Page 82 - GFA – A Different Drumbeat
P. 82
GFA – A Different Drumbeat 82
FAMINE RELIEF 1930
Meanwhile in Chefoo, Fanny’s health was not good and she remained in a very fragile state.
After the adrenaline pumping experiences of the last few months, teaching at Chefoo Boys’
School for GFA must have seemed tame. His father, who was aware that he did not have
long to live, was pushing GFA to go back to his relief work, and not to worry about him as
he would be OK.
GFA’s report of the Kansu famine (“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”) galvanized many
Christians in America into action. Funds poured in to the International Famine Relief
Commission, but with one condition attached, George Findlay Andrew must be given
responsibility for their use. This left the C.I.M. little choice but to release him once again.
He was probably the only person that knew how distressing the task would be, and he
certainly wasn’t in a hurry to volunteer, but the General Director agreed that he ought to
take it up. As indicated in the last chapter, some people questioned whether the relief of
physical need was really part of the Mission's duty, but GFA felt it impossible to stand aloof.
In spite of any personal feelings of reluctance, he had to go.
This letter, written to the General Director of the China Inland Mission, Mr. D. E. Hoste,
dated 5th August 1929, gives some idea of the difficult decision he had to make:
Yes, I was lent to the Commission for three months, but in his letter dated March
22nd, Mr.Gibb writes, ”With reference to the point of your being approached by the
Peking authorities as to the possibility of your remaining on with a view to
supervising any scheme that might be formed in connection with the Relief work, I
should think that it would be well for you to agree to do so until such time as the local
authorities could undertake to superintend the plan drawn up”. It was only the fact
that I was so cut off from the coast that I had no wire or letter for five weeks that
determined me to try and. get down to see what was happening at the coast. As
things worked out, we were the only raft to get through this year.
The Commission are pressing me to try and get an extension of leave to either return
to Kansuh or take over the Administration side of the big scheme at Saratsi. In
Peking they told me they would approach our headquarters with this request. In view
of my reports concerning conditions in Kansuh the money is coming in in large
amounts. There was one hundred and fifteen dollars waiting when I got to Peking
last Friday. I told the Commission that I would hold myself at the orders of our
Executive. If you think I should go on for a further period it will mean the appointment
of someone here to take my place. Mr. Edwards was to be released for Kansuh at
the end of July, On the other hand any one can do the work I am doing here,
whereas it is possible that this special field of service would not be open to everyone,
Personally I want to stay now I am back but if you think it would be well for me to go I
will go gladly. If you have any definite leading in the matter would you send me a
FAMINE RELIEF 1930
Meanwhile in Chefoo, Fanny’s health was not good and she remained in a very fragile state.
After the adrenaline pumping experiences of the last few months, teaching at Chefoo Boys’
School for GFA must have seemed tame. His father, who was aware that he did not have
long to live, was pushing GFA to go back to his relief work, and not to worry about him as
he would be OK.
GFA’s report of the Kansu famine (“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”) galvanized many
Christians in America into action. Funds poured in to the International Famine Relief
Commission, but with one condition attached, George Findlay Andrew must be given
responsibility for their use. This left the C.I.M. little choice but to release him once again.
He was probably the only person that knew how distressing the task would be, and he
certainly wasn’t in a hurry to volunteer, but the General Director agreed that he ought to
take it up. As indicated in the last chapter, some people questioned whether the relief of
physical need was really part of the Mission's duty, but GFA felt it impossible to stand aloof.
In spite of any personal feelings of reluctance, he had to go.
This letter, written to the General Director of the China Inland Mission, Mr. D. E. Hoste,
dated 5th August 1929, gives some idea of the difficult decision he had to make:
Yes, I was lent to the Commission for three months, but in his letter dated March
22nd, Mr.Gibb writes, ”With reference to the point of your being approached by the
Peking authorities as to the possibility of your remaining on with a view to
supervising any scheme that might be formed in connection with the Relief work, I
should think that it would be well for you to agree to do so until such time as the local
authorities could undertake to superintend the plan drawn up”. It was only the fact
that I was so cut off from the coast that I had no wire or letter for five weeks that
determined me to try and. get down to see what was happening at the coast. As
things worked out, we were the only raft to get through this year.
The Commission are pressing me to try and get an extension of leave to either return
to Kansuh or take over the Administration side of the big scheme at Saratsi. In
Peking they told me they would approach our headquarters with this request. In view
of my reports concerning conditions in Kansuh the money is coming in in large
amounts. There was one hundred and fifteen dollars waiting when I got to Peking
last Friday. I told the Commission that I would hold myself at the orders of our
Executive. If you think I should go on for a further period it will mean the appointment
of someone here to take my place. Mr. Edwards was to be released for Kansuh at
the end of July, On the other hand any one can do the work I am doing here,
whereas it is possible that this special field of service would not be open to everyone,
Personally I want to stay now I am back but if you think it would be well for me to go I
will go gladly. If you have any definite leading in the matter would you send me a
