"LIVING WATER"

•

Thirty Second Annual Report:

of the

DOOR OF HOP~

and

~Ieventh Report:

of the

Affiliated I-Iomes

of t:he

CI-IILDR~N'S R~FUG~

•

SHANGHAI, CHINA

1932

HOLDI""\G TRl'STEES

H. B. }1. COXSl"L-GENERAL C'OKSl'l·CiENEHAL fo!' e. S. A.

ADIHTIO~ .\L THt"STEES

:\Iiss :'II. W, JEWELL :\11'~. A. H. BRO()MHALL

:\Irs. :\1. HARI):\IA!'\ :\1 i~~ E. ABEHc\W:\IBIE

C'O'DIITTEE OF 'L\~ .\GE:\IE~T

:\1 i~~ :\1. \\" JEwELL-ellu il'lI/u II

:'IIr:-i, A.., H. BIWO:\IHALl.-SI'ucfl//,!} :Mrs, H. BARRIE-A cf ill[J .'-,'(','ctu I'!J (J 9.:,J) }lr~, }I. HARI)MA;\ --TJ'('(/,~IIJ'(/,

'\li~s E. SPl'RLI1'G }1i~s G, }IETCALFE

Heceiying Home :\1 i~~ E. ABERCRO;\1BIE }Ii,,~ H. BAILEY

Door of Hope :\, iss ETHEL ABERCRO:'l'lBIE '\li::s HATTIE BAILEY }'1iss C. (OLE8'1'01' -f Sliss IRIS HOUGHTO!'\ '\'1iss LOIS SELLS :\1 :ss ELEABETH PECK ,\1 i~s }IARY BRIDGE

Sanital'ium '\Ii~:-: LILIA!\: P.\(;r.: 'i' :'II i~~ EmTH ED\\' AIWS :'IIi~~ :\1.';I\Y JO!,\ES

Childr('n'~ Hefug'('

:\li:-::-: E. GLADYS DIETERLE -, '\li;-:~ \\'I:\"IFRED \rAT;>,TY

:\li:-::-: JEA!,\ DAVIES '\li:)~ LOnSE Tl'CKER :\1 i;;;-: }'1AI{THA :\'10E;\i XI('H

:\Ii"" EDNA JOH!'\STO!'\ :\Iiss IXEZ GREE!,\ -i-

(t On furlough)

REPRESE~T ATIYES I~ THE HO:\lELAXDS

:\li~s A. DOt:ST, "Dauntsey," Lal'b Hall Road, Chingfonl, London E. --1, England

}liss F COLESTOK, 80 Bowen St., Camberwell E. 6, MeILlOUl'nt!, \Tic. Australia

:\lrs. W, A. EVA!'\S, 3!J7 \Y }Iontec;tc Ave., Sierra }Iadra, Cal., C. S. A ..

X. B.-Please address all letters for the Executive and the Missionaries to, p. O. Box 1:391, Shangh:d.

GIRLS IN THE ROBINSON ROAD HOMES

FOREWORD

In the last Report of the Door of Hope we told of the warfare and sorrow surrounding us as we went to press, but since the hostilities of those early months came to an end in Shanghai, we have been enabled to continue the work without disturbance, although much of the consequent suffering still remains.

Very early in January Miss Dieterle and Miss Green left for furlough in the U.S.A. Their absence has made a big blank in the Children's Rer.fuge, but God has graciously undertaken for Miss Watney and her fellow-workers. It has not been easy for five Missionaries to compass the work previously done by seven, yet they have been strengthened to carry on throughout the year, receiving blessing and encourage­ment day by day.

In April Miss Coleston left the Industrial Home for furlough in Australia, and was very much missed, but again the Lord's grace was sufficient, as it always is for every experience, and Miss Houghton has been signally helped in superintending the work of that department.

In the same month Miss Abercrombie returned from England to the great joy of all, especially as she came back to us much renewed in health.

Miss Page, who went to Australia in May 1931, has not yet returned. She was delayed for family reaSQlIlS, but God has opened many doors of opportunity for deputation work, and has greatly used our sister in this way. Meanwhile the patients in the Sani­tarium have been well cared for by Miss Edwards, assisted by Miss Jones who has certainly found her niche in that household.

* * * Mention is made in the following pages of the

great need of expansion for the First Year and Indus­trial Homes, and also for the Sanitarium. We invite

2 "LIVING WATER"

our praying friends to unite with us in waiting upon God about this matter and about the sale of our old property on Paoshan Road.

We have been very grateful for the help given on the Committee by Mrs. Barrie, wife of our kind Doctorr, and are glad to .say that she has .consented to act as Secretary during the absence of Mrs. Hudson BroomhaII who leaves for furlough early in 1933. The service which Mrs. Broomhall has rendered is invalu­able and we praise God for it, looking forward to the day when we shall welcome her again to China, if the Lord will.

We also have to bjd farewell to Miss M. Bridge who has been with us for a little over two years, and who has been very fai thfill in assisting our Treas­urer with the accounts during 1932. By the end of the year it became. evident that she must soon retire from the work through ill-health, and she expects to accompany Mrs. Broomhall to England.

* * * We are sorry that our representatives in England

and Australia were not mentioned in the Report of 1931. This was an overdight, and we are now putting their names and addresses on the list preceding our frontespiece. 130th Miss A. Doust and Miss F. Coleston have most faithfully upheld us by prayer and trans­mission of funds, and we are very grateful to them. We have also heard of a friend in America who is willing to do us a similar kindness there, so we are adding her name and address .as well.

* * * It has been'a great cheer to hear of prayer circles'

and groups of interested friends who are .constantly praying for this work.

We have quite a large number of old Reports on hand. Should any of our readers wish to have some of these for distribution, in order to make· the Door of Hope and Chilcrren's Refuge better· kRO:wn, w-€will gladly send copies to them if they will kindly let us know how many they can use.

"LIVING WATER" 8

THE TREASURY

We have never come to the close of any year in the history of the Door of Hope without abundant cause for thanksgiving to our Father in heaven from Whom comes "every good gift," and the year 1932 is no exception.

Remembering a few occasions when there was a little delay in meeting our obliga.tions for lack of funds in hand, and that eventually every need was met with a balance to the good, we are full of praise and worship as we contemplate the faithfulness of God, Who has carried us through another year, and has maintained the wOlrk both spiritually and finan­cially.

In our last Report we told of the difficult position in which we had been placed by default in payment on the part of the man who had agreed to purchase our Paoshan Road property, which necessitated our nego­tiating with the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank for an overdraft on the Building Fund, in order that we might complete our agreement for the purchase of the New Home on Robison Road.

The old prc'Perty is now in the hands of a land­agent who will do his best for us when land in that desolated area again becomes saleable.

Meanwhile we have been paying into the Building Fund whatever gifts we could possibly spare from gen­eral Donations, in lieu of the Rent which previously had to be paid for the First Year and Industrial Homes now so happily housed on Robison Road. This ac­counts for more than half the donations entered in the Building Fund Account, and for the decreased amount under that heading in the Door of Hope Cash Statement. By this. means we have mOlI'e than covered the heavy interest on the overdraft, and, as all pay­ments for the Children's Refuge new Building on Brenan Road were conlpleted at the end of June, we enter a new year with faith and hope that in some way the Lord will work for us, so that this big burden may soon be removed. It may not be in our way, but surely in His way and His time, He will provide.

4 "LIVING WATER"

We still have to rent a house for the Sanitarium, but the desire is in our hearts that some day we shall be able to buy or build one elf our own. To this end a few small gifts ha.ve already been sent in, in­cluding one of $30 (mex) from the Chinese nurses themselves, and, as big results have often come from small beginnings, we hopefully record the sum of Taels 29.17 in hand towards a new 'San'!

We are very grateful for help received from the Christian War Relief Association and the China In­land IVlissicm in aid of many married girls who have returned to us as refugees from the stricken areas, of Chapei and Kiangwan. Details of some of these cases will be found in the reports of the different Homes.

As letters come from our Missionaries who are on furlough, telling of difficult conditions in the home­lands, we are not so much surprised that donations have fallen off somewhat, as that they have been so wonderfully continued! The grace of giving has been manifested in many of the Lord's s'ervants who are themselves in straitened circumstances, and such gifts are nOot only precious to Him but are sacred to us.

