Congo (101) Luebo, Congo 6/10/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, June 10, 1923

Dear Mother and Daddy:

Another month has rolled by, and we are now in the midst of another dry season. The temperature was down to 59 a few mornings ago, which is pretty cool for these parts; although I think I have seen it a few degrees cooler than that.

We had a new experience today. Yesterday a white trader died here at Luebo, and on the occasion of such a funeral, a good part of the white population attends. Dorothy and I, together with Miss Black, Mr. Hillhouse, Morrison, represented the Mission. So we had an opportunity to see what a Catholic service of such a nature was like, in the Congo. As you have no doubt attended such services, or are well acquainted with what they are, I'll not go into details. I suppose they follow, out here, practically the same routine here as in America, except that they have natives as assistants.

Mrs. Savels has been very ill lately, in fact it was serious yesterday, for she has Black Water Fever, which is a very dangerous disease. Yesterday she was very weak and the attacks continued and it looked rather discouraging, but last night she improved, and has continued to do so today; as she was able to eat today, they feel like she is improving fast.

This Black Water Fever has carried off many a white man in this country. Less than a year ago a man and his wife at Luluabourg (about four days from Luebo) both had it, and the man died; the woman was so sick they were not able to tell her about the death of her husband until some days after. Lapsley had Black Water Fever at the time of his death, but I understand that he really recovered from the fever but was so weak that he couldn't recover from the effects. This is the first case we've had at the Mission for many years.

Dorothy wrote you about her trip to Bulape with Rowena, and left me a bachelor for about two weeks. Since her return she has been in better health than for a good many months past. While she hasn't gained much in weight still she feels better. She wasn't sick, but perhaps somewhat aenemic. (It may be that I wrote you this same item in a previous letter; if I have duplicated, no harm is meant.

We have just received a package from Carrol, some things that we asked him to send us; also a package from the Honorable Montgomery Ward. There wasn't much of great importance, but we were glad to get them; there's a touch about receiving packages out here that you folks can't comprehend. The long distance, the long wait, the lapse of time between mails, and the need of the articles, all go to make a spirit that brings quite a bit of pleasurable excitement. The contents of these packages were something like this: batteries for flashlight, 1 pair black shoes and 1 pair tennis shoes for myself, lace, Xmas cards, handkerchiefs, percolator tops--Montgomery Ward. Then a pencil sharpener, rubber bands (for office use), dating stamps, ink pads and a few other items.

In this last mail word was received from the Martins that they expect to sail from the States somewhere about May 6th-- this is much earlier than the date they told you. However, we can't really tell until they are actually on the way, for there is many a slip between a written date and the actual sailing date, especially for the Martins. However, unless something unexpected happens I believe they will be on the way (I should have said were on the way) somewhere near that date.

We have about 5 more months here at Luebo, as we will be leaving here along about November first, or not long after. After that time, we will not be long in anyone place for some months.

Our mail will perhaps be slower in reaching us now, for in the dry season boats are sometimes few and far between. This last mail was a fine one, but it was about a month behind the last one.

With love to all,

B. M.

Congo (100) Luebo, Congo 6/3/1923 [DCS]

Luebo Sunday

June 3,1923

My own dearest homefolks:

Hasn't anything of any great interest happened around here lately, but to you, I never seem to run out of letter material. I'm hard at work in school again and time is certainly passing rapidly. Only five months until we leave for the pool. But I won't say any more on that subject now as I think and dream too much about it now for my own good. I suppose you are through school for this year and planning for summer holidays. It is almost your birthday and I don't know how old you are, now what do you think of me. I, too, am getting so ancient I forget whether I'm 22 or 23. Don't tell Nettie but I wish you would tell me when James was born, I know March 25, but the year?? My! I certainly am anxious to see that little rascal.

Mary is a back off her honeymoon, and seems to be mighty happy. If B. M. were as indifferent to me as he is to her already, I'd pretty near die. I guess I' m just spoiled, seems like I have always had someone to spoil me. I guess that's why I am so good-for-nothing. I never have been able to explain the statement you used to make so often, that married people had such a hard time. Unless I have been unusually fortunate. I even long for the one thing I dreaded so before I married, and can't have it.

