Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A.'. '
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J. Russell Morse
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W. Rjchards
Morse
Qf Rogers, Ark
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Evangelist
Assam, India
192041945 Review
The TibefanLisuiand Churches of Christ
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
^
(To satisfy many reqmsts for a summary of the work done by Tibetan^Lisuland Churches of Christ, the following sketch has
world. The Ganges which have come to the people of the Tibetan borders may be ^(^psed in three contrasting situations.
n.^1921. The missionary Morses: J. Russell, Gertrude, and Baby Eugene, travelled constantly for four and a half months to
readh their first station at Batang. 1944Our missionary-nurse,
Dorothy Sterling, flew from an eastern U. S, airport to Calcutta in five days, over the Hump in four hours, and then by cariavan over
weeks. Her journeyhalf way around the world in less than three weeks* traveling timecontrasts with the four and a half months
spent by tiie Morses in 1921.
five years ago a party of Englishmen, exploring along the Salween river, were killed by a few Lisu tribesmen who knew so little alraut white men's ways that they pounded the explorers' watches into
bits. The white men were dead but their watches kept on ticking so the Lisu smashed the watches to kill the devils making the
"talkie-talk." But modem Lisu rescue stranded airmen. : They
are actually less excited about such deliveries than the rhissionaries
are.
m.^And yet another measure of progress in that area in the last twenty years is that whereas there were no missionaries along the uppermost Salween before the Morse workers moved there in 1942, there is today a host of native Christians. These Lasu have foimd a new way of livingone based on Christ's teachings instead of idol worship. Now tibey have The Book in their own language and they have leamed to read it and to spread its message. These are the headlines of the history of the Tibetan-Lisiiland
Churches of Christ and the work of those missionaries associated
with J. Russell Morse.
.
Home Church today) was the West Side, or Home Gardens, Chris
in 1920.
another year spent at Phillips in graduate study, Mr. Morse con tinued preaching in nearby towns. His earliest pastorate (and his
1898. His parents removed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1904 and there he was baptized at the age of eleven. He was graduated from Tulsa
Mrs. Gertrude Howe^ Morris is the youngest of five children in a Baptist minister's famUy. She graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma, taught in the .High School at Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and after her marriage studied Bible at Phillips Uni
As before related, the Morses reached the mission station at Batang, West China, before the close of 1921 and remained there studying languages and native conditions imtil 1927 when war along
^e border made missionary withdrawal advisable. Two other mis sionary families accompanied the Morses through the alinost un known I4su territory, across Burma. The Morses came by way of
sion work which began at Yea Chi, Yunnan Province, West China,
in 1930. Associates in the new field were the Vemon Newlands,
their 1935-37 furlough. Dr. Norton H. Bare and family, formerly at Batang, held the-Kang Pu station part of the time during the
absence of the Morses. Each of these families had their own sup
port independent of the Moises and were as free as the Morses were
needed furloughs finally brought the two families back to America. Mr. Harold Taylor was one of the Morse party on their return to China in 1937. He went up-country to Yea Chi with them and there he had an opportunity to nurse Mr. Morse through terrible
attacks of fever and was himself cared for by them when he was stricken with a temporary paralysis. Because of his inability to make long foot-trips ,over the mountains, he located at Tali, on the Burma Road, after his marriage. Miss Isabel Maxey, now Mrs. Warren Dittemore, was also in the 1937 party. She did language study in Kunming, then came
up-cquntry to open a missionary home at Kang Pu. Besides the valuable preaching and teaching work which she did from that center, Miss Maxey was able to care for the Morse family after the Mekong river flood at Tobalo swept away much of their household
and missionary equipment. That crisis was met by the two heroic women, Gertrude Morse and Isabel Maxey, for Mr. Morse and the
two older sons were away on preaching trips.
Miss Maxey continued as a worker for the Tibetan-Lisuland home on the upper Salween river in 1940 and made preaching and teaching trips among the eager Lisu people. She realized the great opportunities for Christian teachers among the Lisu and was asked
Berkeley, California.
teacher, reached tile mission station late in ,1944 and is npw occupied ill leariiirig the language and adjusting herself to the oiften trying
new way of a primitive ^eai ' As Mr. Morse once wrote: "The n^sionary lives from one crisis to another." The way of the cross
is never e^sy. v . -
The Morse sons are now men. Eugene, living-link missionary of the Compton, Calif., Church of Christ, has carried a full evangel ical load for several years. He was trained by the Calvert Cor respondence School and by soine high school work in Oklahoma City ind in Tulsa, and later correspondence work in specialized subjects. He has marked engineering and building abilities and is
a tireless evangelist.
Robert Howe Morse, the second son, was bom at Batang in 1923. His education was similar to that of Eugene with the addition of two years in Hwa Chung College. He excels in languages and in teaching skills. Since 1943 he has assisted the U. S. Army (IndiaChina Division) as interpreter and in the Search and Rescue Unit of "the Hump" area.. His missions in that work have made him acquainted with all the leading men of a very wide area. LaVerne Morse, a long-legged sixteen-year-old,_ was bom in Los Angeles, but learned Chinese before he did English. Although
his formal schooling was slight, it was pieced out by the Calvert
System and he is now doing honor-student work as a Junior in Central High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he lives with his grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Morse. He will represent the work of the mission in several summer-camps and schools. Ruth Margaret, "the longed for daughter", was born in Hong Kong, February 25, 1935, and has spent most of her life along the border. She is a happy, healthy young girl who will doubtless be considerably bewildered by the strange doings of Americans when she comes back to us.
No account of the mission would be complete without mention of the fosterrdaughters, Anzie and Drema. They are part Chinese, part Tibetan, and were left as orphan charges with the Morses on the death of Dudgi, who had been Mrs. Morse's cook. Bamabas, who went with Mr. Morse to Calcutta as proof-reader on the Lisu books which were printed there, is a fine specimen of Uie Lisu preachers and teachers who have developed by the mission program. The Tibetan-Lisuland mission follows the New Testament plan of evangelism and church organization. Every encouragement is given to bright yoimg natives to develop into self-reliant church workers, teachers and preachers. The Word of God has literally
spread from village to village until now there are over thirty strong congregations of readers, inquiries and Christians in the upper Salween valley alone. Most of these congregations have built their own houses of worship and they help to support their own native
money reward for church attendance.
Education has been spread through ^ort-term schools con ducted by the missionaries, by visitsof teachers to individual homes or to study-groups, and through District Conventions. Membeis of
The three great river-trenches of this area lead from Burma into Inner Tibet and they are helps as well as hindrances to the spread of the Gospel, for there are alwajns footpalhs from one vil
lage to the next It is hard walking for an American, but not too hard for soldiers of the Cross. There are literally more inquiries and requests for teaching and for Bible leaflets than the present
mission-force can handle.
The war has bo.th hindered the missionary work and increased its effectiveness. Many of the most capable native boys have been
recruited for the Chinese army. The Japanese blockade of China's ports produced a famine in clothing materials, paper, and food. It brought on a money inflation that is past description. This distress
has beensomewhat relieved by the supplies which Mr.Morse bought in India and which the army transport service delivered by para chute. This service was in partial payment for the help rendered
by members of the mission and of the native congregations in the emergency services of the Search and Resue Unit. The army knows that it is hi^y important that friendly relations be established and maintained with the natives. In this way the mission family has helped both the army and the extension of Christian work.
Thus is modem civilization spread among remote parts of the world. If the work of the mission can be maintained and, extended, this new cultiure will be Christian. With a people of high native intelligence, with more than five thousand professing Christians
^wd over 30 established congregations, a foimdation has been laid for future work which justifies the devotion of the men and women
who devote themselves to God's harvest in the Hbetan-Lisuland
Churches of Christ "What has been done is history; what is to be done is faith, sacrifice and courage. God leads the way.
1920-1945
Co-workers for a Quarter of a Century, J. Russell and Gertrude Morse have steadfastly preached the
Gospel to the peoples of the Tibetan bonder.
This is from the Commanding General of the United States Army Air Corces, dated Sept. 19, 1944:
"Dear Mr. Morse: ''
"To you and your family I express the gratitude of the Army Air Forces and my personal appreciation for the work you are doing and have done among the Lisu tribes of West China, to effect
the rescue of American Air crew members who have been forced
down in that area. Search and rescue work initiated by you, and your efforts to counteract enemy propoganda, coupled with your unlimited zeal to Christianize and educate the Lisus have proved of
inestimable value to the United Nations' cause in this war . . .
familiar with your work ... I am sure that when the chronicle of your outstanding achievements can safely be told, this feeling will be echoed by all Christian peoples. "The Army Air Force recognizes the importance of your work,
both to the successful prosecution of this war and to the establish
ment of better relations between the people of this country and those of the Valley.
To each of you may I extend the commendation and thanks of the Army Air Forces for your efforts on our behalf and the assur ances of our highest esteem." The following letter was written by the Major General Com manding, Air Transport Command, U. S. Army Air Forces, Sep*
11, 1944:
"Dear Mr. Morse:
"I want to take this opportunity to express the great apprecia tion of this Command for the work that you and your family are
doing in your district in Valley.
"When the story of your efforts in the saving of American Army Air Force personnel can be told to the public without endan gering your very lives and wiping out the magnificent work you are
doing with the natives, I know l5ie entire population of the United
States will certainly join me in the expression of greatest gratitude
for your efforts in behalf of the United Nations' war effort, but to extend my gratitude for the Christian missionary work you are
doing with the natives of your district.
"Your magnanimous efforts in assisting the Air Transport Command to return fliers who have bailed out during flights over your valley have been of untold value. All authorities of the Cemtral Government of China, the Diplomatic Services of the United
States in both India and China, are being informed of your pres ence and the part you are playing in behalf of the United Nations."
I am so veiy hunffry for lexers i^m each of you that I can hardly wait for the mountain pass to open. We have had three snows this year and one is said to be the heaviest in forty or fifty years. Many houses went down xmder the weight of the snow. We kept our three houses from collapse by raking off the snoweach morning, but, even th^, the house where we isleep cracked and creaked so badly that Russell stayed up to keep watch. Ruth was
so afraid! The wash house where bur two. little calves most of
the chickens were went down, also the regular chicken house and the cow-barn. One calf was somewhat hurt, but it is now alright. One chicken was killed. We thanked the Lord sigain and again for His loving protection over us aU during that storm. Now the
sun has come out very brightly and melted most of the snow on
joy! Last Sunday we saw a plane going nor^ up the valley; then
it returned at the end of the first sermon. We saw it wiggle one
Sure enough, they dropped a big mail packet but Daddy and Eugene had time only, to .read the. six letters which they sent us before it was necessary for the messenger to start on his trip to Pugeleh. You see it was on Sunday, and there was an attendance of 283 in the church services at Da-da, so bur men had much to do.
It was so wonderful to know from these letters that our home folks
were well as usual.
The plane also dropped a letter from the Transport Command saying that they appreciated our being here so very much and that they would drop anything we wanted so we shall ask tiiem to drop the Lisu Bibles if they can get them from Calcutta. .Our Lord is able to bring even this to pass if it is His will. He has done mar velous things already. How w6 do thank and praise Him!
We are all much better since having the vitamins which Russell brought from India, and he, especially, is in better health than he has been for years. Eugene had another attack of sinus trouble but he cleared it up by taking some vitamins and a sulfa medicine. Robert writes that he is getting ^ong very well. He intended going
south on the rescue work but he went earlier than he at first
planned because a front tooth was broken off when he was on a searching expedition foi: a plane that fell near Chin-ah-long. As he had to hxmt for some down-planes south of here, which he could do
best from a plane, he went to an army base where he could get his dentistry done and also get a scouting plane. Now Daddy and Eugene must go north to hunt for four planes which have crash^ in the mountains. You know they combine this work with their preaching and teaching trips. Our Ruthie is growing fast these days. She is four feet four inches tall and has rosy cheeks ind brown hair. Miss Sterling
Ihin^ !^e is getting along very well with her studies, but as I have
Because of the many needles of calcium, iron and liver which Russell has given me since his return from Calcutta, I am much stronger than I was last summer. Miss Sterling brought some helpful medicines and all the natives have been prasong for me.
no school course for her, I cannot tell. Robert will get books and the adyancied Calvert course for her in Calcutta.
For almost a year I was so ill.during the ni^t times that I really
wondered if I would be alive when Daddy and Eugene got back from Calcutta. Then I would feel stronger during the daytime.
have strength enough to do the things I had to do. Nbw I think perhaps I diall be well again some day but I am worried because
my memory is so uncertain. Is that a characteristic of ^emia?
My blood pressure was low and I was so aenemic, that.I did not
Eugene has been tied to the Da-da house-building since before Christmas but he came to the convention at Ye-^ and he also taught in the school which we held at Da-da. He preaches and
te'g^es, confers with the elders and Christians, marries those who come for such, gives medicine to the sick and supervises the build
for awhile then went with Robert. Eugene needs sonie '.'home cook
ing, a very heavy load for one person. It is hard to. get some one to cook for him and take care of everj^hing while he is out
want her to leam the language while we are here and can help her interpret and translate native talk.
All new missionaries find language study a drudgery and all new missionaries want to begin work with the natives at once, and,
naturally, Miss Sterling wants to dp the medical work wHch she sees needing to be done.. However, she was doing very well with her language study and of coiu-se she was a great help with Ruth's school work. I value a woman's compansionship after so many
lonely years.
