It was good news to hear that Mr MacDonald C. A. and his wife Dr. Christine MacDonald have been accepted as mission workers for Kenya. There is already a small hospital there in Sengera, Kenya, and we hope that in time it will be in operation, but there is much to be done before then.
In August, if all is well, the Rev. D. B. MacLeod will leave for Kenya and Malawi taking Mr MacDonald with him to introduce him to the congregation in Sengera. Dr. Christine has an examination to sit in September so that she will not be able to go to Zimbabwe until late September or early October. She will then relieve Dr. Hak who goes on furlough in October. There is much work to be done by both young people in language study before they can begin work in Sengera.
The young man from Malawi, Ephraim Tembo, who appeared before the Presbytery at the time of Ingwenya Communion, has been accepted for the ministry but advised to further his academic studies before beginning the usual classes in preparation for the ministry.
A nephew of Mr Dick Vermeulen, Mr John Vermeulen, his wife and family are shortly to proceed D.V. from New Zealand to Zimbabwe, where Mr Vermeulen, a carpenter, will assist Mr David Ndlovu with practical work on the Mission.
We hope that all the new workers and especially the prospective divinity student, will be remembered in the prayers of our people. We see from the Press that there has been some political unrest in Kenya and Malawi, but we hope a solution will be found to ensure a stable government.
Miss Macaulay reports that yellow maize is now available in the stores. Sugar is also for sale but is 80% more expensive than it was previously. Only the well-to-do can purchase at that price. In former days people depended on honey found in the hives of wild bees in old tree trunks. Life was less complicated then.
At the May Communion in Zvishavane there were large congregations. The Rev. P. Mzamo was the visiting minister. The services were much enjoyed. One male member was received. Mr Mazvabo said that the people were greatly affected by the drought, having lost cattle and crops. Mr Mazvabo was organising “work for food”. Essential work is being done on the Mission in exchange for food.
The new term has begun in the John Tallach School with the anxieties relating to procuring food and water for almost 500 young people. Miss Graham carries the main burden for this task but her letters do not betray undue anxiety. No doubt she knows where to cast her burden.
No mention has been made of the fact that the older ministers, the Rev. P. Mzamo and the Rev. A. B. Ndebele are in each case carrying on the work of several men, ably supported by the elders. Without a blessing on the preaching of the Word all else is in vain. — J.N.
Eastern Europe Mission
The following extracts are from letters of appreciation from two churches in Ukraine which received a considerable number of Bibles from the Free Presbyterian Church. The first is from a minister in South Ukraine. “It is a long time you have been here, but even after a long period we don’t want to forget your love. The 1000 Bibles were a real great gift, which we distributed among the Reformed Congregations in Karpat-Ukraine. It was a joy to know that all these Bibles are lights now in the hands and hearts of many, many Christians in our country. We do believe and hope the Lord will bless you in your helping love, and it will be also a healing power in this country here. God bless you.”
The second extract is from a pastor in Kiev. “The Elders’ Council of the Gospel Church thank God and Rev. D. Ross, as well as people in the Free Presbyterian Church, for the humanitarian load of food stuffs and second-hand clothes. Especially, the elders thank the above said people for the 2000 copies of Bibles, New Testaments and Gospels. Also for calendars, books and tracts to do evangelism. The clothes were distributed among the members of the Church. The pictures are enclosed. Let God the Almighty bless you all in your life and work.”
The Dominions and Overseas Committee has decided that I visit Eastern Europe again. Along with Mr A. MacRae, Dundee, I hope to visit Hungary, Ukraine, Romania and Czechoslovakia in September and October, God willing. The bulk of our load, will be distributed in The Ukraine.
As on previous occasions we will carry Bibles, reformed literature, medicines, clothing and food. The Trinitarian Bible Society has very kindly given us a grant of 2000 Hungarian Bibles, 1000 of which will go to Ukraine and 1000 to Romania, to the Hungarian speaking peoples in these countries. We will also take 1000 Russian Bibles and a quantity of Romanian and Czechoslovakian Bibles, together with calendars, tracts and booklets in various languages.
For the continuance of this vital work we look forward to the same generous support we have received from our Church people and others. Spreading the Word of God is required by the Great Head of the Church. “The Lord did give the Word: great was the company of those who published it,” Psalm 68: 11.
Contributions for this important work should be forwarded to either myself, (Rev. D. A. Ross, Free Presbyterian Manse, Laide, Achnasheen, Ross-shire, IV22 2NB), or to Mr R. A. Campbell, General Treasurer, 133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LE, and should be specified for “Eastern Europe Mission Fund”.
We also desire that this further Mission endeavour of our Church would be remembered by the Lord’s people at the Throne of Grace. “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you,” 2 Thessalonians 3: 1.
— D.A.R.