I have been chumming with Susie Savels a lot since Rowena left. In fact, I'm trying to be close friends with too many and it's about to get me in trouble. One sees me going to another's house then they ask me Why I didn't come to see them, etc. In other words, I have too many strings to my bow! But it's mighty nice to have friends and I hope I can keep them so.

The Hobson's are out on the road again, I certainly don't envy them their work. I don't think I could stand the road a month at a time. It's mighty hard on her, too.

I have been playing my "Uke" quite a lot lately. We sit out on the porch and sing and play. And so often, I long for you to be there too. I'm trying to copy the words to all my songs, so I won't forget them, and it is also good practice for me on the typewriter. I'm hoping some day that B. M. will teach me. My organ is out of fix and so I haven't gotten to play much for a long time. I hear that there is a nice large organ at the pool.

I have been so well of late haven't gained much but just feel so well. My hardest thing out here is the sun. It just gets me so quickly if I'm not careful. The roof to the school shed is not good and I have to wear my helmet all morning when I teach. It's heavy and big and I get so tired of it.

By the next time you write you must address my letters to Kinshasa care of the Union Guest House. I hear that Mr. and Mrs. Martin were to sail in April, if so they will reach here this month, perhaps. I wonder what you will do about my things, send them by the Millers, I hope or by mail. We also hear that Lucille Wilds is in the hospital again. Dr. Kellersberger is either already at Mutoto, I mean Bibanaga, or nearly there if his plans have worked out.

Mrs. Washburn of Bulape is here now, she came to consult the doctor. She was with us at noon, and I like her very much.

Mrs. Stixrud gave a party for her little four year old girl yesterday. I do not like her parties they are too formal for a crowd of missionaries.

I read the best book this week and I certainly want you to try and get it. It's a story of a lady missionary, so I want you to read it and think of me. I read awhile and I cried awhile, I read awhile and I laughed awhile. The name of it is "The Lady of the Decoration" by Little. It's just so true and put in such an interesting way. You may have read it, I don't know.

B. M. is raring to go to bed so goodbye for this time.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (99) Luebo, Congo 5/22/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, May 22, 1923

Dear Mother and Daddy:

This no doubt finds you in the most pleasant part of the year, with the trees in full leaf, and everything in harmony. We are just at the close of the rainy season, at least it is time for it and some of the signs are on hand, although we are still having some rain.

The "Lapsley" was here last week, getting in on Wednesday and leaving on Thursday, so there wasn't much stir about it, especially as no other missionaries but the Daumerys came up.

Our newly weds have settled down in their home, after their excitement and honeymoon at the Lake at Bulape.

There isn't much news with us as things are moving along smoothly enough. Dorothy is teaching again this session. She improved quite a bit during her stay at the lake; while she gained only the sum of two pounds, still she looks better and feels more like herself. However, I do not mean by this that she was sick. We have both been blessed with fairly good health so far, better than most families I believe; even Mrs. (Dr.) Stixrud was sick for several days here recently. However, let's not boast, but trust that we may be able to continue this way for about eight more months.

I have been watching a little bird build its nest just outside my office window for the past few days It looked odd at first to see a long straw fly up into the tree, and on the end of it a little bird about as big as your thumb. We have quite a number of these little tiny birds, not hummingbirds; there seem to be a number of varieties. As far as we know at this

time we shall be here at Luebo until along in November, perhaps the first and perhaps the latter part, this depending on the "Lapsley". And as regards our mail, we believe that after the 15th of August you had better address our mail to Kinshasa. For if the mail should come after we had gone it would have to follow us back to Kinshasa and be delayed in

reaching us from one week to a month. This of course applies also to packages. Do not send packages to us at Luebo after July 20th.

We have just heard that Dr. Kellersberger is near Bibanga, coming out by way of Capetown; they had a wire from ~Iim for porters to meet him at the terminus of the railway, Bukama. As you may know, he is coming out alone, as Mrs. Kelly was not able to come. And it is most fortunate, for Dr. King is just leaving, and this would leave only one doctor on the whole Mission.

