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Show 50 NORTH CHINA MISSION Paotingfu IJautiugfu Station General Report Mr. & Mrs. Jas. H. McCann, General work PERSONNEL ( Q n f u r l o u g h the last six months); Rev. & Mrs. Elmer W. Gait, General Work, Language Study; Miss A. G. Chapin, Woman's Work; Rev. Isabelle Phelps, Language Study, Woman's Work; Mrs. C. J. King, (Not under appointment) Teaching; Rev. & Mrs. F. M. Price, (Not under appointment) General Work. The report a year ago dealt INTRODUCTORY l a r g d y w h h t h e R e v o l u t i o n a n d i ts immediate effects upon our work. Our mission work by no means experienced a revolution in sympathy with the country's cataclism, but certainly great impetus was given to its evolution. Apathy and lethargy within the church have given way to interest and activity. Indifference without has given way, in ever widening circles to a desire for acquaintance, intercourse, and fellowship. Especially is it true that the more educated classes are approachable as never before. There is therefore new outlook in our work, new direction, and new impetus. FAMINE RELIEF Aside from regular work we have again this year had to grapple with famine conditions. In the same region in which the distress was acute a year ago, floods were even more extensive and persistent last summer. The conditions were therefore very distressing. The native Red Cross Society did all it could to afford relief but could by no means meet the need. Funds that we were able to procure for this special object were meager indeed, but we gave out about $800.00 gold as judiciously as we could. Probably there were few who actually died of starvation but there was the awful drain on what should be the fixed capital of a district. And this goes far to quench hope and spirit in a people and render them dependent and helpless. Over wide areas there was the sale at sacrifice prices of work animals, carts, implements, household furniture, and everything that would bring a little cash with which food might be procured. Hundreds upon |