Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1919

74 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEpraise God who has broken the power of the despot and let theoppressed go free, by giving the men and the money necessary*to save their lives and redeem their souls.CYPRUSThe past year has. been the most successful in the historyof the work in Cyprus. Despite the interruptions caused bythe influenza, an advance is registered in all departments. Theincome from the educational and medical departments increasedto such an extent as to cover increased cost of operation. LastJune, at the most successful commencement since the foundingof the academy, eight students graduated and "the assemblyroom did not begin to hold the people that sought admission."Two of the graduates were members of our own church and arenow working in the school A better school spirit is developing,owing in part to class receptions, literary meetings, and the developmentof wholesome athletics. Higher educational standardsare being realized and spiritual interests are being morestrongly emphasized.Reference to the report of the Rev. Walter McCarroll willshow that evangelist Dimitriades has done splendid work in theacademy, running down from Nicosia weekly, to teach Bibleclasses and hold meetings and personal interviews among thestudents. His zeal and skill in such efforts are emphasizedby Mr. McCarroll.The usual communions have been held, two at Larnaca andone at Nicosia, and preaching was maintained at all the stations,Dr. Calvin McCarroll again this year divided his time betweenthe teaching in Larnaca and the medical work in Nicosia,three days each week having been spent in Larnaca. Twoclinics weekly were held in Nicosia. There was more illnessthan usual on the island, the influenza being particularly bothersome.Dr. McCarroll and Mrs. McCarroll, Mr. Weir and Mr.Dimitriades were among the first stricken. A return of theepidemic "went through the whole school—students, teachersand all. Many of our church members also were ill, but therewere no fatalities to record in school or church, although thedisease was severe in Cyprus and the mortality heavy." Dr.McCarroll reports his clinics well attended and the cash receiptsfar in excess of any previous record. In connection withthe medical work fewer portions of Scripture have been givenaway, but many more have been sold, "usually one of the gospelsor the Acts. We hand one of the gospels to the patient alongwith his medicine and add the price to the price of the medicine.Ocpasionally a patient objects and we take the portionback. We have .sold several hundred portions this way duringthe past year. And flow our stock being completely exhausted, ;the people are asking for the little books."The future-developments of our work on the island may beconditioned'in rib small riieasure by the political settlementsthe consequent Rev: island McCarroll, and on the for and, the war. he mission "What continues, is the hidden future "naturally from may oui* we have eyes,-" regard' in store says with the for