Luebo, Nov. 22, 1927
Dear Folks:
It has been a few weeks since I have written you, as Dorothy generally gives you all the eventful news, at least I often take that as an excuse. I don't always add a few lines.
Dorothy is no doubt writing to you about our plans for going to Lake Nkamba. I will not dwell at length on that. The main reason for our going at this time is that I am going with Dr. King over to Wembo Nyama to see the eye specialist who is there, and the Shives want to go on a vacation, had so planned, and it will be quite convenient for Dorothy to go along. We will probably not be away more than ten days, or two weeks. You will remember that we were out at Nkarnba (Mu Nkamba, the natives call the Lake) just a year ago. We will know for certain after this trip, as to whether we will be coming home in the near future or not. My own opinion is that it would hardly be advisable for me to stay much longer than we have been planning, that is, some time in February. However, we hope to be able to write you more definitely in a couple of weeks, which is by the next air mail after this one.
I have been passing through a little difficulty with one of my teeth which decided to grow an abscess at the root. Mr. Wilds treated it, that is, opened it through the nerve root, on Sunday afternoon, and yesterday, it pained me considerably all day. He drained it again last night, so today it is considerably better, and I feel it scarcely at all, except that my face is a bit swollen. So the worst is no doubt ever. I have had such good health out here, both this term, and the previous ones, that I certainly can't complain along that line; of course, excepting my eyes. In fact, all three of us have been in good health.
The Mission Meeting has now been a thing of the past so long that it hardly seems important enough to write you about. The most important actions taken were those in regard to Self-government and Self-support of the Native Church. This is with the aim of placing in the hands of the native leaders, and of the Native Church, as much responsibility as they are capable of assuming. This will not be done by one step, but will be undertaken gradually. First, a group of native congregations that will assume the responsibility of expenses, will be enabled to call their native pastor, and elect their elders, deacons, etc. (It is seldom that anyone native Village has the Christian population or the means to support a pastor, so it will be done by a grup (or a section, we call it). Of course, all this is under the superintendence of the Mission. Then when two or more of these groups have taken this step, they will be able to form their Presbytery. Of course, this sounds very small to you folks who are used to all these things, but it means a big advance to us. Then other things in connection with this are along the following lines; No native pastor is to be ordained in the future, except as he is called by a group of native churches; the same with native elders. Heretofore we have ordained these officers on the various stations as they were found to be capable of holding the position. You will note the matter of self-support included in the condition when a church calls its pastor. This, as you can readily see, will mean a great step forward, and we believe will be the means of increasing our native gifts many-fold.
The missionaries' furloughs are nine months from the time they land in New York till they are to sail from that place.
Another matter was the placing of the "Central School" for missionary children at Lubondai. A teacher from the States is on the way out, at Kinshasa now, we presume. Miss Mclaren, the nurse at Lubondai, is to be temporary matron. Lubondai is supposed to be the most central point This is quite a serious question out here, as there are a number of the children of school age, and more coming to that stage before long.
I can't think of anything else of importance that would interest you, but will be able to give more details when the minutes are printed.
Dr. King has just returned from Bulape, where they rejoiced over the arrival of the latest Member of the Mission, young James Allen Wharton; all doing well. This is their seventh child, two having died out here. Mr. Wharton had a right serious spell just as Dr. King was leaving, some intestinal trouble, but he is quite well again. I don't remember whether I wrote you about it, but in April, 1925, at the Ad Interim Meeting at Mutato, he had a similar spell.
I have been reading the "Life of David Livingston," by Blaikie, and it has made quite an impression on me. A remarkable story of a remarkable life. Also the life of William Carey, first English missionary to India. it is unfortunate that more of us don't read these biographies, as they are inspiring. We just don't have time these days to do "anything" as the saying is (that, or like, we should).
With love to all.
As ever,
B.M.
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