Harrison - Biola in China

J,

the Institute through the perilous days of fiscal crises,

.l {

"

11

nationalistic upheaval, the Japanese invasion, and Communist domination and confiscation. H.B.I., throughout, played a major role of service in Hunan Province, providing new housing for the Hudson Taylor Hospital and the British Red Cross after the _catastrophic Changsha fire of 1938. During the war years, the facilities were used by the Provincial government as well as the United Nations and Chinese National Rehabilitation and Relief Organizations. 1947 brought Biola's Chancellor, Louis T. Talbot, to access the damaged facilities preparatory to its reopening that fall. Much was repaired by 1949, and with the addition of new miss~onary and Crinese .faculty - plus ninety students,._ H.B. I. progr~ssed in to an uncertain future. The impact of Biola in China continued as the Communist aggrandizement climaxed. Many Chinese students and faculty moved to · Taiwan or Hong Kong as pastor~~~~ educators. While . some hoRed to adjust in acc.omodat.:i.on to tqe new regime' · ._ ., \ .,,! _ - .::., -_ .... . .: . - - . - · __ _ .._ • • ·•. ..:..:..:..:... .:.:....:._:_._· -· ... ~: .• ..... .; L • ' .. And _carry. on they ) .' . - : . . . did, even though the Church throughout China severed its natal cord with the West, the memories remained constant. Biola's China work did not cease immediately as Roberts carried on a diverse work in Hong Kong until his retirement in 1962. Unexpected compensation for the Hunan property materialized in 1979 by agreement with the People's Republic of China; and, / proved the benefactor for Biola's new School of Intercultural Studies and World Missions in 1983.

-3-

Made with FlippingBook Annual report