The annual mission-day meeting organised by the Mbuma Zending Committee in Holland was held this year, on the thirtieth day of April, in Geldermalsen, a small town located about ten miles south of Utrecht and, more or less, at the geographical centre of the country. In view of the fact that those attending travelled from all parts, the venue was most suitable and convenient. A large building, normally used as a fruit market, was fitted out with platform, chairs and amplifiers and about 7500 souls were gathered underneath its roof when the day’s proceedings commenced at 10.30 am. The organisation of the meeting, both within and without the hall, was most efficient and all the volunteer stewards and traffic wardens performed their duties in a way that was altogether admirable. Our friends in Holland were assembled to show their interest in, and support for, our mission work in Africa. By the end of the day, at 4.30 pm, £70,000 had been collected.
The Rev. W. Verhoeks, the vice-Chairman, presided throughout. It was gratifying to see the Rev. C. Smits, the Chairman, who has for long been a true friend of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland and its African mission, present during the forenoon session. He is now in his nineties, frail, and not able to take as active a part in proceedings as he was wont to do in the past, but he did very briefly address the gathering. It was very obvious that he is held in great affection by the people. The addresses, apart from those of the two deputies, were delivered in Dutch. The singing was truly grave and sweet — the fruit of seven and a half thousand lips. Many present, we believe, were at the same time making melody in their hearts to the Lord. The sight of so many people and the volume of sound produced by their combined voices, remains etched on the memory. When shall we see such a sight in Scotland?
On Saturday, 27th April, I was met at Amsterdam Airport by Mr Joh. Freeke and his son Kees and it was at their home in the Hague that I was to be staying over the weekend. Mr and Mrs Freeke and their son were very kind and hospitable and I feel much indebted to them. On Monday Mr van Vliet met me at the railway station and took me by train to his home at Dordrecht. After being very kindly entertained by himself and his wife, they took me by car to Mr and Mrs Leo Jansen’s hospitable home at Alblasserdam. The following day they, in turn, took me to Geldermalsen and I remained with them until Wednesday morning when, again, Mr van Vliet collected me, conveyed me to Dordrecht, and then accompanied me to the Airport at Amsterdam. In the Lord’s kind providence I arrived home in Stornoway that afternoon. Mr and Mrs Neil Murray stayed with the Rev. T. J. and Mrs de Jong. They join me in thanking all those friends for all their kindness. We would also like to thank the Mbuma Zending Committee for inviting us to attend the meeting. Among the thousands present we were happy to meet Miss Peta van de-Ridder who, for some years, served her Master well as a nurse at Mbuma. Also Miss Joh. Crum from the staff of the Ballifeary Home of Rest and other friends who visit Scotland from time to time and whose faces were therefore familiar.
We deeply appreciate the support given to our mission work by our friends in Holland. Without it our activities would be much curtailed. We value, above all, the prayerful interest of the Lord’s people among them.