Central China by R. F. COTTRELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 1, 1915

Central China

By R. F. COTTRELL

R. F. COTTRELL

Mat sheds in Hankow, in which thousands have lived since the war there, when the city was burned.

OUR workers' meetings in the Central China Mission were this year held as follows: Yen-cheng, Honan, January 16-27; Changsha, Hunan, February 3-10; and Hankow, Hupeh, February 19-28. These gatherings were attended by all our native evangelists, Bible workers, and canvassers; and aside from our local

staff, the Asiatic Division provided good foreign help.

The burden of the messages presented was the speedy return of our Lord, the high calling and sacredness of our ambassadorship, the need of absolute surrender of self, and the demand for wholehearted consecration and devotion to the work of God. These appeals did not fall on listless ears. Many confessed their lack of real earnestness, and covenanted before God that henceforth they would arise to the call of the hour, and zealously spread the tidings of the coming King.

We were especially impressed with the rapid extension of our work into “regions beyond.” From the plains of northern Honan came the cheering tidings of the welcome afforded God's messengers. While attending the Hunan meeting and arranging to supply the calls for evangelists, we found ourselves, humanly speaking, quite helpless in the face of so many openings. It was truly surprising to hear how the message is winning its way in the mountain districts of south Hunan. The needs of the great province of Kiang-si, with its 25,000,000 souls, was also thrust upon us. Colporteurs have carried the printed page to hundreds of its cities and towns, and from many quarters is heard the cry, “Come over . . . and help us.” So unmistakable was the voice that Hunan, although itself very short of help, voted to release its most experienced evangelist, Hwang Dzun Dao, to open work in Kiang-si.

This worker has now made a short trip through the province, and returns with the names of over twenty places where the people are anxiously waiting to hear and understand the Word of God more fully. Only a few weeks ago, traffic was opened on the new railway line connecting Nan-chang, the provincial capital, with the excellent steamship service of the Yang-tze-kiang River. Certainly the hour has struck when this province should hear the message of present truth.

For five weeks preceding the workers' meeting at Yen-cheng, a Bible institute was held at that place. This was for the benefit of prospective workers, also for laymen who could not well attend during the busy part of the year. The attendance was about forty, and the occasion was one of much profit.

Following the last of the workers' meetings, Hupeh and Hunan Provinces united in an eight weeks' institute, which is being held at our new mission headquarters at Wang Gia Dun, Hankow. We had not expected so large a company; but, when over seventy, mostly young people, presented themselves, there seemed no alternative but to pitch our gospel tent and conduct the institute in that. Although for a part of the time the weather has been far from warm, the students have cheerfully borne the cold and inconvenience. At the three daily Bible classes we are teaching the great fundamentals of our faith and the rise and progress of the advent movement.

Of the seventy-three students now in attendance, sixty-six had formerly bowed down to idols of wood and stone, twenty-six had been addicted to wine and tobacco, nineteen were gamblers, five had practiced sorcery for a livelihood, four used opium, two were polygamists, and one was a Taoist priest. But He who said, “Behold, I make all things new,” has verified his word, for “the former things are passed away.”

A majority of this company are preparing for a part in the work, and about thirty of them will enter the canvassing field this summer. With the circulation of the printed page, new interests will develop, and new jets of light here and there will be sure to appear.

Every advance move in the establishment of Christ's kingdom calls for sacrifice both at home and in the foreign field. Brethren and sisters, God is doing a great work today in heathen lands; and as we lengthen the cords, the Holy Spirit will bless you in strengthening the stakes. It is now time to move forward in the strength of the Almighty.

Wang Gia Dun, Hankow.

TENT PITCHED IN SCHOOL COMPOUND AT WANG GIA DUN, TO PROVIDE FOR BIBLE INSTITUTE