One of our sisters in Australia writes as follows: "I have occasion to consider my ways often before the Lord in the use of this precious money. At the close of a meeting. . a very poor, old man over sixty slipped three penee into my hand, and asked if I would accept it. I observed tears in his eyes. The following day a little widow woman with a, family to support, handed a friend a shilling to giV€ to me. He said, 'she wept with sorrow that she could not give more!' A. woman of fifty years, who has an aged mother to support on an income of fifteen shillings a week, is never absent- from th€ Door of Hope Prayer Meeting held at my sister's home. This means for her the loss of half a day's work, her train and tram fare which costs one shilling and five pence, and she regularly puts a donation in the little gift box. How precious such sacrifices must be to. the Lord !"

"LIVING WATER" 5

We know Df three little girls who. were so. tDuched by what they heard abDut their Chinese sisters, that they have been putting by three pence a week ever since, and already two gifts have been received frDm them, the first amDunting to. fifteen shillings and six pence, and the secDnd to. ten shillings. At the close Df a Ladies' Meeting, Dne whose heart had been deeply mDved by the message, went up to the speaker, and with tears in her eyes, said, "Take this three pence, it is all I have to. give, but may the Lord multiply it!"

A Special Supporter in America wrDte to Miss Dieterle: "I have anDther five dDllars fDr YDU nDW. It is just wDnderful to. me hDW the money has come in fDr my Love-children's support. You knDw when I spoke to YDU, I did not know where one cent was coming from. I just stepped Dut in faith, knDwing that if it were God's will, He could and wDuld prDvide, and praise His Name He has dDne so."

Another SUPPDrter wrDte: "It has been so. wDnderful the way GDd has enabled me to be linked \vith His' work in the Door Df HDpe, even in a small way. When I wrote, I had only one dDllar, so. I prayed that if it were His will for me to. help in this work, He WDuld send in the money with which to buy a dDll and clDth fDr my little Chinese girl. A few days later this prayer was answered. Then I began to. pray for the mDney to send fDr her expenses, and in a marvelous way He has made it possible fDr me to. send three dollars instead of one. It seems that He has almost reached down His hand and given me the money."

Our Heavenly Father has also. used SDme Df His mDre wealthy children to send us big gifts now and again; -some Df these have met very special needs, and some have CDme when the Treasury was so. depleted that a large sum seemed an immediate neces­sity. It is wonderful hDW God times His gifts!

* * * May we remind some Df our friends that there

are thre€ separate Accounts (apart from the Building Fund) to which gifts may be designated, according to. the wish of the donor, viz., the Door of Hope, the Children's Refuge and the Special Support.

6 "LIVING WATER"

Quite frequently we receive money addressed simply to "The Door of Hope Mission," and find later that it was intended for use in the Children's Refuge or for the special support ofa girl. This results in a little confusion in book-keeping which might be avoided.

We do not want to burden our kind helpers at all, but it would greatly assist us if donors would clearly indicate whether they wish their gifts to be applied to the Door of Hope, to the Children's Refuge, to Special Support, or to the Building Fund.

* * * One hundred and thirty-seven new cases entered

our Receiving Home during 1932, of whom eighty-six were passed on to the other Homes. At the close of the year our entire family, including Chinese helpers, numbered approximately five hundred.

RECEIVING. HOME

"Let him that is athirst come. And Wk080l(Ver will, let him take· the water 0/ life j'reely."

It was to the woman of Samaria at the side of Jacob's well, that the Lord Jesus first of all promised His gift of living water, which was to be a well sp-ring­ing up within her unto everlasting life, but conditioned on her asking and drinking. We who know this story well, have seen the same Lord through 1932 -in the Door of Hope, repeating His wonderful offer to quench for ever and ever the terrible thirst made by sin in human. hearts, and to fill the recipient to overflowing with -the· river of Water of Life.

In 1932 one hundred and thirty-seven girls and children either came themselves to our Receiving Home or were brought to us by the police. A Power and a Wisdom they knew nothing of had piloted their way, delivering from many pitfalls and snares that the enemy of souls tried to put in their path, and a guiding Hand was at work, leading them to hear of the wooderful salvation there is in Christ Jesus,

A GROllP OF TEACHERS (TRAINED l~ THE :\fISSION)

RETURNING FROM MARKET

"LIVING WATER"

These one hundred and thirty-seven, after satis­fying the Receiving Home matron Mrs. Kung and Miss Bailey, or the Court judges, were sifted down to eighty-nine, sixty-six of whom were sent to the First Year Home and twenty-three to the Children's Refuge, while the remaining forty-eight were re­tll-rned to relatives or friends. Sometimes these girls came in singly~ but often by twds or three's, or even more. The desire to change her miserable life was perhaps at first only in the heart of one girl, but she was able later to· persuade others to accompany her.

Thus Honorable Grace not o:nly effected her own escape but that of Double Precious and of Golden Precious also. These girls had an exceptionally cruel mistress who, besides frequently beating them made a rule that if their earnings fell off so did their food. Honorable Grace was with this 'v oman three and a half years, and had seen girls die under her treat­ment, whilst her hue band appealed in vain on their behalf. The woman was also an opium smolker. RonoTabie Grace knew of no way out, until one day a man visiting the place told her of the Door of Hope, and said she could run away to any poHce station and ask to be taken there. Accustomed to poverty and suffering, she was most patient in bearing all that came to hel', for her mother died when she was a child of eight, and her father gave her away to a family so poor that they sold her three years later for one hundred and twenty-five dollars gold, or forty pounds sterling approximately. For this reason she was not closely guarded as it was not expected that she would think of running away. Double Precious and Golden Precious ~ere different. They had not been sold outright to this woman, but only mortgaged three months previously by their parents for one year, one for ten dollars gold, the other fnr tVventy, in cur­rent rate of exchange. The servant woman had very strict order,:, to keep a close watch over these two girls. Honorable Grac'e thought it was too bad to go off by herself, and not even to give the others a chance. So one morning abcl11t ten o'clock, when the three were alone together and supposed tOo be sleeping, she told the other two that the cold winter weather was ahead of them, for hours they might have to stand on the

8 "LIVING WATEn H

streets, and at the end of it get no food if they had brought in no money. She put it to them, if they wanted to go they could come along with her, but if after all the Door of Hope did not turn out to be a good place, they must not blame her, they must decide for themselves. Their decision was to follow her. She then tried their bedroom door, but found they were locked in.

So'me two hours afterwards, a voice woke her up by saying, "Now try the door," which she did, to find it unlocked. Looking around she saw the amah busy in the kitchen preparing the noon meal, and the mistress, like most opium smokers, sleeping sound­ly with her baby beside her.

Feeling the moment was favorable, Honorable Grace told the other gii'ls to. get up, to go downstairs quietly and out of the frOont door, to turn down the alleyway to the main street, and there to wait for her. She herself would go dOown first and engage the amah in conversation soo as to hide their movements. The girls sensibly obeyed and did not stop to pack up any clothes. Honorable Grace having said what she wanted to the amah, and covered their escape, walked out of the house as unconcernedly as she could.

On the main street the three girls lost no time in calling rickshaws to take them to the nearest police station. Even then they did not feel free from pursuit until safely landed in the Receiving Home, for at the station snme Chin~se had tried to persuade them to go back, and it was only the appearance of a foreign policeman tha t had put an end to this altercation. The next day at Court the judge sanctioned their appeal for the protection of the Door of HOope.

The coming of Precious Pearl was quite different, it is ever so, no two methods of finding our Receiving Home are identical. True, the police brought her as they have brought so many in the past, and will continue to do as long as there are girls who need saving; but how did they know about Precious Pearl? Her parents had sold her three months before this for four hundred mexican dollars to the keeper of a house of ill-fame. This woman finding her an un­willing subject finally lost all patience, milder beat-

" L I V 1 N G W ATE R ,i 9

ings were followed by binding the girl with ropes and thrashing her most unmercifully with a hard, thick stick. Even the woman's sOin felt his mother's cruelty to be outrageous, so he secretly informed the police of what was taking plac'e, and detectives were sent round to investigate, who set the girl free and brought her to us. Surely a remarkable deliverance fOir her, and most unexpected!

