# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S706
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

122 , MISSIONS

ratty Report of the Board for Colored Missions |

: At Home

For many years our Negro Mission has been centered in:
South, and only incidentally was work done in the North. H
ever, Negro immigrations -offered opportunity for mission exp
sion. At the present time, mission work is carried on in twent
one States of the Union. Mission opportunities at no time ha

been scarce, and the present shifting of population consti
a definite challenge to the Church.

of as the Church for thinking people.

Opportunities for a greatly improved income have also com
to the Negroes, and this fact is. reflected in Church contributio:
and a movement among congregations to own their church prope
Nine congregations now own their own property outright, and

Possession or ownership naturally calls for greater responsibili
and the two together create more stability in the mission.
development is a distinct forward movement,
with this movement is that of assuming greater responsibility

the matter of salaries. Ten congregations have assumed the entix;
responsibility for their pastors’ salaries. The great majority o
those who are still drawing a subsidy on pastor’s salary have
boosted their contributions to provide a necessary salary incre

for their pastor, Congregations are subsidized by the Missionary
Board for the teachers’ salaries.

Closely connected’

Debt Reduction. — We are thankful to report that complete.
liquidation of a burdensome debt is in sight. While in fact a deb
of $23,850 as of March 31, 1944, remains, owing to long-term notes
we are assured that the necessary funds will
notes mature.

In Africa

With profound gratitude to God we are able to report that His
blessings have been renewed from year to year. 6
The statistical report for 1943 indicates 10,106 baptized members.

(an increase of 3,845 over the report of 1941); 3,125 communicants
(an increase of 938); pupils in the various schools 2,679¢
churches 59 (increase of 15). The Central School at Obot I
‘has an enrollment of 320 pupils; and the Girls’ School 126 pupi
Two Seminary students are working among the Tbos, laying:

the foundation for future work among the Ibo language people.