IT was afternoon, about three o'clock. Some men came bringing a comrade who had been shot through the leg by robbers. The wound was a very bad one, and I told them this was not a hospital, and I was not a doctor. But they replied that they had been told to come. I made a closer examination, and could hardly see how a bullet could make such an ugly wound. I told the men it was beyond me, and urged them to go by evening train to Chiaosan, where there is a hospital. But my urging did not move them. They had been told to come, and they did not purpose to leave, though I told them plainly I could do nothing.
MRS. R. H. LEECH, ITINERATING AMONG SANTALS
While I was still urging them to take their friend to the hospital, another party came, bringing an old man who had been shot in the back. His friends had dressed his wounds in an ideal(?) way. They had killed a young chicken, and applied large patches of the skin and feathers over the wounds. I washed the wounds, took some stitches, put in drains, and dismissed the old man with honors.
Then I turned to the young man again, and urged once more that he be taken to the hospital. They finally went away with him, but returned in the morning.
It was ten o'clock before I could get to the shattered leg. I took up the covers to look, and found it covered with maggots. I knew it was death for the man if I did not act, and told the men so who had brought him, though at the same time telling them I could only do what I could, and would guarantee nothing.
I first got rid of the "movies." Then, on examination, I found he had been shot in the back of his right leg, about six inches above the knee. The bone was shattered. In fact, the wound looked as though a stick of dynamite had exploded in it. I suppose I took out thirty pieces of bone, a dozen of which were from half an inch to an inch long. I cleansed the wound as best I could. The men who came with him were my assistants. I took ten or twelve stitches to draw the parts together, and put in two drains. Then I fixed a board with a foot, which takes his whole leg with hip, and stretched him on that.
I knew I was undertaking a big task, but it was either that or let the poor man perish.
Yen Cheng, Honan.
MEDICAL MISSIONARY TREATING A BABY IN KAFIRLAND, SOUTH AFRICA
HOW MEDICAL MISSIONARY SUPPLIES GET INTO THE MOUNTAINS FOR USE AMONG INCA INDIANS
The Simla Hydro (Sanitarium), opened in 1915
Dr. V. L. Mann on a missionary tour back in the jungles of India
Nursing in Matabeleland
By W. C. Walston
W. C. WALSTON
I HAVE always been thankful that I had a nurse's training before coming here. I find something to do in that line nearly every day.
Not long ago, a native woman brought us a child who had had two of its fingers nearly severed by a hatchet in the hands of a careless playmate. She asked me to take off the fingers and dress the hand. I made a careful examination, and told the woman I thought the fingers could be saved. She shook her head, and said it could not be done. The operation, though simple, was far beyond her comprehension.
I placed the fingers in position, dressed them properly, and told her to return with the child in two days. This she did, and I found my patient doing nicely. After several weeks, I removed the dressings, and showed the mother the hand restored to nearly its normal shape, the fingers nicely healed. "Wonderful! Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "The white man does wonders."
Another time, a father brought his son, a boy about twelve years old, with his cheek torn open by the horn of a bullock. I disinfected the wound, and took a few stitches; and after being dressed several times, it healed so that the scar showed very little. The father could not find words to express his gratitude. He thanked me over and over again.
Bulawayo.
Indian Girl Saved
By Mrs. A. G. Kelsey
MRS. A. G. KELSEY
"DURING His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching." And there is joy for those who follow in His footsteps, doing what they can to relieve suffering. The medical missionary can relieve physical suffering, and then point the sinner to the great Physician.
We have had recently a case of special interest in the little daughter of a Mussulman fakir. She had been badly burned, and came to the dispensary in a condition which I have not words to describe. There was a burn on the cheek, a large one on the shoulder, and a larger one on the chest. The fingers of one hand were slightly burned, and the other hand and the lower part of the arm were burned severely. These burns had not been dressed for nine days. They had become infected, and were in a dreadful condition. But we set to work, and now we see a wonderful improvement each day.
The father is very grateful, and we tell him that it is only God's goodness that has enabled the little girl to recover. We pray that this may lead to a deeper work in their hearts.
Bombay, India.