What an encouragement to all of us, at home or abroad, to constantly pray that the Lord will lead out of these depths of sin those who want to be saved!

The Receiving Home is not only kept busy with mothering the new-comers, it is alsOi a hostel for many married girls who come to us, sometimes for a happy visit, but very often, and especially through 1932, with sad stories of home problems or financial difficulti2s.

World depression has not passed Shanghai by, but the greatest cause OIf suffering to our old married girls and their families was the Sino-Japanese war of January and February. The founders of the Com­mercial Press, the Bao family, had from the beginning of the Door of Hope taken a keen interest in its work. Our Receiving Home matron was a distant relative, also Mother Baol of the Children's Refuge. The Com­mercial Press gave employment to m.any of our married girls and encouraged their employees to come to us for wives. Thus the burning of the Printing Works deprived many of those connected with us of their daily bread, and as their homes were generally near their place of work, these shared in the common destruction of Chapei.

The Red Cross, the Christian War Relief Associa­tion and Refugee Camps all helped nobly, but much remained and does still remain for the Door of Hope to do. So widespread and so acute was the distress that every Home in the l\/Iission, not only the Receiving Home, has had a share in seeking to feed, clothe and house these afflicted ones. Spiritual, mental, and physical suffering has often found healing in our midst during the past year, as well as encouraging help to start life over again.

10 II t I V I N G 'W ATE R H

Four times in Psalm 107 we read how various kinds of trouble cause men to cry unto the Lord, and how He then saves them out of their distresses. Doubtless for this reason, (for China has many serious troubles,) good attention has be€n given to the even­ing evangelistic meetings, which our friends of the China Inland Mission and Chinese Christians have helped us tn carry on. As a result lives have been changed and some have taken their stand fo~ Christ.

The Day School, with Mr. Chen in charge, as­f.isted by Mrs. Yih, an old Children's Refuge girl, has always sought first the salvation of its boys and girls, of whom there are over one hundred attending. It has been with joy that some have be€nbaptized. One outstandingly bright Christian girl whose mother is a widolW, testifies with beaming faC'e that her n10ther now attends church with her every Sunday, and hopes soon to. be baptized. But for our Day School this girl might not have heard the good news of salvation.

"Jesus the water of life has given, Freely, freely, freely; Come to that fountain, oh, drink and live, Flowing for every sinner."

FIRST YEAR HOME

"I will pour water upon him tJuit is thi1'sty, and floods upon the, dry ground."

The work of this Home which has always been considered difficult, was specially so through 1932 be­cause of its very crowded condition, one hundred and fifty girls being on its books for longer or shorter periods. The Chinese, who count peo~le by "mouths," told us that over ninety were eating rice every month. Though we fitted up passage ways and teacher's rooms with extra beds, we could never have accommodated the numbers we did but for our Sanitarium, as there were generally some thirty First Year Home girls ne€ding more medical care than Miss Sells could give in our daily clinic.

"LIVING WATER" 11

No genuinely deserving local case has been turned away, but we had to draw the line at helping others. In this way some of our missionary friends in the interior, whom we have helped in years gone by, had to be disappointed. We could not however, refuse the following appeal from. one of the Yangtze River ports to take just the type of girl the Door of Hope stands for: "We have in this hospital a girl of seventeen

. . She was admitted with heart disease, and when she was nearly well enough to go home she pleaded with us to help her. We knew from the first that she was from a brothel, but we never make any sug­gestions of rescuing these girls, because we have no­whcTe to put them. This girl, after a few days in ho~,pital, determined that she would not continue in the work. She never had consented, but was sold by a man who was supposed to be a friend, and who was rescuing her from the Reds.. . Her father is a teacher and she has a mother and a brother. When the Reds arrived they scattered, and this friend offered to find work for her until such time as the district was peace­ful. He sold her for one hundred and forty dollars. She has a cOiJlsiderable a.mount of courage, and told the people boldly that she would not re­turn.. A letter was written by us to her father, asking him to come for her, but the post-office returned the letter with a note saying, that owing to Com­munists, that district office had been dOl3ed and it wa.~ too dangerous to send a messenger."

In due time the girl referred to entered the First Year Home and has proved to be one giving no trouble, grateful and diligent.

Another girl who gives us joy is Beautiful Purity, a slave girl sent to us by her rich Chinese master who provided for her most generously, giving her money~ clothes, and jewelery against the day she might leave us to be married. During her first week in the' HOome Beautiful Purity gave her heart to the Lord Jesus, and this has made all the difference in her life.

Then there is Moon Goose, who had always longed to study books, and finds, after running away from a house of ill-fame to come to us; that this desire is at last granted. Needless to say her teachers have had no difficulty with her. .

12 "LIVING WATER"

Again, there are the three Huchow girls, who gave such trouble at the Court and in the Receiving HO:mie, crying and carrying on almost like people de­mented. They surprised us however by settling in very quietly, and conforming to all the rules of the Home.-Surely someone must have been praying for us!

When we consider the hardening effect of sin, the hatred engendered by fGul wrongs, we do not wonder that many hearts come to us like hard and barren wildernesses, filled with thorns which cannot be touched. Such, when changed by the power of God are trophies of grace, and tho:ugh we have still much more to see, we are believing that in answer to prayer the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water.

It is not easy to. be a. baptized Christian in the First Year Home. The spiritual atmosphere changes so often as fresh ones come in from the depths of sin outside. But the Holy Spirit has never failed the "little flock" of believing girls, and at the end of the year they have come through victoriously though it has been through tribulation.

Much time is given to personal talks with the girls, and then we have heard such remarks as these :- "It was when Miss Edna Loh gave her talk on Ruth that I decided to wholly follow Jesus."­"It was when Miss Bailey and Miss Li had a special meeting Gne Sunday afternGon and asked those of us who knew we belonged to Jesus to confess Him, that I was the first to stand up, because I heard then for the first time the voice of Jesus in my heart saying, 'Thy sins are forgiven thee.' "-"Miss Chang often had to reprorve me so she took me to Miss Bailey, who had two talks with me; after the second talk she told me to. stay quietly and pray in her room. The Lord said to. me 'I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,' and I knew I was saved."-"I knew I was born again, but I was afraid to surrender wholly to the LGrd, fearing that then I could not-go out and live with my mother. My teacher often talked to me, but it was not till I was 8''> ill that all thought I should die, that I told the Lord I

"LIVING WATER" 13

would love Him first of all, and be willing tOi leave my mother. Now I am quite at rest." Her mother had sold her into a life of sin years before, and would no doubt dO' so again if she had control of her.

Another element in the First Year Home is the number of young ones, under thirteen years of age. To help these mentally and physically, Miss Peck has had an afternoon class for drill and play, and it has been a real help to them,. Some of them are rather irrespon~.ible, but a little group 0[ about seven have started a prayer-meeting on their own, and we believe they are true Christians, able tal giye a clear testi­mony to their souls' salvation.

It is generally for these younger ones that we have much prayer at: the end of their first year, fearing a petition to the Court from their relatives, asking for them to be given back.

In 1932 we had this heart-rending experience several times, but five times we returned in triumph, the girls concerned having boldly declared their deter­mination to belong to the Door of Hope. It was a great joy to see their belief in prayer, and God-given courage. Twice, however, girls were returned to their relatives by the Court; the pEIl of their own flesh and blood was evidently too strong, and it seemed to their young minds an impossibility that promises made never to sell them again would not be kept.

In this connection we must tell of one dear child taken back to the Court after less than a year in the Children'S Refuge, because her grandmother and father were claiming her. So great was the trans­formation in the little girl that the grandmother failed to recognize her, and declared to the judge that an­other child had been sent instead. "Please, judge, look and see for yourself, this is not my grandchild; my grandchild has a birthmark, a tiny little ear be­hind her ear." The child, who knew her grandmother and father only too well, kept saying with tears "I da. not want to go back, I do not want to go back!", as the judge examined behind her ear and found the birthmark just as described, He then rightly decided

14 "LIVING WATER"

that she should stay in the Home where so great a change had taken place in her, and where her heart desired to be.

"I heard the voice of Jesus say, 'Behold l freely give T he living water-thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink, and live.' I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream, My thirst was qU6nched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him."

