From about the middle of 1937 and onward our people in China have been given a rare opportunity for service. This is especially true of our medical workers. We operate four medical institutions in the South China Union Mission, and in connection with the Canton Sanitarium and Hospital at Waichow, small city clinics are also operated.
During air raids in Canton there was great need for first-aid service to victims of bombings who had fallen in the streets of the city. Drs. F. E. Bates and E. A. Wagner, Miss Tillie Barr, Miss Helen Anderson, Doctor S. K. Hung, and our nurses repeatedly took the ambulance right into the midst of danger to save life and aid the suffering. This courageous service of love was greatly appreciated not only by those who were aided, but by government officials and leading citizens. It was a fine example of Christian service and was in keeping with medical traditions. A similar service was rendered on several occasions by Dr. D. D. Coffin in Nanning. Some of the hospital workers at this place were organized into an emergency company to go to the relief of victims of air raids. This, too, was greatly appreciated.
Dr. and Mrs. Y. C. So have also rendered a great service at the Wai On Hospital in Waichow. It will be remembered that when this hospital was bombed by mistake, Mrs. So received a very severe wound in the hip. Because of the wrecked condition of the hospital she was brought to Hong Kong for treatment. When she recovered, she unhesitatingly returned, despite the risk, to stand by the side of her husband in his important work. She proved to be one of the most devoted and courageous women we have in our medical work in South China. Though regular means of communication with Waichow are cut off, still Doctor and Mrs. So and a group of faithful workers remain at their post and are working beyond their strength to care for the sick and needy. Doctor So serves as medical adviser to the relief committee of the city.
Dr. P. H. Leung and a small group of helpers at Fatshan are also doing a good work. When most of the doctors of that city fled to places of safety as the soldiers approached, Doctor Leung remained. The reports which have come to us indicate that our small hospital at this place, which was founded by Dr. Lau Kim in the early days of our work, remains an honor to its founder, and is a place where many sick and needy are receiving help.
We have greatly appreciated the devoted service of our medical missionary groups and our Dorcas Society and relief organizations in these times of crisis. We believe God will use our consecrated medical missionaries to demonstrate the real spirit of the Great Physician whose life was devoted to helping others.
