Replies submitted
by Miss M. L. Merry, Khirkia R. S.,
Hoshangabad district,
Madhya Pradesh
INTRODUCTORY
1. Figures
unknown. One convert only was baptised from scheduled castes (Balahi)
since the work began.
2. (No answer given.)
3. Three
out of four adult immigrants, representing two families, with their children,
now residing in the village.
4. A real
conversion is a heart-change matter. Therefore, number known only
to God. One convert only has been baptised from scheduled caste (December
1950). Conversion is necessarily an individual matter.
5. He
is the head of the family possessing secret faith for many years, as caretaker
on the compound. Has proved very weak, harassed by fear.
6. One
English missionary lady, with an Indian couple, serving under Central India
Baptist Mission of U. S. A. (headquarter at Achalpur). Approach is
made both individually and in groups.
7. Generally,
Christians of some experience (and training is desirable) from some place
where a Christian community has been established. A living wage is
given without too much strain being necessary. No rewards.
8. (a) to (g) No.
(h) to
(j) Yes. The Lord Jesus Christ is highly extolled, but foreign culture
is not. Errors are pointed out. Sometimes, regarding non-Christian
deities and sometimes a faithful warning must necessarily be given about
the future state of the unsaved. This is part of the Bible Message.
(k) to (m) No
9. None.
10. Yes.
The one convert is illiterate, poor but is fully convinced in his heart
(but fears to witness).
11. No.
12. Yes.
In all these places preaching is generally done.
(a) It is the best place
for me, personally.
13. This
is inevitable. The false resists the truth, as truth resists and
exposes error.
14. I
am not clear what the words “such language” refer to.
15. In
this non-Christian area they are bound to be outsiders, and work as named
in No. (12) above.
16. Very
variable. The spiritual experience of the Pracharak matters most.
No. No.
17. Bible
School or Seminary (for degree) training is good, following a heart experience
of Christ and the “new birth” He brings. Very, very few who show
sufficient zeal, sincerity, and have the necessary ability.
18. Number
varies, according to the ability of the Pracharak. Here, hitherto,
he has worked alongside the missionary mostly. Increasing love, joy,
peace in his own heart and the people’s.
19. Chiefly
the Bible, holding forth the Good News (Gospel) concerning Lord Jesus Christ.
Very little distribution so far because most contacts, unfortunately, are
illiterate.
20. Yes.
21. No.
22. Insufficient personnel,
as yet, for this.
23. Very
occasionally, exhorting people to support the present Government.
24. Not known to me.
SOCIAL RELATIONS
25. No.
26. The
convert is verified of this social boycott experience by his Balabi community
(Scheduled Caste). Since a bitter experience in August 1952, he has
never been the same. Always “under a cloud”.
27 to 29. No.
30. I
suspect a kotwal leads the opposition in the above case, but certain evidence,
i.e., definite truth Dot clearly manifest as yet.
31. None known.
32. Yes.
This always follows spontaneously from within, if the conversions are genuine,
i.e., if a true change of heart has occurred.
33. Yes,
in genuine cases. None in merely nominal Christians.
34. No.
35. (No answer given.)
36. In
full sympathy with most efforts, but aware that the world-wide fundamental
need is Jesus Christ in the heart.
37. Yes.
38. No.
39. (No answer given.)
40. In
the past the caste system in India has driven in this way, i.e., the forming
of distinct communal groups. But it is undesirable. True converts
will be lovers of all men, and themselves be better, truer, holier, INDIANS,
but God first not country.
41. Many old practices disappear.
42. No. Just the reverse.
MISSIONS
43. 1918-39
- One missionary widow lady, English, independent, private effort, apart
from any organised mission.
1939-42.
- Two younger successors, after her deceased, both single ladies, English,
private effort, no organisation.
1942-47.
- One left alone after decease of co-worker.
1947-Present.
- Entrance of this work into-Central India Baptist Mission of U. S. A.
(India Branch of “Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society”-but “Conservative”
relates to Christian doctrine without the slightest connection with anything
political).
44. Not
in Khirkia itself as yet, but yes, at Achalpur as headquarters of the Mission
and in some places around that area.