Inca Indian Mission
By F. A. Stahl
ALONG MOUNTAIN PATHS
THE PLATERIA MISSION BUILDINGS NEAR LAKE TITICACA
Indians of South America Are Pleading
Heart-Touching Calls for Light and Teachers—The Ripe Harvest
F. A. STAHL
FROM Esquinas, twenty miles north of us, we received an invitation to open a mission. This invitation was signed by more than fifty Indians. Many Indians can write their name, and that only. These people are interested. One family from there will be baptized soon. A mission station at this place would reach over five thousand Indians.
"Show Us the Right Way"
Five very tall Indians came to us from Juli three years ago. I was ill in bed at the time, and they came in through the open door, and knelt by my bed, and said, "Father, we have come to ask for help, for some one to show us the right way." I can never forget this.
Over a year ago, a lawyer from that place asked us to come and open work. He stayed with us overnight a few weeks ago, and again pleaded for us to come. Other Spanish men have since invited us to come. This place is situated thirty miles north, on the main road and on the lake shore. A station here would reach some ten thousand Indians.
Indian Voices Calling
Rio Ramos is the place of the interested chief of the "broken stone" pledge. It has been over three years now that these people have waited for help. This place is five days' journey from our mission among the Aymara and Quichua Indians. It was hard for me to estimate the Indians here, as they live among the jagged rocks; but we held large meetings.
Then there is Santa Rosa, ninety miles due north, situated high up in the Cordilleras, where the snow never melts; a place of mineral and hot springs, where the alpaca and the vicuña dwell. The Indians here are very independent, and well off in this world's goods. They are also very determined and fierce. Some of them have been to us for medical help, and know about our work. It was from this place that we met two men in Puno who asked us to come and open a mission among them, one of them being the justice of the peace.
Twenty-five miles west of this mission, up in the high mountains, is the village of Pechacani, surrounded by Indians. The governor invited me to visit him, and I went a year ago. He and the mayor received us very kindly. He told me that he wished we would teach the Indians of his province the way of truth. I have met him twice since; and each time, he has renewed his invitation.
At the peninsula, a place called Whatta, the Indians have waited four years for a missionary. From time to time, we have held meetings with these people, with the result that this month, we shall baptize ten from this place. Six thousand live here.
From the island of Amantana, situated out in Lake Titicaca, came two messengers inviting us to come at once to their people. They are Quichua Indians. These men bought books, and stayed with us a few days, in order to learn some of our hymns, so that on their return they could sing to their people.
President of Bolivia Will Help
Bolivia is ready for the work among the Indians. Last October, Mrs. Stahl was called to nurse the daughter-in-law of the president. Mrs. Stahl was in the palace of the president six weeks, and in that time had ample opportunity to present the needs of this work to the president and his family. They were very much interested, and asked many questions. They knew about our work for the Indians in La Plateria. The president assured Mrs. Stahl that he would do all he could to get the work started among the Indians in Bolivia. He even indicated the place for us to start work—a place with a very large community of Indians, and it is the very place where we have been impressed to open the work. We need to fill this opening at once.
Knew the White Man's Weakness
Sepita is up high in the mountains, where nothing grows but a very tough grass. Messengers came to us from there with fine specimens of metal, telling us they knew where great quantities of it could be had. This was their way of tempting us to come to them.
They know the white man's weakness. Three times they have come asking for a teacher. We visited them about a year ago, and found the people very interested. In one of the meetings, one man exclaimed, "Oh, how can we learn these things without a teacher!"
Time fails me to tell of the many other places where workers are needed, in Bolivia and Peru and Ecuador. We are living in the end of time, and God Himself has prepared the hearts of the people. In the valleys, on the plains, beside the flowing rivers, on the shores of the lakes, up the high, bleak mountains, and down in the tropics—everywhere, it is the same story,—the crying need for this complete gospel message which the God of heaven has given us to proclaim to all men.
Puno, Peru.
How We Entered Patanllye
By C. V. Achenback
C. V. ACHENBACK
THERE came to the Plateria Mission, about four years ago, a call for a teacher to be sent to Patanllye, some twenty miles distant, to teach the Indians. A few weeks ago, F. A. Stahl and J. M. Howell and I, with a few Indian workers, went to visit them, to make arrangements for establishing a mission among them. We went on horseback, crossing the large plain in front of our mission, a distance of about seven miles. Then we began to climb steep mountains, until we came to the shores of Lake Titicaca, where we dismounted and ate our lunch. As we started early in the morning, we soon came in sight of the straw-covered huts629of the little Indian village on the side of the mountain, where we expected to meet with the Indians.