The latter part of April, I don't remember the date, the Longenecker baby died. I understand it had very little chance from the first I weighing only about 2 or 3 pounds, and at the time it came Mrs. Longenecker was very sick. In fact, about one month ago, they feared for her life; but she is better now. For about a week they didn't think either of them would live. Also, the little Crane baby has lately been very sick with bronchial pneumonia, and they were very uneasy, but it is much better now, and I believe almost normal. Nearly all of the children at Mutoto, and there were about 11, had the whooping cough. So there has been quite a bit of illness; some of the grown-ups on the other stations also had minor illnesses. But I think everyone has about recuperated now. Mr. Vinson is on the sick list, although it is more in the form of a nervous breakdown, especially in the form of insomnia; all this family has had a hard time this term, as the little baby has been quite sick more than once lately, and their boy, about 4 years, has had a few spells.

As we failed to get this letter off in last mail, I'd better close and seal this, for you might be wondering what is becoming of your letters.

With love to all.

B. M.

Our Kinshasa address:

Union Mission House

Kinshasa,

Congo Beige,

Africa.

Congo (98) Luebo, Congo 4/28/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, April 28, 1923

Dear Mother & Daddy:

A few days ago I had orders direct from "headquarters" to explain to you all about our prospective move to Kinshasa, the Union Mission House, et cetera.

Dorothy has written you, I believe, that we have been assigned to this work for the last three months of our term. This Union Mission House is a hostel, or hotel, built and operated by five of our Protestant Missions, for the sole purpose of providing comfortable and pleasant lodging for our missionaries on their way through Kinshasa, as the hotel accommodations there are not only uncertain but often very unsatisfactory and disagreeable. Several of our missionaries have already stopped there (it has been in operation only about six months), and report it a splendid place. The idea is to get some couple from America or England to take permanent charge of it, but until that couple is found

the different Societies agreed to furnish someone, in rotation, to take care of it in the meantime. The Methodist Mission have a man there from June to November, and then we are responsible for it the following six months. So the subject was up for settlement at our Annual Special Ad-Interim Committee Meeting, held here at Luebo from April 14th to 19th. As there seemed to be no likelihood of finding someone to take it for this six months without serious interruption, it was decided to send us there for our last three months, and then send someone to relieve us at the end of our three months (it was definitely understood that we were to be relieved at the end of our three months, which ends some

time in February).

At first Dorothy was somewhat disappointed, but I believe she sees some decided advantages. I will say, and I don't believe you will understand this as boasting or pride, that it is quite a compliment to both of us, for this is quite an important job. My being able to speak a little French, as well as my business experience, will help us a great deal; and there are only a few of our missionaries who can even speak a "little French," on our mission. Then it will give us the opportunity of meeting a large number of missionaries -from the other missions, whom we would not be likely to meet otherwise. Also, we happen to have two good friends of the Baptist Mission in Kinshasa, and this will be quite a help to Dorothy; they are Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland, and came out on the steamer with us from Belgium, so we came to know them quite well. Another item, is that it is on our way home. Kinshasa is the terminus of the railroad -from Matadi (where we get off the steamer from Belgium) to Stanley Pool, and when we get ready to leave we will have already made our trip down river.

I think we wrote you when we came out about the unfortunate situation in which we found ourselves when we landed at Kinshasa on our way out. We certainly had and were a vivid example of the need of this hostel. They certainly pushed it through, for it was started since we came out, and you know you can't get things done out here on schedule time like you can at home.

Kinshasa (Kin, as it is called for short) is quite a commercial center, being at the source of navigation for the larger part of the interior of the Congo; so there are a number of stores (magasins, as they are called out here), and you can get almost anything you need (With of course a great dea.l of profit added).

Our work at Kin, at the U. M. H. (Union Mission House) will be to take care of all missionaries passing through Kinshasa, either on their way out, or on their way in; Kin is where they take steamers for all places on the Main Congo River, the Kasai (which is our way), the Sankuru (on which Lusambo is located), the Kwilu, and others. From what I understand, there is accommodation for about ten people at one time, there being three large rooms, and four small ones. The people going out seldom stay over one or two days, as they take the train for Matadi, and if they have to wait for the Steamer to Europe they generally go to Thysville, which is half way between Kin and Matadi, and which as the

reputation of being very high and pleasant climate. Then there are times when there will be no guests. Of course Dorothy's concern is about caring for and especially feeding the people; but as food is easier to get, I hear, at Kin than here, though more expensive, we will not likely have much trouble on that score.