INDUSTRIAL HOME

"F1'om thence they journeyed unto. .. . ... a land of rivers." Having passed through the First Year Home,

most of the girls see the Industrial Home merely as a place where they can learn fine sewing and em­brolidery as a means of self-support, and from which they eventually hope to be married and have homes of their own. But the Missionary sees that heTe the girls are being further prepared to be channels of blessing to others. Much spiritual digging needs to be done; subtle, hidden, sometimes unconscious sins of the disposition have to be brought tQ the light and put away by the blo.od of Christ; while practical every­day lessons .of trust in the living God have to be learned by seeing how mountains of difficulty can melt away like wax before the presence .of the Lord.

The Sino-Japanese conflict at the beginning of the year in and around Shanghai was a very real thing to all of us. Situated happily in the Settlement ever since 1927, we were protected by foreign troOlps, but Robison Road, where we live, is very near the Soo­chow Creek boundary line. The fires of burning Chapei lit up our rooms, planes flew over .our heads, and two, if not three shells, after whizzing by us fell in .our road or the adjoining orne.

Kind friends tried to find a safer locatiQn for the Home but it was not needed. At that time we cQnstantly sang

"Safe is my refuge, sweet is my rest, III cannot harm me, nor f(}es e'er rrwlest, Jesus my spirit 80 tenderly calms, Holding me close in His migkt'll arms."

TEACHER BRINGING NEW-COMER

RUINS OF OLD PROPERTY

Two YOUNGER GIRLS ( First Year Home)

THE OLD "SAN" (After the fighting)

15

OUr large family of Chinese girls and refugees was kept by "the peace of God which passeth all understanding. ~,

One special prayer-meeting, begun at that time by the Chinese teachers to pray for their country, did not stop with the fighting, but has c'Oflltinued ever since.

Outside difficulties lessened with the cessation of hostilities, but internal ones soon loomed up before us. Visitors to the Home bringing their orders, were few, and this meant that the girls had to be employed on stock work, without much prospect of sale. Miss Cdeston waF. to sail for furlough in Australia at the end of April, and IVliss Loh, also a great help in the Home, was to be married and leave us later on.

Then we proved the unfailing supply of the Heavenly spring bubbling up within us to meet these new conditions. Miss Houghton was so enabled to carryon that we daily saw the Lord's strength being "made perfect in weakness.~' Truly, "there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few." We are sure that this working of God in our midst has been a real object lesson to' the girls, and an encouragement tol them to trust God in "the daily round, the common task."

Bright Star is one of those girls whose spiritual life has deepened. In the First Year Home she was born again after much personal work by Miss Bailey and her Chinese teacher, IVliss Chang. A bright, clever, attractive girl, the Industrial Home had no difficulties for her. Sewing, embroidery and cross­stitch came easily to her. But one day, on taking a baby's dress which she had just finished embroidering, off the frame, she tore it. Tears filled her eyes as she handed the work she had done so beautifully, only to spoil it in the end, to Grace, the Big Sister. Grace, who is in charge of the embroidery, at once saw the teal" at the bottom of the scalloping near one corner. The little dress was then taken to Miss Houghton, and Bright Star sat down beside her empty frame mortified, as only those can be who are ac­customed to do good wO!rk and be praised for it.

16 UtlVING WAT~Ru

The Missionary has learned to take none of these things at just their face value, but to find OlUt what lesson the Lord has to teach each one concerned. So telling Grace she would .Qttend to the torn dress later, she went on with the work she was preparing, in­wardly asking the Lord for His guidance as to what to say to Bright Star.

Twenty minutes passed away before light came. Then she felt that Bright Star needed to put into practice the verse "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." Calling her into ano1ther room, she had a heart-to­heart talk with the girl, showing her how the Lord wanted her to acknowledge Him in all her ways and let Him be her wisdom instead of trusting to her own. This is difficult to us all when we feel that we have some wisdom of our O'WIl. Bright Star saw the point however, and togethe'r the two prayed that this lesson of humble trust should be really learned.

After showing her that the damage done to the dress was not irreparable, Miss Houghton said, "I am not going to punish you, but only pray that this experience will be a real warning to you for the rest of your life." The girl begged not to be let off so easily, feeling that her carelessness needed more re­proof, but the Missionary knew better and brought the interview to an end.

Some weeks afterwards in a meeting, Bright Star referred to the whole incident as having m.ade a great impression on her, and those who have been watching her life believe that it has. She is leaving the dry wilderness of her own natural sufficiency and is learn­ing to depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord Jesus described as "living water" flowing from within those who believe on Him.

We had no marriages in the Home until the end of September, a very unusual thing for us, seeing that between twenty and thirty girls are generally married every year, and for which no doubt the Sino­Japanese troubles were partly responsible. In this way our numbers kept up so that those from the First Year HOllIe wel'e hindered from coming over to us for lack of room.

Ie L I V I N G W ATE R U

Seeing these girls being lnarried, brings vividly to our minds the picture of their entering the Receiv­ing Home years before. In some cases the trans­formation is so great as to make them almost un­recognizable, but the greatest change is not so much the outward one, as the change in heart and life which is called a new birth.

Precious Daughter was perhaps the sweetest bride of the year; she said she had believed in the Lord Jesus from her very first day in our Receiving Home four and a half years previously, and we had seen her grow in the Christian life like "a tree planted by the rivers of water." Six days before she left she reminded us that in 1928 she only escaped being carried off to Swatow by her mistress, because the steamer took no passengers on that trip, only freight. She has married a Christian young man belonging to a second generation of believers. We would have liked to keep Precious Daughter longer, but the age of the bridegroom demanded a young bride, and his good character called for a specially trustworthy girl. Seeing her so happy on her wedding day made some of us think of Love Daughter who entered the Door of Hope at the same time as she did, and whose testimony before the police had helped to rescue Pre­cious Daughter from the mistress who meant to sell her. Lo've Daughter is now in the Father's house of many mansions, and her joy far exceeds anything on this earth, for she is where faith is lost in sight, and where "the Lamb. . shall lead them unto living fountains of waters."

Purity, married five years ago, came to see us about two weeks before Christmas, carrying her little boy of two years old. Her husband's work and her home had all perished in the burning of the Com­merC'iaJ Press in February, since when they and their two children had experienced a hard struggle for existence. They had opened a small food shop not worthy of the name of restaurant, with some money entrusted to Miss Bailey by the Christian War Relief Association, and now they were feeJing so grateful

that the previous month they had met all expens~s and had ten dollars to spare. Purity asked if some of us would not go and have a thanksgiving serviee in her home. She would invite her heathen neigh.:. bours to come and listen to the Gospel message, fo·r they had lately been saying to her, "We must believe in your Jesus, He helps you so; your sales are more than ours, and we keep open every day while you close your shep on Sundays."

Purity then told us how she had one day visited us months before without a cent in her pocket, but had never mentioned her need, feeling we had already helped her. However, Miss Bailey gave her one mexican dollar telling her to be sure not to walk home but call a rickshaw, as the baby boy was so heavy, and she had walked and worked enough that day. Our Chinese matron, Mother Nee who has been with us twenty-five years, saw her just as she was leaving and slipped hventy cents into her hand. With the twenty cents she paid her rickshaw fare, and had the precious dollar as capital for the next day.

The Inorrow came when she spent the dollar on Chinese macaroni and cooked it, but there was no sale of any kind. Purity's eldest girl of four years was wanting a little lunch, but the mother said to her, "We must ask Jesus to send someone first to buy Mother's macarorni and then she can give you a biscuit, otherwise you must wait until dinner time." At once the child went into their bedroom and was heard praying aloud, "Please Jesus send someone to buy Mother's macaroni." She then came quietly back and went on playing. Within an hour five college students came, and each ordered a big bowl of the food. That dollar had God's blessing upon it. The whole family had theiT dinner and supper ofl ma­caroni, and besides this they sold enough to make a hundred per cent profit, a good start for the next day!

No wonder the neighbours looking on said, "Your Jesus helps you."

19

THE SANITARIUM

"Beside the still waters"

The early months of the year were marked by a series of unusual te-stings and difficulties in the Sani­tarium as in the Dther Homes, difficulties which seemed at times to be almost insurmountable. Each of these experiences however, has served as a fresh opport­unity of proving the wondrous resources of Him Who faileth not.

