A MISSION STUDY DEMONSTRATION Two Ways of Doing It By MRS. C. P. WILES Adapted to the “Crusade of Compassion for the Healing of the Nations” by the : Woman’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society : of the United Evangelical Church Rooms 209-211 Evangelical Building, Harrisburg, Pa. Price, 10 eents each, $1.00 per dozen This Demonstration may be adapted to any Mission Study book. It can be lengthened, if desired, by each participant reading the chapter of the text- book and giving the substance in their own language. “The Crusade of Compassion for the Healing of the Nations,” a marvelous story of Medical Missions for women and chil- dren, can be ordered from denominational headquarters. Price, 35 cents, paper; 50 cents, cloth. (Postage additional.) In Part II, the Outline Map of the World, used by Mission Bands in the study of “Jack and Janet,” can be secured. Price, 15 cents. Stations mentioned would have to be indicated. Two Ways of Doing It Two pictures of Mission Study Classes PART ONE (Eight or nine girls stroll into the room leisurely, carrying books, knitting bags, and one having a box of candy which she passes to the others after being seated. They chat in girlisn fashion, about matters of interest to them—about their knitting, the books they are reading, etc. Finally they think of their lesson.) First Giri: Girls what is our lesson about to-day? I didn’t have time to read it over. e Seconp Gir,: Don’t ask me.. You see, I wasn’t here last week so I am not supposed to know. What did Mrs. Willis talk about last lesson? Tuirp Girt: Oh, she didn’t spend much time on the book. You see, it was the day before Nell Martin’s wedding and we were all so excited about that and what we were going to wear, that we talked mostly about that. I really forget what Mrs. Willis talked about. Something about immigrants, though. FourtH Girt: Oh Grace, she didn’t! She talked about some one calling for leaders. SECOND GirL: Leaders for what? If it is for a camping party or some of those new social fads I might help. You see I always read about those things in the magazines and am quite interested in them. What kind of leaders do they want? Firra Girt: Don’t look at me, I don’t know. I do wish Mrs. Willis would come. I must leave early. She’s a quarter of an hour late now! SixtH Gir_: Does that surprise you? Mrs. Willis is always late. That’s a chronic condition of hers. And oh, girls, aren’t . her excuses too funny for anything? Mrs. Willis is a past mas- ter at finding excuses. I wonder how she finds them. It’s an ayia SEVENTH Giri: Well, I think it’s kind of her to take her time to come here to teach us. I do not think we should mind if she isn’t always prompt. Girls, have you seen Billy Baldwin’s new car? It’s a super six. EicHtH Giri: This is the eighth sweater I have knit, besides scarfs and socks. Have the time? No, I don’t have it, I just take it. Nintu Giri: Which chapter do we have for our lesson to- day? It seems I cannot get my bearings? First Giri: Silly, you’ve brought the wrong book! You know we start a new one to-day. THE Griris: Oh, and I forgot to order mine! Did you get yours? First Giri: Yes. I happened to notice in the Missionary TIDINGS some time ago that they were in stock and sent for one when I ordered the programs for our last entertainment, but really, I have been so interested in a serial story in one of our. magazines that I haven’t even looked at it. (Glances at book while she talks). I wonder if this will be as interesting as ‘“Dere Mabel” or— EicHtH Giri: Oh, girls, have you read “That’s Me All Over Mabel,’ by the same author? I do think the illustrations are too funny for anything. I brought my copy along for you to look at. But here comes Mrs. Willis! Let us all rise and greet her. (They all rise). Mrs. Wiis: At last! I thought I never should get here. And you girls are perfect dears to wait here without one word of complaint.. You see, I had to go around by the dressmaker’s and I was a little late in starting anyhow. A man came around this morning with strawberries and they were so delicious that I took a crate for preserving, and you know how much time you ' can lose capping berries. Does your mother do her’s by the “sun” method, Anna? Yes, I do too. They are much nicer. Where was I 4 —O yes, at the dressmaker’s. Well, do you know, I never saw anybody slower than she was to-day. Her fingers were all thumbs—that’s no joke! She said she had a headache. Dress- makers get headache a lot don’t you think? And when I got out from there at last, whom did I meet but Mary Brown! She has just moved into her new home and nothing would do but I must walk around with her and see it. I told her you girls would be waiting, but of course, I knew you wouldn’t mind. . THE Giris: Oh no! Not at all! No. I don’t mind! Firra Giri: If you don’t mind beginning the lesson Mrs. Willis, I have an engagement and must leave early. SEVENTH Giri: Going to try Billy Baldwin’s new car? I'll wager you are! Mrs. Wiitis: Where did I lay my notebook? Did any of you girls see it? : THE Grryus: No! No! I did not! First Giry: Are you sure you brought it with you? I do not remember seeing you carry anything but your pocketbook when you came in. Mrs. Wittis: Oh, I must have brought it! Let me see,—I brought it down stairs and laid it on the ’phone desk while I put on my gloves, and then, I am sure I was carrying it as I left the house,—Oh, girls! isn’t it vexing? Mary Brown took me through her house, you know, and—now I remember! I laid it down in her guest room as I was looking at her dimity curtains! Oh well, I shall try to get along without it. Let me see, we have a new textbook this time, so it must be chapter one. It is some- thing about the Crusaders, and the Light Brigade is the heading of the chapter. First Girt: How funny! You're thinking of the Crusaders who went in search of the Holy Grail, whatever that was, or tried to gain possession of the Holy Sepulchre or, or something like that. (Girls laugh). Well, you don’t need to laugh, I did read something like that once. Anyway Mrs. Willis has the poem about the Light Brigade mixed in with it. The book is more modern_and is called A Crusade of Compassion for the 5 Healing of the Nations. ‘The chapter is about the Battalion of Life. Some difference you will note. Mrs. WILLIS: So it is! This is a very lengthy chapter. I am sure we can not cover it this afternoon. Where are your books, girls? THE Gir_s: Elsie is the only one who has a book. We for- got to order them. Mrs. Witiis: Well, I guess we can manage with one book between us: (Girls look over Elsie’s shoulders as she glances through the chapter). Do you see anything that interests you? ONE oF THE GIRLS: What is this about a soldier on page 13? You know I am always interested in things that the soldiers say. By the way, is this book about the temperance crusade that we saw so much about in the papers? First Giri: N-o, the whole book seems to be about medical missionaries. ErcHTH Giri: On page 22 I see the Great Physician calls for volunteers for the Battalion of Life. There seems to be a similiarity between this and the last book we studied. Who is the Great Physician? SixtH Giri: Well, Anna! Don’t you know that means Christ? EKicHtH Giri: Of course I do, but I did not think for the moment. It strikes me this book requires considerable thought. Oh dear! I wish [ had time for it, but there are so many social engagements, pleasure trips, magazines, and these interesting popular books (holds her’s up), that it seems I always overlook these textbooks. I regret it when we are through with them, but then FourtH Giri: Isn’t that a.queer way of putting things. Here’s more than two pages of “supposes.” SEVENTH GirL: Yes, and here they tell about a man who thought a cow was of more value than his wife. Well, I would like to have him for my husband! But, there, if we keep on looking through the book and finding such things, the first thing 6 we know we will want to read about them, and, indeed, we can- _not waste any more time in this class to-day. What things seemed the most important to you Mrs. Willis? Mrs. Wits: Really girls, I did not look at it much. I just picked up the book last evening, but it was so hot and Mrs. Reed came along and asked me to go for a spin with her and the temptation was more than I could resist. Did any of you make a chart for this lesson? I almost forgot to ask—you didn’t. Oh well, I guess a chart wouldn’t help us much on this chapter anyway. Some people depend so much on charts. I never do. It seems too much like walking on crutches for me. Now, here is a part of the chapter that we might consider for a moment; it seems shorter than any of the other divisions. Let me see what it is about. There, I might have known they would go to preaching ideals; who is the author of this book anyway? Tuirp Girt: Belle J. Allen, M. D—a woman doctor! Do you believe in women physicians, Mrs. Willis? Mrs. Wittis: It always seems to me that this profession be- longs to the men and that women go into it just because they want to do something unusual. Where is she from? First Girt: The introduction says she is from India. SrxtH Giri: A woman medical missionary! Did you ever hear of such a waste of time! Can you imagine any woman burying herself in those heathen lands, where they do not have even the common every day comforts and advantages of life, to care for those filthy creatures! It isn’t likely that they appreciate it any way. Did you ever hear of such absurdity? Mrs. Wiitis: Yes, but I see the book is edited by Mrs. Mason, who wrote one of our other text books. I remember we became somewhat interested in that. Perhaps if we can give a little more time to the next chapters we will find them more interesting, although I must confess medical missions seems a strange subject for a textbook. I don’t like to be studying about pain all the time; what do you girls think? Tuer Giris: So say we all. 7 Mrs. Wiitis: Let us glance at these ideals before we go, and see what object they have in writing about this—what is it called, oh,—Battalion of Life. There it is. It says, “The ideals © of the Battalion of Life are meaningless unless worked out in action, and men and women are called upon to enlist’—(she closes the book abruptly). That’s it! They are always wanting men and women to neglect other things in order to promote their ideals. I guess we have covered about as much as you can remember for one time. I really must be hurrying along. Our next lesson will be chapter two. If you read it carefully per- haps we can get more out of it. Anybody see my gloves? (All look for the missing gloves.) Oh, yes, I am sure I had them when I came in. Oh, here they are in my bag. Good-bye girls, see you next week! (Girls linger in good natured gossip about friends, dress, plans for summer, and other items of local interest, apparently forgetting about engagements and the necessity for closing early). ; PART TWO (This may be given by the same girls that gave Part One, or by another group who have previously been assigned their var- ious parts. They entered the room and are greeted by the leader who came a little early to see that everything was in readiness for the meeting. After the usual devotions they proceed with the lesson for the day.) Mrs. WiuutiAMs: How delightful it is to have everybody present so that we can begin our study right on time, and I see that all have brought their books. After assigning the lesson for the next meeting Jane will give us some of the points men- tioned in the Introduction. Inasmuch as we have a new book this will be in lieu of the review which we will have in the remainder of our meetings. (Makes her assignment for her next lesson.) First Giri: I never knew an Introduction could mean so much, As I read and reread it I realized what a great problem it is to get the women at home to recognize the need of con- servation of womanhood in non-Christian lands; that it will re- quire a united effort to carry the message of freedom to our neighbors across the seas. Why, there are few to voice their needs, sufferings, aspirations and capacity to help to supply the remedy, which is for the healing of the nations. ‘The whole Church must be mobilized. No woman who seeks a worth-while task can afford to miss having a share in it. Mrs. Wi1tAMs: I am glad the Introduction effected you the same as it did me. Rachel what impressed you most in the opening remarks of the chapter? SEconD Girt: How self-centered nationalism is, the superior- ity of world patriotism, the shortness of the time, and the Church’s right and opportunity. I was also very much impressed with the soldier’s testimony here on page 13. I thought of the great number of people who enjoy the advantages springing from Christianity and really scoff at the Church. I wonder if we 9 were to give Testaments to more people if it would not enable them to see the value of missionary work more clearly. Mrs. W1LLIAMS: That is a splendid thought. You know God has promised that His Word shall not return unto Him void. Sarah will you describe the Battalion for us? THIRD Giri: As you read this part of the chapter you can see that great, victorious army, the Church of Christ, moving steadily onward, bring good tidings, publishing peace and salva- tion. And then your attention is arrested by the Battalion of Life, which silently follows in His train in full order of battle. It embodies love in action, being composed of men and women of the Order of the Great Physician, who go forth in His Name to the service of the sick and sorrowful and oppressed in the dark places of the earth. We name them medical missionaries. They received’ their commission from Him. As I read I could hear the great Physician call for volunteers and—well, I have not fully decided as yet; it would take a long time to prepare. Tue Grrius: Sarah! You -don tmeanr-— Mrs. WittliaAMs: And why not? She has a splendid edu- cation and could start at once with the medical preparation; we will pray, dear, that the Christ may help you to decide aright. THE Grrys: Well, if Sarah, with all her prospects in life, can make that sacrifice, our church should send her as our very Own missionary! Mrs. WILLIAMS: (Visibly effected) : Who was to tell about the needs of the Battalion? FourtH Grr_: I can’t get away from that list of “supposes” in this division of the chapter. ‘The need for medical missions is as imperative as the wireless call S. O. S. which no ship sail- ing the seven seas ignores. It is imperious, imperative, importu- nate. When one reads of the pain and suffering of a billion or more of the earth family, caused by superstition and ignorance, it is appalling. And then, to think that there are only one thousand and eleven missionary physicians, about three hundred of whom are women, arrayed against this suffering, ignored mass. ‘The death rate is terrible, and in the majority of cases IO could be prevented. “Filth’, “Dirt”, “Uncleanliness and ignor- ance,’ “Filth and superstition,’ are among the reasons given. Women and children are the greatest sufferers. Are our ears sensitive to the S. O. S. call of humanity? Have we ever seri- ously asked ourselves what