We will write you more about this in the near future, as we expect to get more information on it ourselves. .

Since Mr. Savels has come, as Dorothy mentioned, I have been relieved of some of my other work so as to give more time and attention to the printing work, which is sorely needed. This pleases me very much, especially since we are in great need of books and other matter waiting to be printed. I still have the work of Station Treasurer, and Station Magasin, so am not wanting for jobs.

Everything is moving along nicely with us, even though there is no exciting news. I haven't written you lately, for with the meetings of the Ad-Interim Committee Meeting here, three times daily, in addition to my work, and being Secretary of the meeting, I had plenty to do and not much time to write letters.

With love to you both.

B. M.

Congo (97) Luebo, Congo 5/8/1923 [DCS]

Luebo Tuesday

May 8,1923

Dearest homefolks,

I just got back from the lake at Bulape yesterday. Rowena and I went together for a rest as our husbands could not take a vacation, and we felt that we needed one. We were gone from the station about fourteen days and Kemp and B. M. came up to Ibange to meet us and we spent Sunday up there together. Ibange is about half way between Bulape and here. The lake was fine, but not as fine as it was last time we were there because this time we were there in the rainy season and there were some mighty hot days while we were there. But the rest did us good, as we did nothing but read, eat, sleep, and sew. Twas lots of fun. I certainly was glad to get back to my husband and home, though.

The bride and bridegroom are up there now on their honeymoon. We fixed the lake house up mighty nice for her and put ''The Romance of a Nurse" up all round the room. It is very cute, we think, and I wish you could see it. We did not go swimming this time, as we were afraid to go, there being no men around to save us if we started to drown. There was not a good boat, either, only the one to carry our things across, and it leaks terribly, so there were two of our pleasures taken away. The boat is being made, but isn't finished yet.

Mary's wedding was quite a swell affair, they say. I did not get to be there, on account of being at the lake. I believe I told you that I was supposed to play the march, but Rowena and I decided we could not possibly go any other time, and that we both needed it , so I got Mrs. McKinnon to play it for me. I feared for a while that Mary would be hurt, but

she seems to be as friendly as ever. One thing, we fixed the lake house for her and our meeting and greeting her at Bulape cheered her up, too. But I felt that as I am going to have to stay at Kinshasa three months after my long stay in upper Congo, I need as much rest as I can get. I think that going to Kinshasa won't be as hard as I thought It would be at first, and one thing, it is going to make my last few month's fly faster, I hope.

I couldn't help wondering why you backed out of going to Houston to hear Mr. Martin. I am afraid you missed something by not going to hear him. He is certainly a good speaker. I am not surprised that they did not get him to come to Livingston at all, but I was surprised that he is not going to leave for Africa until August. We expected him here in July and we were afraid we were going to have to move out of our house ahead of time in order that he might move in. But if he does not come until August, we will be ready to move out by the time he arrives. As far as sending my nice new clothes by him, I don't see any other chance to send them, for I would be afraid to have them sent by mail, even though we have been having good mail service, because if I should lose that it would be bad and there are to be no missionaries coming out after him, and you have to count on delays. then you see we begin our journey home in a sense in November, and I need clothes for Kinshasa, too. If you can get in touch with the Millers and they are coming at a good time, it will be all right to send things by them, but whatever you do, don't send things too late. had rather have them three or four months ahead of time than after I leave. There are so many causes for delay in the Congo and after they leave America. I have not heard when the Millers are expected. back, but before we leave, I think. I have been thinking that since I have such a little time to travel in winter, that it would be better not to send me a winter

dress or a very cheap one. The sport suit, if you get one, would be of more service if it's dark, say navy blue, then I might not have to buy a traveling suit in New York. When you hear I'm coming home, have me a letter waiting in New York telling me what to get, the style and everything. Whether gloves, parasols, veils and little things like that are in style at that season for traveling or what is. See, I've been so far away from styles for so long, I'm going to be lost if you don't find out and tell me. Of course, I'm not going to get any more in New York than I have to and know is the right thing to get. It will be spring when I get there. I just supposed Dr. Davis was dead from what you wrote and came near writing a letter of condolence to his family. He is a mighty dear man to me having helped both my mother and my aunt so wonderfully. Don't fail to tell me whether he is still alive when you write again.