You will remember Mrs. Cooke, of the Inland Christian Mis sion, who was here a few years ago helping in one of our schools. She died in India on her way to the states. Mr. Cooke married again and the present Mrs. Cooke was so ill recently that Mr. Cooke was afraid to leave her to come to get Miss Sterling to nurse hei;. His letter, came by specialmessenger two days after Robert stained south, so we decided to sendanothermessenger after Robert
Miss Sterling's party thus overtook Robert and his porters arid they went on together the rest of the journey down river. If neces sary, Miss Sterling will stay until the baby is bom or about July first, but she will continue her language study there for Mr. Cooke is a fine linguist. He is now trai^ting some of the Psalms into
Lisu and Robert has done some of that work when he was at the Cooke home. ,
asldng him to wait for Miss Sterling and her guide and porter.
The work of the mission and of the various congregations moves forward. Our native teachers, John and Mukerji Philip, ^e in the Ahkyang valley this year where they have been teaching most of fhe time. John said the people studied, night after ni^t,
until the cocks crowed at dawn. They taught for a month around
Tit-i-gu and as John is a. good teacher, I think the people there leaped a lot. This valley is divided into ten circuits, with ten
in it, besides the surrounding country of tiiat circuit, all of which must be taken care., of by ^nf. prpapW^^T' Our faithful Paul, who spent two years in Mon-di, has returned and Yi-la-ga Mark has taken his place. AH .such changes are made with our approval and usually on our request. With ex
perience and study our native helpers develop wonderfully. We see God's wprk in their lives. We shall send help to Pushi who has the difficult work in the Mekong valley.
and left Drema and Ruth to care for the home? Due to smallpox
and the food famine we had a smaller niunber than usual at the
Did I tell you that Anzi and I went to the southern convention
convention. I suffered so much making the mountain pass that the Christians made a wha-gan and carried me most of the way from Madee to Go-da on the return trip. Yet I was able to take charge of the convention, with the help of David, Barnabas and Timothy. Many sick people came to that convention. My, I love to go on those preaching trips so much that I can hardy stand not to go, but this anemia often gets me down. Pray for us. We can go on
only in His strength and grace. .; .
May 4, .
phone at Da-da, as it circled south along the river looking for Robert. This was the scouting plane^for downed c^go planes. Then on May 1st Robert flew back in the same plane and dropped
two notes for us. He had been to Assam. On the Way Over the
Great news!
over Da-da but yesterday he returned and talked wth Eugene throu^ the radio. Wonderful! On the wings of the air!
Hump, ice formed on the planers wings so that it wasn't safe to circle
you. The Lord despises a proud heart. Be sure you pray much, read a portion in your Bible prayerfully each day and walk humbly
(Signed) Gertrtide Morse.
And now a message for our dear LaVeme in the home-land: You will be called many places to witness for Christ and tell or His work here in these regions, but see that you do tiot get proud. You must keep yourself humble before the Lord else He cannot use
before Him. Let God's Word guide you. May His blessing be upon you and upon all His followers in His world.
I've just found that the army has lifted censorship about this place now that we've beat the enemy out of Burma, so I can say
a few things.
I have had a fairly busy time lately, as well as ah exciting, adventurous one. Should I ever have to compete in one of those
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Eugene through the ether. I have had the rare experi ence of standing at the very
base of one of the tallest known mountains in this section ,"Kargapo," where many lives had been lost and more probably will be lost to a cruel monster that mostly lives in a dark fog cloud. I was at about 14,000 feet altitude, yet the precipitous west side of the great
I recently attended the Northern District Christian Convention on the upper Salween. The people saw us coming and we must
have shaken hands with several hxmdred before we reached the
house. A Lisu house usually consists of two, or at the most three, rooms. A room in one of the larger houses had bfifin_5eserved. for
us. There is no fumitiure in such a house but there is a central
firehole. Everyone sits on the floor around the fire to eat iand visit and finally to sleep. We had brou^t cots and bed rolls which we arranged around the room. After a, quick supper, there was the opening service of the Convention.
The people of the village had built an extension to the church building but even then not all the people could get inside. Over eight hundred Lisu Christians were present. They all sat on the floor crowded together, the women on one side and the men on the other. Robert and Eugene each preached at one service and the Lisu preachers for the rest of the services! Such singing! I wish you could hear it! But their best singing is done around the camp fires after the services; They sat in groups and sang their
.wi& them long into the ni^t. I was too tired to do this the first
two nights but couldn't resist-on the last night for the music was so beautiful. I played my violin for them and then they sang as I played. Mrs. Morse suid I went to. bed about midnight.
favorite hymns for hours on end. They have been trained to sing in parts and the harmony is wonderful. Eugene and Robert sang
The Christians just walk into your room and sit aroxmd your
fire and when you go to bed you just get into your bed-roll and leave the visitors. We did just that. Presently they tired of talk
ing and went out but I couldn't go to sleep. Then I got up and re joined the singers. We sang and sang imtil two 'clock when I
again went to "bed "but Robert and one of fhe groups sang until daylight' Everyone was loathe to go home on Monday although ihe Convention had been in almost continuous session for three days
and ni^ts!
I could understand very little of the sermons, knowing so little of the language but in spite of this, I enjoyed the Convention more than any I have ever attended. It gave me a far better undersanding of the people and love for them and for this work. On the morning of our departure all othe people made a huge "Friaidship Circle" and prayed and sang "God Be With You". Then everyone marched around and shook hands with everyone else. This custom of shaking hands is peculiar to the Christians for there was no such
native custom.
Then the peojde started home. I stood and watched a long line
of them winding their way northward along the mountainside, going single file because of tiie narrow trail. Robert, Eugene, Mrs. Morge ^d Drema went north to hold a school and Ruthie and I
re^iarned tb Pugid^. "We had almost seven strai^t hours of walkmg. Needless to say,.we w^e weary when we got home, but it was an e3q)CTiei;ce for whi^ Aankful. The people are eager
persecutions that result for some of them. ' *
for me to go^ this time. Perhaps I can stop off on the spring trip when I knowth^language better. Please continue yourearnest
prayers for the missionaries^a^ for these people.
(Signed) DoROTBnr Sterling
VX
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Cincinnati, Ohio.
I am sending you a story that has ccme ny way and in v>-hich I had
peoples of the Lisu, Nung and Knung tribes is located the Yxmnan-Tibetan
Christian Mission of vThich B3?o. J. Russel Morse (formerly of^Tulsa, Okla.)
is the director on the field. It was one of. ny very urgent desires when I
iately too^ iiim in charge and we. went to_ meet his son Eugene and the native
evangelist Barnabas.who had accompanied him out from the mssion.
The occasion of the visit out to India at this time was to bring
out a crew of air men who were forced to bail out near their mission some
three months previously and who had been lodged in their mission home for
two month awaiting the opening of the passes so they co'old come out over the
snow^covered mountains with ^safety*"?
The first part of July the Morses' and Barnebas went to Calcutta to get supplies and also to secure the printing and binding of 5000 gospel
song books in the Lisu langUG.ge to be used among the Lisu Christians in the
llissions 40 churches.
"p:'ge # 2
In two months this task was accoi^lished (ordinarily
a six months job) and th^ brought the song books and other supi;lies back up to Assam, where also was assembled several tons of food and other needed
su..plies and arrangements were made to have the supplies flov.n in and dropped by ^chute' at their mission station. Trliile in Calcutta arrangements were
air priority for a new medical missionary. Miss Dorothy Sterling, Phoenix, Ariz.^
to come out at this time and accompany them back into the "Heart of the Hump"
through this medical service that B/Iiss Sterling can render to any personnel
forced dovoi in that region that she was permitted travel at this tinje.
In ten
days from time she left the States she was at ny station in Assam, India, where
she T/as quartea^ed with the local Red Cross ladies and v/as the guest of our camp
for eleven days.
clothing(she was allowed only 50 pounds baggage) etc. to last several months
or until her^^;hipment of boxes and hospital supplies can arrive by boat. She
did find ample supplies, not 5th Avenue assoitment, (she will not need that "typ
where she is going) but good G.I. variety. Also, she and Mr. Morse were able
to secure from all sources iTicliiiding the Amy enough supplies of medicine to
fit out an adequate medicine chest, also a small first aid station.
This
them to his station and gave them shelter until, such time as they could make
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page # S
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party, as it was not possible for me to journey farther with them at this
time. I confess to a feeling of envy of this two week caravan trek and
subsequent work, after seeing the territory over which they must journey to
their mi&sion, high mountains, deep and v-icked gorges, forest, jungle and
mountain trails, weather unspeakably beautiful,, fitted for camping out along
Some one may ask, "W have a Christian miasion in a location seem
years 1926-27.
hills and try crossing the ffi.malayas (the Hump) to Scd'ety in Burma or India,
Their route took them through Lisu territory. The Us.u x-^roved friendly and
helpful, providing cs.rriers and coolies, helped them walk the treacheroxis paths
of the mountains and jungles to safety in Burma. It v/as then and there promised
that if God would permit a return^the Morse family would take the Gospel to the
Lisu. Two years later they retiarned and by the grace of God, established the Now there are 5,000 Christians most of whom have been
work of teaching of and worship to Christ as Savior and Lord, the missionaries
tell me of-feew they have helped the native farmers to cross pollinate corn and
produce h;^"brid w^^^yields equal to our own in corn belt of ny sEte of Illinois,
Bro. Morse has taught the natives hov/ to graft and bud good varieties of fruit
from America and other countries on to the native stock. Also how Eugene has
taught better technique in house construction and the making of cement from
native rock.
\
Llany of the natives have been given limited medical care from Jfe*.
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It will be of special interest to note that while the Morses and
Miss Sterling were visiting me and "sweating out" the trip over the Hump,
that thqy very gracioiisly spoke on two occasions to all five of ny chapel
services, telling of their work and future plans^ /^ter each service^the men
would crowd around each of the missionaries and talk with them foranother two
hoiirs.
As a share and part in their mission work the men of ncr command gave Also
th^ gave them other items^ one cannot get in China as sheath knives, watches,
fountain pens, etc. They gave of their money too for the work of the mission
$485.72, which sum Mr. Morse has applied on the printing and binding of the
3,000 Lisu song books.
There m^ be those vfho desire to assist this mission work, and I have
seen the work being done and most heartly recommend itji flease do not send
money direct to the missionaries, but send to their forwarding represent.tives in the States, and it will be forv/arded to a bank in India,^ I/o*. Mrs. W. K. Chamberlain, ZZl N. Herbert, Los Angeles, Cal. or to Mr.Mrs. C.R, Sterling,
154 W. Merrillw-Street, Phoenix, Ariz.
The newest recruit to reach the field is Rliss Sterling. She comes
to her first task of preaching the Gospel to also start a hospital for the
to relieve the Morses* for a much needed rest and furlough and to help expand
the rapidly growing v/ork i>6 Mr. & Pvlrs. Warren (Isabel Maxey) Dittemore.
hope to come out during the coming year.
They
Just a few days afeo Miss Sterlings baggage arrived in India, was
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her equipment arrived safely and could be sent in now instead of having to wait
till the passes opened in the spring, in overland.
SLD RICHARDS
ChapilLin (Captain)AUS.
sSd~^t~^ert would not be coming o^ this winter, and also that she
had the plans made now for the construction of her a home and Clinic.
She expects to get started on the construction this coming summer.
BATANG NEWS
I have written some of you that
Bi'other Shao's good work was win
care
to
Col.
Shao
Fu's soldiers.
asked to be
to keep warm. You know how damp and cold it is here, cold because of
the dampness. relieved of his duties in the military My what fond memories all the dispensary. The Colonel countered by places brought back as we passed offering him a Captain's commission. through, yet frought with pain too. Timothy Shao replied that he must It hardly seems possible that four ask to be excused because of his y_ears ago I nearly had my heart torn duties to the Church and to the civil
dispensary.
I arrived here a week ago just at dusk. Naomi and I proceeded to the temptation. He made the right de China Inland Mission in rickshas at the staggering price of ?200 each cision and I give him credit for it. Among recent converts I think and we needed three. Do you recall
Gwei-yin is showing the greatest we rode in one for 50 cents? Now spiritual growth. She is eager for that is the equivalent of |50. We found the C.I.M. crowded to opportunities to hear the Word. She IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! is making a serious effort to bring capacity. They had an unexpected With this issue we are introducing up her children as Christians. avalanche from Honan of mission to you our new Associate Editor and Ho-shang and Ah-che are growing, aries driven out by the Japanese. Forwarding Secretary, Mrs. Arthur too. They attend services regularly, On Wednesday I came out to see H, Schaal, who has volunteered to and are making an effort to train about my medical routine. I was ad
Mrs. Arthur H. Schaal assume the burden of these two tasks
their children. Ho-shang still needs to 1elieve Miss Palmer for returning our prayers. to the field or entering Chinese Lan Chengo and Synom are our weak guage School, as the Lord directs est ones. They are having a difficult and provides. time and I hope the chastening will
Mrs. Schaal is a young married woman with two small children, a member of the University City Chris tian Church, St. Louis, Missouri. She has had a University education in business and has had experience in office and secretarial work, bookke-cping, department managing, and editing a small magazine. She is heartily recommended by a former emi)loyer, h e r minister, Sunday School teacher, and missionary so ciety president. She is vitally interested in the do them good. (Continued on page 4)
vised to move out here to the campus because it would mean daily trips for me and with rickshas- at $100
or more to the campus I decided to
come. The U.C.M.S. has just rented a Baptist mission house for Miss
They took me
(Continued on page 4)
fully I am sure Dr. and Mrs. Bare worli of this mission as well as all will always be thankful for their in
praying for an opportunity to serve what I have put into him when I see Christ in some definite way, just as his development. He is so helpful to wc have been praying for guidance me now, too. in linding just tbe right person for Josci'h hopes lo go to Batang with
this job, so we feel sure the Lord has friends of mine soon. His things from She also has Bares were all stolen. He has one the promise of help when she needs suit made from a blanket Mrs. it from various groups and indi Nichols gave him. I am loaning him my coat and my two wool blankets viduals in her local church. From now on we are asking that to go back In. He will ride our horse you send all offerings for this work back. I'm sending saddle too, as to Mrs. Schaal, except contributions there are so many thieVes here these (Continued on page 4) days.Gladys Schwake.
led us to each other.
