The Jewish and Foreign Missions Committee having taken into their consideration the absolute necessity of having adequate transport at the disposal of the staff in our Mission in Southern Rhodesia decided to make this urgent appeal for funds for their object.
The Committee would place the following facts before friends of the Cause of Christ:
- The following extracts from the Deputies’ Report show the present needful position, viz.:—
… “The purchase of new cars and the maintenance of those on hand presents a problem which can only be fully appreciated by those who have seen the distances and experienced the terrible condition of the roads.
At Ingwenya there is only one car which has now reached the stage of needing continual repair. When Mr. Miller goes away to examine the Kraal schools—which means he may be away from home for some time—the Mission is left without a car—a position which can be very serious should illness occur among the Europeans or the children boarded at the Mission. A new car for Ingwenya is essential, in our opinion.
At Mbuma, the Mission lorry—a Bedford truck—has also reached the condition of continually needing repair. At the time of writing this report, it was in the garage for repairs estimated to cost £100. A new lorry is also essential. . . .”
- The Committee would strongly emphasise the need of new and reliable transport in view of the long distances to be travelled over excessively difficult roads and tracks in the visiting of the
Mission Stations and Schools. Also food, building materials and other essential goods need to be transported from Bulawayo.
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The distances from Bulawayo to the principal stations are as follows, viz.:—(a) To Ingwenya, 36 miles; (b) to Zenka, 90 miles; (c) to Mbuma, 120 miles by a short way in dry weather—and the long way in the rainy season, 160 miles.
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From these observations it can be seen that good transport forms a life-line in the organisation and activities of the Mission as a whole.
The Committee appeal urgently to lovers of the Gospel to give of their means now, and as liberally as possible to meet this crying need. A special appeal is hereby made to those friends whom the Lord has prospered in providence.
We estimate that the approximate sum required immediately is £2,000. All donations to be sent to Mr. John Grant, General Treasurer, 4 Millburn Road, Inverness, marked Mission Transport.
JOHN COLQUHOUN, Convener.
DONALD MACLEAN, Clerk.
To the Foreign Mission Committee.