I wrote to Aunt Lutie in the last mail and asked her if it were possible for her to come out to see us when I get home, so if she agrees at all, please have her come there instead of now. I told her if she thought she couldn't come, that I would try to go by Lexington to see her if we took the St. Louis route.

Was certainly surprised to hear of cousin Hannon's marriage to the Field girl. I'd like mighty well to see them, too. But don't suspect cousin Hannon remembers me at all. It's been so long ago that he knew me. Of course, cousin Lora was the one I knew best.

Was sorry to hear that grandmother was sick. Do you think she feels all right toward me now? Would have written her, but don't know hardly how to write to her if she feels that we treated her bad. I don't want to seem too anxious to make up or be nice. They are the kind of folks that might say I was friendly in order to get some of her money, but I certainly

don't want any of it.

Got a letter from Douglas' Dedye in the last mail. Was quite a nice letter, but bragging on Doulas, as usual. She says they have a Ford and pretty bungalow home, but the thing that most surprised me was that she and Douglas were going to a "college" in Port Arthur. I hope they can go, but I have my doubts. I'm glad Edd's doing well, but the more I hear, the more I believe that he is nothing but a "flirt" and don't care to marry anybody. I don't want to say all I think about him in a letter, all I will say is that I'm mighty sorry for the girl that gets him and I'm mighty glad it was not I.

In the same mail I got a letter from Gretta Cunningham. She is married now and lives in Arkansas. She certainly wrote me a sweet letter. It's a shame the way I have treated that girl. She is a friend worth having. She asked us to visit her when we come home, and I certainly wish we could go. Of course, it's too early to make plans now. Evelyn is also

expecting me to come to see her. I can't go everywhere.

We certainly were glad to get Daddy's letter. I was sorry to hear about the cat, but I can't remember her to save my life, neither can I remember Blackie. I do hope you have a cat when I come home. I have had cats all my life and I'd be lonesome without one. I certainly have a nice old cat out here. She's by far the biggest pet I ever had in a cat.

I have been meaning to tell you how pretty everyone thinks my white dress with the black ribbon in it is. I too think it is one of the prettiest dresses I ever had and looks well on me. I don't know what I would have done if you had not sent me those dresses. I didn't realize how I needed them until I got them. Nearly all my old clothes have worn out. I will

know how to take care of my clothes better next time. Everything faded so bad this time. We have things washed so much more often and the sun fades more out here, too.

I start back in school again in the morning. This is the first time I have taught for quite a while now. I got filled up on teaching while Georgia was away at Mission Meeting and haven't been back since. In fact, B. M. didn't want me to go back for a while. Georgia is all by herself and wants me to take a class, so I'll teach this next three months (one school

term), then t'will be time for me to pack for Kinshasa. That underwear of mine has not gotten made yet and it's simply got to be done.

Mr. Savels has taken quite a bit of work off B. M. 's hands, so he is putting in most of his time at the printing office at present, and it needs him badly. So many books and pamphlets are to be printed in the native language. B. M. will likely try to get a job with some printers when he comes home in order to learn more about the business. That is, if

we are coming back to Congo.

Can you imagine my keeping a boarding house? Well, I certainly can't imagine ;myself doing such a thing, but since the mission put me there, I'll do my best. My biggest job will be planning the meals, and I'll take my own cook, likely, and keeping track of the linen and everything. The boys will do all the work. I shall also take Cisuaka with me as he

is my right hand boy. They say the house is mighty nice and everything is furnished. If it weren't so we could not go, for it would not pay us to pack up twice. There are electric lights and there may be a car down there when we arrive. This will not make us a day later than our furlough time. When the time comes, we will pull up and leave. This letter is too long again, but when I wait a long time to write, then I have lots to say.

I love you just as I always did, if not more so.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (96) Luebo, Congo 4/15/1923 [DCS]

"Luebo"

April 15, 1923

Dear Mother and Father:

The Lapsley is here, has been for several days. The Savels came on it and Mr. Savels is preparing to take over some of B. M. 's work. They have not decided what yet. Mrs. Savels is a very nice woman, though shocks us sometimes with some of the things she says. She is not of our nationality; therefore it is not her fault. We have gotten to be very good friends as she is one of my nearest neighbors and comes over to sew on my machine sometimes. Their little son is a "case" and shows the failing of nearly all of our missionaries of not making their children mind and behave in company.

