Árdís - 01.01.1956, Side 56

54
ÁRDÍS
another couple were to become parents. We were happy about
this as they had no children. This man also promised me that he
would take his wife to the hospital. When her time came they took
her into the city, but not to the hospital. Within two days their
baby was dead. Tetanus, the killer, because of unsanitary condi-
tions, once again had taken a little one.
When I asked the man why he had not done as he had promised,
his answer was that his mother would not let him take his wife to
the hospital. The old native idea that a man must not be present
when a child is born had won out.
Both of these men are confirmed members of the Lutheran
Church. The first couple made us very happy by having both of
their children baptized a short time before we left the field. The
native superstitions are still predominant with the second couple.
These native superstitions are the greatest stumbling block that
the medical workers, evangelists and educators have in bringing the
people to Christ and Christianity.
The old customs have been known for centuries, and to change
them will take many years and much effort by missionaries. This
cannot be accomplished without the financial and moral support of
the Lutherans at home.
Statistics given in “The Lutheran” last month stated that the
donations per person per year in the Protestant Churches of the
United States was $1.57. Surely we Canadians can do the same and
give equally for a work so important.
I would like to personally thank the pupils of the Hecla Sunday
School for their very generous contribution to the Phebe Hospital
Building Fund. I would ask the delegates from Hecla to convey our
thanks to the Sunday School.
Here is to the woman who has a smile for every joy,
A tear for every sorrow,
A consolation for every grief,
An excuse for every fault,
A prayer for every misfortune,
An an encouragement for every hope.