Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1947

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 37Two wooden portable huts have been constructed in order to providefour additional classrooms. There were twelve students enrolled fromsix different foreign countries. An unusual experience was enjoyedby the church in Larnaca when 55 German prisoners of war, locatedon the Island, worshipped with them on April 5th. The populationon the Island has now risen to 450,000.We reported last year the prospect that the Greek pastor, ArgosZodhiades should go to Macedonia. This he has done, which leavesthe preaching and pastoral responsibilities resting heavily upon Mr.Weir. No other Greek evangelist has been found to take Argos' place.An Armenian evangelist has been procured for work in Larnaca.This is Mr. Hagop Sagherian from Syria. He is dividing his workbetween pastoring the Armenian church in Larnaca and teachinghalf time at the Academy in Larnaca. Word has been received thatMr. Mugrditchian, the Armenian pastor and teacher at Nicosia, hassaUed with his family for the United States. No word of explanationis given, but this must leave the mission with another problem ofreplacing a worker.The Armenian Church at Nicosia has just recently dedicatedtheir new Church Building. The project of building has been upontheir hearts for many years and getting into their new churchbuilding represents a fulfilled hope that should lead to an enlargedservice for the Master.Miss Munnell recently wrote of the series of evangelistic meetingsheld in the Greek church in Nicosia. The services were conductedby the ministers and workers at hand. Mr. Copeland, Mr.Weir, Mr. Sagherian, Mr. Christou and Mr. Barnabas occupied thepulpit on successive evenings. Similar services were held at Larnacaand Mr. Copeland says that though there were no conversions, severalof the students gave evidence of being brought under conviction.ManchuriaAll the word we have from Manchuria is that which has appearedin the Covenanter Witness three or four times during the year.With the country dominated by the Russian Communists, there isno freedom of religion and our workers are bearing their testimonyin a quiet way wherever they can find employment. We are indeedfortunate to have in attendance at this meeting Dr. Li Min Ch'iu,son of Mrs. Jeanette Li, our Bible Woman in Manchuria. Dr. Li hasjust recently arrived in the United States for work and study. Wecan hear a first hand report from him which will give a muchclearer picture of conditions in Manchuria than we are able to givein this report.Recommendations1. That for South China an appeal is hereby made for the followingworkers:(a) One young ordained minister to begin immediate studyof the language in preparation for succeeding Dr. Kempf who ispast retirement age and is now on short term appointment to administerRelief and Rehabilitation.