Yesterday I took a picture of a group of those assisting us, which I am glad to send. Our evangelist, Brother Chang Kangheo and wife of Honan province, sit in front, with her daughter between.
NATIVE HELPERS AT THE CHANG-SHA MISSION
God has certainly blessed this brother since he came to us, soon after our arrival at Chang-sha. Whatever measure of success God has vouchsafed to the mission here is in no small measure owing to this man's faithfulness. Soon after coming to us, he was excommunicated from his former mission, and later the Chinese Christian Union took a like action. Personally, we feel that this was beneficial rather than detrimental to his faith, helping him to develop character.
The first on the right, Mr. Shih Tingchen, is our translator and teacher. After we came into this house, he would come every now and again after meeting was over to chat with Brother Chang or me, but did not seem to be much impressed with the gospel. In fact, on one occasion, he told Brother Chang he could not expect to bind him with the beliefs that had bound himself. But while we were away at Shanghai this spring, his heart was softened toward the message considerably. He is exceedingly bright, and very critical, but not overbearing. He is well connected at Chang-sha. His home is in the Anhui province. Since coming into our home, he has had to suffer some persecution at the hands of these friends and relatives. We long and pray that the message may get complete control of him. Last week he drew up a tract, in classical Chinese, confuting the argument that man has an immortal soul.
Second from the right is Brother Lü Chuanleo, of Kiangsi province. He tendered his resignation to the Methodist mission there last year. One regrets the cause which has delayed even an answer to his registered letter; for these seemingly trifling incidents can be taken to mean so much. Brethren, pray for us, that we may have the meekness, gentleness, and above all, the courtesy of Jesus in dealing with these Chinese friends. These will probably speak plainer than our language, be it ever so perfect to their ears. The breach between Chinese and Westerners is not decreasing very rapidly just now. Brother Lü was in their school for eight years, and felt this slight very keenly. He has been employed as our probationary canvasser, and has done faithful work, although his sales have not run high for a few weeks past. We have given him instruction in the message, and trust he will yet see his way clear to unite fully with us.
Third from the right in the picture is Huang Hanyong, of Hunan. He acts as writer and teacher. He has been attending our meetings regularly for many months past.
The man on the extreme left, Ho Chintsin, of South Hunan, is a teacher of English in his own district school at Chang-sha. He attended our classes last year to become more conversant with the English language. As he is also a good Chinese scholar, we felt it would be a splendid thing for our translation work to obtain his services, but it was a trifle difficult to know just how to approach him. However, we feel that the Lord opened the way for us. He came into our home, and takes lessons from me five mornings each week from seven to eight and with my wife from nine to ten, while I take the service in Chinese. In return he gives us the afternoons for translation work with Mr. Sz and myself. His text-books in English have been “Christ’s Object Lessons;” “Patriarchs and Prophets;” “Christ our Saviour,” and a book of readings in the words of Scripture .
In addition he attends our family worship in English morning and evening. It is with very deep regret that we find he has to seek other quarters because of the heat and noise in his room, which is just over the street; but if he goes, he is desirous of returning in the fall. He has become interested in the message, and refused to teach on the Sabbath. Incidentally we discovered that he gave a splendid testimony as to the world's being created by Jehovah, before a gathering of teachers last week. In effect he said, If God was not the Creator, who was? They answered that they did not know. Should he become a real Christian, he would be a great help to the work in Hunan. This is our earnest desire.
Last month the missions in Hunan held a sort of Bible institute for four days for their Chinese workers. We were not invited. At its close a party of Chinese made an appointment to come and study the Sabbath with us. After waiting long beyond the time, my wife and I went for our usual stroll on the city wall. Returning we found Brother Chang had been taking them through the Scriptures, and they told me they were convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath. Moreover, they invited us to visit with them in their homes. So, the dragon-boat festival being over, and as they thought it better for me to stay at Chang-sha, Brethren Chang and Lü left yesterday with a good supply of the gospel in Chinese. Pinchiang is about three days’ journey direct, but they may take a circuitous course to visit the tea markets with their books. May God bless them abundantly!
You will be interested to know these Pinchiang men were originally strict vegetarians, and experience proves that they make the most earnest Christians. There appears to be quite an interest springing up among them.
