MISSION WORK—GOOD RESULTS.
Sacramento Mission.—Mrs. Rilla Carrington, who for the last three years has most faithfully and successfully conducted the Sacramento Mission, is required by the state of her health to take a vacation. It will be only a vacation, and I hope and expect that two or three months of recuperation will bring her back fresh and strong, and good for another three years of steady and faithful service. During her absence, her sister will take her place, and will fill it well. In communicating her desire for this respite, she indulges in some reminiscences which, I am sure, will interest our readers. “During the past three years and a quarter, more than 450 have, for a longer or shorter period, been members of our Sacramento school. I would that all who come with us in the school could remain until they are converted and ready to work for the salvation of their people. We know of the good service of many who have gone out from us to visit their homes. For instance, Fong Get Roy, who wrote you something of his work while in China: he has not ceased to labor for Christ since his return; Fong Gee, whose father, now dead, was a heathen priest, was always zealous while here with us; sometimes speaking to his country-men for an hour or more at a time, showing them, in the most ridiculous light, the folly of idol and ancestral worship, and holding up Christ as the only hope of salvation. His health gave out, and he was compelled to return to China—being helped by the brethren of San Francisco and Sacramento to do so. There he is working at his trade for a mere pittance, and giving what time he can for the conversion of his country-men. Wong Loung visited his home a year ago, and was married, in accordance with Chinese customs, to one to whom he had been betrothed in childhood by his parents. Because he had renounced the religion of his fathers, he suffered much indignity from members of his family—the persecutions becoming so great he was obliged to leave home. But the result was that he returned to America more determined than ever to hold fast to Christ. Louis Sing, too, was under great pressure while in China to take part in worship with his relations, but could not, he said, because he knew the uselessness of such worship. We hear of Gwan Lee, our organist, as standing firm amidst the powers of darkness—holding fast to the living faith. He is one of those whom the present law prohibits from returning to this country. We all feel as though we could not give him up, and that some way must be found by which he may come back.
“We are not only made glad by work done far away, but workers are here with us—true hearts that love to do something for Jesus every day. Several have joined the Association this year; among them, Fong Bow, who is one of the class for whom I requested your prayers several months ago. He seemed to have much to hold him back; outside influence made it hard for him to decide. He has been a member of the school so long that we feel more than usually happy in his coming. May we not hope and still pray, in faith, for the other members of the class? This mission work is ever a source of comfort and pleasure to me, and I know I cannot remain away from it if blessed with health.”