Page 2
NOTICE ! I
for some time now we
Hilyard St., Eugene, Oregon. Associate Editor Mrs. Arthur H. Schaal, 6709 Plymouth Ave., Uni versity City 14, Missouri. MissionariesMr. Edgar Nichols and Mis^ Gladys P. Schwake, R.N., Batang, Sikang, West China. Also
for our work, we have decided to make such reports annually in mime
Former MissionariesDr. and Mrs. the Tibetan Missionary and they will
Norton H. Bare, Ingleside, Ne be sent to all who request them. braska. Mrs. Edgar Nichols, 4902
ograph form, the fii'st report includ ing all gifts received since our last printed list. When these are avail Miss Melba Palmer, preparing to able, announcement will be made in return.
Or
Just what His plan may be, why He takes His servants through Long hours of agony;
ENCOURAGEMENT
Please continue sending me the Tibetan Missionary. As soon as I receive it, I sit right down and read every word and then go to prayer for each faithful one and for the good
work. There is no work that thrills
me like the Tibetan.
But always His great plan is there. Although we cannot see; And shall I not, like Jesus, drink
The cup He's given me?
Tibet and it also is a good work you could be used to enlarge the work are doing here. We pray for you of America to "release a man for and train and send out native and that God will raise up others of active duty." I think I know now
workers.
care of the details involved in keep Also we think it a splendid type missionaries on the field, but if they of work you are desirous of doing in ing supplies, etc., moving to those at the front) calling upon the women had regular salaries, these funds
Besides supporting two native Lydia Duescher. children and two Bible Women, Miss Schwake always has a great dear~ot extra expense connected with the MRS. BARE WRITES medical work, which is vital to the How my heart aches for Gladys as success of the mission as well as to I think of the problems, the difficul
ties, and the responsibilities she has doing to face! We are remembering her well, and a fund has been started in special prayer as she takes that for his return to the States, which terrible trip.
the health of the missionaries.
like
faith
to
go
with
you.Mrs.
Melba
Palmer
is
qualified
and
trained for work on the Tibetan field. We on the home Jtrpnt must
I am
to
be
he hopes to accomplish this year, if Neither you nor I will ever forget help can be gotten to the field. what we endured even under the It is quite likely that Miss Palmer comparatively favorable circum unusually heavy. Inflation has made will not be given permission to stances of our respective journeys it necessary to curtail the out station return to Tibet until she has ade down that memorable road. May God work done around Batang. It is up quate- suppoi-t pledged, as well as supply to her the daily strength and to us, here on the home front, to sufficient funds on hand for the courage, and may He daily press a furnish the financial equipment to "back the attack."Mrs. Arthur H. journey. burden on responsive hearts in this This work could progress more country for prayer and fellowship Schaal.
rapidly if one or more churches in sacrifice. would assume at least part of the Naturally we are anxious, too, FINANCIAL NEEDS support of our missionaries. about Edgar, who, except as the cir I feel like I was in the ark with cumstances seem to require it, should Noah and no window but the one certainly not be left in his broken heaven ward. May I keep my eyes MISS PALMER'S PLANS
she has been handling here. All of us must keep the supplies moving. Her financial requirements, whether for travel or language school, will be greater than during the past few years while at home. At the present time Miss Schwake's expenses are
tion, and a greater measure of com border work. I hope our people have ley, California, for the next term, panionship than any one else we can been willing I should have this rest. suppose to be available.Mrs. Bare. which begins the first of March. With finances as they are now I Whatever progress I can make can't say I feel rested. Keep my need there while waiting will be a definite for rest before the people for as long
gain for the work later, so this time I wish to express my thanks for as I need to be down here. If I have will certainly be well spent. Please the many lovely greetings received financial anxiety I can't rest as you pray for me.Melba Palmer. at Christinas time.Melba Palmer. may well figure.Gladys Schwake.
Though I am still trying every way I know, I have as yet received no permission to return to Tibet. If something does not" develop along that line soon, I hope to enter the Chinese Language School in Berke
health, so destitute of human help directed there for surely vain is the and companionship. help of man.
I'm counting more maybe, than I I was over to see Sister Celinia at should, on Joseph's, early arrival. He Kangting and she says I have aged can offer more responsible co-opera 30 and gotten too thin. Such is the
Page 3
JUNIOR MISSIONARY
A BABY'S ESCAPE
and went right to work. Mama and mal through the dangerous stream. daddy both looked so tired. They
shouted had
again, more angrily, "Don't lead her The caravan slowly wound its way horse, let her go alone." The Ti along the narrow mountain trail. It betans stepped back. Drenma, terri was a cold morning and the young fied but silent, rode forward. Tibetan woman pulled the blankets The water swirled around the
closer around her child. She sat
stayed up late packing and gotten up early. They are working so hard. I wish they didn't have to.
If I were older I know I'd be ot much more use than I am.
quietly
on
the
horse
and
looked
calmly ahead, until the sharp voice as she clutched at the saddle the only five months and aren't un of her Chinese husband startled her, baby was thrown from her arms into packed. and she urged her horse to a faster the rushing torrent. July 3.^What relief!! We sure
pace.
The Nichols, Aunt Gladys, and horse's feet, his knees, Drenma's Aunt 'Melba don't have much packing ankles, and then he stumbled, and to do because they have been here
another.
Ho Lien Drong was a Chinese from their saddles into the river. Now we have only the last minute petty officer. He had gone to Batang One caught the baby as the swift things to pack. That's good because with th hope of making money, and urrent swept her by. He carried her we go tomorrow. We are leaving while there had married a Tibetan In his arms t? the bank while the lots of things. girl, although he had a wife in other led the horse of the chilled We watched th horses and mules China. He was not very nice to his jnd weeping mother. we hired coming this afternoon. They Tibetan wife, and after drinking he During this procedure. Ho Lien are coming in the meadow and in the fi-ould beat her. Drong had looked on with a sneer field by the "Shom-bas." Tomorrow It was worse after the little son ing and unpleasant laugh, but as the by this time we will be getting to our he had anticipated proved to be only horse was led up the river bank he camping place. How exciting! Edgar a baby girl. He was always sneering scolded Drenma for her carelessness. got some fire crackers to shoot off at, or tormenting her in one way or She wept as she wrung water from tomorrow.
Instantly
two
Tibetans
calmly. She had expected no more her to her own frightened heart. when she was forced to marry this
stranger.
^ Although Ho Lien nothing for his child, Drenma cared Drenma was grateful from the bot I don't remember it at all. much. She cherished her baby more tom of her heart. He did not even July 4.^We had lots of fun today. than her own life. Never was she mind that the water had almost We left at ten o'clock this morning. happier than when she was playing ruined his new bootshe had saved After we had left the last suberb
with her little one. a life.
Daddy, mama, Edgar, Garland, and Maribel are going to Lham-Di, Although the Tibetan who had but the Nichols, Aunt Gladys, Aunt saved the baby received no thanks Melba, and I_are going up to Batang. Drong cared from Ho Lien Drong he knew that Garland and I were born there, but
and started going up the pass we Yes, Drenma was sent back from shot off a few fire crackers. be some young Tibetan had won her We are a large party. There are Kangting to her home village in the heart, but more likely her di-eams humiliating position of the rejected six in the Nichols family, six in our were of her little girl. What a kind wife, but there she could listen again family, Aunt Gladys, Aunt Melba, and helpful girl she would grow to to the teachings of the Lord Jesus fl;ve in the Shao family, four in the be, mayb the belle of the town! and let us pray that the little life Chen family, Di-yin, Joseph Wang, And she would marry one of her own snatched from the Litang River will 'rIozone (Paul), Lozone Jitsen,
people, of that she was certain. sorry for her, and watched her with
Ongdi,
(a
MY TRIP OUT OF TIBE came to Batang. Ho Lien Drong along. would take her to Kangting and ^Or Diary of an Eleven-Year-Old We hadn't started early enough
Tibetan girl) and her husband Gway Sen, Jah Lama, all the horsemen, and then everyone has his belongings
By Marguerite Bare.)
Tsakalo, July 1, 1939.Today was here, right on the open mountain just filled with packing. They say side. It is beautiful and grassy here. She was aroused from her medi tations by the sharp voice - of her we have only two more days to stay There are some lovely wild flowers. husband and she perceived, in the here, and there is still an awful lot We are surrounded by trees close by same breath, that she was approach of packing to do. I don't see how and other mountains all around and ing a swift, icy stream. we can possibly get through in three in the distance. Ordinarily the baby would have days. Daddy says we will have to leave at this unfortunate moment she had a large per cent of our things here. been fondling her little one in her That's just dreadful because not a arms. She had the impulse to stop mite of good can come of it. The long enough to make the readjust lamas will take it all. ment, and on or two of the Tibetans July 2.We were all woken early stepped up to hold her horse while this morning, had an early breakfast
The natives cut down some scrub
oaks and built fires to cook supper, after dark they made bigger fires
(the scrub makes beautiful fires and
sends out sparks), and Edgar lit the rest of th fire-crackers. The light of
the lantern is almost too dim to
write by.
Page 4
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
(Continued from page 1) have been, as out here we all try to for Miss Palmer's expenses, supplies, help them out. or travel funds, which may be sent My precious Naomi left for Bible direct to her while she remains in School yesterday A. M. It was a hard the States, if you so desire. Please parting. Now I look unto the Lord designate whether you wish your for His next provision for me. I offering to go to Edgar Nichols, hope to train Joseph for dispensary Gladys Schwake, one of the native work so if we put him on a station workers, Melba Palmer, or the Ti he will be able to handle things. betan Missionary. By the way, please keep before
time
BATANG NEWS (Continued from page 1) I have more sympathy for Jeng-ah
cannot ask her to asume the expense I am down here to last me the next come to me when Gladys and Naomi involved in forwarding money, so four years up there or until such get to school. Mozong is still at have decided to take this from the time as I come home.
funds contributed for the Tibetan
Since Mrs. Schaal is donating her the minds of our people the fact that is right. and efforts to this work we I am desirous of buying drugs while Joseph Wang will be
ready to
Kangting.
much stronger. Wouldn't it be won My James is growing so I had to cate in some way with Mrs. Schaal lengthen his sleeves and pants legs derful if you could go on "to Chengtu at least once a year if you wish to before I left. That means a new and return to Batang with Gladys? receive it, and be sure to notify her winter suit next winter. He had to Wilma Watson. immediately of any change of ad have a slip-on sweater without dress. This is our only means of sleeves which cost $1200. Shoes are What a multitude of problems the keeping the mailing list up-to-date. $4,000 per pair. One boy's hanky, inside group and especially you are The address is Mrs. Arthur H. $400. I was glad I had a few old facing. I hastily name them as Schaal, 6709 Plymouth Ave., Uni white ones with me to give him. health, both hei*e and there; help, versity City 14, Missouri. Want to send him one from here for both here and there; finances, both MISS SCHWAKE AT CHENGTU his Christmas. They are a bit here and there; travel, both here chea,per. The flowered or gingham and there; and spirituality, faith. (Gonlimied front page 1) Divine help, both here aird^there, in helping us all the way down, cloth Is very popular at present. which is the first and greatest need (Note:The present rate of ex always going before to prepare us a place and save money for us. I will change is about $40 Chinese to $1 of all. We certainly need to pray these problems away.C. W. Nichols. start with our departure from Kang- U. S.)
Remember, the Tibetan Missionary a suit case to lock her things up in. is paid for only from free-will offer Her one dress cost about $5,000 in ings, so in place of a subscription Kangting.
Missionary. Therefore, larger offer forward more to Naomi as she needs could not stand much more.Edgar ings will be needed for this purpose. another dress and will have to buy Nichols.
When I get more money I have to getting away for medical care.
She
carriers.
I am simply walking on air today. My blood test has come through Finally through the courtesy of sugar-free, so when I was running an educated Chinese we got bus the one plus a year ago it was caused
ting. They were asking $17,000 for one whagon and $9,000 for baggage
November 22.
FINANCIAL REPORT
July 1 - December 31, 1944
TIBETAN MISSIONARY
tickets for $8,780 for the two of us. by overwork. That means I can stay Payments: Printing, $100.25; Postage, Misc., $1.95. Total, $141.37. Had we known what a dangerous on and see my children through $39.17; Balance on hand: $62.59. ride we would have I wonder now if school and also wait your furlough FOR TIBET
I had-dared-iferw
Receipts: $4069.78; balance if you come out :soon so-~we-can $140-1.39. Tbfar, $5471.17.
Balance on hand: $2871.17.
MELBA PALMER
Total, $203.96.
