Self-Supporting Missionary Work in Louisiana
By C. A. Watkins
BATON ROUGE.—When I first came to Louisiana, it was by appointment of the Ohio Conference. Having had several years’ experience in the South, I knew something of the work before me, and with the financial support of the Ohio brethren, I was in a position to prosecute my work without much embarrassment. At the close of the year, however, the brethren felt that they could not longer carry the financial burden. Being unwilling to give up the good work begun, I decided to seek some means of self-support, and remain in this place. Soon after this I accepted a position as Bible teacher and assistant instructor in one of the oldest and largest mission schools in the South. This school was established by the Methodists about eighteen years ago. I have full charge of the Bible teaching in the chapel every morning, and also of a course of Bible lectures on Sunday afternoon, to which the public is invited. There are in attendance about three hundred students from different parts of the State, seventy of whom are in the intermediate grade, to which I also give instruction. Through my connection with this school, I have received invitations to preach in several churches in the city. Educational meetings are now being held each month in the different churches. I have been invited to take part in these meetings, and have spoken freely three times on Christian education. The school also has a well-equipped printing-office, to which I am given free access for the publication of any literature I desire. I am taking instruction in printing, and am preparing special works for the people for whom I labor. The clothing and provisions sent us last winter did much good. We are now in a position to use many times as much with even greater results. If any can send us, prepaid, clothing, bedding, dried fruits, or even potatoes or beans, we will use them in our personal work among destitute families. This is the coldest winter we have had for several years, and there is much suffering. We also need money to buy paper and other material for publishing small leaflets, Bible studies, etc. My salary is small, but every dollar that can be spared is put into this work. I ask the prayers of the brethren for divine guidance. During my twenty years in the ministry, this is my first experience in self-supporting work, but I am of good courage. Box 109, Baton Rouge, La.