p. 14 | INDIA AND BURMA by R. B. Thurber

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C.

FromReview and Herald, Harvest Ingathering Number

INDIA AND BURMA

By R. B. Thurber

MISSION BUNGALOW, NAJIBABAD, NORTH INDIA.

Then and Now

[Expressing his joy for a new mission home at the Meiktila Industrial School, Burma, their superintendent dropped into verse. He will not thank us for printing his words, which were not designed for publication, but nevertheless we feel we should pass on the thanks to all who have helped. The unstudied verse tells a good story of conditions to be found in the mission field.]

MISSION BUNGALOW, RAJIBABAD, NORTH INDIA.
ON SCHOOL INSPECTION, WEST BENGAL. — MISSION BUNGALOW, RAJIBABAD, NORTH INDIA. ON SCHOOL INSPECTION, WEST BENGAL.

THEN we occupied a dwelling scarce affording room for beds, And a burnished metal roofing drew the sun above our heads, Where the wind blew on occasions, but instead of freshening breeze, Sickening odors made us long for cleanly homes beyond the seas. But the times have changed, and now we have a mission bungalow, Roof of tile, the heat defying, where the steady breezes blow With invigorating coolness and an unimpeded sweep, In the day inspiring action, in the darkness granting sleep. So our hearts are full to bursting since He granted our request, And we thank the liberal givers to the missionary chest.

We were living — no, existing — in a house set up on posts, Just beneath it stagnant water, where mosquitoes came in hosts, Where the deadly fever took us, and we tossed with burning heat, When we could but lay the patient at the Great Physician's feet. But the Lord, who loves his children, set us up on higher ground, With the lake and woods and meadows showing beauty all around. Here mosquitoes are exceptions; no offending odors here; And we bask in pure, disease-destroying light and atmosphere. Do you think we have to pause awhile and rack our memories lest We forget the kind suppliers of the missionary chest?

'Twas the all-wise, loving Sender and his loved One who was sent, Who evolved the blessed method which is now so permanent, That the worker on the foreign shore who bravely toils and hopes Should depend upon home-keepers who as bravely “hold the ropes.” So the soldier on the firing line is not alone at work, For he knows a thousand hearts at home are never known to shirk. The eternal weight of glory that awaits us weighs enough; We shall share, and share alike, with those who're “staying by the stuff.” So we count no joy so great as sharing mansions of the blest With the loving ones who now supply the missionary chest.

R. B. THURBER. Meiktila, Burma.