Rowena has moved to Miss Black's house and Miss Black lives near me. I miss her so much for we were always together when she lived near, though she comes down often now and I also go to see her. I helped her move and get settled in her other house. Miss Black has asked me to help her in the home, (girls' home) but I'm afraid we can't work

together long for we have such different ideas. Rowena and I were together on everything. My main idea in helping her will be to translate for her as she understands practically no Baluba. That is the difficulty in sending missionaries out for the first time when they are up in year

I had a paper to read in our evangelistic meeting last week. It pretty near killed me, but some way I got thru. I must explain that I had to read only before the women. I did not get frightened near as I thought I would, but I just held in my mind that a lot of my audience were women I had taught in my class in school and had married evangelists and gone to the out stations, and that it was foolish for me to be afraid. Of course, there were other missionaries there but some of them were just as frightened as I was. I dread to face the Livingston people, for I am not going to try to make any speel before them. The only way I will be able to get anything over to them will be by conversation. We got such a nice letter from Mr. Davis yesterday and certainly did appreciate it. I am ashamed of myself for not writing to Miss Cassie more often. I have twelve letters to go off in this mail and I am so proud of myself I'm about to pop. One is to the Dorothy S. Aux. enclosing a cheque for about ten dollars. We wanted in some way to express our interest in the new church building. Please give Miss Cassie my love the next time you talk to her. I'm afraid I won't get a letter off to her in this mail.

There is to be a farewell "picnic" on Anderson's porch for the Clevelands tomorrow. My donation to the cause is rolls & candy. Tuesday the day following Rowena is to give a shower for Mary in the form of a clothes line. She is to be given an apron and basket and told to go get her washing off the line. I think I shall give her the apron and three pair of

white stockings from Mrs. G. W. as she needs them badly.

Mrs. Anderson, Dorothy, has another fine boy born on my birthday. Her other baby is such a sickly child and cannot walk yet. Hasn't been sitting up but three months. I want a baby to bring home, but I'd rather be like I am than to be in her fix. There is one thing to her advantage and that is that she is a strong girl.

We haven't had much success in printing our negatives yet, but it seems that we will be able to get some real good pictures. I thought something of sending all my plates home by Mrs. Cleveland, but I'm so afraid something will happen to them. There are not many of them very good but I'd certainly hate for them to get broken or spoiled. Now I

guess we will just take the best care we can of them and bring them when we come. I do wish I could get you a print of each, though, but there are lots of things we have to be patient for out here.

Well!!! a big change has come into our plans. Last evening at the Ad Interim Committee meeting they decided for us to go to Kinshasa to take charge of the "Union Rest House." We leave here the last of October and keep charge through Nov., Dec., Jan. I guess you remember my saying they were joking and saying we were going, but I don't believe they were in earnest; these men from the other stations brought in the idea. Was not at the meeting, but I'm glad I wasn't for I fear I would have said too much. I was very much opposed to going at first but have gotten reconciled somewhat and we will leave the last of Oct. or the first of Nov. This is going to make a split in my stay out here and possibly make it seem shorter, but the last three months are going to be very busy ones. I'll get B. M. to tell you as much about it as he can. The house and work we have to do.

Cisuaka was tickled to death with the picture you sent him. I don't think you can please a native better than to give him a picture. I wish you could have seen him when he got it. He stood there and exclaimed over it for about a half hour (more or less) and called all of the other boys around him to show it. He had already bought you a native musical

instrument with his own money and said this is for my "grandparents" in America. he had already done this before the picture, so he said tell you thank you and (life) many times. This is the native greeting. He also brought me another instrument just like yours for Hickman. He is to go to Kinsasa with me to help in the guest house, and I don't know what I would do without him. I shall also try to take my cook but don't know about that yet. Little Mayele (Cisuaka's son--B. M."s namesake) is the finest native child I've ever seen and they keep him so clean and nice. James must be a case. I still have my little monkey and must send him a picture of it soon.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (95) Luebo, Congo 4/7/1923 [BMS] [DCS]

Luebo, Congo Beige, Africa

April 7, 1923

Dear Friends:

Having just returned from an itinerary of two weeks to a section of our Luebo outstations we will try to tell you something of our experiences on this trip. On a large station like Luebo, we do not have the opportunity of getting quite the insight into the heart of our work, which is in our outstations, as those who itinerate. So it is a privilege for one who is tied to a post with routine duties to take an active part in the out-station visitation.

