# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S707
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISSIONS _ 128

The former Seminary building (native construction) is no
ore. Suitable Seminary buildings will be erected when war re-
rictions are lifted.

The Girls’ School has increased its enrollment by 94 during
past three years. Miss C. Rapier, principal, returned to the

achers have carried on the work. (These teachers receive their
y from the School.)

Missionaries. — God has blessed our Mission with capable and
% consecrated men, who have discharged their duties admirably.

= Rev. V. W. Koeper returned to the States in July, 1943, having
spent four continuous years in Nigeria. Rev. J. P. Kretzmann re-
turned to the States in February, 1944, after serving four and one
lf years. War conditions are responsible for the extended time
‘of service. Since January, 1944, the Mission had to forego the
presence of a white worker on the field. However, arrangements
were perfected by the white workers whereby the Mission could
the carried on until other white workers would arrive. Two native
pastors, Jonathan U. Ekong and Daniel U. Ekong, naturally have
‘been entrusted with the greater responsibilities, and a number of
reliable laymen are assisting faithfully in the management of
affairs. Under date of Feb. 8, 1944, Mr. E. U. Ekong writes: “The
Board of Directors wish to inform Pastors Kretzmann and Koepeér
that things are running on well in the field. We hope to hear soon
the news of the return of the other missionaries.” In March we
could cable them that missionaries were en route. After long en-
* deavors and endless disappointments, Rev. Wm. Schweppe and
Rev. and Mrs. Carl Rusch were’ able and happy to board a steamer
» for Africa on Feb. 29. They reported safe arrival at Lisbon on
March 15. At the time of this writing, April 14, no other definite
* news has come besides the information that Rev. Wm. Schweppe
had sailed from Lisbon before Rev. and Mrs. Rusch were able to
leave there.

When these workers arrive in Nigeria, Rev. Wm. Schweppe will
return to his former field at Obot Idim, and Rev. Rusch will succeed
Rev. Koeper at Nung Udoe. Mrs. Rusch has consented to serve
in the Girls’ School until we are able to provide a teacher.

Our good Lord has abundantly blessed our weak endeavors
beyond expectations, and we confidently hope that by His grace
more strength may be added in the form of an increased working
force. Preparations for such an increase are in the making.

THe Missionary Boarp
OF THE LUTHERAN SYNODICAL CONFERENCE
L. A. WisuER, Executive Secretary

tates in February, 1943, on account of illness. Meanwhile native |

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