Dec. 26th/76
My Rev. father:Your kind letter was duly at hand. It made my heart glad and my face smile. I thank you for your Photography. It is very good. It is a better looking than the father himself if I express my humble opinion. I ought to have given a reply sooner but having been pre- vented by my work I have been obliged to postpone it until now. Now allow me to inform you something about myself and our work in this place.
The work in this city, since we entered here about one year ago, has been blessed altogether beyond our comprehension, Since we put up new buildings for our Training school, the number of students increased quite rapidly. We have now 76 students, and two third of them are believers. Most of them are very anxious to work for their Master. Recently each one of them has begun to find one or two preaching places for himself. Through their effort our preaching places have been multiplied wonderfully, Two months ago we had only 9 preaching places but we have now 55 places. Of course, some of them have very small audience. Still we hope each place will be a nucleus to a future Church.
During this brief vacation they went out two by two either to preach or to sell the Bible and tract books in neighboring towns and villages. I trust the seed sown by them will spring up in His own appointed Time.
As for me, my health is somewhat improving although I am still delicate and nervous. I have just strength enough to carry out my daily teaching, Sabbath preaching and taking charge of weekly prayer meetings.
As the believers increased in this place, we divided them into three parts and formed three churches recently. (To this work we are much indebted to Rev. J. D. Davis.) The first church was formed in Prof. Learned's house on the 26th ult. the second one in my house on the 3d Ins. and the third one in Rev. Doane's house on the 10th Ins. I have 22 members to start with. I have already commenced to take up contribution from them. I am aiming to make her a self sustaining church as fast as possible.
Can your church do something for our poor theologs. Some of them are forsaken by their parents and friends. If your church do send us a Token of their sympathy please do send it to the Mission Board of Boston. I would make a special request to your church to pray for us.
Mrs. Neesima unites with me in sending regards to yourself and Mrs. K. Yours in the Lord
J. H. Neesima
I heard from Mr. Bugby last summer, but not knowing how to direct my letter I have not written to him. I want to hit two birds with one stone. Will you be kind enough to send this note to him and let him know this is intending for yourself and also for him.
In a great haste.