# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1905_S73
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

11th Delegate Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, 1905. 73

...who, without regard for himself, left his wife alone in Barugur and
hurried to Krishnagiri to help Mrs. Näther nurse her mortally ill
husband. But all of them, thank God, were graciously kept safe.

"Three years ago we numbered 45 native Christians. This number has
been reduced by several deaths; some have also moved away, and a few
have fallen away. Only a few new members were gained. So the number
of our native Christians now stands at only 38.

"During the plague our schools suffered great harm. The work was
not only greatly disrupted, but in most places had to be stopped
altogether. As a result, two schools closed. But since the plague died
out about a year ago, our missionaries have vigorously resumed the
work, and we are glad to report that not only have the two closed
schools been replaced by three newly founded ones, but the former
enrollment has not merely been reached again but surpassed. Instead of
12 schools with about 500 pupils, we now have 13 schools with nearly
600 pupils. This increase is due chiefly to the Barugur station, where,
in place of the two small schools there used to be, there are now four,
some of them very well attended.

"The increased number of our missionaries made it necessary to
build two new residences, at Krishnagiri for Missionary Naumann and at
Vaniyambadi for Missionary Hübener. The new missionary residence was
built at the latter place especially because Vaniyambadi seems, for
several reasons, to be the most suitable place for the future
establishment of a seminary to train native mission helpers. We must
strive in all earnestness to gain such helpers. Missionary Mohn has
indeed trained up 4 teachers from among the boys who attended his
school, and they now render him good service. But if our work is to be
advanced further, we must give thought to the regular training of native
mission workers and put it into effect as soon as the opportunity offers.

"At present we have only 4 workers in India. Missionaries Mohn and
Kellerbauer, after ten and twelve years of work in India respectively,
were in urgent need of an extended furlough and are now staying in
Germany. It is a great joy to us, however, that Candidate Nau from our
seminary in St. Louis is willing to enter the service of our mission. He
is to be sent out to India during the present meeting of our Synod.