p. 14 | MISSIONS by O. A. Hall

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 26, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 33.

MISSIONS

By O. A. Hall

Need of Qualified Workers in China

Our Training-School

DEAR BROTHER WILCOX:

Those connected with the China training-school are very much interested in the efforts the SIGNS family is making to raise funds to aid in the training of workers for the China missions. Those who are in the field appreciate that our greatest need at this time is qualified Chinese workers. There are many out-stations being opened in every province where our work has been started. At most there are but two families of foreign missionaries in each province or local mission. Some are not so fortunate as to have two families.

It takes weeks of time for the foreign laborer to make even a few days' visit to each of these stations. It is therefore necessary that the work of these stations be largely carried on by the Chinese evangelists. To send a man to an out-station where he sees the superintendent of his mission but once or twice a year, is a great risk unless that man is grounded in the truth, and in the principles of gospel organization, and qualified to lead others to the standard they must reach. In more favored lands, all recognize the need of qualified laborers. That need is even more apparent here where the people have for ages known practically nothing of Christianity.

To build a strong house requires the skill of capable men, from the foundation up. The apprentice may assist, but not lead. The work upon the building must be such as will pass the careful inspection of the skilled architect. Great care in selecting men is required. This care is exercised in the mission field as we endeavor to build God's house; but where are the men with the required qualifications? They have not long known God and His truth. They have never even seen a house like the one we ask them to build. They have seen but few men such as we ask them to be and lead others to be. They must first have the image of God restored in themselves, become trained and fitted for the Master's service.

Interior view of street chapel, Honan Road, Shanghai

The work of building a strong church can not be entrusted to untried, untrained men. When the reader gives of his means to further the work of the training-school in China, he is helping to qualify workers for such responsibilities. Perhaps some would be interested to know that to pay a student's transportation to and from school, and his board for nine months, requires only about twenty-five dollars. Perhaps many would like to have a student in school next year. This year our room was limited, as we had only rented buildings; but there were thirty-five bright young men, who did earnest work, and returned to their fields full of zeal to work during the summer.

Next year we plan to have our own buildings, where we can do better work and accommodate a goodly number of both young men and young women; and a good attendance is expected. We shall watch with interest the growth of the fund for this work, and ask also for the prayers of all.

Sincerely your brother, O. A. HALL.

The Chinese Signs of the Times Press, which our family helped to build, in process of erection, now finished