For want of an Operating Theatre and equipment of our ow!}, major surgical operations have for some years been performed at a neighboring Mission Hos­pital, throngh the kindness of our friends there. This source of help however was cut off, as all available space in that hospital had to be used for the nursing of sick amongst the thousands of refugees who flocked daily into the Settlement. One of our Childrens' Re­fuge girls, Blind Nancy, suddenly developed serious symptoms which necessitated ilnmediate surgical at­tention. "Something must be done without delay" was Dr. Hoffman Nance's verdict as she left the bed­side at 8 o'clock one morning. We lifted our hearts silently to God wondering what the 'something' should be. Before 11 a.m. Nancy was being carried into the Operating Theatre at the Country Hospjtal, where everything was in readiness to receive her. The Doctor had made all arrangements, and was there to. assist her husband Dr. Nance, who performed the operation, after which the patient was brought back in an ambulance. Within a week another of our girls, who has been in the Sanitarium for almost six years, became seriDusly ill, her only hope humanly speaking, being an immediate operation. The same wonderful offer was made for her as for Nancy. Think of it! Skilled sUlgical attention fO!r these girls in one of the mDst up-to-date foreign hospitals in Shanghai, and freely given! It was not surprising to hear these two patients often talking together cf the great things God had done for them, as they lay side by side in the saffle ward during the weeks that followed.

20 ULlvtNG WATER H

One afternoon, towards the end of February, Dr. Hoffman Nance announced her intention o-f leaving almost immediately for America with her two small children. This news' came like a thunder bolt. It was just as th.ough a large black cl.oud had settled overhead. We probably had not realized until then what those weekly visits for almost four years (with many extra visits in between) had meant t.o our "girls. It was not much use looking around, fDr wh.o would bd likely to volunteer tD d.o our medical work at such a time as that? S.o we looked up beYDnd the cloud. Imagine our feelings when, a few days later, a telephone call came frDm Mrs. Barrie saying that her husband Dr. Barrie would be very glad to give his services, at least f.or the time being, and during the past months we have had abundant cause to thank G.od for this kind and quick prDvisiDn. With a family .ali nearly 500 t.o look after, one can readily understand that the emergency calls would not be few, in addition tD the regular visits. Thus the clDud .of difficulty was rolled away; but anDther one ap­peared .on the horizon!

Ab.out five nliles distant, away in the village of Kiangwan is a sacred little enclosure where, ever since Miss Bon:r..ell's time, our girls have been laid to rest. This quiet rural village suddenly beca)me the centre of some .of the fiercest fighting. The question arose, how l.ong w.ould it remain inacC'essJble, and should we ever be able to identify the spot again? There were tw.o or three .of .our very sick ones who might linger f.or .one week, Dr two at the longest. Should we pray that God wDuld prDvide us with another plot of grDund s.omewhere, Dr that He would keep His hand .over the "flock" until the war was .over.? In God's wisdom, He saw fit t.o w.ork the latter miracle fDr us. The family remained unchanged in number for more than six weeks, and SODn afterwards .our little cemetery was reclaimed and put in order .once again.

One of the blessings which resulted indirectly from the fighting, was the conversi.on .of .our servant­Kyang-Sung. Having been with us scime time, he knew all about the 'DDctrine,' but the knowledge was in his head .only. How .often .our Chinese nurses had prayed that the Holy Spirit would cause him to believe

"LIVING WATER" 21

with his heart! We were very burdened too about his relatives who were heathen. One morning he came in with the distressing news that his family, (wife, child, mother and little sister), had made a sudden flight from their home at Woosung, carrying just what they could of their worldly goods, and being winter, this consisted of bedding. Needless to say. they re­ceived a warm reception, although our accomodation was already taxed almost to its limit. Several orf our rrtarried girls with their little ones had come in a similar plight a few days before, seeking refuge under the 'home-roorf.' Kyang-Sung was so moved by the kindness shown to his relatives for two months, during which time the baby was treated for chicken-pox, that he began to think things over seriously. The result was that before long he saw himself as a sinner, and Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Now he is so changed, and we never have to wonder whether he is gambling in the near-by village when he is sent on an errand. His wife and little sister learned to read some Bible characters, and ,\'ere always eager to listen to the Go:;pel day by day. May the seed sown bring forth fruit to God's glory.

During the year over two hundred patients have passed through the Sanitarium, some staying for a week or two, others needing months of treatment and care. Such diseases as Beri-beri, Anaemia, Trachoma, Skin troubles, Septic chilblains, Tubercular bones and glands are common, especially a.mongst new-comers. Ulcers caused through neglected burns or beatings inflicted by their cruel owners are not infrequent. A vigilant watch must also be kept in the various Homes for early symptoms of Typhoid-fever, Pneumonia, in­fectious and 'summer' complaints, etc. Then too there are sicknesses which only crop up at the time of school examinations, these of course are the most difficult to diagnose!

Tuberculosis is very prevalent am:ongst our girls. Mal-nutrition and unhealthy surroundings of earlier years are often responsible for the sowing of the seeds of these disease-germs which may lie latent for a long period. A girl may hold her own fairly well with others for a year Oil' -two after coming into our

Homes, and then suddenly 'wilt' like a flower under the summer sun. Such has been the case with four of our Industrial Home girls, who reluctantly had to leave their emfbroidery-fralnes for the sun-beds at the 'San,' and X-ray revealed Tuberculosis in different stages in each Df the four. CDurses, of surgic'al treat­ment given by Dr. Barrie, together with rest and nourishing food, have wnrked wonders already, but, best of an, there have been evidences of spiritual growth. Of these four, Go'lden Daughter is perhaps the most Dutstanding character. She has so changed that one would never recognize her to be the same quarrelsome, rebellious girl of tWOI or three years ago, when she was the despair of all. These arc her Oown wOords spoken recently in a testimOony meet­ing, "If the cost of the various treatments and medicines I have received here were to be reckoned up, they would amount to more than enough to keep a whole family in China for a year! I could never repay my Heavenly Father for all His wonderful love. All I have now to offer in return, is myself. If God should open a dOlor of opportunity, I'm ready to. gOo and preach the Gospel to those who have not yet heard."

OIle of the busiest corners, of the 'San,' at least in the mornings, is the Dispensary. The ringing of a bell at 9 a.m. announces the fact that Morning Prayers are over and that everything is in readiness for com­mencing the 'dressings.' A steady stream finds its way frelnl all quarters to this small room and treat­ments of many kinds are given. FOT three hours the nurses are kept very busy, even patients rolling their own bandages when they are able. On Monday after­noons also our Dispensary is the c'entre of much activity. It is the Doctor's visiting day. Little com­panies of sick are brought from each of the other Homes, and when they arrive the scene is a very aninlat.ed Dne with their chattering, and comparing of notes. Minor operations may be performed, hypo­dernlic inj ections given, and provision made for all kinds of emergencies. Between five and six hundred of these visiting patients are examined by the Doctor each year, apart from those staying in the 'San.'

SUl\'-BEDS AT THE "SAK"

"BLESSED TRUTH"

OUT-PATIENTS (Miss Sells in Charge)

"LIVING WATER" 23

When asked the question "HGW many patients have YGU in hGspital nGw?", the reply can always be given withGut any hesitatiGn, because nGt Gne Gf the fGurty-.two beds is ever nn-occupied. Usually there is a fairly large waiting list. Should a message come to say that a girl i~ being brought from the CGurt, or a seriGus case frGm Gne Gf the HGmes, a cGnsultatiGn must immediately take place to decide who can best .be discharged.

We sGmetimes feel like saying with the prophets Gf Elisha, "The place where we dwell. . is to'o strait for us." It has baen a wGnderful prGvisiGn for the paBt five years, but we think that GGd has brought us to' the place Gf necessity in Grder that more time may be given to' earnest prayer abGut a new Sani­tarium. "If ye ask, I will do" is the promise. Will YGU join with us in asking fDr a larger rented hGuse, or better still, fnr a building Gf our Gwn?