July
1,
always furlough together. Man may plan but God does the
all the way in here. They chartered a disposing, so wait on Him with cour
age. He is so dependable. to wish you all a blessed and Happy New Year in I wish it were my privilege wee something for you all I want about that was that our baggage went Christmas free. We were allowed 30 pounds' Him. How per person. Naomi's things were to send a
Receipts: $836.39; returned loan on T.M., $100.00; balance July 1, $250.82. Total, Payments: Living expenses, $165.62; Dentist and medicine, $4.25; Postage and stationery
$ 1187.21.
misc., $17.16; Tithes and offerings, $192.92; Cable expenses, $20.00; Supplies for Tibet,
$385.47. Total, $1002.44.
heavy so I had taken only my zipper bag, a wool blanket, and my small
pillow, whicli I put in her bundle. We each carried a bag with our small
stuff.
as our soldiers are permitted to do. There is much I could wi'ite of present tense situations here but will defer till we meet. It will be inter
Received for return to Tibet: $181.70; for Received for Edgar Nichols, $1495.39. Received for Miss Schwake, $90.00.
esting enough then though stale. I do not want my letter to arrive look
ing up small stuff for their families. ing like They are a lonesome bunch but not Schwake.
lace
Nichols.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
We had quite a nice Christmas,
as I am writing on my knee and with gloves on. Doing this sitting over a hopan charcoal fire. It is so damp here that when it gets cold
everything considered. Joseph had charge of the program and the deco; rating of the service room. We sang
the usual Christmas songs which we have in the Tibetan and the children
They say it is due, not only to cold air, but a lack of calcium in one's
blood. I know our vegetables up
there lack a lot of elements because
and he gets good attention from his listeners. This part of the service
was concluded with prayer, after
which was the distribution of gifts.
they have such impoverished soil and no way of improving it much. Then, too, that diet was playing havoc with
me because I was measuring all my
We then placed the chairs and benches about the sides of the wall and enjoyed a fellowship circle of prayer and praise.
Joseph Wang
food, etc.
Several
good
testimonies
were
words that I am not a diabetic. He feels God has given special answer to our prayers. May He be praised. and hear Joseph and I know it would When the missionaries had said that I love that song, "When Morning do Lois' heart good if she could little Da-we had gone to heaven, he Gilds the Sky," because in it the
given of God's gracious dealing dur ing the last year. I was pleasantly JOSEPH WANG I wish you folks were here to see surprised with Ho Shang's testimony.
before us, one of which I am waging right now. There are these deci
sions to be made regarding my going back up or permitting the American Consul to send me home. Up there we are not likely to get in the Army's way so why need they worry about us? We are now being classified in three clashes, A, B, C. The first are those whose furloughs are due or are sick, etc. B, those who belong to
small missions and are in dangerous
enjoy him for a while. I venture to believed it and therefore he wanted say that he is the best qualified and to become a Christian so that he best trained native worker that has might meet him there. So he asked ever preached the gospel in these to be baptized when Lois Gail was parts. He takes well with the chil before the trip to Kantlng. After dren and gets better attention than wards he had prayed that God would any one else who has ever spoken give them another son and God had to them. He is also good at Leaching answered his prayer and he was very
them good songs. But the best part is his spiritual position of the scrip-' tures, which is backed up by a truly spiritual life. He was much dis couraged after two weeks here and
I warned him tnat he would be.
happy.
The
ing prayer service at the church. Mr. Shao, Ho Shang, Joseph and I went
territory, etc. C, two men of each situation now. For instance, there went upon the old porch where we large mission- may stay to handle were 125 in Sunday School the Sun used to meet in the winter, it col finances, property, etc,, if worse day after Christmas and attendance lapsed with us and dropped us all
comes to worse.
There are some encouraging aspects from Ja Po Ding. There must have been too many of us, for when we
I am in class B. at church services is also increasing. together with The recent A. C. Secretary, who just Joseph has finished a census of ground below.
church members. With Mr. Han
the organ
Most of
to
the
us were
he visited some forty families repre scratches, but 0 La She received a much involved. Now it depends on senting about 70 baptized persons. badly sprained ankle. Pastor Lee's what this Army outfit do who have Outside of Ja Po Ding, and three or second girl perched like a sparrow moved into office. They sometimes possibly four other families, every on the railing till some one went up have more drastic methods. In any home had its idol shelf. He said and rescued her. We resumed the case, God will guide. the husbands blamed the wives and service In the church building, where I wrote mother there might be a the wives blamed the husbands, but bright charcoal fires were glowing possibility of this; but I had no heart there was no excuse for it where the in the hopans. Christmas day was for home with Edgar sitting up there husband was a Christian and cer the traditional church services and with that bad heart. If it takes my tainly not where both were confessed the feeding of the beggars. Mr. Jen life I mean to get back; or if I can Christians. In several of the homes, entertained the Shaos, Janjs, Joseph get a doctor in whom I am greatly peopl^ came in to buy wine while he and me for Christmas dinner. interested to go up for me, then I'd Edgar Nichols.
was there. This confirms what we feel more free to let loose. Other
wise I'm taking the long chances just ahead for Edgar's and his wee
family's sake. He is so precious to the work. I promised Mabel and the Joseph is at Kunming, children I'd give him good care and married.Mabel Nichols. (Continued on page 4)
Please
tell
young
people
that
Page 2
formerly
so
intimately
associated
versity city 14, Mifiilsouri. like having one of them back. MissionariesMr. Edgar Nichols and In the three years he has been Miss Gladys F. Schwake, R.N. Ba- attending Bible School he has ma tang, Sikang, We^ lOhina; also tured greatly in body, mind and Miss (Melba Palmer, preparing to spirit.. He makes a fine platform
return. appearance, is a fluent speaker in Former fl^sionaries^Dr. and Mrs. both Chinese and Tibetan and is so Norton H. Bare, Ingleside, Ne^ earnest that he cannot fail to im braska. Mrs. Edgar Nichols, 4902 press his hearers. And all his work
di^iples of all the nations, i)aptizing them into the name of the
P^er and of the Son and of the
Pratt St., Omaha 4, Nebraska. is backed up by a deeply spiritual Forwarding Secretary^Mrs. Arthur life. Joseph has completed a regu H. Schaal. lar four-year theological course in
a little over three years. Only the
"Go ye," Christ tolld us, "and teach men all things That I have commanded you to. And I will be with you to comfort
and bless
to encompass the same purpose and peak we met la -blizzard. There wac; ideals as those of Ashley Johnson no house to flee to, but we did find when he founded Johnson Bible Col a deserted Nomad's camp where a lege. Dr. Chia, who founded this fireplace was left and some prairie school, was formerly a professor of fuel. The men got a fire going and Theology in Nanking Theological set uip my tent, tlhe only protection Seminary, but became disgusted with we had. "Nine of us crept into it and its modernistic teachings. We are the rest piled all they had on top so glad that Naomi is going to have their bodies, which looked like the privilege of attending this school. mounds of snow the next morning. There is living in Chungking a Our poor horses turned their backs Chinese Christian who not only is to the sborm but called all night in wealthy but is a devout Bible stu resentment of the s-harp, cold wind. dent. Like Paul, he thought he Then another time it rained so would like to preach the gospel "not frightfully we asked God to clear
for us through prayer. One night for Christians in China seems to me when we were crossing our highest
his receiving the B. Th. degree. even stilled the storms a few times This Spiritual Training Seminary
HELP THROUGH PRAYER fact that he had not previously com My journey down was fraught with pleted his high school work prevented danger which Ood overruled. Yes, He
All
those
wHu) obey
Him with
greatest concern
rest of my time in there, praise God. Did I tell you I was able to buy
four sheets and two No. 4 cotton
God laid
that
there was a Tibetan studying for the to cross a very high mountain on a ministry in Dr. Chia's school, he sent lacking in vitamin B, so want you very narrow road with an improperly for Joseph to come to see him. to mail me vitamin B complex tab functioning motor truck. When I Being favorably impressed, he had lets, too. tell you our tires were flat, a leaking Joseph in his home several times to Naomi is very homesick at the radiator had to be constantly filled, the fan belt gave trouble and we discuss things Tibetan, and espe Bible School but enjoying herself
pulled into YaChow with smell of
Tibetans.
blankets, so if you fly out we will have some bedding left to use. Have gotten some fruit jars. Now if some of you will please begin mailing me some jar rubbers in your letters or so. Oh, yes, doctors have found me
rubber and I think stripped gears the evangelism of Tibet. He decided tain and I go back in March, she may my whole being was in prayer, I can that he could best preach through go along up and come down later the use of his money. This is the man after the war, I would surely hat tell you. We, Naomi and I, gave the witness who gave one million dollars to have my precious girl get into (Chinesre) for the training of workers enemy hands, let me tell you. to them of God's care over us. I
felt like Paul must have on that
shipwrecked vessel. I reminded the Lord of it in my prayer for our safety.Gladys Schwake.
a while back. They are, however, changing men so frequently one MISS PAUMER'S PLANS hardly knows where he is these days. The term ends here June 14th Prayer changes things. Say you not
and I expect to go right home to do so?
Major Paul Britt, somewhere in Western China, a former friend and neighbor of the Nichols family at Lincoln, Nebraska, offering to be of any possible assistance in evacuating
Thank all our people for their won before starting out for the summer derful response to my plea for rest.
It is helping.Gladys F. Schwake. for the two High School Camps and the School of Missions, besides spend ing as much time as possible prepar I am praying for two things in Edgar Nichols from Batang. He can ing to return to Tibet, hoping it will your behalf, that you will receive probably help in securing airplane not be long before I can start back. sufficient funds for your needs and passage for him over the Huriip, and If I am unable to start by faU, I that you may have one or more vol to Edgar through him. want to spend another term here unteers to accompany you to the C. W. Nichols. in school.-Melha Palmer. Border.'C. W. Nichols.
Page 8
A JRECENT INQUIRER
Joseph has been preaching for a Saturday night, May 12th, I had the happy privilege of welcoming the week on the first chapter of John's oof the Scandinavian Alliance.) Tlfo^ Sister PalAier, in the love of our Newland family upon their arrival Gospel. Evening before last, a soldier in the States from their internment came to see Tsong Drema just after Lord Jesus: While in Batang I should have in the Philippines. Their first Sun service had started. Tsong Drema 'written to you. One reason for not day was spent in the fellowship of wouldn't go out and he was waiting writing was that I was too lazy; the College Avenue Church of Christ at the gate, so I went out and invited .another, that I had a bit of work here in Berkeley, along with the him in. Joseph spoke with great
to do. Do pardon this big lazybones. Taylors, Isabel Dittembre, the Reeses power on John 1:29. "Behold the 'Thanks be to the Lord, whatever and myself, all fellow-worker& on the Lamb of God which taketh away the Jinay be wrong in my own heart. He West China-Tibet border. It was a sins of the world." Then he spoke in Chinese, and as this soldier was ^111 likewise let me know. I do not rare privilege for all of lis. Tuesday morning tlhey left for Los practically the only one. who did no' "Wish to point them out'myself, but Tibetan, he talked Ood will Himself point them out. Angeles, where they will spend some understand time with the Figueroa Church at directly to him. This man was vtelbly This is a good lesson. 155 W. 57th St. Their health is affected and stayed after service to Now 1 will make mention of mat ters in connection with the small greatly improved since their release talk with Joseph. He said he believed
church at Batang. Though we are i'rom imprisonment,- but they are still in Jesus and wanted to be saved. This man was on his way to the .such a small church, it is truly the needing lots of rest. Pray for them. Lama's to buy some butter to bum Melba Palmer. .^race of Grod, and every time I think
of
marvelous.
"were working at the Salt Wells, ^establishing a church, were driven whole situation. The urgent need Jhere to Batang, and assisted these of help on the field, the conviction "weak and souall disciples; God has that there should be a family to tep by step led until today many in- go with you, and the need of money. How my heartall our hearts competent ones who had no desire to
nter Seminary from Batang. four liave entered (the Seminary. Regard less of IJhe length of time, God has qipheld all His work.
Now the Lord still wants you at
in a lamp by the bedside of his seriously 111 baby, but he returned We are deeply concerned over the with something far more precious.
the front to exert yourself on behalf <of us at the rear. Pour years ago I truly couldn't believe that you
would become such a Pe Chiao Shih
The next day Joseph stuck some tracts in his pocket and went to visit them. He found the parents gone, the baby lying on the bed, covered with flies, its mouth open, and its rejoiced at the word from Newlands. eyes rolled back until only the whites Would it not be wonderful if, after were visible. He thought it was dead, a rest, they could go out again! I but when he took it up and shook just long to go, but I know it Is not it, it roused up. In a few minutes my privilege now. the mother returned and they We are standing with you in brought the baby over here. When prayer for the outfit, travel money, L saw It, I was just sick. I thought and especially for a family to go if Jesus were here He would ju&t lay His hand oiT the babyV head and with you.Mrs. N. H. Bare.
as you are today; nor did I think that you would come again, and that you would dedicate the years of your youth to the Lord, fit for His service; and that you would use the wisdom and knowledge the Lord has given jrou for the Liord's work. It is indeed very good! Had God not prepared you to 'be there, then It would be
ful if we could?
I'm praying that asked Joseph what to do. He thought /ou can go soon and that there will if we could control the diarrhea, it
be someone to go with you. Marguerite Bare.
might live. I divided an intestinal antiseptic into four parts and told the mother to give it one every three
hours.
