CHINESE MISSIONARY TELLS OF LIFE WITH CHINESE CHRISTIANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 72, 23 July 1948, Page 6

CHINESE MISSIONARY TELLS OF LIFE WITH CHINESE CHRISTIANS

(Contributed by the Ministers’ Association) The year has been a full one for your worker, but a good deal of satisfaction has been derived as I have gone in and out among my flock, writes Mrs E. L. Miller, of Dunedin. There has been more sickness than usual and constant visiting of sick folk has kept me well employed.. Measles, chicken pox and whooping cough have kept mothers of small families very busy and it has been a relief to have someone appear to give a word of cheer and encouragement and to look after medicine and prescriptions, etc. It doesn’t take much to amuse my small friends. A scrap ' book, a bundle of pictures from newspapers, small cards from Weet Bix packets, keep them happy and occupied for hours. - ' •

The telephone rings frequently and my presence is requested. Most frequently it is to consult about sickness, or to make an appointment with doctor, dentist or specialist, or to discuss X-ray verdicts. Often they want help in writing letters re extension of temporary permits and social security benefits, sometimes letters regarding Income Tax returns. At other times I am asked to write stern letters to landlords re broken taps; leaking spouting, rotting floorboards, etc. They seem to think that a letter written and signed by the “Deaconess to the Chinese” will be more quickly attended to than one that bears a Chinese signature. Some want help in making marmalade, plum jam, sponge cake or custard—the children like these additions to their Chinese diet. Mothers find plenty of trouble with our paper patterns when dressmaking—collars will not fit, sleeves have a twist, skirts bulge —and when I rectify things they hope I’ll live for 100 years. It all savours of social service work, but there is always time for a word and they look .forward to the prayer that will follow and are glad to think that a heavenly Father keeps guard. Something in their Chinese life and make-up acts as a barrier and hinders them from making an open confession of faith in Jesus Christ.

We gladly serve these folk. They are full of gratitude and appreciate the generous help the Church is giving them. Could we but get a glimpse of the inner workings of Chinese minds many problems would be solved and we would see wherein we fail in seeking to lead them into the joy of being acknowledged members of the household of faith. Pray for them and for your, workers.