When we wish to make a trip in America of 50 miles, for a stay of one or two weeks, it takes only a few moments to plan and gather up our effects. But with us we must make preparations for all of our needs, except the house, such as beds, cooking utensils, food, etc., making it really a camping-out trip. In our equipment we carried one article that might be considered luxury, a folding organ, which not only provided music for our services but great delight to the natives as they crowded around to listen. Our means of transportation were a bicycle and a hammock, with native porters.

In reaching a village our program is about as follows: 1- To have a conference with our evangelist, to inquire into the condition of the work in general, the church, school, and the attitude of the chief and people. 2- Examine catechumens for Probationers' Class. 3- Have a personal talk with each Christian. 4- A conference with the chief and his elders. 5- An evangelistic service in every village, at night. As we stayed only one day and night in each village (except Saturday and Sundays) this kept us busy from the time we arrived. Then as a side-line we carried a few simple medicines, such as castor oil, salts, turpentine, iodine, etc., for which there were always a number of applicants, the salts and castor oil

being the most popular.

The last time this field had been visited by missionaries was more than three years ago and we found the work very much as we had anticipated, sadly in need of attention. We found a great many discouraging things; there were a number of Christians to discipline (which means to take their names from the Church roll until their lives became their

profession), and some of them fallen into grievous sins. In one village the church had almost gone back to their old heathen state. In another, the native evangelist had been asleep. In some villages we found some heathen practices among the non-Christians that were causing trouble for our Christians, as they were trying to force the Christians to take part in their wicked customs. In one village we found the chief and his elders trying to prevent by force their wives who were in the Catechumen class from attending either the Catechumen class or the Church, saying that they were glad for their children to be Christians and go to school, but that this affair was not for the older people.

While the above discouraging conditions may sound [illegible] still it was in the villages where we found the worst conditions that we witnessed the most encouraging fruits of our visit, and especially of our night evangelistic services. These night meetings were held in some convenient place in the Village, in the open with one or more fires in the center, It would be difficult to find a more picturesque scene than these evening meetings; the group of natives seated around the fire in a semi-circle, on mats or logs, and the glow of the flames lighting up their faces, eager and attentive; the very atmosphere filled with a sense of peace and quiet.

At the three Villages where our work was in the worst condition, the effects of the services were most inspiring. In the first village where the people had returned almost to their heathen state and medicines, fifteen came forward at the close of the service expressing their desire to abandon their life of sin and to follow the master. In another where

indifference seemed to prevail, eighteen came forward. In these villages there were only about 40 and 75 people present, respectively. Then there were a number of individual cases, some of Christians telling of their trials. some confessing their sins and repenting. One Christian woman came to us with tears in her eyes telling how she had taken part in the heathen worship of her ancestors because of the pressure of her non-Christian husband, over which she was very much distressed and seemed genuinely repentant. The total enrolling was 73. But when we think of them scattered through these villages and the powers of darkness so strong about them, we know many of them will have severe trials of their faith; so we ask you to remember them in your prayers. It makes our hearts heavy to think of how much they need all the help they can get, and how little we are able to give them in proportion to that need.

The thing that impressed us most in the experiences of this trip is the power of the Gospel; the old old story of Redeeming Grace and its power to reach the hearts of men to save. The effect of the plain simple Gospel story on these natives has strengthened our own faith in its power.

It is hard for us to realize that we have been here at Luebo over two years, yet this time next year we shall no doubt be on our way home, perhaps almost there for we shall be due to leave for furlough next February.

With our prayers for each one of you, and asking that you in turn remember us and this work, and again asking that you do not consider and treat this as a "circular" letter, we are

Yours in the Master's Service,

B. M. and Dorothy Schlotter