I had hoped at one time that I child's life might be spared, but he Miss ' Schwake and Pastor Nichols and the small group at Batang, until might leave home before another must have had greater faith than I after three or four years those who rainy season, but it doesn't look pos did, I must confess that I was? really sible now. The Lord willing, I do surprised when this morning the are weak are no longer in danger of
falling. Even a garden, though it ^rows, must be watered. * Though in the course of a year, not many have been led to the Lord, Pastor Nichols, takes much time to
plan to start home next September. child was not only alive but much
The high altitude Is beginning to tell better. on me and I do not sleep near as From outward appearances, this well as formerly. I hope that you couple is sug unpromising as could with others may be able to come out be imagined, but it is one of the glories of Christianity that It can pray. Miss Schwake carries on medi by that time.Edgar Nichols. riaise from the depths to the greatest cal work;. Mrs. Nichols invited the heights.^EJdgar Niohols. officials' wives to come and hear the RETURN TO TIBET ^gospel. Thank the Lord, many of MAY BE SOON the sick have an opportunity to hear
POSTAL CHANGEI also heard the gospel. On Sundays Chinese Language School that those A recent change in postal regula missionaries who have been in China the whole Nichols family, Mr. Shao, Miss Schwake, and I go to the vil will be allowed to return soon; so tions makes it possible to send pack
"V^ether they believe or not is the fall to replace Edgar Nichols.
work of the Holy Spirit.
If my at the sender's risk.
the gospel.
There
are
rumors
here
in
the
lages and preach; how hap^^^^ we are. I have hopes of" starting b^ick' tfliis ages up to four pounds to "Batang
Send to either
travel fund and living link eiupport
Writing of this I am again con- are secured soon, the possibility will at Batang, Sikang, West China. Melba Palmer. be increased.^Melba Palmer. (Continued on page 4)
Page 4
predica
draw nigh unto the Lord, like Peter strained to think of the future of on the mountain, saying to the Lord,,
didn't wish to go down^ being in the mountain church. Therefore we must have now, must eventually go down fronk good doctors. Everyone has con- the mountain. dence in Miss Schwake as a doctor, Our School is dismissed during th& and many come from afar seeking winter holidays, and we are supposed her help. Thus we have an oppor to go out and do practical work dur tunity bo preach the goepel. ing the time, two In a group, or five
in a group. I went with three others,
Batang.
he
have my teeth all out but refills and extractions, three in number. Of the latter, I had two operative cases am just now pulling myself together from yesterday's business. They had
to chisel one of them out and in It is three months since I arrived doing so fractured the ovular car here. What money I have used has tilage ajolned to the hone. They been forwarded by Miss Schwake. As were in hopes nature would care for to my clothes, it is your cotton and the fracture. She did not. Aftr cloth supply. Coming here this time a month they lanced back the gum my board expenses amount to $3,00. and removed the piece. Here I am per month. Because of the war, the today nursing a sore face and think prices continue to rise each month. ing wishfully of mother and her Sometimes the rise is too high, but kindly ministrations when I had that I can say nothing because the help awful cross cut removed from the comes from a Ghineee gentleman. base of my nose. Tell her I needed In all he helps six workers. Before no Ice cap. My hands are cold enough it was decided that each month we to stop any hemorrhage. Ha! should receive $2,500. Now it is Honestly, my mouth has caused me necessary to have ?3,000. due to more surgical operations. I'm thank the rise in prices: whether there will ful they are operations confined to be future rise in costs cannot be de my mouth. cided. So I don't know what to say For two days now, besides my to you about the high prices! If the sore face, I've been having to nurse sum is too high, and not easy to a cold which seems to be in my secure, then don't arrange board bronchial tubes. The fact of the expenses; but do your bit regarding matter is, I've never really gotten clothing and each months miscel over the one I got at Yaan when I laneous expenses. For I think, don't
first landed in this cold basin on
to do preaching in the grass huts. In the future you can write me in English. There are those who can read. May the Spirit of God con tinually be your help. A sister in the Lord,
NAOMI.
My girls are
planning on goine
MISS SCHWAKE'S HEALTH I am otherwise in good healtli they say, than that I've been over
worked. I know now what I must
cold.
do when I go back. I hope to have these plains. It is a semi-tropical when Miss Schwake and I lived to enough left to keep as much help climate and when it gets cold here gether for four years, when we ran around me as I need to protect my is, as I said before, steamy, damp out of money, asking God we were health. I've sacrificed help at the
never disappointed. And not only in the matter expense of my own health to finance of our precious future workers througk
fear;
For
I am really resting. In that I sleep better and am not obligated to ^duty. I've gained to 125 pounds over my 115 when I left Batang, so you see it is worth a lot to get down here, Dear me, what a relief to be rid of that toothache. The only thing which troubles me is the ex pense of everything. Well, God has
money, but when some were sick and nigh unto death, God Himself saved them, as in the case of Pastor Nichols and Miss Schwake. Thanks
be unto the Lord. Thus we have
school.
least $100 U. S. a month now to support an evangelist. See what also had some experience. In these ^'ou can do for our prize student. matters I only desire to pray much I am attending a few lectures on
to the Lord. It is the Lord Who can skin diseases: also have a promise been so good in meetiug all our needs, bring it to pass; if it Is not possible, of being called for abnormal ma hasn't He?G-ladys F. Schwake. God Himself knows about it. There ternity cases; so I expect to pic
up
some
up-to-date
methods
after
Due to lack of space, it has been about it and we ought to submit to six years in the backwoods. necessary to omit the Junior page Him. Gladys F. Schwake. Kindly give my greetings to Mrs. in this issue. Ogden, Mrs. Shelton, Mrs. Bare. Now FINANCIAL REPORT I truly know to thank God for them January 1 December 31, 1944 ' THANKS and their love. In early times, be GLADYS SCHWAKE Payments: Food 52,150.60, Fuel $105.84. We are very gi-ateful to Brother cause there were those who moved Wages $1,062.79, Miscellaneous (Purchases, Medical Travel, etc.) $2,084.33, Students Oscar Patmont of the College Avenue with tears, therefore there is today $1,293.77, Tithes $154.24, Postage $86.00. Church of Christ in Berkeley, Cali the joy born of hope. May we also Total $6,937.57.
Please
WILMA WATSON
and greet
the
whole
family
of
Mrs.
Received for Gladys Schwake, $1,103.43, Tithes and offerings paid for Miss Schwake^
$118.35.
Net total received for Miss Schwake. Portable Typewriter for use on the the Mother of Miss Schwake, for $985.13. Received for Nichols, $109.95. mission field. It will certainly be a Batang is greatly in need of the Received for Joseph Wang, $400.00. (Note: Funds sent to Mrs. Watson are turned" real help to the work. Lord's workers. Also tell her all
Melba Palmer.
Also do
much to comfort
MY CALL The world has just finished pass ing through a number of years of war. During tnese years much of the
work of our Lord Jesus Christ has been retarded or closed. We have
busied
ourselves
with
the
task
of
winning the war and have talked much of the post-war period.
Yes, we have talked much and made few plans for the post-war
period for the Church of Jesus
Chriat. Wo are now in that post-war period and there are many things which we, the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, must do. Great oppor tunities are open to us as never be fore, and It is possible if we fall to make the most of these opportunities now we may never have another chance. One of these opportunities that is now open to us was published on the front page of the Christian Standard July 7, 1945. It is an urge from the leaders of Batang for the Christian
ELLIS R. BACK I was born in Venice, California, Churches and Churches of Christ in on July 1, 1916, the fourth of five children of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Back. North America to help them. No, they are not asking primarily Through my childhood I attended for the Gospel but rather for the by the Ocean Park Christian Church products of the Gospel. Now let us and was buried with Christ in bap face the issue squarely. Either we tism at the Easter Sunrise Service in will send missionaries with the Gos 1928.
After my graduation in 1935 from pel. who will first and always give the Gospel and then after giving Venice High School, a part of the those people the Gospel they will Los Angeles City School system, I give them its 'by-products, or else we attended, in 1937, the Los Angeles will let those that are not Interested County Christian Endeavor Summer in the Gospel take the by-products Conference at Tahquitz Pines in the without the Gospel to the Tibetans. San Jacinto Mountains. While at this Church of Jesus Christ, a great conference I dedicated my life to the door is open. Are you going to let Christian ministry, preferably the it close before you give an answer? mission field, but with the conviction Now is the time for action. The de that Christ would lead me to the field where He wanted me to labor, I left cision is yours.
A NEW RECRUITI! Ellis R. Back, one of our fine young ministers, has for some time been considering Tibet as his field of service to God. After much prayer and study he has volunteered to go with me as a missionary to Tibet as soon as the way is opened for my
return.
a good missionary. He is consecrated and earnest and puts his trust in God for guidance and provision. You
will find in this Issue of the Tibetan
As for me and my house, we will take hold of this opportunity and carry the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Tibetans, for we have heard their call, saying, "Come over and help us." If this is God's will He will see that our needs are supplied. We ask you to pray for us, to pray that others might go to Tibet with us, and to pray that the doors of Tibetan towns might constantly be opened to His Word until that coun try has fully accepted His way of life. Just how long before the way will open for us to go to Tibet we do not know. But we must be ready to go when the way is opened. We have yet to get our supplies and
them.
it in His hands.
In September of 1937 I started to prepare myself for the ministry, but in a college where I found the teach ings to be contrary to my previous beliefs, so decided that If that was Christianity I would give up the ministry. I then heard of Johnson
Missionary his own accounts of his background, his statement of faith, and his call to Tibet. We will keep
on file the recommendations he has received from the churches he has
served and if anyone would like to receive copies we will be glad to send
Katherine A. Jones, of Cambria, Vir ing link support, travel funds, and ginia, a member of the Centennial supplies for several years on the field Church of Christ of McCoy, Virginia. must be gathered quickly. Help of After my graduation we went to pack any kind will be greatly appreciated. Central City, Pennsylvania, and
Contact either Ellis R. Back, ministered to the Church of Christ in that city. In September of 1943 Jamestown, Indiana, or Mrs. Arthur
Bible College and after investigation them. entered it in September of 1938 as Now that the war is over, we hope a freshman. After spending four it will not be long before we can glorious years there I graduated in start for the field, and we must be June, 1942. ready as soon as there is an opening, On May 28, 1941, I married Miss for the need out there is great. Liv
We are now open for speaking en gagements to congregations, schools, and other groups. Can show slides or bring a message concerning the field and its great challenge to the Church
of Jesus Christ.Ellis R. Back.
we came to Indiana to do graduate H. Schaal, 6709 Plymouth Ave., work in the Butler University School University City 14, Missouri, or Miss of Religion. At first we ministered Melba Palmer, 1411 Walnut St., (Continued on Page 3) to the Bethany Chapel Christian
Page
I BELIEVE
I ibelieve and therefore affirm the
Melba
palmer,
1411
following things:
H. Tim. 3:16,17,
conceived by the Holy Spirit. Lk. versity City 14, Missouri. 1:26-38; Lk. 2:4-7. Missionaries^Mr. Edgar Nichols and That the Scriptures of the New Miss Gladys F. Schwake, R.N., Batang,
return.
Sikang, West
China;
Christ, the Son of the Living God, is Mrs. Edgar Nichols, 4902 the central and all-embracing, truth
of the Christian systent, and that an Forwarding Secretary^Mrs. Arthur intelligent and loving acceptance of
H. Schaal. this truth is all the faith that is nec
essary for the sinner to have in order Missionary RecruitsMr. and Mrs. to his salvation. Matt. 16:16-18; Ellis R. Back, Jamestown, Indiana. John 20:30,31; Rom. 10:9,10.
That the Church as a whole and
in all its constituent parts is essen IMMEDIATE NEEDS Now that World War No. II is at tially one, being composed of the an end, we feel confident that per regenerate, so that the same things
mission will soon be granted for Miss that make a man a Christian make Palmer to return to Batang, along him also a member of the church. needs much mission work and med with any new recruits ready to go Eph. 4:4; 2:19; I Tim. 3:15. ical work in the future.
to this field.
Kangting is an expensive place to live. We hope, therefore, to leave in a short time. It is so difficult to get horses, I have ^ been running almost every day to find a way for will need 11,000.00 a year to fulfill Christ with the mouth before men. Miss Schwake and myself to get away this requirement. More will be nec Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9,10; I Tim. from here. essary for Mr. and Mrs. Back and 6:12. (4) Baptism into the name of We pray daily for you in America their children. Although it would be the Father and of the Son and of the and for our work out here. May God difficult for one . church to . assume Holy Spirit. Matt. 28:18-20; Acts bless you as you work for us. We this obligation, several churches, 2:38,39; Rom. 6:3-5; and that by hope He will give us souls for our missionary societies and individuals these steps is secured the triple bless- hire. each pledging a small amount nig of the remission of sins, the gift
can assure this support. If you are of the Holy Spirit and the life ever able to share in this, let us hear lasting. Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:22.
I will close with best greetings. Sincerely, Christian
That the response for which the the applicanL-will not-hecome a-flnancial burden on the government. This Gospel calls is (1) faith in the Lord means that living link support must Jesus Christ. Acts 16:31; John 20: be pledged before permission will be 30,31; Heb. 11:6. (2) Repentence toward God. Acts 20:21; Lk. 24:47; granted. (3) Confession of Miss Palmer estimates that she II Cor. 7:9-11.
I expect to take my wife and two age of accountability are fallen and youngest boys to Litang. I plan to depraved, yet they are deemed ca leave my two oldest boys with Miss pable of responding to the Gospel Schwake. and are held responsible to do the My family always remembers you same. Rom. 3:10,12; Acts 17:30. and would want to send their greetingB.
That the Lord left a mission for from you soon, in order that there Timothy Shao. will be no unnecessary delay in His followers to fulfill. Matt. 28:1820; Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 1:8.Ellis securing permission to sail. MISS SCHWAKE AT KANGTING Another immediate need is for R. Back.
