THE STORY OF BIOLA IN CHINA
The Hunan Bible Institute was established in 1917 by the Rev. Frank A. Keller, B.A., M.D., as the result of need for training Chinese Christian lay– men who were enthusiastic to preach the Gospel to their own people. Prior to the erection of the beautiful campus at Changsha, Hunan, where the Institute is located, Dr. Keller had gathered arm~nd him a number of intel– ligent young men who later became organized into what are now known as the Biola Evangelistic Bands. These bands are the original Evangelistic Bands in China to follow a 111ethodical type of Evangelism by systematically visiting towns and villages in a designated area, preaching the Word, and distribut– ing Gospel portions. The Institute was first opened in a temporary building at Changsha . Other Evangelical Missions hearing of the new Institute, asked the privilege of sending men and women for training as there was no other Bible Institute in Central China . At that time Mr. Milton Stewart and Mr. Lyman Stewar't, Christian laymen, gave liberally to the support of the Evangelistic Bands, and later contributed largely to the building of the Institute at Changsha. Students came from all the provinces in China, and over seven hundred have been graduated and now hold responsible positions as pastors, teachers, and Bible women . World War 11 brought a cessation of the work at Changsha by the occu– pation of our city and campus by the Japanese . Severe damage was suffered by heavy bombing . At the close of the war Dr. Roberts returned to Changsha and the ruins; but by God' s grace and the united effort of Christian people, the buildings have been restored and today there is greater activity on the campus than ever before. Student body is the highest on record . The Evangelistic Bands are back at work and in addition a new department for War orphans housing 155 children has been opened. A new feature of the work is the cooperation of Hudson Taylor Memorial Hospital on the campus. This is the only mission hospital in the city and county with resident missionary doctors.
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