Missionary Geography by Laura Foster-Rathbun

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 15, 1906

Missionary Geography

By Laura Foster-Rathbun

The Christian school of to-day, having for its aim the gospel to the world in this generation, can hardly find better material to work with than geography taught from a missionary standpoint.

One can not be much interested in, or influenced by, that of which he knows nothing; but to study missions and missionaries, and to think and talk about them, begets an abiding interest in them, and how great the influence will be upon the impressionable minds and hearts of children and youth, only God, who tells us to sow beside all waters, can tell.

At the Adelphian Academy this year we have been conducting a review class in geography so far as possible from the missionary standpoint, and the results thus far are very encouraging. During the past month this class has been making a thorough study of South America. The material is secured from Morton's Geography, Tarr & McMurry's Geography, Carpenter's Geographical Reader on South America, Outlines of our Missions, and the current files of the REVIEW AND HERALD.

Geographical facts are taught as a background for the study of our mission work in each country, and after the history of that field is learned, current reports from the REVIEW are assigned as they appear, so that a field or list of workers is not lost sight of as soon as passed.

Each Wednesday morning the class gives a summary of the field studied and items reported, at the chapel exercise; and in this way the information is fixed more firmly in mind, and the interest spreads to those outside of the class. Incidentally, there is afforded excellent drill in speaking before a formal audience, and this is a benefit not to be overlooked, for it tends to remove that timidity which is a hindrance to many would-be workers.

The students were not required to purchase any new books, as Morton's or any similar text is sufficient for maps and general reference, and special points are looked up in a desk copy of Tarr & McMurry's Geography (published by McMillan & Co., Chicago), which is more complete and up to date in descriptions and illustrations. The school was so fortunate as to be able to furnish each two students with a copy of Carpenter's Geographical Reader (published by American Book Co., Chicago), and we depend upon this to furnish a full view of the every-day life of the people in each country, together with a detailed account of the improvements being adopted which will further the spread of the gospel in places which have hitherto presented almost insurmountable obstacles to the missionary.

The Outline of Missions, so kindly provided by the Mission Board, is free for the asking, and is just what had been needed for a long time.

The work as outlined above is adapted to grades six, seven, or eight, as well as to review classes in the intermediate school.

MRS. LAURA FOSTER-RATHBUN.