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Show P. s. With China's many troubles in mind, perhaps it is not strange if some have concluded that missionaries are not wanted. May I be specific and give a few quotations from the Chinese in regard to our own return? Pardon being so personal, but statements in general may not be what are wanted by the few friends to whom this P. S. goes. These quotations are from Chinese letters and the translations are by Chinese who have lived some years in America. The first ones were written during the times of upheaval in China last spring, before we left the United States, and of course we had nothing to do with letters or translations. The gentry, commercial, and educational leaders at Sang Yuen (an active outstation of Tehchow) wrote to the Congregational Association: "For the benefit of the locality their help is greatly needed, more than ever now, though they always devoted their full energy and kindness to social welfare work. We want their guidance in our educational work as well. Wre remember so well their line service to the public, always with hearts full of love and zeal. They were ever brave enough to do what is right in the face of criticism. . . . We stand on our tip-toes watching for their early coming, and for bright days again." The Tehchow city church wrote to the Association as follows, quoting in part: "In the eyes of the public, Dr Tucker has done just as much for church, schools, and community, coming to the aid of each with time, talent, money, and devotion. The honor that rests now on the Tehchow church, for saving of lives and souls, for relief for plague prevention, and community welfare,- belongs to Dr Tucker who instigated it all and gave his devoted strength to such service. He does not need our advertising-his hospital and his fruit of personal evangelism are his own witnesses. Did he need our witness, the scrolls and tablets and letters and gifts showered upon him out of our heart-love would express our feelings. Not only do we thus feel but the people of the country-side, in the villages of this district, the Christians far and near, honor Dr Tucker and ask again and again why he is not allowed to return." The Tehchow Chamber of Commerce writes: "He has won the respect of the entire community. In things that make for progress and uplift he has been chief promoter. Many young men owe him the inspiration that has set them upon their feet in the right paths. It is to him that Tehchow owes the institution of healing which he established, where thousands yearly find healing from their unspeakable sufferings, where the Gospel is preached, and where destitute women and children, through the funds he raised, are saved from their desperate straits. Whatever he has put his hand to he has done with all his might and heart. Brave in the cause of righteousness, when difficult problems faced the community, he has found a peaceful solution To his efforts the community owes the goodwill existing between America and China in all internationally related problems. For this we have no words with which to express our gratitude." Translation of part of the Chinese verses used at the "Welcome Meeting" in July: "For many years the 'Doctors Virtue' have worked diligently and hard, putting in great energy and giving forth much effort. They are not proud or selfish. They do not seek their own benefit. We see their kindness, their frugality. We see their fine ability and good virtues. They are loyal to the work and are upright. They are humble, and lend an ear to others' opinions. They would not neglect the old nor the young. Many a time they have taken care of the orphans and the aged and the helpless in time of flood and famine. They have supervised in road-building, and in public works they have been helpful. They have undertaken many good works with enthuiasm, regardless of their own troubles and hardships They will surely do much more to promote the welfare of the people of Tehchow. May God bless their work that we may all cooperate with Him. We welcome these good friends and doctors for the sake of Tehchow and her happiness." From a letter written in the summer to one of the supporting churches in America, signed by all the members of the Hospital staff: "These friends have long been invited to come back through several formal letters of invitation and cablegrams written by both the church body and the community organizations here. The church people and the vastly greater number without the church have united in voice and good will to ask them to come back, an unmistakable voice from Macedonia. Please do not neglect the voice of the Chinese people within and without the church, or the Gospel door will be closed locally at least. The Tehchow community will help what it can, though war has recently visited us again and famine is our unwelcome guest." A native of the region, well acquainted with the work, and with experience in the colleges of both China and the U. S. writes: "We need you in China, we need you at Tehchow, we need you in the vast country about. What I am thinking about is the church work, and the welfare of my people in Shantung. I feel deeply that in view of your service during the last 26 years and of your creation, the Hospital, the people can receive more benefit from your services from now on. The medical work is suffering without you. Although this is a personal letter it fully represents the local church, and the villages and towns in this vast area with their considerably more than 200 members, besides the vastly larger clientele that are not church members." All the members of the Hospital staff signed a letter to the American Board reading in part as follows: We are sincerely united as one in submitting to the Board the very reasons why the Tucker family should be sent to us and supported by the Board as before, to resume their responsibilities in the Christian and medical work for the welfare of the people of this vast area in which there is so large a population, with only this one modern and will-equipped hospital. . . . The fact that the community and the Christians all urge the return of Dr. Tucker to Tehchow proves unmistakably that the service of the two Tucker doctors is badly needed, and their presence at Tehchow is just like the long-asked for rain finally falling on a dry field. I do not quote from numerous other letters, as from the important railway community, from various out-stations, a general petition from all the divisions of the city, nor from all the Chinese colleagues at Lintsing. The same reaction, and more deserved, would be the portion of any of the many missionary workers that have been for some time investing their hearts in such a task. Far better are these expressions than any other return, and one is indeed grateful to those at home who have made possible the development of the work. As for ourselves, not only were we urged to return by the Congregational Association, the Hospital staff, the community, etc., but there was also need for effort along special lines, as in the exigent famine work. The extremely small op-sition may be forgiven for it is hardly fully acquainted with the situation. The urge to come was also from Above,- and surely the Power is His, just as any results are also His. We but sought the privilege of serving, and in these days of self determination the wishes of the Chinese directly and indirectly concerned should surely prevail. As with so many others, we came to be friends and to be part of the real life of our adopted people. Again with warm greetings, Cordially, E. B. T. Tehchow, Shantung, C H I N A |
