the work itself. The aggregate number of months
of service is 295.
3. In comparison with the record of the previous year, but little
change can be noted. The total number enrolled is 1,131, being larger
by 87, but on the whole one record is about the equivalent of the
other. Indeed, it seems to me that in both years we reached very near
to the _outmost limit_ of what is possible with the means at our
command. The special interest of this year's history centers in the
attempt to do, and to learn better _how_ to do, evangelistic work.
Three of our brethren have been set apart to this, and have been
followed from place to place by the prayers of many. They had much to
learn when they started forth and have much yet to learn. It is by no
means clear to me that we have hit upon the wisest methods, and I know
that we have not yet entered into the fullness of power, either with
God or man. Yet I can see that these brethren are stronger and braver
and more eager in this work than they were a year ago. And the
blessing of God on their labors has been such as enables us to believe
that full sixty of their countrymen have been led to Christ. This
carries the whole number concerning whom this hope has been cherished,
since the beginning of our work, above 700.
4. THE FINANCES. Our expenditures have been: For salaries of workers,
$6,403.00; for rents of mission houses, $2,066.00; for incidental
expenses, $1,150.15; total, $9,619.75. Our resources have been: From
the parent society, $6,100; balance from previous year, $45.50;
offerings made through the treasury of this auxiliary, $2,590.80;
total, $8,736.30. This leaves a deficit of $882.85, a part of which
can be met from our Permanent Property Account, but fully $500.00
needs yet to be secured if we are to provide things honest in the
sight of all men. Thus far in the history of our mission, the account
of no year has closed with the blot of a deficit upon it. The account
of the year just ended is held open for awhile in the hope that the
good precedent of the past may be still maintained. And, oh, if we
might be a little less hampered by poverty;--if we might be set free
to enter opened doors, and to make the most possible of our
opportunities, how great would be the privilege and joy of showing in
blessed experiment that the truest economy is a wise and careful
generosity.
Bureau Of Woman's Work.
MISS D.E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.
Woman's State
|