COPIES of the following message have been sent to Africa:—
The Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, met at Inverness, on the 18th May, 1948, heartily agreed that a message of encouragement and sympathy and goodwill, be sent to Revs. Dr. MacDonald, James Fraser and Edwin Radasi, and also to Miss MacKay and Mr. MacPherson, and all our native missionaries, teachers, office-bearers, members and people, within the boundaries, and under the supervision, of our Missions at Ingwenya and Shangani.
The Synod heard with deep interest the several Reports regarding the Gospel labours undertaken by our Missionaries in the past year, to bring the Truth as it is in Jesus to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, among the natives of Africa—and of the Gospel preached and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper administered for the comfort and sustaining of the Lord’s people in our Mission Field.
The medical services rendered at the Mission to afflicted and needy Africans, is a department of the Mission’s activities which the Synod appreciates, as being most valuable as a work of mercy, and as it assists to show a real Christian interest in the well-being of the natives. The Church fully realizes that Dr. MacDonald and his wife are overdue a well-earned leave at home in Scotland, along with their family.
The School Reports telling us at home of the educating of the African children, in a Christian atmosphere, always remind us of the essential and thorough work being accomplished in this direction. Miss MacKay has recently borne heavy burdens; but will be greatly relieved and helped soon on the arrival of Miss J. Nicolson and her mother at the Mission, the Lord willing.
We are sure that Mr. MacPherson is of great assistance in many practical ways connected with work at the Mission, and the Synod wish him the Divine blessing and strength for his duties.
The Synod never fails to take particular notice of references in Reports, to the services rendered to the Cause of the Blessed Redeemer, by our native lay-missionaries and office-bearers. May the Lord Jesus Christ by His Spirit, add to the number of these most useful men, carrying the Word of God to their own people.
The Synod would send prayerful good wishes to all who truly fear the Lord in our Mission Stations everywhere; and desire that they, each one, be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time” (I. Peter i. 5),—and that those who come to hear the Truth of the Gospel, may experience a day of power in their guilty but precious souls, and be convinced of their sins and enlightened in the knowledge of Christ, the Saviour; and be raised up as witnesses to the saving work of God’s grace, so that, “Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” (Ps. xl. 3).
The Synod deeply sympathise with Rev. Jas. Fraser and Rev. Edwin Radasi, in regard to the unexpected withholding of Government Grants for Shangani Mission work, as this must have been a keen disappointment. But the Church at home is to bear the financial burden for the present, so that the work can proceed. “The Lord of us hath mindful been and he will bless us still” (Ps. cxv. 12).
In all their trials, difficulties and disappointments as in their triumphs, all who seek the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the Mission of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, have, we humbly believe, the gracious, prayerful and practical support of “Those that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,” within our Church at home and in other parts of the world.
“All lands to God in joyful sounds, aloft your voices raise, Sing forth the honour of his name, and glorious make his praise.” (Ps. lxxvi. 1.)
On behalf of the Synod, Alex. Macaskill, Moderator, Robert R. Sinclair, Clerk.