p. 18 | Southern India

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 13, 1909

Southern India

By J. S. James; Mrs. J. S. James; Belle Shryock

Since our general meeting, we have been very busy getting settled in our work among the Tamil people. We had been absent about six months, and we were as happy to get back as the people were to have us back.

The Lord opened the way for us to occupy better quarters this year than we had last. We are living in Nazareth, a strong mission station of the S. P. G., just one mile from the center of our work. The house we have rented belongs to a teacher under the employ of that society. To get back and forth in our work we must either walk through the heavy sand or hire a bandy, which is not always obtainable when wanted.

Many of the Tamil Sabbath-keepers are scattered in other villages within a radius of twelve or fifteen miles of our mission property. When our work becomes better established, these villages should be visited regularly, and the people instructed.

Shortly after our return it seemed necessary for us to begin some aid for the sick and afflicted. For a dispensary we were granted the free use of half the building we occupied last year as a dwelling-house. At present we find it difficult to care for all who come, owing to the lack of trained native help and of facilities for work.

The average number who receive help of one kind or another is seventy-five. These come from all classes and creeds. We have taken a girl of sixteen years, also a young man of twenty years, to train for helping us in this work. Both seem very bright, and willing to work as they are directed. Our hours for work at present are from 9 to 11 A. M. We hope to have our dispensary better equipped in the near future.

The middle of February we were visited by Elder J. L. Shaw and Dr. H. C. Menkel, whose counsel and help were much appreciated. Their visit helped to strengthen and encourage the people in their determination to go forward with our work and fully establish

our mission. Plans for building were approved, which are now being carried out. At this writing, a large well is nearly half completed. The trenches for the foundation of the bungalow are dug, and stone is rapidly arriving for the same.

The stone-masons will begin work at once. Contracts have been given for burning brick, cutting palmyra timber, and making the doors and windows. By the Lord's blessing and help, we hope to have a suitable building to live in before the year is ended. We shall report more as the work progresses.

In the villages near where we are building, a general feeling of satisfaction prevails. Among the Christian communities a more friendly spirit is manifest, and we are now able to move freely in many of their social gatherings and outdoor recreations. We have felt the presence of the Lord with us in a special manner as we endeavored to carry forward this work. We are of good courage. Daily we remember all the workers in our prayers, and we feel that we are remembered in theirs.

MR. AND MRS. J. S. JAMES, MISS BELLE SHRYOCK.