In so many ways the·,Lord has been mindful of our every-day needs that our faith has been streng­thened, and we have been encGuraged to IGok to' Him for greater things. The following is just an instance Gf this. One of our large hypGdermic syringes met with an accident and abGut ten dollars was needed to' replace it. The Treasury was very low, sO' we knew that another Gne could not be ordered with OUQ'

O'rdinary weekly supply Df medicines. Just as we weire ready to' set Gut for the city that afternoon, a letter was brought in. It contained ten dollars from a 1Iie.siorutry in the i~terior of China, and was ear­Inarked, "To supply any .special need in the hGspital." We knew well what the 'special need' was, and at once included the syringe in the weekly list, at the same time lifting our hearts in thanksgiving to GGd.

It would not be possible to tell Gf half the wonders which God has been doing daily amongst the sick. The child-like trust of some of the patients is most touch­ing. They commit their sicknesses to' the LDrd in simple faith, asking Him to bless the remedies used, and earnestly praying that their souls may prosper even as their bodies. Sometimes a serious illness is used as the means of bringing a rebellious heart intO' entire subjection to His will. Obtained Grace was brought

24 "LIVING WATER"

back from the very gates of death. One night during intervals in delirium, she confessed that there were idols in her heart, also that she had been for four years a "hearer" of the Word, and not a "doer." That was the turning-point, and now she is convalescing, but she says with tears of gratitude in her eyes, "My life is not my own now, it has been given back for a purpose." May that purpose be perfectly accomplish­ed, now and in the years to come!

Our little T.B. patients on the third storey still continue to be a source of inspiration to all, for an atmosphere of restfulness pervades those two atti~­rooms. Often in going to the different bed-sides, Vie feel that part of our ministry is to give them the 'cheery word,' but it seems to be the other way about with these patients, we come away from the morning visit refreshed and encouraged ourselves. Since some of them have not been downstairs for many months, (and a few may never leave their beds) we know that the reason for their joy and contentment is not from without, but from the "well of wate'r springing up into everlasting life" within.

Most of these third-storey patients are making good progress towards recovery, while some have been able to return to the other Homes again. Five times during the year we have witnessed the tTiumphant entrance of little sufferers intO' the Presenc'e of their Lord. The passing away of Everlasting Flower one autumn morning will long be remembered by us all. As soon as she knew she could not recover, she began to put her "house in order." For a year or more she had trusted the Lord for her soul's salvation, but was she ready now to meet Him? Was there "spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing?" As she lay there the Holy Spirit showed her some things that must be put right, and she asked that two of the First Year Home giTls might con1e to visit her. On seeing them she confessed the wrong she had done them, and after they had departed she said, "Now my heart is at rest, there is nothing between my Lord and me." The day before she died one of the nurses reminded her tha t very soon she would be seeing those who were already in the Glory Land, mentioning by name some she had known. She opened her eyes and, with a radiant smile

"LIVING \YATER" 25

replied, "Yes, but best Gf all, I shall soon see my Saviour Jesus face to face." The next morning the deepest desire of her heart was satisfied. Looking at the light Gn her face Gne CGuid nGt dGubt that it was a reflection of the Glory of Emmanuel's Land. At the little service held at the bed-side we sang:

"Face to face shall I behold Hi1n, Fa-r beyond the stan'y sky; Face to face in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by."

Some weeks later Third Daughter, who came to us so ill that she lived only a little over two months, was nearing her end. From the first she believed in Jesus, but she ,,,as a little afraid to die. The patient in the next bed was heard saying to her, "YGU don't need to have any fear of death, not long ago I saw Everlasting Flower after she had gone to be with Jesus. She looked so happy and p,eaeeful." These words were a gTeat comfort to Third-Daughter during her last days. Her faith was strengthened, and as she entered the "valley of the shadow," all fear vanished.

"For the Lwmb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and ghall lead them unto living fountains of wate1's; and God shall wipe away all tears fron~ their eyes."

THE CHILBREN'S REFUGE

"Peace. , ...... ,like a riveif'''

In our last year's Report very little mention was made concerning the war conditiGns whilch existed when we went to press, and many friends may have wondered if we were seriously affected by them. To a few we were able to send letters assuring them of Gur safety, but to some this Report may be the first news they have had from us since that time.

In those days of peril we were very conscious of the Presence Gf the Lord of Hosts with us. We surely needed Him then as Prince of Peace in our midst, and again and again He comforted our hearts, l{eeping them in quietness and confidenc'e.

26 "LIVING WATER"

Many of our married girls returned to us as refugees, weary, sad, and homeless, and it was a joy to be able to minister to then1 the love and help they so much needed. Some were with us a few days, others longer, while many had little children to care for. It was through the love-gifts of some of our friends at home and in China that we were able to meet the immediate needs, supplying food, clothing, bedding, etc. It was wonderful to hear their expres­sions of praise for escape from danger, and of their trust in God to provide for them.

One of these, Refined Spirit, found herself alone when the fighting broke out, her husband having left the house shortly before. It was night, but she stuffed the windows with bedding and cowered near the wall, terrified by the terrible sounds without. After several hours of great fear her young brother-in-law came in white and dazed, and told her that she must go to her husband who had be€n taken prisoner, and that he would accompany her. It was only a few minutes walk to the place where her husband was held a captive, but the narrow alleys were seething with soldiers shooting at unseen assailants in the houses. Lifting her heart to God in unceasing prayer, they arrived unhurt in spite of the shots which were flying around. An order had already been given for her husband and many other poor, innocent men, to be killed, but at that moment God raised up a friend among their captors who knew him and spoke for him. The final outcome was his release at dawn with his wife and a few of his friends. Of c'Ourse they were empty-hand­ed, all they had being the clothes they wore. She arrived here at the Love Home the same day, haggard and worn, but oh! so thankful to God. She stayed with us for about two months until her husband was able to arrange a place for her and hffi' baby, who was, born in our own Sanitarium.

Their new home was in a different part of the city altogether, and Refined Spirit had to search for the Pastor of the church which she had previously at­tended.. To her joy she found that he was not far away, and was having meetings in a home which

"REFINED SPIRIT"

GOLDEN.. & HER FOUR LITTLE CHARGES

THE "FLOWER HEART" DRILL

(Love and Joy)

"LIVING WATER" 27

was converted into a hall. Those who met together there had all come out of great trouble, and a recital of their deliverances helped to stimulate their faith.

Others of our girls have had to pass through terriUe poverty, but there is not one fo,r whom the Lord has not undertaken, and we have heard deep thanks and praise ascend to Him during the telling of their sad experiences. In the world they have had tribulation but have found in Christ, as He pro­mised, "Peace," "Peace. .like a river"-

Many of you will rejoice with us that, after six years of living in a very crowded condition, the new dormitory is now finished and occupied by over one hundred children. This does not mean that the old building is empty, but just comfortably filled, for after re-arrangement we have only two extra class room'3 besides the straw-thatched C'ottage which our 'babies' had been using. The new wide verandah made an ideal playroom for our little ones, and thus the long hot seasnn was not felt to be too trying by any. We praise God for keeping us free from the usual summer diseases which were prevalent around us.

During the year several of our dear girls were taken to the Home above, but none of them had linger­ing illnesses except those who were suffering from tuberculosis. It just seemed as if the Lord had said to them. "Come up higher-" One of these was an older girl, ever a timid child, and she was taken after only three days of fever. Her one regret was that she had won nO' soul for Christ. She had no idea she would receive a sudden call, but after the first day she was too ill to know anything. This was the means of great warning to others who had felt there was plenty of time.

Another of the older girls was Golden, but oh! so different. When a child she was dull and unable to study very much, as a result of previous starvation and cruel beatings, so, though only about fourteen years old she was given industrial work to do. Her disposition was anything bnt good, and her work very poor, trying the patience of her teacher in many ways.

29 "L1VING WATER u

Just here we would like to thank the 'Love-Mothers' who so faithfully help us in prayer for these children, and whose assurances of continued remembrance are ever an encouragem"ent as we seek to lead them to a personal and intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and Friend.

Golden's grasp of the thing required even in simple knitting was very vague for a long time. Then we pointed her again to the only One Who could meet her need, as she was very discouraged herself about her lack of progress. Surely it must have been His time, fnr it was not long after that she produced a piece of work for which she could actually receive a small wage. This greatly encouraged her, and we heard and saw that at lsst she was truly in living contact with the Lord. Jesus. Her behaviour im­proved, while sorrow for faults and more meekness when receiving reproof were manifest. Her under­standing of the Scriptures was also opened. In a sur­prisingly short time she was in the class of 'good' knitters, her happy face and helpful ways being a joy to all. No one was more ready than Golden to run an errand, carry a married girl's baby, or help mop up a flood of wate,r in our dining-room, when the very heavy rain overflowed the gutters, as it some­times does!

