The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's: The Story of the Work in HwochowCable, Mildred
Religion
The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's: The Story of the Work in Hwochow
Cable, Mildred
Missions -- China -- Huo-hsien (Shansi Province)
From early days an effort has been made to impress upon the students
that a Christian community is only justified in so far as it partakes of
the nature of a centrifugal force, extending its influence in every
direction. The interests of students have been much enlarged by the
residence in their midst of girls from other provinces, who are followed
with prayerful interest when they leave us to enter their varied spheres
of work. Beyond this, the scholar's widened sympathies find their
expression in the zeal with which they follow missionary activity in
other lands. Most earnest thought is given to the choice of destination
of the sums reported in hand by the missionary treasurer. The
Evangelical Union of South America, British and Foreign Bible Society,
Pandita Ramabai, and Dr. Zwemer in Cairo have all received
contributions, and latterly money has been sent to supply Testaments for
the soldiers on active service. Nevertheless, the consensus of general
opinion is, that the Moslem situation is at present so critical that all
available funds must go to meet that need. Small indeed the sums may
appear on a subscription list, but few gifts are, I think, more
thoughtfully given and more prayerfully followed.
The money is contributed in various ways, the two most important being
the school working party and the takings of the Debating Society, where
debates and lectures are always sure of a full house.
The instinct for personal aggressive Christian work finds an outlet in
the following ways: The annual fairs and idol processions held in the
town bring large crowds of women visitors, and afford a great
opportunity for the senior scholars to take their part in preaching, as
also the evangelistic service held each week for Dispensary patients.
The Sunday School classes of small children are taught by elder girls,
and the annual Summer Campaign has provided scope for all those who have
a will to work. At the close of the spring term, every girl who so
desires is entrusted with a printed Course of Study, suitable for the
elementary instruction of village women. At Sunday and weekday classes
these are taught by the elder scholars of the village, even the younger
children being able to take their part in helping the women to memorise
a verse.
* * * * *
In order to secure the highest spiritual and mental efficiency amongst
those who, by the nature of their calling, are constantly responding to
the claims made upon them, we have instituted a Teachers' Summer School,
to which are invited all former students now holding posts as teachers
in Mission Schools. The month of August is devoted to this delightful
gathering when, on the footing of fellow-workers, free from the
restrictions attendant on school discipline, we meet for Bible and
secular study. The curriculum of the coming term is discussed,
difficulties considered, some new educational subject is studied, and an
invaluable atmosphere is created.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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