p. 10 | North India by S. A. Wellman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1914

North India

By S. A. Wellman

S. A. WELLMAN

ThE work in the North India Mission has made encouraging progress during the year 1913, in the efforts for both the English-speaking people and the natives. In English a special effort was held in Simla, the summer capital of the Indian Empire, commencing in May and continuing till the end of October. Elder H. H. Votaw, assisted by the writer, was in charge of the work in that city. As a result of the effort, seven were baptized at the close of the season, while a number of others were observing the Sabbath and kindred truths, and preparing to identify themselves with us later. During the winter, while a large number of the Simla residents are stationed at Delhi and other plains stations, Brother W. S. Mead and wife are caring for the interested ones. It is expected that, commencing early in April, Elder H. H. Votaw, with a force of helpers, will make another effort in the city during the summer season of 1914. Once a good strong church is established in this city, it will be a center of light not only to the north, but to the empire of India, and its influence will be strongly felt.

Some of the Simla brethren who have visited on the plains during the winter, or are stationed in the plains cities in their government employment, are doing active missionary work, and have interested others in the message, and these are now calling for the living messengers. Thus one by one little lights are springing up in the North India cities.

The work in Simla reached an interesting phase when the brethren holding responsible positions in government departments were granted their Sabbaths off. Another of the brethren has applied for the same privilege, and his application has been referred to the viceroy for final decision. We trust that

God will cause favor to be shown him also.

The work in Mussoorie has likewise had a successful year. Three new members were added to the church by baptism. These were adults who had first become interested the year previous, but who were brought to a decision this season. In addition, a number of the children in the school at Annfield took their stand and were baptized.

Both the treatment rooms, of which

Brother William Lake has charge, and the school, of which Sister E. E. Bruce is the principal, have had good years. Financially the treatment rooms have more than paid expenses, and have had an excellent class of patients, including among them the bishop metropolitan of India. The Annfield school doubled its number of the previous year, and added much to its reputation by the efficient work accomplished.

The Vernacular Stations

Among the Indian peoples of the north, work is being done from three centers: Open View, Garhwal, where Brother C. C. Belgrave has charge, and where a caste school for boys is conducted; Najibabad, in the northern part of the United Provinces; and Lucknow, where Sister Chilton is working among the high-class Mohammedan zenanas. Then in various other centers of the north our colporteurs have circulated a number of our vernacular publications, thus sowing seed for the future.

The school in Garhwal, which was started three years ago by Brother and Sister Burgess, was taken by Brother Belgrave on Brother Burgess's departure. Although some difficulties have been experienced, yet, on the whole, the year has been very successful. Provision has been made whereby most of the heathen teachers of the past years will be replaced by Christians in 1914.

With the good influence that has already gone forth from the school, studies in Bible, and the provision for a stronger Christian atmosphere this year, it is hoped that some of these high-caste boys will take their stand for Christ during 1914. Early in January the head master (Indian), a young man who has been with us since the school began, took his stand for the advent message. He is to be baptized in April at the school, that the students may have the privilege of seeing and being influenced by the rite. He accepted the truth while attending a general meeting some distance from the school.

In the school are over seventy boys of the Brahman and Rajput castes, but the provisions for their accommodation are not adequate either in the matter of assembly, recitation, or living rooms. Eight or ten boys are living in each of the 12 x 12-foot rooms, with one door and one window. More room is needed for a chapel, and for recitation rooms in connection with it, so that better conditions can be had all around. About one thousand dollars would cover the necessary additions and make the school what it should be to carry the ten standards of work which are being called for.

At Najibabad the mission bungalow has been very creditably completed during the year under the direction of Brother W. S. Mead. Dr. V. L. Mann and family, Miss Kurtz, and Sister O'Connor are now occupying the building, but Brother and Sister Morris, who are now studying in the language school at Lucknow, are to move in, taking Dr. Mann's part, the first of April. Brother Morris will take charge of the station at that time. Dr. Mann has during the past year, with the assistance of the local workers, been conducting a dispensary workers' training class, and the pupils who have studied with him have done excellent work in preparation for hearing heavier responsibilities in the future.

At the beginning of 1914 we held a meeting of the Hindustani workers here at Najibabad. Although small, the meeting was a help to our Hindustani brethren who were able to attend, and three, including the head master of the Garhwal school, asked for baptism at the close of the meeting. All the main

teachings of this people were covered in daily Bible studies, and Dr. Mann spoke each morning on health subjects. These, together with the prayer and devotional meetings, constituted the daily program for the ten days we were together. The evenings we spent in lantern work for the outside, either in the city or in the villages. The last day of the meeting Professor Salisbury was able to be with us, and gave an excellent talk to the workers.

At this station there is need of im-

mediate provision for the housing of our Indian workers, as they are now scattered through the bazaars of the city, both to the detriment of themselves and their children. For the zenana work being carried on by Sister O'Connor and her helpers there should also be made provision, so that they will be able to take in those who desire to accept Christ; for this means nearly always their complete separation from family and friends.

At Lucknow, Sister Chilton has put in long days in teaching in the zenanas, and, though the influence has been good and souls deeply impressed, some of them to the point of deciding for Christ, our lack of a place to which they could flee, if they break the family ties, and the fact that persecution is inevitably their portion if they remain in their homes and try to serve Christ, have acted as strong deterrents to any outward stand. In some of the Hindu homes an Indian sister has been teaching daily, thus sowing some seeds of truth, which we trust will bear fruit in due time.

Photo by S. A. Wellman WORKERS ATTENDING GENERAL MEETING IN NORTH INDIA

In the Punjab province some interesting openings are manifesting themselves, and we trust from them a definite work will develop during the year. The indications are that the hour has come to open work in that province, and that we shall see a harvest of souls as soon as we are able to put the workers there to lead out in a definite effort.

The prospects for the cause of truth in north India were never brighter. The workers are all of good courage, and all have pledged themselves to work faithfully for souls during this coming year. We believe that we shall see definite results in every station. To this end we ask a part in your petitions.