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Show SUMMARY OF REPORTS 15 from Pangchuang and Hsiaochang workers, but the plans to spread the influence of the series by tours and station - classes was given up on account of the revolutionary conditions. All the missionaries except Mr. Ellis were ordered to Tientsin. In spite of rumors and excitement the work at the central station went steadily on. The small number of preachers is a serious lack for many communities of inquirers and Christians must go unshepherded. Some new preaching places have been secured. During the revolution the foreigner was much sought by alt classes in the city as a source of accurate information on the course of affairs. The Boys' Boarding School had a smaller attendance in the fall, but with the spring numbers have increased. The school has had athletic relations with a neighboring Mohammedan School. In work for women eight Bible-teachers have been employed, while seven others have helped in the schools. A new Bible-woman has walked to twenty-one villages, where, at the fairs, she talks with all who will listen. Her faithfulness makes its impression, for many ask. "Why does she go ever}' day, sometimes in cold and rain, to talk with people?" The large Fourth Month Fair gives a special opportunity for work with women who come at that time in throngs as pilgrims to worship the goddess of Tai Shan in her annual visit. Sometimes as many as a thousand a day visit the mission compound and are taken through its buildings, schools and homes. Prejudices are broken down in many cases. Some have said, "We go to the temples, spend our money and receive nothing. When we come here we are given a place to rest, tea to drink, and kind women tell us of their religion." Immediately after the Fair the workers met for a helpful conference. Medical work shows a larger number of dispensary patients who have paid fees, while wealthy patients have also been more numerous, and many Mohammedans have come. Improved equipment is needed. Now and then gifts are brought showing the heart gratitude of those who have been helped. A father carried a bowl of goldfish twenty miles, presenting them to the physician who had restored his son. |