business we have to be indifferent to human need? It would be impossible for me to qualify for service abroad, but I am determined to make these conditions known among the women at home. Mrs. WiLLIAMS: God has need of such effort here. We are called to do our part whether here or there. Blanche, I believe you were to tell us of the Personnel of the Battalion, were you not? FrrrH Giri: Those women are simply wonderful! In the light of what women physicians have accomplished, it is funny to read of the opposition they first met with in the United States and England. The pioners of woman’s medical work displayed all the courage and heroism of a soldier, and broke down the opposition at home. When we read of the oppressive attitude of the men, and the degrading influences of the religions of the Orient upon women, and see that these religions bring them neither help nor hope, we can realize a little of what the coming ot Christian women, dedicated to a life of mercy and healing, must mean to them. Dr. Elizabeth Shattuck, graduated in 1854, probably the first woman to entertain the wild idea of becoming a medical missionary, was refused because she was unmarried. Miss Hewlett went to Amritsar, North India, in 1879, Martha Sheldon, with her band of workers, established herself in Thibet, “the roof of the world,” Dr. Ellen F. Mitchell, at the age of fifty years, sailed as a missionary to Moulmein, Burma, in 1870, Dr. Catherine Mabie on the Congo, Miss Gerow, assisting Dr. Benjamin in Nellore during a scourge of cholera, and Dr. Mary Fulton in China,—-all prove that women have made good as medical missionaries. It is imperative that they so do since the fact remains that the male physician cannot reach the most needy cases of all and the very ones most inaccessible to other mis- sionarties of either sex. Mrs. WitLIAMs: Who knows what are the Ideals of the Battalion? it SixtH GirL: It seems to have a twofold message—healing for the body and the love of Christ for the soul. These are ideals that are meaningless unless they are worked out in action, and men and women are called upon to enlist in this hour in numbers that they may carry, not let drop, the revived idealism of compassion. There is a temptation to think only of the ma- terial side of all things, and to let go of those things which can be only spiritually decerned. Mrs. WriiyiAMs: Esther you will give a brief review of the Battalion. SEVENTH GirRL: I have made a map on which we will follow the missionaries and their work. Precisely a century ago, in 1819, the first medical missionary, John Scudder, M. D., sailed for India. His son, Dr. H. M. Scudder, founded in Arcot, the first regular organized medical mission in India. In 1834 Dr. Peter Parker sailed for Canton, China, and in 1839 began the training of native Chinese in the practice of medicine. Seventy years ago, in 1840, the whole Battalion of Life consisted of forty men; but Dr. Livingstone was in Africa, Dr. Hepburn in Japan, Drs. Lockhart, Hobson and others in China. In 1863 Mrs. Winter, wife of a missionary in India, on her own initiative, be- gan the labor of visitation of sick women and children in Delhi, together with the administration of simple medicine and nurs- ing. In 1869 Dr. Clara Swain, M. D., the first enlisted woman soldier of the Battalion of Life, sailed for Bareilly, and com- menced practice the next morning after her arrival. These and a number of others served in the initial stage of Christian wo- men’s medical mission work for the women of heathen nations. Mrs. WinLiAMs: I believe Anna was to bring the history of our own medical missions. (Answer to be obtained from literature of denominational Board.) Mrs. WiLLIAMS: You did splendid work, girls, on this first chapter. We will have a brief review at our next meeting. What do you think of this textbook? SEVENTH Gir: I think it is mere interesting than any serial story or work of fiction I have ever read. I do not believe so I2 many people would be so indifferent to missions if they read more of this kind of books. ErcutH Giri: I am so glad I own a copy of my own. I will pass it around among my friends and try to interest them also. Nintu Giri: Girls, you all know I have always been a pretty good talker and can entertain quite a crowd when I have a mind to do so. I have always hesitated to say much about the Chris- tian work, however, but I am determined to-night to use my tongue to promote the interests of medical missions especially. Mrs. Williams said awhile ago that the call comes to serve in different ways. This is my special gift and shall be my special consecration. I think we owe Mrs. Williams a rising vote of thanks before we close. (Unanimous vote is tendered). Mrs. WiiLIAMS: Thank you, girls, it is indeed a pleasure to teach such a class. Let us bow our heads in prayer and thank God for the vision we have already obtained from this book, and consecrate our all to Him for His service, in whatever way He may choose to use us. (Girls linger discussing the needs of medical missions, plans for service, etc). 13