45. One
tiny bungalow and a few out-houses at Khirkia, and bungalows at the out-stations
above, plus leper colony at Kothara and a small new hospital at Achalpur.
(Get more information from headquarters.)
46. No
Indian missionaries but here at Khirkia, a humble evangelist and his wife.
One foreign missionary lady (English). There is a prospect of a nurse
(American) coming from Achalpur.
47. Trained
teacher. Twelve years’ experience in England and four years’ in Ceylon.
Income has ever been much less as a missionary than a teacher. For
12 years (1935-47) has worked without salary! “A work of faith and a labour
of love”.
48 and
49 (Answers not given.)
50. Conservative
Baptist Foreign Mission Society. A Mission Board consisting of some
of the best clergymen in America.
51. Free
will offerings of Christians-individuals and congregations. Yes,
regular, annual budgets and statement of accounts. Inquire at headquarters.
Each mission station sends quarterly statement to Field Treasurer.
He sends annual report to U. S. A.
52. Yes.
Auditing Committee appointed annually on the field and special auditors
in U. S. A.
53. For
Khirkia and district about Rs. 8,000 per annum as average.
54. No.
55. Very
little distribution; working chiefly among illiterates, who, as yet, have
too little incentive to become literate.
56. Yes.
Each missionary is asked to send eight to twelve brief reports (about 600
words) per year (for praise to God and for prayer).
57. (a)
Visiting and preaching the Good News concerning the Saviour in Khirkiyan
and among some of the Kurkus.
(b) Very
humble dispensary from 1918-45; then medical work declined and touring
for preaching increased.
(c) A
tiny “Night School” in Balahi (scheduled castes) mohalla, in rainy seasons,
to try to encourage Khirkiyan youths to learn to read. (Very hard going!
Just a handful attended.)
58. No.
59. Yes.
60. Headquarters
at Achalpur. Out-stations at Bhainsdehi, Dharni, Chikalda, Morsi
and Khirkia.
61. None
here at Khirkia. Tahsildar visits from Harda.
62. Yes.
No. Full reports of minutes are sent to Mission Board. (Two or three times
a year.)
63. Yes. Not generally.
64. About
the same in Khirkia. Increase and intensification are desired, but
more personnel needed.
65. No.
66. No Christian community
is here.
67. Voted
privately once-last General Elections-supported Congress. Do not
keep up with politics-no time.
68. I
do not know. All this seems outside the realm of missionary work.
HOSPITALS
69. One
small new hospital at Achalpur since 1951. One Leper Colony at Kothara
near Achalpur.
70. It is open to all.
No partiality.
71. Preaching
and Christian witness occurs. Very, very occasionally conversions
occur; no inducements.
72. No. No. One evangelist.
73 to
77. Cannot answer. Inquiry could lie made at Achalpur of Dr. Jack
Miner, departing soon for Canada and U. S. A.
SCHOOLS
78. None.
79 to
92. I am unable to provide this information; not being in school work.
REMEDIES
93 and 94. No.
95. Yes.
The highest moral and ethical teaching should be given. Biographies
of Great Souls (men, women and children) should be set before the children-not
merely national heroes but heroes of all nations, who lived, served, suffered
nobly for great causes and for the benefit of others. Children respond
quickly to such inspiration and example.
96. Yes. No. No.
97. No.
Without the living Christ, in the heart it is difficult to produce the
same zeal and enthusiasm.
98. The
only basis for such peaceful co-operative coexistence is true patriotism,
which is true enough to put love of truth first, even before love of country.
A Red Cross nurse, murdered by Nazis during World War II (Edith Cavell)
said before she died “Patriotism is not enough”. For this reason
the greeting "Jai Hind" somehow hurts me. It savours too much like the
“Hail, Hitler” cry in Germany before and during the war. “Jai Ishwar
Ki” or “Jai sachchai Ki” would be better. To me, the highest and
truest is “Jai, Masih Ki”.
“Blessings abound where’er
He reigns,
The prisoner leaps to loose
his chains
The weary find eternal rest.
And all the sons of want
are blest.”
99. Would be ready, if required.
Yours faithfully,
MISS M. L. MERRY,
Khirkia R. S.,
Hoshangabad (M. P.).
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