ty. Several times in the
last few months have smaller numbers united with the Church.
[Illustration: IN CAMP.]
A few weeks ago I returned to my work from the East, where dear
friends showed me every courtesy and sympathy possible, and while at
the Mohonk Conference of Indian Workers I met many whose hearts and
purses were open to pray for and help the helpless and abused red
man. During my visit East I found a general interest and sympathy
from churches and individuals, and money was put into my hands
sufficient to add two or three warm rooms to our parsonage, which we
have vacated and turned over to the sick and distressed Indians for
a hospital. With the rooms we have just added--work is now going
on--this parsonage hospital has one kitchen, one general work-room,
two rooms sufficient for four beds, a room for reading and study, a
laundry or general purpose room, and a bathroom; this latter,
however, we cannot finish at present for lack of money to provide
water facilities. Chairs and tables will be put in, and bead and
embroidery work, done in both silk and worsted, will be persistently
encouraged, so far as funds will allow.
There is attached to the mission a free medical dispensary, to
which a great many come. It is, however, only intended to be
supplemental to the general medical work under the direction of the
stationed Government physician, who is not only a thoroughly trained
and competent physician, but a careful and painstaking one as well.
A great many questions mingled with doubt are frequently asked us,
by those who look upon the Indian more as a curiosity than a human
being, or as a painted entity watching for an opportunity to wreak
vengeance on the white man. "Do you really think these young people
and camp Indians understand what they are doing," etc., etc.
[Illustration: IN WINTER QUARTERS.]
I say, "We certainly do, when a boy or girl, or a young man or
woman, no matter what color the skin may be, comes to us of his own
will, and says, 'I want to have a good heart and love Jesus and want
to be a Christian,' and then in the presence of both white and red
scoffers, is baptized and unites with the Church, and lives a
consistent and prayerful life, I have no reason or no right to
doubt." A few months ago there walked into the church, just as
service had begun one Sunday morning, eleven fine-looking Arapahoe
Indians. They were not richly attired, but they were clean. Only one
could even partial
|