READY FOR THE CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE CEREMONY
We were very cordially received by them. All were glad to see us. We found that a small house had been built some time before in which to hold meetings when we came.
Three-Course Dinner with the Chief
The Indians were called together, and Brother Stahl began preaching to them the simple gospel story. After the sermon, we were invited by the chief to take dinner with him. We accepted the invitation. The dinner consisted of soup made of dried mutton, dried potatoes, and plenty of red pepper. The second course was scrambled eggs with red pepper, and the third and last course consisted of barley coffee.
After dinner, another service was held, followed by a testimony meeting, which was very interesting. The chief remarked that God had sent these missionaries from a far country to teach them the word of God. The thing to do now was to accept the gospel and be baptized and join the church.
F. A. STAHL, OUR PIONEER MISSIONARY AMONG THE INCA INDIANS
We made arrangements for a native worker to visit them often and teach them. The outlook for the establishing of a large mission at this place is very encouraging. The people are hungering for the bread of life. We hope by the first of April, 1917, to be able to start a school here, to be taught by an Indian.
Many calls are coming from other places for us to come and teach the word of God to the Indians. These pressing calls should be promptly answered.
Puno, Peru.
Indian's Preaching Tour
By Luciano
Story Told in His Native Way—Arrested but Delivered
[The following was written by the first Indian missionary sent out from our Inca Indian school, and is translated from the Spanish.]
BROTHER CENTENA and I left La Plateria Mission October 25, and returned November 24, having enjoyed the rich blessings of God during all our journey.
The first place visited was Sahancutta, where there are thousands of Indians who do not know the gospel. We took great pleasure in testifying, visiting homes, and offering tracts for sale. Two youths and an old man were much interested.
We then journeyed on to Juli, where we have a baptized sister, Fornasa Maita — the only Christian among thousands of Indians. We looked for her house, but could not find it. Finally we found her in the market place. She introduced us as messengers of the gospel, and the people received us gladly. In one home, we spoke from Matt. 24: 14 and Rev. 14: 6, 7. The people marveled, and begged us to come again and study the word of God with them.
We continued our journey to Punate and Challapampa. The people of the latter place listened very attentively to the words of God. They told us they wished a school there like the one in La Plateria.
We passed on to another place, called Cesipa, where many people received us well. We preached from the word of God, and they believed the words to which they listened. Imploringly they ask for a school and a mission. They are ready to put up a building for a school. They wished to give us alcoholic drinks, but we did not accept them. We explained to them what great damage alcohol does to the human family. Then, according to their custom, because of their gratitude, they wished to give us something; so they made a small collection, each one giving a few cents.
We went on our way, announcing the "good news," and singing in some homes. This was the first time the people had ever heard such hymns. At Cuttini, we found many interested ones, and some who wished to be baptized.
We proceeded in the direction of Cotoroma, climbing the Cordilleras to the very elevated Sierras. We arrived at one place where the people knew of the gospel through Brother Stahl's visit more than a year ago, and some of them wish to be baptized.
Have Quit Their Vices
Descending the mountains, we came to Quinvani, where we met the people who had come to La Plateria asking for a mission to be established among them. We had Bible studies with those interested. Five persons accepted the gospel with all their hearts. They have quit their vices, are keeping the commandments of God, and are ready to receive baptism. They ask for a teacher who can instruct them and their children in the ways of the great Teacher. They said they were ready to help the missionaries in every possible manner; and in their great thankfulness, they were actually planting potatoes for the mission. They told us they were tired of their old ways, and with all their strength they wish to change their manner of living, even to their clothes. They wish to deliver themselves completely to the high God.
Lieutenant Governor Arrests Him
We arrived Thursday afternoon at Juli, where we had promised to study the word of God further with an interested family. The following day, we appointed a church service about a mile and a half from the city. Upon arriving at the place, we saw a horseman and the lieutenant governor coming toward us. They called to us urgently. When we reached them, they struck at us with their whips. The governor asked, "Who are you?" We told him we were evangelists from La Plateria, and were there to teach the people the word of God. They were very fanatical, and took us to the police station. The lieutenant governor was very angry, and talked much against the gospel, and wished to hit us again, but God remarkably protected us from all harm. We were conducted to the city, and kept at the station five hours.
