W. A. WESTWORTH by W. A. Westworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

W. A. WESTWORTH

By W. A. Westworth

The annual council of the China Union Mission Committee was held August 25 to September 4, on the occasion of Elder I. H. Evans's arrival in China.

Many matters of importance were considered, among which was the locating of several workers in various stations. The sickness of Sister J. J. Westrup made it imperative that Brother and Sister Westrup be granted a furlough on sick-leave. Thus the North Central China field was left without a director, and Brother F. A. Allum, who had expected to leave the council for Szechuen, was detailed to the North Central field. The leaving of Brother and Sister P. J. Laird just prior to the council, left the work in Hunan without help; hence Brother R. F. Cottrell was removed from the East China Mission to Chang-sha, Hunan and Kiangsi being set off as the South Central China Mission, with Brother Cottrell as director.

Brother Cush Sparks was removed from Hankow to connect with Brother Cottrell at Chang-sha.

Steps were taken to open a training-school for evangelists at Cheo Chia K'o, with Dr. H. W. Miller in charge. This move was an absolute necessity, and for it we have been waiting a long time. Help from the $300,000 Fund has been expected, with which to begin operations; but as this is not forthcoming, we felt that we must start without equipment, and do something for the many who are so anxious to carry the gospel to their fellow men, dying in heathen darkness. As we read of the new schools being opened for various nationalities and purposes in the home land, we sometimes feel that it might do some of our brethren good to see with what meager equipment we started our advanced school here in China. In small rented quarters, damp and dismal, fitted up with a few rough benches, a blackboard, a

consecrated teacher, and willing minds, we begin this work. But we ask in all candor, with four hundred thirty million people to warn, and with hearts pleading for a preparation to carry forward the message, is this fair and right?

Immediately following the council, accompanied by Elder Evans, we started for the south. This was the first opportunity we have had to visit this portion of our field; and as we went from place to place, the greatness of the work here in China was again impressed upon us, till it seemed at times as if the weight would crush us.

A general meeting was appointed for the South China Mission field at Canton, and we were pleased to see many gathered for this occasion. On account of the absence of Brother J. N. Anderson, who had just left for the States, Brother George Harlow was selected as director of this great field. Brethren Harlow and J. P. Anderson were set apart to the gospel ministry at this time. One thing impressed us very forcibly as we examined the quarters used by the workers in the Canton station, the Bethel school, and the Wai Chow station; and that was that unless there is speedy arrangement made for more suitable quarters

for the workers here, we shall be obliged to grant still more furloughs for the saving of life. It may now be too late to do that. We feel this is a terrible waste of money, energy, and health, which should be conserved to the advancement of the cause.

It does not pay to send people out here to get sick and die. A wiser course would be to prepare suitable housing for the workers.

Following the Canton meeting, as Elder Evans returned to Shanghai, accompanied by Dr. Law Keem, we left for Pakhoi, which is the most southerly station in China, situated on the north shore of the Tung-king Gulf. Here Brother A. H. Bach has been carrying forward the work as best he could, short-handed. My experience here was somewhat strange. Immediately on landing, I was informed that in thirty minutes there was to be a funeral from our chapel, as the son of our Bible woman, who lived in a small room in the rear of the chapel, had died of plague the night before. (Our readers will remember an article dealing with the plague at Pakhoi, which appeared August last in these columns.) This made three who had died in the same building, and of course I knew it was infected with the dread disease. A service was appointed for that night, and I was expected to speak. Fumigation was impossible, as only those acquainted with Chinese houses can appreciate. Here we were, the only foreigners in the city who had not been inoculated against the plague (and even that is not an absolute preventive); and should we refuse to go into the place, it would be doomed as a meeting-house. Other places could not be obtained; so, after committing our cases to the Refuge of his people, I went to work. But the activities of my mind under such circumstances were of a different sort than I had ever before experienced.

The plague is carrying off from ten to twelve persons each day, and is assisted in the destruction of the town by the Asiatic cholera. Pakhoi is the original home of the bubonic plague, and this year over ten per cent of the population have been taken thereby. Fully one fifth of the shops are deserted on account of deaths, and the whole place is rocking with misery, disease, and death. A more foul, dirty, and disagreeable town I have never seen, not even in inland China. Brother Bach is pressing forward with his work, and we were pleased to see the interest taken by the believers, and to note their interest as we told them of the advancement of the cause in various parts of God's vineyard. We visited some of the out-work Brother Bach has been carrying on, and saw evidences of God's leading in this corner of the earth.

Returning to Hongkong on our way to Swatow, we had the questionable enjoyment of a typhoon, which threshed our small coasting-steamer about most unmercifully. It was with thankful hearts that we set foot on land again.

Leaving Dr. Law Keem at Hongkong, I passed on to Swatow, and was there met by Brother B. L. Anderson, who had come down from Amoy. Together we studied the situation at Swatow, with the view of making this the headquarters for our work in the Hoklo dialect. The city presents many favorable points. It is easy of access, is in close touch by launch service with many towns, and is also healthful, even though so far south.

Our brethren in this region are praying earnestly that some one will come from the States, and take charge of the work which has opened up so marvelously in this region. We made a short visit to Chou Chou Fu, and there met Brother Hung, our native evangelist at this place, who is doing a mighty work for God. Formerly a pastor of a native church, he was led to the truth in a wonderful manner through the ministry of Elder N. P. Keh, and is now caring for no fewer than five stations. But he must have the help and influence of foreigners. The basis already laid for work, after such help comes, can not but bear much fruit to the glory of God.

Our next stop was at Amoy and Kulangsu, where Brethren W. C. Hankins and B. L. Anderson are stationed. A school for girls is being conducted in Amoy, with Sister Anderson in charge, and one in Kulangsu, which is just across the river from Amoy, conducted by Brother Anderson. There is a live interest in both these schools, and the work is gradually growing. We rapidly passed on to Tsuan-chau, where a general meeting was being conducted by Brethren Hankins and Keh; and here our hearts were gladdened as we saw a number of earnest faces, and became acquainted with several who are studying to learn the full truth. Another day was spent in a trip inland to Do-Gong, where land has been purchased for a school site, but which lies vacant, awaiting the arrival of funds with which to erect necessary buildings.

From this section we returned to Shanghai, and were pleased to greet Brother and Sister W. E. Gillis, who had just arrived to take the oversight of the printing work at the press.

All through this journey of between twenty-five hundred and three thousand miles we saw many evidences of God's guiding hand. Everywhere the work that has been done has opened up great possibilities for the future, and we can not but look forward a little time in the future when, we believe, the seed thus far sown will yield an abundant harvest.

From all parts of the field, calls are constantly coming for help and light; and we are ever praying that men and means will be forthcoming, that the work may rapidly be consummated, and the King come to gather his own.

Shanghai, China.