two or three men of ability and of substantial character have identified themselves with the work. One of these acts as an evangelist, and another sells literature.

Altogether there is much of encouragement and promise in the work at Chang-sha, and this is particularly true in view of the fact that Hunan as a province is characterized by an anti-foreign spirit and scholastic pride. While the wall of political exclusion has been broken down, there still remains the formidable barrier of prejudice and distrust.

The coming of Elder R. F. Cottrell and wife and Miss Pauline Schilberg to connect with this work is most opportune. This answers our first and most urgent call for workers made at our annual meeting in Shanghai one year ago last February. It puts five capable workers in the heart of that province. But when it is remembered that within its borders are not less than twenty-two million souls, it is readily seen that we have made only a mere beginning. These workers have bravely entered upon their task in the strength of God. They are holding the fort, and the light of the truth shines invincibly by the very fact of their being located within the walls of that capital city. The Lord, whom they serve, will in his own good time add recruits, both native and foreign, until the message of his coming shall be heard in all Hunan. We ask all our people to pray definitely for the workers and the work in this province of Hunan, that the truth may be successfully established there.

Canton.