A Church Building for Sumatra
By R. W. Munson
We have reached a point where it becomes necessary to erect a small house of worship, with rooms attached for our native preacher. It is important that we have a visible, tangible sign of our permanence and stability. There are a number of Chinese people who are interested, and who would like to join us, but who are greatly troubled with a fear that we may some day leave them without any pastoral oversight, and with nobody to bury them. This is a very serious question with all Chinamen. They invariably ask, “If I die, who will bury me?” “If we become Christians, will the work be permanent?” Sister Sarah, who is seventy-five; or nearly that, one of our native Christians, said to Mrs. Munson not long ago, “I used often to ask myself, ‘If I die, who will carry me to my burial?’ But now, when I see all these Singke brothers coming to our services, and interested in the gospel, I say, ‘Ah, these are the men who will help to bury me.’” When they see us building, their faith and confidence will be greatly strengthened. And so we hear a voice saying, “Arise and build.” We have little funds, but large faith. The Lord will surely help us. On a recent Sabbath we explained our purpose, and received in offerings one pound eight shillings. Most of this was second tithe given by ourselves. There are six pounds, raised three years ago, for helping to buy a piece of land for a Christian burial ground, which can be applied to this object. This will make nearly eight pounds of the eighty or one hundred pounds needed. These poor people are generous givers, but they have very little to give, and, of course, we can not raise all, or even half, of the amount required here. We shall appreciate any aid in this enterprise. If you can do no more, pray for us, and for God's blessing upon the endeavor. We are holding a good many street meetings in the Chinese quarter, and always have an interested and respectful audience. We also sell tracts and scripture portions at such times. We are much encouraged by the interest manifested, and thank God that we are in Sumatra, and can have a part in the work. R. W. MUNSON.