The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1927, Page 54

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54

THE LUTHERAN PIONEER.

the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the midst of this
commotion there is a small remnant of faithful
followers of Christ in China, come into being by
the Word of God. May it not also prove true at
this time that tribulation worketh patience, etc. ?
We confidently hope that this small company of
Christian men and women will grow strong during
these trials and truly become the light and the salt
of this land.

The local situation has not changed much since
the outbreak of the war, September 17, 1926. As
you may easily imagine, the condition of the neigh-
borhood is that of despair. Barely half a year has
passed since the last war was concluded, and now
we are in it again. All business is at a standstill;
many of the homes in the city are occupied by
soldiers; the unsanitary conditions are beyond de-
scription; cholera has broken out among the popu-
lation; the whole locality has taken on a dismal
appearance.

Intensive work of evangelism has been carried on
among the many refugees in our compounds. We
still hope to stay on; in fact, all the exits from the
city are guarded, so escape now from the city may
be attended with danger. Hans M. Nzsse.

Sinyang, Honan, China, October 4, 1926.

Our Colored Missions in Cleveland
and Buffalo.

Pastor Katt, of St. Peter’s Church, Cleveland,
writes : —

“The reports concerning the progress and success
of our Lutheran colored mission in Cleveland are
becoming more favorable and encouraging every
month, thanks to the unmerited, boundless grace of
God. The church attendance during the month of
January has been soaring over thirty, reaching its
‘climax January 30, when thirty-nine worshipers
were present, twenty-two children and seventeen
adults.
and adults attend both Sunday-school and church
services. Missionary Mueller is at present giving
religious instruction to a catechumen class of twelve

adults, four of whom he instructs privately at home. -

This instruction is given twice a week and is to
continue for a period of six months. A very keen
interest is being shown by those participating. When
the missionary and the writer recently embarked
on a visiting tour, they found some of the people
poring over their text-books, Drewes’s Catechism and
the Bible. On Sunday, February 13, the first Com-

It is noteworthy that nearly all children -

munion service was held at the mission. Three con-
firmed Lutherans partook of the Lord’s Supper.
Two could not attend on account of illness. Others
will attend later. Seven confirmed colored Luther-
ans attend the services. In the Sunday-school
Student Mueller is assisted by Miss Ruth Effland
and Miss Zapf, members of St. Peter’s.”

This work in Cleveland is wholly financed by the
white congregations of the city. Services and
Sunday-school are held in St. Peter’s Hall, which
has been placed at the disposal of the mission
without cost. The work is carried on under the
supervision of Pastor Katt.

Pastor Wind, of Buffalo, has this to say of the
progress of the work in Buffalo: —

“Fourteen services were conducted at our colored
mission in the past quarter, with a total attendance
of 294, an average of twenty people. A like number
of Sunday-school sessions were held in the same
period. Fourteen Sunday-school sessions were held,
which were attended by a total of 226 children, an
average of sixteen for each session.

“A cradle roll is maintained, upon which nine
names are already inscribed. The Sunday-school is
under the direction of Miss Clara Menard, as super-
intendent, who is assisted by Miss Alma Burow,
Miss Maud Torgeson, and Miss Edna Shore. Miss
Bernice Washington, one of the members of the
mission, is being trained to assume leadership of
one of the classes.

“ight Bible classes were given on Wednesday
evenings, which were attended by an average of
seven people. Four ladies’ aid meetings were held.
The ladies’ aid now numbers 28 members. It also
meets as a sewing circle. Three such meetings were
held. A girls’ club, with a membership of ten girls,
met six times during the quarter. A meeting of
the Sunday-school teachers of the mission was held,
and two rehearsals were conducted for the Christ-
mas program. ‘Thirty visits were made to homes
of attendants at the mission. j

“On the day after Christmas a Christmas service
was held, which was attended by seventy people.

‘On this occasion the Sunday-school rendered a very

acceptable program. Gifts were distributed to all
children as well as to adults.

“On December 29 an anniversary social was
conducted to celebrate in a social way the first an-
niversary of the mission. Forty people attended.
Refreshments were served, and a program was ren-
dered.

“On January 2 the anniversary service, attended
by twenty-five people, was held.