In the summer there was need of a loving older sister to help care for four of our little ones, and Golden was the one chosen. She undertook this new work looking to God to help her, and very glad of an opportunity to serve His little children. A short time before Christmas she complained of feeling tired, and had some fever, so we put her under the care of our nurse. In speaking to some of her friends she said, "I can think of nothing more precious than to see Jesus face to face." She was quite cheerful and did not feel very ill, so it was a shock to see, after only a few days, that st,range 'other-world look' nn her face, but she herself seemed unaware of it and wanted to get up. However, her sickness increased rapidly and it was necessary to send her to our Sanitarium where she was tenderly cared for during another week.

"LIVING VVATEk ll 29

The morning of December 29th she said, "I shall be with Jesus this evening.!' When we stood beside her bed, she hoarsely whispered, "I am so very happy," but she was too deaf to hear what we said to her in reply, although she could understand the song we sang. She passed away a few hours later, peaceful and happy, clasping our hands.

We do not mourn for those whom God has taken. He brought them to us that they might learn of His love, and now they know the meaning of those wonder­ful words, "Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures, for with Thee is the fountain of life." "In Thy presence is fulness of joy, and at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

We should like to give our home-friends a little glimpse of our Christmas celebrations. Before dawn, ca.rols sung by the older girls brought again; the mes­sage of the angels at the birth of the Saviour-King. Being Sunday, and in order that our minds and hearts might be centered on Him, we had decided that no gifts should be brought out that day, which was spent in happy worship, the Christmas message in song and story deepening the gratitude of our hearts to Him Who has given so much to us.

A festive air was given to our chapel and dining­room by a tiny tree, garlands of paper-chains of varied colours made by the children, and bells and ornaments, carefully preserved from year to year by Auntie Light; but our decorations were purposely made quite simple so that minds should not be diverted from the large coloured eards, on which were written in Chinese and English, the names of the "Child" Whose birth we remembered. As our central thought this Christmas was around the title "King of Kings," that Name was in the center opposite the door, then, "Wonderful," "Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," "Prince of Peace," and others around the walls.

We all feel that the gifts which come to us are often sent at a real sacrifice, and conE.titute a sacred trust to be used as guided by Him in Whose Name they are given; so, after waiting on Him about it, we and our Chinese co-workers decided that we should

so "LIVING WATER u

buy no candy for the children. We had beautiful red apples sent by a friend in U.S.A., and the "Hazlewood Co." had kindly promised to send ice-cream as they did the Christmas before. All this, and a special dinner provided by the generosity of the "Rotary Club" friends, was surely sufficient for all to feel well pro­vided for. Yet how tender is the care of our Heavenly Father! On the Monday, as we were nlaking final preparation for the distribution of the gifts, to our surprise we received a donation of candy already done up in small packets, one for every member of our 'family' big and little, with enough also for the married daughters and grand-children who were visit­ing' us!

This Christmas we again produced our dolls which have already seen several years of hard wear in the kindergarten games, and they looked a very battered lot, twelve in all! Some lac'ked an arm and a leg, some were decidedly shabby, and others had broken heads! As we wished our little ones to sing a lullaby at the Christmas entertainment, in which the dolls are used, we felt they must be made a little Inore respectable. Scraps of cloth were found in a parce1 from one of our thoughtful friends, and made into simple dresses and caps. We took the limbs from dolls too old for further use and fitted them to better ones, and then, with a little paint on their faces, be­hold! quite rejuvenated 'babies'! Several new ones came from a class at home just in time to replace those that were useless, and the children were de­lighted with them all! So were our dear friends who came on three afternoons to hear and see their cute little songs and drills, and to enjoy with us their praise to the Saviour Whose birthday we were commemorat-ing. .

This was the first Christmas that about thirty of our girlies had ever known, and amongst these none was more happy and appreciative than Sunshine. How was it that the year which began so tragically for her ended so happily?

She f0rmerly lived with her parents in that section of the city where the war was fiercest in the first month of the year. The morning of the day on which the fighting began, while all was still peaceful, her

"SUNSHINE" (ON THE LEFT)

THE "LULLABY" DOLLS

"LIVING WATER" 31

father left home to go to his place of business, but never returned. Reports came that he had been killed, and her mother, terrified by this news and by the rain of shot and shell around her home, started out to find a place of safety, with a baby boy in her arms and this little girl of seven years old at her side.

They had not proceedeq far when the mother was struck by a shot and fell to the ground grasping the screaming boy. Sunshine was torn from her side and pushed on by the fraatic crowd. People fell at her right hand and at her left, but on and on she went; it is a marvel that she was not trodden under foot. Exhausted and weary, at last she was seen by a kindly soul who had pity on her and drew her into a place of shelter, although the best he could offer her was a bare floor for a bed, with an old quilt for covering and a morsel of food. Mter a few days she was given to the po li c'e , taken to the Court, and from there committed to the Children?s Refuge.

What but the unseen Hand of the Great Shepherd . in search of His lost lambs, could have steadied the feet of this little one in the midst of such a surging crowd of terrified people fleeing for their live'S, and have led her into this fold?

The horrors of war seem to have been entirely effaced fro.m her memory by the Prince of Peace to Whom she has opened her heart. I am sure you would rejoice could you see her sharing in all the good things our Heavenly Father's love has provided. We would thank the kind friends whose gifts have made it possible to buy wool to renew these comforts for all our children. A suit of nice warm clothes, a pair of wadded Chinese shoes, hand-knitted woollen socks, a pretty red wool cap and a pair of warm mittens, are the equipment against the winter cold.

Knitted goods are still in demand by the cosmo­politan foreign population of Shanghai, and our older girls have again been kept busy throughout the year filling orders for sweaters, children's suits, etc., which shows that their good work is appreciated by many. Miss Davies and her Chinese helper have been much encouraged by the way in which the Lord has blessed their labours in this department, financially and spiri~ tuall¥. : ;

32 "LIVING WATER"

THE INTERCESSORY MISSIONARY SOCIETY

The Lord's blessing is resting upon the ministry of intercession to which He has called us in the Love Home. As we look back upon the five years si.nce the Prayer Band was started, we can praise God and say, "The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." We have been linked up with His work in places all over the world, and it has been our pri­vilege to share the joys and burdens of many in other mission fields. Letters and reports received from them have encouraged us afresh to more faithful, fer­vent prayer and expectant faith.

One instance of this is the way in which God has worked for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McNeil (Presbyterian Mission) of Rio Muni, Spanish Guinea, West Africa, which place they were forced to leave in 1924 because of opposition by the Catholic government, and where, for seven years since, there has been no Protestant missionary witness. Instead of returning to the homeland, our friends laboured in the adjacent terri­tory of Cameroun, at the same time watching over and praying for the work they had left. In 1932 they were permitted to return with a free hand for. evange­lization, ann now villages are wide open and calling for catechists. In this we feel we have had a small share, for God put this little land upon our hearts for prayer. Mr. McNeil writes as follows: "We wish to thank the Chinese friends for their prayers. The hearts of some of us were full of intercession for this land that the way for Protestant missionaries might be re-opened. . . Your prayers, therefore, I feel have been abundantly answered with ours, and with those of a saintly old missionary over ninety years old."

We also praise God for the good reports that come from our Love Home evangelists who are render­ing fruitful service in other parts of China, "in labours. . abundant" and "in perils" of many kinds, but ever "kept by the power of God" Who "has delivered" them, and Who we believe "will yet deliver." Two precious little girls, about to be sold for liv~s. ()f

"LIVING WATER" 88

sin, were saved and sent tOo us, through the witness of one of these young evangelists to the heathen woman who owned them, God putting His fear upon her and making her willing to give them up.

Our weekly missionary Ineetings have never waned in interest, with thrilling letters to read telling of safe journeyings to far distant stations over dangerous roads; or of precious souls coming into the Kingdom in places where previously there had been great opposition and the missionaries were driven out; or of the needs and difficulties which labourers in the Gospel meet with everywhere. All these matters are taken to God in praise and prayer, one item being assigned tv each group so that all are remembered.