May 13, 1945 I wish our Melba could be in Chengtu to handle mission business and conduct a rest home where mis
I 'have been in Kangting about two property going to be disposed of and rest. We can understand how diffi months. I came because Dr. Wan, under whose jurisdiction will it be. cultif not impossible^this is when of the Government hospital here, May God give us light, there is no other in all this area called me to give me a bit more Naomi is enjoying her school but who can care for the sick. This med training. He is planning on sending finds there are strings attached to ical work enables her to 'bring the the scholarship fund. The Commit me to Litang to open a new clinic gospel to many who would not other tee that administers the fund expects wise be reached. Pray with us that therie. to place the students that use it, so God will put it into 'the heart of The government is furnishing a let us pray that some church or Sun
some trained Christian nurse or doc
her own li'fe, it is evident that she must protect her health and get more
sionaries could really be built up. The big issue now is: how is Batang
small amount of medicines. I am day School will assume her support tor to help teach the gospel and heal signing up for only one year so I at about $25.00 a month, and make the sick in this part of the world. can easily go back to mission work valid our claim upon our own. when the opportunity affords. Sikang Gladys Schwake. Mrs. Arthur H. Schaal.
Page d
I wrote in my letter to Phyllis that grandmother in and soon the noise Johnny was suffering from ear of weeping had ceased. They then trouble. We lost him about two called a Chinese doctor who pro iveeks ago. I felt it very keenly for nounced his pulse good and gave him I feel that with proper care from the some medicine to help his breathing.
Then he called the mother and the He is a ison of a former evangelist who used to be with the Morses. His name is Joseph Fu. He had been
staying in Kangtin with his grand mother, a Mohammedan. She has taught him cleanliness and orderly rst, he need not have died; yet He was able to swallow the medicine ways as some Chinese know it. They are not our standards but better there were many remarkable cir and even to talk a little.
The mother came over and sat than average here.
What wonderful
made us feel that God was in it all. down beside me and said that she ways
believed God had answered
God
has!
was
constantly
our praying, with a woman in mind, and have along comes a boy. I never realized
person. He is so thoughtful, too, for treated it as I had seen Gladys do, ciple of Jesus. Please take those idols down off that shelf." She an an unconverted child. He helps me with glycerine and ichlyol on a dab
swered nothing.
two treatments, he stopped coming. who had happened in, now got a He was a very bright and sensitive
iittl' shovel
jnent; was hard on him. He was ap April first Was notable because of I also heard the relatives planning parently all right until the morning the departure of Joseph for Kun to have a Lama burn a sacrifice and of his sister's wedding, when they ming. A party of us went out at say prayers the next day. I felt I called me over there. He was in bed sunrise to see him oft. He has been could be of no more use in that home suffering from fever , and chills and sorely tried, but he has stood his and left about ten o'clock. Ho Shang liis ear was running. I knew then testing like a true saint. came home about eleven o'clock and Iiis condition was serious and prob He says Miss Whang has more of Johnny was still improving. ably would have meant an operation the Spirit than he has, but you know
JOSEPH'S BRIDE
still was hopeful. From then on for their ceremony. ten days I washed out his ear with
boric acid solution and applied the ointment almost, daily. On Monday morning he felt well enough to go to school for the morning assembly following vacation. He was definitely worse Tjiesday, but still up and about. Tuesday eve, about eight ^"clock, I was~called from the serv would come as soon as he could ices being held at Pastor Lee's with to stop it. This "sign" has not re sulted in any conversions, but it leave the work. the news that he was dying. our Christians and taught them the for a surprise visit, and a few days mied with wailing. The mother lesson that they can't "mix" the two later Gay Si Ling (Chinese official) .grabbed me and wailed as she wept invited Joseph to accompany him on faiths.^Edgar Nichols. on my shoulder, "O Ne Nusa, Nga a hurried trip to Kunming. He was
When I arrived, the house was
While at school they both consecrated their lives to God, It will be the life long regret of that mother that she and agreed that they Would not be married unless both felt called to the didn't do what she knew to be right. same work. She told Mrs. Shao the next day that Her father is a nominal Christian, it was like receiving him back from the dead when I prayed for him and but most of her relatives are not that she did not know the relatives even that, and they have been urging were planning the lama ceremony. other matches upon her and making But she did know.ani^was too weak her wretched. Joseph wired her he
He died the next morning at day his humility. break as the Lamas were holding
liih ha te ya chi de" (It would have been better if I had died). I went
and slipped my
There was
cover.
still a faint fluttering in his breast. I cried unto God, but I could not find a spark of faith that the child
I am home two weeks now this it will be much quicker, cheaper and
thought of the baby which had been a fine bit of medical work here. He mit her to come with him, the mar so marvelously raised, as I have has a scientific streak and with the riage will not take place. Such con^ written you earlier. Then it came to help of medical books here, he has secration in one so young surely
me" how the uncle who now was cry-
past Saturday, and I've been going safer than any other way. Before he left, Joseph promised would live. So I asked Him to give with my tongue hanging out, as Mrs. that if the girl's father will not per me faith enough to pray. Then I Wray would say. Edgar has done
ing-and-calling, "Johnny, Johnny," .vithout a doctor for six months, so Edgar Nichols. lad blasphemed the church. I feature his position. It is a marvel thought too of the idols which the of God's grace the way he has been A NEW RECRUIT mother had placed on the shelf in sustained. (Continued from Page 1) -violation of her promise to Gladys. He is still carrying much of the Eugene, Oregon. Supplies should I asked God to show these hypocrites
and heathen that He was a prayer
be
think in the two weeks I've been definite improvement in the pulse home, I've been down about three and after about ten minutes I left times. I am down todaybecause the bedside, confident that God heard nature called a halt. my prayer. Soon the uncle called to I am praising God for a nice boy me, "See, he is breathing." One could of fifteen. He helped me on the road. see his nostrils dilate as he breathed.
felt a
Pray much that the way will open soon and all heeds be supplied. We
are still in need of a doctor or nurse
to relieve Miss Schwake. Please make that a matter of prayer also. Mefba Palmer.
Page 4
on. FOR THE LIGHTS OF BATANG Probably the first artificial light used by man, the pine torch, is still much in use here in Batang. Going
on a small scale.
in a common wick lamp. There is no great market for this oil, but we about the city at night, you will meet have been approached on the matter people carrying blazing faggots of of furnishing it to the Normal School "fat pine." In the homes the evening so that the pupils will be able to
meal is probably being prepared by study at night.
the flickering light of one of these
orphanage,
which
must
wait
As by-products we have made not only tar for the roof, but also such various products as medical oint ments, shoe polish and fiy spray. A representative of the -Central Government here asked us if we
We plan to start a school la which the pupils will spend, one-half day at their booka and the remainder at learning: some trade such as carpentry or bootmaking. 4. Enlargement of the medical
work.
Small bowls with wicks, often the process. This we gladly did, and called butter lamps, are also used. I suppose that no one thing which
or burned upon the idol shelf they of good-will aff tiils. and only as our Lord leads. Ther& contain butter only; 'but butter, lard It is the nature of the Chinese to is no doubt about the need for such
used for lighting purposes. Candles are made locally from tal
low and suet. These are colored red
Jealously guard anything in the na a program. It seems to us merely ture of a secret process which holds a question of whether the leadership
a splinter of bamboo upon which the matter secret, still it made a favor His will, to lay this need very heav candle stands. Each costs one-half able impression that I so willingly
secrets are kept in the same family in the gospel, or those who under and are used for ceremonial purposes for generations. Though there would take it for purely humanitarian rea also. The wick is not of cotton, but have been no point in holding the sons. We are asking God, if it be
day's wages, so you may guess they made it public. I have been told that
ily upon the hearts of our supporters.
are not plentifully used. my report on the process has been lamp which was lighted by the courIt has always pained us to see printed in one of the Government burning with a dim and smoky flame. poses and with such poor results. We are servants of Him who said, Today a small but growing band of Tibet is a dark land in more ways "I am the light of the world." We born-again believers meets weekly
than one.
a g e o u s
publications.
Dark as are the homes of these peo became exhausted, our own lighting ple ^nd-dark-as are-their^ minds,-the^
As our pre-war supply of kerosene
and used for lighting purposes. and sanctified we missionaries had Pastor Lee has made available a My knowledge along this line was better stay home. The social work building facing on the street, where we may hold evening services, have extremely limited, but through the which this mission undertakes is method of trial and error a measure merely a means to an end, and that a reading room and also classrooms of success was finally attained. The is to gain greater hearing for the for the Bible School. Will you da
apparatus consists of an old steam gospel.
problem became critical. I had been darkness of their hearts is distilling pine to make tar for the appalling. roof. Now I 'b^an to wonder if the These people.can be soaped, salved, mission compound). Since Christmas we have been averaging over one volatile gases which were wasted in appetites satisfied,' and customs so hundred children in Bible school. this process could not be condensed cialized; but unless they are saved
a week, twice in Pastor Lee's home more and three times at Ja Po Ding (the
pressure lamp, tubing from an ol^) pfoseph Wang, we were approached brass bed, and a five-gallon oil tinV ^;.a\local official on the subject of
gases from the heated wood are led knew from
Using the kettle as a retort, the help Jtor tte poor of Batang. We C. W. Nichols Is still collecting Miss Schwake's letters funds for the Edgar Nichols family. by means of the generator and brass that she was in favor of some such His address is 124 S. E. 36th St.
tubing into the oil tin. This tin is
program.
In fact, both of us have 'become bubbled through it, the oil collecting aware of the fact that unless this
mission undertakes a
program of
REPORT READY
The complete report of funds re
directed against the tube and this holding this field for the Church of aids the cooling process. The oil Christ missions. In response to this from several primary distillations is request we have formulated the fol collected and again distilled. On sec lowing four-point program. ond distillation we get a pale yellow 1. Work-aid for the aged and
ceived from July 1, 1943, to January 1, 1945, which we have been unable to publish in the Tibetan Missionary
because of lack of space will be ready within the next week. This list
of contributions will be sent to all
infirm.
"The writer of this letter Is your Beloved Lord's servant, Paul." (A native LIsu pastor.)
As this summary of the news from the missionary frontier of the upper Sahveen valley goes to press it seems evident that my parents, Mr. and Mrs, J. Russell Morse, and my sister, Ruth, may
reach America sometime this winter but it is probable that my
brothers, Eugene and Robert, will remain on the mission field until
next summer. Warren Dittemore, who succeeds my father as Di
point in western China on the first of October. His wife, Mrs. Isabel Maxey Dittemore and their young daughter, Janet Leigh,
sailed from Boston on the seventeenth of October, expecting to
new Mission property at Ta-Da with Miss Dorothy Sterling, the missionary nurse who reached the Mission a year ago. It is hoped that others, who are now preparing for work in this mission-field,
may go out next summer. Getting to and from the Mission is both
tedious and dangerous. Pray for those who undertake these jour-
1945 has seen big changes; war's end, and with it the closing of much of the transportation over the Hump from India to China.
The Search and Rescue Squadron will be disbanded. New leaders will take over the Mission teaching and evangelizing as the Morses
begin their furloughs. Some of the Lisu pioneer Evangeli.sts have passed on, but among the present leaders are many whom they won to Christianity. My father writes of them and so this leaflet
is dedicated to them.
The various men who have helped spread the story of Chris tian redemption and living among the Lisu and other tribesmen living on the Chinese-Tibetan border, are able to read and write the Lisu language and some of them also use the Chinese language. We had the New Testament and a hymnal printed in their language and they learned to use these books with amazing rapidity. "Each one teach one; each one win one," was a motto.
Here is a picture of a baptismal service, with Tobalo Apu officiating. It is typical of the way native leaders were taught tliat they could carry on congregational responsibilities just as the Nevv'
Testament converts did. The Bible laid dov/n the pattern, and the Lisus searched the Scriptures, applying precedents as best
they could to their own situations. They built their own houses of worship, brought gifts of grain to the elders, taught in homes, and laid down rules of conduct. The Lord's Supper was observed with or without the help of the (foreign) missionary. A special
loaf was baked on the hot ashes of their fire holes. It was served
with a drink sometimes made of water flavored with wild persim mon, or sometimes with honey. The "cup" was a large bowl. Sometimes the plate was of fine Chinese lacquer. Always it wa.s a ceremony of reverence and devotion.
teachers. To please them, the Morse sons also took Bible names.
many, thus David, Moses, Paul and Barnabas were among the
They called Eugene, Joshua, Robert was Job, and I was Joseph.
Mo Su-si, Missionary Morse, The Teacher.
That is how our evangelist, Paul, addressed me, the third son of
think he will read my answering letter, also in the Lisu characters,
I have trandated Paul's letter for you and at its close you will
Ta-Da village
My dear Joseph:
1945, Jan. 23
you again because you went to America. However, when we were having a Bible School at Ta-Da village, I saw your letter and your picture, and I was happy beyond words, and lonesome for you,
therefore I am now speaking to you through this letter.
Ta-Da. Please pray for the Lord's blessing. I will also not forget
to pray for you.
Greetings: Please pray to God for me. When I went to the Irrawaddy valley to teach, I was so sick I almost died but I am
The Lord be with you. May you again come safely andhappily back to the Lisu country. I also saw a picture of the house in
live, but I can only speak to you by this letter.
which you live. Though I would like to come to you, there is nothing I can do. I would like to see the country in which you
Ta-Da and also about two hundred of the congregation. In the
you write a letter to me.
to God that our hearts may not grow cold. I shall be very glad if
sister I also saw the picture of their house. Now my speech is ended. Peace be with you; may the Lord be with you. Amen.
