MISSIONS IN CHINA.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18140, 3 October 1930, Page 9

MISSIONS IN CHINA.

NEW RECRUIT FAREWELLED MR JACK MUIR LEAVES. Never in the history 'of missions in China has that great country, with its teeming millions, needed Christianity more .than ‘it does now. Torn by revolution and strife, its people have realised, that war, and the influence oi C-ommunism, are detrimental to both themselves and their country. Foi many years' the China Inland Mission has done wonderful work among the Chinese, in fact, such great progress has been made that 200 more missionaries are needed to cope with the work. Many young men and ■women have volunteered, and some have already entered the field since the appear was launched last year. On Wednesday the members of the local Baptist Church gathered in the church hall to farewell Mr Jack Muir, a popular member of the congregation, who is leaving next week for China. 'Pastor Bycroft presided, and expressed pleasure at having Mr Muir and 7 Mr H. Conway, New Zealand representative of the China Inland Mission, present at the gathering. He then asked Messrs Lonsdale and Woodward to say a few words: Mr- A. Lonsdale said, having known Mr Muir ever since he came to Hamilton, and knowing his many line characteristics, he was pleased' to speak at that function. The Baptist Church in Hamilton had several of its members out in the mission held. Mr Muir, in-setting out. in their footsteps, would carry with him the best wishes for a safe voyage and a fruitful result of his work. Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Woodward. All appreciated Mr Muir’s forward step in entering the mission field to win others to Christianity.. Story of Eearly Experiences. Mr Muir, speaking in reply, told of his early experiences before definitely deciding to devote his life to missions. Luring his sojourn in Hamilton, and at Ruakura Farm, he had met some very fine friends, and it was good to be back in the town to meet them again. Interesting information regarding China was given by Mr H. Conway, who was for thirty years on the mission field there. When the new re.crult first arrives in China he lands at Shanghai, where he first gives his testimony before the assembled missionaries of several countries, prior to going out into the field. From Shanghai he goes down the Yangtse River to the language school to learn the native tongue. Here he remains for perhaps five or six months, and also learns the manners and customs of the Chinese," and a hundred and one other important details of native propriety. After this he is sent out to a station in one of the provinces, and there his work begins. Mr Conway , then told of some of- his experiences In China. It is a. huge field, but it offers an open door .to he teaching of Christianity, although at present .the Government has adopted an almost anti-Christian attitude. But this harrier will be broken down by prayer. The Chinese Consul in Australia, Mr Sung, recently stated that the missionaries were antagonistic to the ... Nationalist Government, hut. this w-s because the Government dematv ! - ' that- the missionaries cease teach' the Gospel in the schools. In conclusion, he expressed the hope that Mr Muir would be remembered in the prayers of the congregation in Hamilton. Prior to the conclusion of the gathering Pastor, Bycroft, mentioned that Mr ' Muir will sail for China by the Aorangi from Auckland next Monday night.