FAITHFUL AMID PERSECUTION by W. A. BARLOW

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1914

FAITHFUL AMID PERSECUTION

By W. A. BARLOW

W. A. BARLOW

Photo by W. S. Mead
CHIDEA, A HINDU GIRL — Photo by W. S. Mead CHIDEA, A HINDU GIRL

I am sending you a picture of a Hindu girl, belonging to the criminal tribes of Bengal (dosadh caste). These tribes are noted for theft, plunder, cattle stealing, and drinking. They are one of the lowest castes in these parts. This girl, Chikea by name, has been coming to our Bobomohal Mission station for several years, and has heard the gospel news of free, full salvation through Jesus Christ. Her father had two wives, and her mother was turned away from home by the first wife, as they were always quarreling and fighting.

Chikea afterward stayed with my wife all day, and desired to remain altogether; but if she did not return home at sunset, her father or one of her brothers was on the spot to take her home. She lived across the river, only half a mile from the mission. She refused to go home many times, and was taken by force, and beaten unmercifully when she arrived home. Twice her father threatened to kill her with an ax. Still she came to see my wife when she could get out safely. At last she suffered so much and became so thin and sick on account of their threats and persecutions because she wanted to become a follower of Christ and come to the mission, that I was compelled to hand her over to her father in the presence of the local police. He promised that if his daughter came to our mission again, he would not trouble her any more. The father kept his promise, and I baptized her some time afterward.