The writer of this letter is your Beloved Lord's servant,
In Lisu:
Paul.
I saw the picture of the mother of our Big Teacher and his
0 "I BO SU NY NU Nl ND M SI d
DO P
dO-LO AO
July 1, 1945
From Mrs. Gertrude Morse:
The mid-summer rains are pouring down. Some of our young fruit trees are bearing and the plums are ripening now. We shall have fruit from several apricot trees, but the apricots are not good. Mr. Morse fixed a frame-work over the west wall and the grape
vines have climbed almost to the roof-thatch. That fruit is nice
and big, beautiful to look at, delicious to taste. As our can-lids and rubbers are rusted and useless we cannot put up any of this fruit but we were able to trade some for potatoes and grain. Last year's crops were very poor and food was scarce but this year's crops seem very good. Conditions are worse in the Mekong valley where many could not plant com because of the late spring drought. The valley west of here has also suffered a famine this year and they have had a i>eculiar scourage of snakes. In one field alone twenty big snakes were found stretched out, all dead for some unknown cause. AU the natives are wondering about it.
We have suffered another great loss. Our local pastor, David,
We nursed him died after an illness of more than two months.
carefully but nothing helped him at all, and we wondered about that, and why it had to be. He had done much for the Lord's work.
Eugene has the lower floors of the Ta-Da house nicely finished up and is working on the upper floor. His native carpenters went
home for their simimer's work. We shall have an upper storage room in this house for such personal things as we might use when
we come back here.
Our missionary work goes on about as usual. We sent two preachers over to the Mekong congregations this week and two others returned from a month's preaching and teaching in that area. The work in the Ahkyang valley is doing very well it seems; no backsliders, and around fifty or more new enquirers and con verts. I want to go on another preaching trip, but I fell some time ago and injured my ankle so seriously that I cannot walk without a support. I cannot tell if this trouble comes from a broken bone or from a strain but it is very painful.
We are greatly worried because we do not hear from Robert
who went away on Search and Rescue work last spring. He talked with Eugene at Ta-Da from a rescue-plane-phone in May, but there has been no message since then. Today five planes flew over our house but there was no sign of Robert from any of them. There are seven wrecks north of here which Eugene must investigate
if Robert doesnH return soon. The natives "salvage" everything they can from wrecked planes so our people shoiild ge there as soon as possible to get "evidence" for the Transport Service. We can only pray for God's mercy for those who fly over these
mountains.
J. Russell Morse
Returning from the northern Salween on June 21, I found Gertrude so crippled that she couldn't walk, Ruth Margaret suffer ing with malaria which was followed by chicken pox, and David, the Lisu pastor of the Pugeleh congregation, desperately ill. He died two weeks ago. It has been a time of great trial for all of us, but especially for Gertrude, for she has always been "up and at it" both around the house and taking her turn with the preaching trips. Even yet, we do not know what happened inside Gertrude's foot; fracture, dislocation, or multiple sprains? The main trouble seem^ to be in front of the ankle. I'm really afraid that she must travel in a "wha-gan", or be carried, on the journey over the
mountains.
David had been ailing since New Year's but he relapsed shortly after I went up to Ta-Da and was "practically dead" three or four times. He seems to have had a great spiritual experience shortly before my return. He felt assured of full salvation through Christ and exhorted all others with great power. The substance of his
"exhortations in the Spirit" as they have been told to me was: "It is high time for all Christians to repent with Godly sorrow, and to be much in prayer, for times of greater tribulation are ahead. There will be increasing dissension in divided homes. Quit
quarreling with one another and get down to fighting the Devil.
Parents must not be over-lenient with children through pity
their mistakes must be corrected at once. Do not rob God of his
share of your life or goods. The time of our Lord's return is much nearer than we realize. Our own time of reckoning is at hand."
Such words may appear cold on paper, but spoken with the earnestness and unction of a dying man tliey have stirred many out of their complacency. The manner of David's death was a witness to all, for somehow in the Spirit, he knew that he was
going on and was quite reassured about it. The medicines I gave him rallied his strength and we had several brief conversations and prayers together. Then one night, after all the others had gone to sleep, he just slipped away quietly. A wooden cross marks his grave on the western knoll of Pugeleh ridge. We sh^ miss him as we do our other great spiritual leader, Moses, who was
drowned in the Salween river last November. These men were
the "first fruits of the Gospel among the Lisu" and I miss them sorely. They were pioneers with us in God's work in this valley.
God is raising-up younger men to carry forward the great evangelistic work of our older leaders, Isaiah, Moses' nephew, has been pastor of the Yeh-gu church for the past year and his great family loss seems to have re-established the yoimger man in faith and zeal in eternal things. Recently we sent Isaiah and a new, young preacher on a tour of ministry to all the Mekong con gregations. We wondered if they would be able to complete the mission, for food over there is very scarce and people are less spiritual and more affected by war conditions than here, but they did surprisingly well. They visited all the churches which have been "like sheep without a shepherd" since the death of Swami-pa, our original stand-by preacher and teacher. Really, we should have a missionary family on the Mekong-side. True, there has been a lot of back-sliding there but yet the congregations have held together. I think the poverty and distress of the times account for individuals slipping back into heathenism rather than a deliberate
plan to follow Satan.
War-time taxation and conscription is worse there than here. It may be several years after the blockade of Chinese ports and
trading posts has been lifted before normal trade can be resumed.
In the meantime, the pseudo-Chinese have become more degenerate than ever, exploiting the humble Lisu natives by every tricky device or by violence. These parts of China are so full of rackets
Perhaps some of our new missionaries may locate at Kang-Pu or at Yea Chi, which are convenient centers, but I favor Dratsilo as the center of the Mekong work for it is on the main road to the Salween valley and not so exposed to the abuses of the Chinese officials. Now that the war is ending we must undertake some big forward steps along the Mekong, and I mean right up
into Tibetan regions.
There are now no other Americans nearer to us than the Allyn B. Cooke's, TWELVE DAYS south along the Salween. Robert es corted Miss Sterling to Si-Da (the Cook's station), so Miss Sterling mi^t help Mrs. Cooke with the birth of her first child. As there is no postal service between our two stations, we have hired natives to carry messages back and forth, but it is a terrible journey over trails not even good enough for pack animals. We have now sent a special carrier-force to help Miss Sterling on the long footjourney back. The temperature at the bottom of the river gorge is intensely hot and we should not ask Miss Sterling to make the trip at this time except that we have some very sick patients here who must have expert nursing to recover.
We hear that Mr. Nichols, of Batang, twenty hazardous days' journey to our north, plans to come down to Likiang next Septem ber, hoping to find an "escape route" to the good old U. S. A. We do not know Miss Schwake's plans but they both deserve a furlough. We honor them for the way they have kept a light burning in Asia when so many other lights were going out. Help them on our
behalf.
There are plenty of discouraging things I could write about our work and present situation, but over against our sense of Human Insufficiency there is the sense of DIVINE GRACE ALLSUFFICIENT which over-rules and continually shepherds all things. This vastly extended work, growing all these years and still grow ing, cannot be accounted for solely by looking at the Morse family. Only the HEAVENLY FATHER'S PROVIDENCE can account for it. Year after year we have compared ourselves to a mother hen, with an altogether too large hatching of chicks to care for. Our own wingsour strength and physical presencecannot stretch so far in all directions. With this repeated "stretching," there has come a gradual breaking up of our family life in the usual sense. In the past four years, our entire family has seldom been at home more than a few weeks at a time, yet we have been
Just now Eugene's and Daddy's letters from Ta-Da have come
saying the Japanese have surrendered! What wonderful news!!! Oh, Blessed be His Name, the Prmce of Peace, Our Saviour and
Our Lord! Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!
I am alone here and haven't seen any mail from you-folks for
several months. (The Army Post Office returned all letters ad dressed to Robert). I suppose you have been writing all the while but I haven't been where I can get mail since May. About 20
days ago I got the American Consul to send a telegram back to the State Department to find out the situation about Mr. Dittemore's coming out. Just the other day I had a letter from the Consul
which said Warren Dittemore expected to sail on the 25 of June, with Mrs. Dittemore following later. That is all I know of the situation. I had no word as to when he'd be arriving on this
side, or what means of transportation he had. I just don't know how to figure. It may be several months before he arrives here,
hence I won't be able to wait for him, but expect someone will
come out to guide him into the interior.
Miss Dorothy Sterling, missionary nurse, who had been "loan ed" to the China Inland Mission, twelve days' journey south along the Salween river, to nurse Mrs. A. B. Cooke thru a critical period,
wrote on June 24, 1945:
Mrs. Cookers baby arrived safely on the eleventh of this month, a girl weighing 5 3/4 pounds, the fost white child bom in a Lisu
for "taby Grace*s arrival, but because of the nearness of the Japs
for awhile, it was expected that the hospital would be evacuated. All preparations were made for the evacuation and so the Cookes
We who have grown up in Christian homes and who have known the Scriptures from infancy, yet sometimes fall from Grace
very easily. Most of these native people, even the Christians, know <and understand comparatively little. When you consider their background of demon worship, you will understand this. It is
difficult for them to understand a God who knows all and who
cannot be deceived or bribed to do their will; a God who will help them and supply their need because he loves them. The
responsibility of helping them keep true to Christ is partly yours through prayer. It would bring tears to your eyes to hear these Lisu Christians praying for you; thanking God for your sending teachers to them; praying for the Lord's blessing for you.
Signed: Dorothy Sterling.
Warren Dittemore wrote from Calcutta on Sept. 19, 1945r I learned from the Commanding Officer of the Search and
Rescue unit that two men had taken a radio in to the Morses and
taught them how to operate transmission of messages. The officer has had word from Mr. Morse that the black Lisu are getting out of hand. They live north of Myithyana and the Ledo valley in the
jungles and the situation worried the Morses. Robert has been investigating plane wrecks and the Morses have also led several more aviators to safety. The major was kind but he could not drop our stuff by parachute as his planes were not equipped for it. He advised me to go in from Likiang."
were in Kunming about the same time this August but that he was
unable to contact Robert, However, he thou^t Robert had gone
to the Consulate to get word about Mr. Dittemore's plans so he might join Mr, Dittemore for the journey over the Mekong-Salween mountain passes. We should all appreciate the work done by the American Consulates in foreign lands. It is flie nerve center of
information and protection abroad.
December, 1045
BATANG CRISIS
We wish to correct the mistaken
HELP NEEDED
I am having to spend a few days in bed again because of overwork.
Contracted a bronchial cold from a
impression, which seems to have got ten abroad, that we are holding Batang for any individual or organ ization. We are holding it for our
Lord Jesus Christ and none other.
Lee's boy (patient with T. B. chest and heart fatigue) was just out of the house and I had just opened the
was our plan and our most earnest wish to preach the G-ospel where
Christ had not been named. Most of
you know the circumstances, which by God's providence, brought us here. We have never ceased praying for
open doors and a plain way into more
purely Tibetan work. However we are satisfied that to keep the light shining here through these difficult years has been God's plan for us. It
has pleased Him to use these weak
dispensary, though not in order, when Shran Tai Tai's youngest baby girl was taken violently ill with pneu monia, diarrhea, etc. Well, you know twenty-hour duty with a dying baby for ten days plus thirty-one to thirtyeight patients every Monday, Wed nesday and Friday, and on Tuesday,
Edgar has been wonderful help for which I praise God. He has gone on with some of the more violently ill
over in town that he had when I came and from time to time when I get
Workers
under
the
Bares
have
been conserved and other workers Living link support has never wor are being recruited and trained. The ried me, for the Lord has always local church has been revived to a taken care of His own, especially large extent. We are not satisfied those who serve Him on the mission with the progress made, hut we are field. However, the government is happy to see some of the fruits of our now asking that we send a guarantee labor.
a new Tai Tai, decided to have her baby during all this other excitement.
I was seven days running there. Gladys Schwake.
of support when we apply for pass - Your Mission here is facing a criti ports. cal time. Important decisions must
be made in the near future. As we
home. She has thlrty to fifty pa tients in her clinic. We sometimes It was a special joy and privilege wonder why, shorthanded as we are,
set our face towards the physical and to me to have my home church, the such heavy burdens have been placed upon us. But He has promised spiritual barriers which confront us, Fairmount Church of Christ in Eu strength for each trial and burdens we can only pray that these "moun gene, Oregon, volunteer, after receiv no greater than we are able to bear, tains be removed and cast into the ing promise of help from other so we go ahead in the strength of midst of the sea." We ask you -to
join with us in this prayer.Edgar gi'oups,
Nichols.
needed.
to
furnish
the
guarantee that faith. We hope soon to hear about the prospects for Melba and others com
This
that I
Church
receive a
has pledged
hundred
to
see
ing out.
the first
dollars a
BACKS REPORT
The Psalmist of old said, "Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for He is good; for His loving kindness endureth for ever." We today can repeat these words with greater emphasis. First, because our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to redeem us from our sins. Secondly, we can repeat these words with greater emphasis today because He has richly blessed us in
His service.
have promised help so far are: Drain, Oregon Church, ten dollars a month;
of Christ, FAREWELL
Mis
By the time this reaches you I hope to have most of my packing finished, so if you have things you want me lars a month. to take to the field, please send them With my personal support cared immediately. for in this way any other funds that The Backs also should be getting
their packing finished, and they will have need of many supplies, as weir In the few short weeks we have lege, support for native leaders, and as funds for travel. If you can help been preparing to go to Tibet, con other phases of the work. them in any way please do so, for gregations and individuals have rall they have much to to in preparation I pray that all funds may be used for this trip. ied to the great need of sending the Gospel to the Tibetans. according to the will of Gk)d and to Before another issue of the Tibet
things as an orphanage, Bible Col
We are happy to announce that the His glory.
