|
In 1983, Miss Evelyn Splane, a Canadian missionary moving at the direction of the Lord, went to the State of Andhra Pradesh to take up work in the remote villages of this backward state located about one third of the way up the coast on the east side of India. Prior to this entry she had spent two or three short periods in the area at the invitation of one Mr. Dean Stephens, and upon his Invitation was planning to concentrate her labors here after being released from her ministry in Kerala State where she had been laboring for four years. However, a great shock came to her when, just prior to the intended shift, suddenly news came that Mr. Stephens had expired. Without his assistance as interpreter, leader, guide, what would be the use of her going to this new part where she knew not a word of the Telugu language?
In spite of the drawbacks she felt she must at least go up to see the bereaved widow and possibly some others she had met. The group of country lay pastors Mr. Stephens had been coaching and whom Miss Splane had previously been requested to come to teach, were taken by surprise at her sudden appearance at this time of their sorrow. Overcome by shock and floundering hopelessly at the unexpected demise of their leader, they consulted one another and drew up a petition requesting her to come and take up leadership over them. This was a tremendous challenge to this single lady missionary working alone in a country and culture where male supremacy is predominant. A suitable dwelling place was imperative, but the greatest task of all was to find a suitable interpreter. Several temporary or inexperienced persons were tried out unsuccessfully, making the progress of the work slow and intermittent. Immigration laws made it necessary for her to, leave the country for periods during which times the work would go into recession. During a brief furlough in Canada, Miss Splane was approached about beginning an occasional newsletter for her friends and acquaintances. Once implemented this plan worked well and became one of the keys to growth and stability. The number of interested persons soon increased both for prayer and for financial support.
For another first hand story .... A Women in Action . . .
|