We, and those for whom we pray, will surely know each other by and by when we meet together in the presence of Him Who has redeemed us to God by His blood "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THE COMMITTEE AND WORKERS ACKNOWLEDGE WITH GRATITUDE:

The prayers and gifts of friends all over the world, and the continued generosity of those who specially support some of the missionaries, and many of the girls in the Homes.

The Grants-in-aid given by the Municipal Council, and the services of the Detective and Police Forc'e.

The generous donations which have come from different Churches and Sunday Schools in Shanghai, the Ministering Children's League, the Rotary Club, the American Women's Club, the French Public Works of Interest, and the Christian War Relief Association, as well as those from Working Meetings, Missionary Sales, Bible Classes and Christian Associations in the homelands; also the yearly Christmas gifts in money and kind from friends in Toronto and other places.

34 "LIVING WATER"

The kind distribution of circular letters by Mrs. H. M. Anderson, of Hull.

The free medical aid given by Doctors Barrie, Hoffman and Nance.

The dental work done by Dr. Klatchko, and eye treatment by Dr. and l\1rs. Ling.

The evangelistic services regularly conducted in the Receiving Hom,e Street Chapel and l'eligious ser­vices in the Homes by friends of the China Inland Mission and others, whose help and fellowship have been greatly appreciated.

The Auditing of accounts by Mr. George Howell.

* * * To avoid difficulties it has been suggested that

we give the following Form of Bequest:

I give and bequeath unto The Door of Hope, Shanghai, China,

or The Children's Refuge, Shanghai, China,

the sum of ... to be expended for the appropriate objects of the said Mission, and I direct that the release of the Treasurer of the said Mission shall be sufficient discharge for my executors ~n the premises.

DOOR OF HOPE GENERAL ACCOUNT CASH STATEMENT FOR 1932. Receipts.

BALANCE. January 1st, 1932 .. Municipal Council Grant, 1'3.500

DONATIONS.: Foreign Chinese

Subscriptions "In Memoriam" Gifts For War Refugees .. . . SPECIAL SUPPORT ACCOUNT:

...

First Year and Industrial Homes

Sanitarium

Christmas and New Year Gifts RECEIVING HOME INCOME:

Children's Refuge Account Day School Fees

FIRST YEAR HOME INCOME: Sale of Dolls

INDUSTRIAL HOME INCOME: For Work done

SANITARIUM INCOME: Children's Refuge Account

Interest on Current Bank Account

Audited and found Correct, GEORGE HOWELL,

Hon. Auditor. February 20th, 1938.

$14,505.60 888.00

3,437.91 494.87

1,621.86 763.00

----

$ 2.408.22 4,897.98

15,393.60 8,801.03

90.00 400.72

3,932.78 655.25

2,384.86

918.36

3,270,59

1,829.31 32.66

$40,015.36 =

Payments.

Rents, Rates, and Taxes $ 3,729,96 WORKING EXPENSES:

Light, Heat, and Water .. $ 1,183.40 Printing, Telephone, Insurance,

etc. 937.33

Motor Car Partial Expenses Partial Support of Missionaries Ladies' Chinese Teacher Passages and Travel . Medicine, Dentistry, etc. Artificial Limbs. (Chinese Heipe~") Repairs ..... . . .. .. Gift to Building Fund (1'42.50) .. For War RefugE'es _. .. .. . . Christmas and New Year Expenses RECEIVING HOME EXPENSES:

Household Food Wages .. Travelling

FIRST YEAR HOMFJ EXPENSES: House'hold. Books. etc. . . Foorl & Fuel, (Inc: Industrial

Hamel .. .. . Clothing and Bedding Wages .' Travelling . Doll Materials

INDUSTRIAL HOME EXPENSES: Wages Travelling Bedding .. Materials for Work

SANITARIUM EXPENSES: Household, Books, etc. Food and Fuel _ . Clothing and Bedding Wages 'fravelIing Funerals

BALANCE. DECEMBER 31ST, 1932: For Current Expenses For Refugee Relief

C. M. HARDMAN, Hon. Trea8urer.

165.60 1.188.77 1.795.00

127.29

520.23

7.424.77 691.10

1,893.50 418.20 581.32

1,092.00 11.25 10.50

1,129.86

898.34 2.948.09

189.70 1.167.90

130.80 299.13

6.55.74 100.72

2,120.73 1,286.85 5,637.54

380.75 789.20

1,190.56 450.00 631.50

58.21 300.00 655.25

8,276.66

11.529.12

2,243.61

6.183.96

651.46 ----~

CHILDREN'S REFUGE: CASH STATEMENT FOR 1932. Receipt8.

Balance. January 1st, 1932 .. DONATIONS:

Foreign Chinese

Municipal Council Grant, T8,OOO . For War Refugees Special Support Account, including

Gifts to Girls Christmas Gifts Industrial Receipts Interest on Current Bank Acco· .. mt

~ ~,

"

Audited and found Correct. GEORGE HOWELL,

Bon. Audi.tor February 20th, 1938.

$ 8,145.40 62.00

S 1,579.25

--- 8,207.40 4,124.14

463.78

26,960.44 883.61

8,337.10 20.28

Payments.

Rents, Rates, and Taxes WORKING EXPENSES:

Light, Heat and Water .. .. $ 2,177.99 Telephone, Insurance, Printing

etc. .. 808.88

Motor Car Partial Expenses .. . Partial Support of Missionaries (in-

cluding Receiving Home and Sanitarium)

Repairs .. . .. .. .. .. Filling in land (New Building) Medicine Fuel ..... . For War Refugees . . . . Christmas and New Year Expenses Receiving Home Partial Expenses SANITARIUM:

Partial Home Expenses .. Partial Medicine Account

INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT: Materials for Work .. Wages

HOME EXPENSES: Household Food ..... .. Clothing and Bedding Wages .. Travelling Books and Stationery

BALANCE, DECEMBER 81sT, 1932: For Current Expenses For Special Objects

C. M. HARDMAN, Hon. Treasurer.

1,829.31 376.80

3,168.69 642.20

1,794.93 11,952.48

3,589.02 4,449.35

490.26 1,158.61

----1,476.93 1,817.17

$ 8.072.85

2,981.32 1,487.06

2,470.42 1,771.25

696.60 1,042.62 1,849.99

463.78 883.51

1,621.86

2,205.61

3,800.79

23,484.65

8,294.10 ----$50,075.90 =

BUILDING FUND: TAEL ACCOUNT. Receipts.

Donations including T29.17 for New Sanitarium

Sale of Bricks. . From Door of Hope General Account Interest on Balallce due for Paoshan

Road Overdraft at Bank, December 31st,

1932

T15,025.22 891.80

42.50

533.00

71,787.63

'1'88.280.15

Payments.

Overdraft at Bank, Jan. 1st, 1932 . Repair of Old Building, Brenan Road Final Payments on New Building Plumbing and Electricity Architect's Commission .. Interest on Bank Overdraft

'1'72,349.97 1,726.65 5,867.35 2,119.00

640.13 5,577.05

'1'88,280.15

SPECIAL SUPPORT ACCOUNT: CASH STATEMENT FOR 1932. ... • Receipts.

Balance, January 1st, 1932 Donations . Gifts for Girls . Transmission Gifts Bank Interest

Audited and found Correct,

$28,219.21 27,882.82

541.23 61.42

512.41

$57,217.09

GEORGE HOWELL,

Bon. Auditor. February 20th, 1933.

Children's Refuge Account, including Gifts for

Payments.

Girls $26,960.44 DOOR OF HOPE ACCOUNT:

First Year and In-dusb ial Homes $ 3,437.91

Sanitarium 494.87

Support of Girls in Mission Schools. . .

Travelling, Stamps, Station­ery, Freight etc.

Transmission Gifts t Balance, December 31st,

1932

3,932.78

1,154.88

561.70 61.42

24,546.87

$67,217.09

tThis balance is not available for general purposes, but represents advance payments for 1988 towards the support of individual girls in the Homes.

C. M. HARDMAN, Ron. Treas1I1·er.

:J YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

1\1I1~11~1'~lllil\1 39002 10638 1347