(Gontinued on page 2)
My deepest appreciation an Missionary is prepared we hope to goes to all of you who are hel^fing. be on our way, so this is our oppor(Oontinued on page 4) Melba Palmer.
Page 2
PLEASE COOPERATE
Mrs. Schaal, who has so willingly 1411 undertaken the forwarding of funds Walnut St., Eugene, Oregon. to our missionaries, and the manag Associate EditorMrs. Arthur H. ing of the Tibetan Missionary so that
Former, Missionaries^Dr. and Mrs. funds to the field. Norton H. Bare, Box 451, Abilene, . Texas. Mrs. Edgar Nichols, 4902 If you appreciate her efforts let her know it, and please cooperate in Pratt St., Omaha 4, Nebraska. Forwarding SecretaryMrs. Arthur every way possible to make the work
H. Schaal.
I might be released to return to the field, has done these jobs faithfully and well' in spite of the fact that the work has increased even beyond my expectations. If it were not for her, the Tibetan Missionary would have to be given up, and I do not know what we would do about getting
not
in
Him
their
If it gets
much heavier, I do not see how she Missionary Recruits^^Mr. and 'Mrs. can possibly, continue. Here are some Ellis R. Back, Jamestown, Indiana.
of the things you can do:
Offer your services to her in any
A NOTE OF APPRECIATION
blessing to those concerned with the Tibetan .work. We are thankful to the Lord for all the dear friends, the faithful pra^g partners, and for their financial' support of the work. As you read our little paper we
trust it will be a stimulant to real
of assistance in this work. If you To the friends in Christ, we wish Between now and the publication live near enough to go to her home, to express our appreciation to all who there are plenty of things you can of the March 1946 "Tibetan Mission had a part in making this past year a do. ary," we shall revise our mailing
NOTICE!
Always send in promptly any we have not heard during 1945 or change in your address. This is very before the mailing of the March 1946 important since the Tibetan 'Mission copies. If you wish to continue re ary is mailed under a permit and will'
not be forwarded.
Write once a year, giving your cor praise and thanksgiving to <3od, as well as for continued prayer in the rect address and if possible sending worthy cause of bringingLight of a contribution ,forthe printing, post age, forwarding, and other expenses the iospel to dark Tibet. Because of your faithfulness in involved in this work. Mrs. Schaal prayer and gifts the work at Batang gives freely of her time and energy In has been blessed and we have new this practically full-time job and can hope and encouragement for the work not be expected to pay the expenses
of tomorrow.^Mabel Nichols.
as well.
this field, and have not sent in a re mittance or a card or letter this year, please do so now. This Is the only way we have of knowing that you are receiving these copies.Mrs. Ar
thur H. Schaal.
NAOMI'S SUPPORT
BACK'S B}POBT
Recently we have received inquir Remember, since we do not charge ies regarding support for Naomi Ho a subscription price for this paper, while she is studying In the Bible our only way of avoiding a lot of CoU'ege. Here are the facts as we
waste In printing and postage. Is to know them. frequently revise the mailing list, It seems that use of the scholar eliminating the names of those from ship she was granted will obligate
whom we have not heard within a
year, and therefore have no way of trating committee wishes to send her, knowing they have received or read and under their supervision. Naomi the paper. is one of our most valued workers One more suggestion, if you are so we cannot afford to lose her to getting more copies of the paper than some other group. She herself wants to continue help you can use, please let Mrs. Schaal ing us. However, the only way we know just how many you can use, so
no copies will be wasted. If you need more than you are getting she will so is to see that she is supported from a source other than the scholarship be glad to increase the number. which made it possible for her to en Melba Palmer.
ter school.
This will require a regular allow ance of twenty-five dollars per when she returns to Tibet. We have no apricots this summer, month. Although several have shown At the time of writing, we have but berries and apples. It is fright an Interest, so far no one has felt not applied for our passports be fully hot and dry-no rain for two able to pledge even a part of this; cause we lack some of my wife's liv weeks. The ditch too (our water amount. ing link support. Pray for us that supply) has been out and everybody We need all our workers and we may soon be able to go to that too busy with harvests to fix It. The more, so if you can pledge any field that is white unto harvest but gardens ^e like baked stone. Oh, amount to help us keep Naomi, let the laborers few.^Mr. and Mrs. Ellis I believe it is going to rainhow us know immediately, before it is too
R. Back.
grand!!Gladys Schwake.
late.^Melba Palmer.
Page 8
He discov
walked up. We didn't notice where ered they were stolen when he turned he came from. He told us he had to look up the reference. After the By Margaret Bare seen this dog and caught her, while meeting, before anyone had gone, he he was herding sheep, and tied her told the people that he would give, (Continued from 'March issue.) with his girdle to bring her to his a pey drang to whoever brought them July 5, 1939.I woke up in the home. Then he saw us, and, as she back. This afternoon a little boy alight last night hearing rain. It wasn't a Tibetan dog, he decided she brought them back. seemed like someone had just called was ours. He wanted us to pay him
me. I listened a moment or two and
We were
MOUNTAINS
then I heard someone say, "Marguer sure that Peggy wouldn't let a ite, it's raining, and you, Dorothy, strange Tibetan near her, and she
hardly lets any of our native helpers and let the men and boys (Daddy, tie her up so mama told the boy if
and Phyllis have to get out of bed
land) get in it. -They had sorted her, to prove whatie saidrshe would them in. Mrs. Shao wasn't very started to try it but she attacked
The mountains steep and high. The air was fresh and very cool Rivers were rushing by.
The .'joys of that cannot be told.
Excitement in the air.
baby, Philip.
July 6.This noon White Fang (our other dog) and Quick (Mr. Westborg and Mr. Alfsen's dog which
to them) disap
peared. We haven't gotten them yet, but we expect to send for them as
You can have the rolling hills, Fl'at lands or deserts dry. Just give me those great mountains. Giants against the sky. And though
rugged
they
of pigeons, a few chickens, and three cats. We have two mules of our own <iog, Peggy, wias gone. We thought and three donkeys. The Nichols have that since she wasn't with any of
lor lunch, we discovered that our
soon as we can. There are still five "We started real early this morning, and around noon when we stopped dogs left in our caravan,several pairs
our other dogs, she must be chasing one donkey, and we have a cow.
l>irds, or just exploring: so we didn't July 7^We arrived here_ this think much about it, but she still was noon, i don't like Lham Di. it is gone by the time we got here. We a little place, and the people are cur
to(ps of the pines. The scene was who are going to stay here of our schooling *ihas been, and Is being beautiful, thrilling. Some of us who party can have only three or four interrupted by a term of service in got ahead stopped in a lovely place rooms. I'm the only one of our fam the Navy, but he continues to study
This is about the I have known Marvin Senter for with gorgeous wild flowers all dirtiest place I've seen yet. The around. Looking down from the house they're (the folks) to live in is some time and for several years he summit of the mountain we could big but there are six or seven Tibet has been planning and preparing for see little lakes of mist resting on the an families in it already; so those missionary service in Tibet. His
FUTURE MISSIONARY
to rest our -horses and mules and wait for the rest of the caravan. I wish
loveliness of the forest.
ily who goes on instead of staying here. The Shao family is staying
for air five of them. Our family
I could stay there forever in the pure here and they will have one room
across the road from a little Tibetan our kitchen, and the kitchen, dining been added to my travel fund, and village of three or four flat-roofed room, bedroom, living room and who knows how much more good houses. The people gathered around store room for Joseph and Mosone. has been done?
esting his friends far and near in will have three rooms; one will be helping make it possible for those of This place where we have stopped the bedroom and store room; one us who are ready to get to the field tonight is quite pretty but nothing to will be the living room, dining room quickly. As a result of his efforts last night's camping place. We are and dispensary; and the third will be nearly three hundred dollars have
curiosity. The Nichols have rented Del Yin will have a room for the night in the largest
a doubt his sincere interest in this gether. work. Pray for him as he continues In spite of all the dirtiness of the his preparation.^Melba Palmer.
iher.
quantities of fish In the creek. would get her back to us if we would I guess I told you I have this fifpay them. We agreed, but we knew July 9.This morning we took our teen-year-old Fu boy to help in the that Peggy wouldn't let them touch tent out to the other side of the creek, house. He was so good on the road,
Just now I heard someone say, and then invited the* Tibetans to the so orderly. He is the son of Morses' "Why here she is!" and ran out to service. Mr. Shao was the preacher. former evangelist, Fu. Gladys see if Peggy had come. Sure enough. His Bible and song book were stolen Schwake.
Page 4
HOPEFUL When Gladys returned I had two desperately 111 patients, a renal drop sy and a T. B. with empyema. They had improved somewhat under my care but Gladys still held little hope
for them when she examined them.
However, the sulpha which she brought up has proved a God-send for the empyena case and the dropsy is improving. I devised a "Turkish Bath" by dropping hot stones in a bucket of
water over which he sits covered by a blanket. This sweats him good
Then led by the Bugle and Drum corps, we paraded through town ac companied by the firing of fire crack ers and the occasional repeating of the yells. When the tour was com pleted, any inhabitant of Batang who was ignorant of the good news was without excuse. They burned up at least $100,000 worth of firecrack ers which might be $100 in real money. They had some Chinese plays in the evening.Edgar Nichols.
HO DU BOW
Ho Du Bow came day before yes
terday.
help to Gladys.
now, has certainly changed a lot la the last three years. She plans tcv
train him in the medical work and later send him to Chengtu or Chung king to study to become a Doctor. Edgar Nichols. Yea, I am greatly interested in Ho
Du Bow because he wants to be a doctor and a Christian. I have there
fore asked him to come home for one
and this combined with purges and tonics has done him a lot of good. I am somewhat hopeful of this fel low In a spiritual way also and he has promised to come to church as soon as he is able.Edgar Nichols.
ing this matter. God will answer. Do get busy on support for him..
I would like to see a church take him
up.
month at the high ratea now in Chengtu for a medical course.. He is coming up with Col. Fu. I will be so thankful, as poor Dzoa Drema is wearing herself out trying to help me besides watching apples. >nSS GLADYS F. SCmVAKE, R. N. Where Joseph is we do not know hope he gets here soon. I need him too, as you may guess with this num GOD'S HELP ber of patients.Gladys Schwake. Ho Du Bow is a nephew of Naomi. I can't write much now about my trip here. Suffice it to say, God was He had been in the middle school, as. my Helper. It rained terrifically all the Chinese call the high school, for but two nights after I was under cov three years or perhaps four.Mabel
dollars a
er, the week from Litang in here. Only a few day time rains so my neu ritis did not trouble me, of which I wrote. I had only been out of bed four days in Kangting when we left. We laid over three days in Ho Koo
and two weeks in Litang.
Nichols.
FAJIEWBLL
(Continued from page 1) tunity to tell you good-bye. Although no date has yet been set for our sail
Please thank all of our people for ing, it seems quite probable that we their generosity during my stay in will be able to sail soon after the first Chengtu. X surely felt the hand of of the year. the Lord ever present. Yes, ail along As we go to this field, where we my journey going and coming. Fu's are needed so badly, please continue men have gone down and lost three to hold us up in prayer. If you do
mules to robbers. The Judge's party not hear from us personally just re also lost boxes, so you see our "high member that our mail's are slow and ways" are becoming more dangerous uncertain, and we will be much too
all the time.
We will try to
keep in touch with you all through I can never render enough praise prayer, and through the pages of the
unto the Lord for all His unbounded Tibetan Missionary, and we will ap mercies and love through the years preciate every letter we receive from in the work. He has been my won any of you.
Farewell', and may God bless yoa derful "Hitherto" and will be my "Henceforth" also.Gladys Schwake. all,Melba Palmer.
"I came here a week ago to confer with and to help Warren and Isabel Dittemore. They
Airlme passage via starting the Chinese ci^ to Likiang this Commermorning. I leave at once by U. S. Army truck to Tali with such of the mission supplies as tiiey could "ot send by the two cargo planes. At Tali I ragage a mule caravan to get the freight
with their caravan organized. Then we go to . our postoffice, Ai-Wa. But there we shall
keep.
"Travel conditions are the most difficxilt and me most expe^ive I have ever known. The Japanese wrecked the railroad from Haiphong to Kummng and there is no prospect of its being rebuUt. Even the Ledo road will soon be impassable through disuse and lack of up
ably reach America sometime next summer, and not this winter as we reported the possi
"Count on the whole Morse family to begin May. (That means that the family will prob
ur^ntly requested the prayers of the lurches
Message transmitted by Mrs. Ruth Morse,
J. Russeuj Mo^e Family.
114 SouthDenverAve.,
Tulsa Okla.
January 5,1946.
Dear Friendsj/ About two weeks ago you published a list of addresses
of missiona^jds
be changed.
Kunming and '^ihiang* The Search and Rescue Squadron has been disbanded
and mail sent to that address has been returned to the writers.
They ELre_not
chose from
the following just received from J.Russell Morse under date of Dec 12, 1945 written from Kunming
The Dittemores
ally all their supplies will be flown with, them to Likiang where
by pack caravan
they
must prepare for their caravan journey to the Salween mission. Meanwhile I follow by U.S.Army truck to Tall, thence
and Mrs Dittegmore at Likiang. I shall return
join
with them to the
mission.
get back over the passes before they are closed by snow.
Sterling and Mr and Mrs Dittemore are I believe the first missionaries
Forwarding Agent ^