Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 73
tirement is at present living in Hong Kong with Mrs. Li.
The Fields
Cyprus
The civil disorders in the Island are now a thing of the past,
but with the formation of the new Republic there are many uncertainties
facing the missionary program. If the new government
draws closer to Greece it is probable that restrictions will be
placed upon missionary work. At this present time it is difficult
for a foreigner to work among the people of the island, particularly
in the villages. Therefore it seems apparent that Cypriots
themselves must take the lead in the work of evangelism.
A new effort along this line has been attempted as Rev.
Christou is taking books to villages. This has been made possible
through a gift of the Synodical to support a worker in the
Bread of Life Book Store. Even though the Book Store has been
opened only in the afternoons until recently it has shown itself
to be of great value. Thus up to the present time approximately
80% of the books stocked have been in English, but the Rev.
Christou goes out to the other districts of the Island. It is hoped
that the Greeks will be showing greater interest.
Congregational activity is limited due to the lack of younger
national leaders. The greatest energy of our mission is spent in
educational work through the academies. It is difficult to measure
their influence but it is quite extensive, as their graduates go
into many areas of the Near East.
With the retirement of Dr. Weir it was necessary to select a
New Head Master. The Governing Body, in accordance with the
constitution of the schools, has selected Mr. Thomas Edgar as
the Head Master. He has accepted this position and is now serving
in this capacity. While Miss McCrea is on furlough, Miss
Ruth Reade will serve as Head of the school in Nicosia.
As reported last year, the Board informed the Cyprus Commission
that since the Armenian Congregations could not accept the
position of the Refonned Presbyterian Church, the Commission
was impowered to grant autonomy. The Armenians had first suggested
that on Jan. (1961) this autonomy be given, but they requested
that the time be extended.
At the request of the field and with the approval of Synod, a
deputation was sent out last Sept. to visit the field and report to
the Board. The Island was visited for about 3 weeks and various
phases of the work were observed. A report was given to the
Church through the pages of the Covenanter Witness of the deputation
to the Board. A committee was appointed to give careful
consideration to the future of the work in Cyprus. The committee