Circular Letter to Mission Co-Workers from Rev. E.A. Ayress N.D. in Monrovia, Liberia on August 7, 1921

              Circular Letter No. 1.
^eniel Mission Home,
Wooadee, Monrovia, Liberia, Africa,
\ Sunday A. M., August 7, 1921.
Our Beloved Co-Workers i
"S attered abroad"- Greetings *n Jesus' name from our far-off home in the forest of Liberia''Wife and I have just had a glorious season of prayer—pouring out our-hearts to our dear
t nri? in earnest prayer Heaven and earth truly met. Our tears freely anointed His holy feet,
it*now 11-15 AM 6-15 A. M. (approximately) in the homeland. We are continually with you
dear ones in spirit," and thank our Vot upon, every remembrance of you,—for your interest-
Vjouxu"Siiicsi pi-a/eio a^ci otrenngs) m our Lords work here among these poor, ignorant, LOST,
and sadly neglected souls.
at our early morning devotional service and seen
giving of the law on Mt. Sinai—your souls would
holy joy while preaching. Utterance and unc-
Its now almost seven weeks since our arrival here.
line home. This being the rainy season it is
had to be transported on the heads or shoulders
jungle paths, crossing swoolen streams on raft
made of logs and poles. Traveling through
ged to climb over logs, go through mud, water,
then carried on either the back or shoulders of
rain which lasts for hours. The carriers fre-
ain in their wet clothing until we camp for the
Oh, if you could only have been present
. how eagerly they listened to the message—the
have been greatly blest.   My soul was filled with
tion was given me.  God's presence was very real.
Owing to much work I've been unable to pen one
much more difficult to travel.   All of our goods
of the natives to our inland home—over tortuous
or canoe, and over rudely constructed bridges
African jungles is not an easy task.   One is obli
and mire, through the jungle swamps—now and
the natives—tramping on  through the pouring
quently becoming drenched to the skin and rem
night and they are dried by the log fire.
Since our arrival, though having been here for many years, I've had some entirely new experiences. Twice darkness overtook rhyself and porters and we were compelled to travel through
the jungle, fording streams—some bridged by a few poles or a log—over rocks and stones and
logs—through deep gulleys, on in thq darkness m the pouring rain until we reached a native village and aroused the headman who, aided by his people, fu lished us with bamboo for torches to
proceed on, arriving home near midnight. Our dear faithful Henry led me through the darkness,
feeling  his   way along  with   his  lee);  and   long staff.
This is but one picture of tlW many difficulties the missionary is compelled to face in order to carry the blessed gospel to the many native villages secluded in the great Liberian forest.
But God's grace is sufficient. We glory in tribulation. (Rom. 5:2). Many have come from far
and near to welcome us back home, bringing gifts of chickens, eggs, and rice. Our time has been
well occupied since our arrival. Hiring of many carriers and settling the oft-occurring palavers,
taking new children into the home, and some of the old "Mission boys" back. Purchasing native
products for the maintenance of the home, entertaining the many who come from a distance to
see us, caring for the sick, treatment of ulcers, comforting and sympathizing with the weak and
the oppressed. Conducting morning and evening chapel services which have been fairly well attended with splendid interest. Several business trips to the coast which are always very wearing
on the body. Then the unpacking and getting things straightened. Our two small rooms
10x12 with a small attic, has to be used for both living rooms, sujjplies, bath room, etc., etc.
When the natives crowd in either to visit us or sell their produce there is hardly even standing
room in our humble cabin home. Then there has been the adjustment of family difficulties, making peace between them and uniting them together.
10:30 P. M., the 8th. All are asleep. I should be in bed but as we must send down to the
coast soon I must complete my first message to the homeland before I lie down and rest. This
has been a most strenuous day on both my body and brain. No time to finish my letter—so just
must write at night. With the exception of a few slight symptoms neither of us have had any
fever. God be praised! Do continue praying that we may be daily kept well and strong—blest
with long life, if Jesus tarries, and good health.