East China Mission by O. A. Hall

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 30, 1916

East China Mission

By O. A. Hall

O. A. HALL

Another year has just passed, and with it another biennial period of work for the East China Mission. We are led to praise God for his goodness, and for the measure of success which has attended the work during this period.

The second biennial council of this mission was held at Nanking, the headquarters of the East China Mission, January 8-15. There were present at this meeting all but two of the evangelistic workers of east China, together with about twenty of our faithful colporteurs who had been gathered in for institute work previously to the opening of the council. This was the first union meeting held for the workers of the three provinces, and it was a pleasant and profitable occasion. The feeling was expressed by the Chinese workers that it was the best meeting they had attended, as it gave them a broader view of the work, and better ideas of how it should be done.

Reports from all parts of the field showed progress. The membership has more than doubled during the biennial period. A number of new stations have been opened. Work was begun in the province of Shantung the past year, and there is now a good company of commandment keepers in Chifu, where Brother Lillie is laboring. Other interests have sprung up in different places, which will be developed during the coming year. Five promising young men, some of the first converts to the message in Shantung, are now in the training school, preparing to go back to their native province to help in carrying the truth to the thirty-eight million who have not yet had opportunity to hear.

It was encouraging to note that at this biennial meeting about three times as many delegates were seated as in the previous meeting, the workers then numbering nineteen, and now fifty-five.

As the needs of the work were considered, all felt that the subject of tithes and offerings should be constantly kept before the churches and companies this year, with the aim of raising a definite portion of our expenditures. The Sabbath school department also set a definite amount to be raised this year toward the support of the mission work, which, if realized, will bring in a much larger sum than has been received in any one year.

But best of all, it was the earnest desire of each worker that this year more precious souls might be brought to the saving knowledge of the truth than ever before, and with this aim they went from the meeting, praying that they might have power to lead many to the Saviour.

Nanking.