THE OLD INDIAN OF WHOM WE BOUGHT THE MISSION PROPERTY AND AN INDIAN WOMAN WEAVING BY HIS HUT
During these hours, we had opportunity to witness for the gospel to all the officers and soldiers. Although some of them were against the gospel, yet the greater number were convinced and in favor of the truth. We asked permission to bring tracts, that they might buy them. We went with a soldier to our lodging place, and brought all the tracts we had, which we sold and gave to the soldiers and the officers.
Released and Honored
After a while, we were taken to the subprefecto. We presented our certified letters from the superintendent of the Indian Mission. The subprefecto said that the evangelists were a good and honorable people. He said, "You may go, sons; you are free." Then we passed by the Plaza de Armas; and the lieutenant governor called loudly to the people: "Here are the evangelists. Buy yourselves books." We sold many tracts, and then sat down on a bench in the public square to rest, and study with the people. A man came to us there who wanted to know about the gospel.
We were very thankful to the Lord that we could testify for the truth in such a marvelous manner. As a result of the persecution, some gentlemen invited us to visit them. They asked the cause of our being arrested, and we told them about it. They said, "God grant that there shall be liberty of religion, that you may go anywhere."
The next day, we went to the place where the meeting had been broken up the day before; and instead of a tumult, we now found friends. After the meeting, we continued our journey, and arrived at Ilavi on market day. We looked for our Brother Ramos, but could not find his house. We then came on home.
For the great blessing of working in the vineyard of the Lord we are very thankful to our God, because He has intrusted to us His blessed work. My desire is to go forward with all the strength I have.
Your Indian brother in Christ,
LUCIANO.
HAS PROMISED TO COME AGAIN
His Coming Is Personal—Great Display of Power and Glory
ONE of the most remarkable and soul-enrapturing promises in all the sacred volume reads: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14: 1-3.
"I will come again." How positive and clear is this promise!
Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him.
THE SAME JESUS
WHEN His sacred ministry was completed, the Lord, in full view of a company of His disciples, made His ascension to heaven. The record tells the story thus:
"And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." Acts 1: 9-11.
"This same Jesus" will "so come in like manner."
The very last promise in the Bible pertains to the second coming of Christ: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22: 20.
Many other promises of His return are equally convincing.
COMING IN THE CLOUDS
WE are told that He is to "come in like manner" as He went away. As He went away, the record says, "a cloud received Him out of their sight." Hence we find, among the promises of His return: "Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him." Rev. 1: 7.
Note what the text says: "He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him." In harmony with this language quoted from Revelation, we find these words in Matthew: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Matt. 24: 30.
This language is very plain in saying that "they shall see the Son of man," and that He will come "in the clouds of heaven." Neither will He come alone, but accompanied by the innumerable host of angels.
And not only does He say that He will come in the clouds of heaven, but His coming will be "with power and great glory." The glory of His coming is further set forth in this scripture: "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works." Matt. 16: 27. And again we read, "When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory." Matt. 25: 31.
As if to answer those who claim that the second coming of Christ is a private, invisible event, we have these words from the Master: "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24: 26, 27.
How could language be plainer! How could the glory of that great event be described in words more thrilling, or that would depict in a more striking manner that resplendent and joyful day when the Lord shall return in person to put an end to sin and to reward the righteous!
The Lord has seen fit to give numerous prophecies by which we may know when His second advent is approaching. Many of these prophecies are in the form of signs, which are promised to be abundant in the generation that is to witness the glorious climax. Speaking of these prophecies and predicted signs, the Master says, "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that He is near, even at the doors." Matt. 24: 33, margin. Thus He gives us prophecies and prophetic signs which will enable us to "know that He is near, even at the doors."
But as if to discourage speculation with regard to the definite time when He shall come, He adds, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only." Matt. 24: 36. This language is specific in showing that we may tell when "He is near," but that we may not know the definite "day and hour" of His coming.
CANNOT PREVENT IT
OUR lack of faith in the event will not prevent it. We may make light of it, we may ridicule the idea, but here stand the great promises of the infinite Jehovah. Rewards that are beyond the comprehension of the finite mind are in waiting for those who are prepared for the event. The prize is so great that we cannot afford to fail of receiving it. "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly." Zeph. 1: 14.
God's word is filled with these "exceeding great and precious promises." Seek them out and feed upon them, for by this means every peril may be seen and avoided. Careful study of the word of God must, in the very nature of things, form a basis of our giving intelligent heed to the Saviour's command to "watch, . . . lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping."
"Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24: 44.
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