reth our burdens, and who we believe is
unto us a God of deliverances. True, every passing month of the year
just closed has sounded the ominous word "Debt," and the burdens
consequent have been many and heavy; it has been hard to see the
missionary work so repressed and cramped when opportunities for
development offered on every side. But it has been glorious to watch
its wonderful power and accomplishment even in its too restricted
limitation. Surely a blessing followed the offerings of those who
remembered this A. M. A. field with their gifts especially of "money
consecrated to the Lord's work." Some, we have reason to believe, in
giving "their slender mite for love of Him," gave much.

Thirty-one of the forty-two State Unions have made cash contributions
to the Association's work during the year, but this does not represent
in full the aid given. Four hundred and eighty-six barrels have been
sent to the various fields, and while all have contained useful
articles, some have been packed with valuable supplies of house linen
for the boarding-halls and goods for the industrial classes.

The Secretary has presented the work frequently at missionary
meetings, and series of meetings were planned for her and for
missionaries from the field, in several of the States. In this the
officers of the State organizations cooperated cordially, and were
most helpful in arranging appointments among the auxiliaries. There is
evident need of the work being made known by personal presentation.
Missionary literature has been freely distributed, and letters from
the field have been sent out in response to contributions wherever
desired. The system of missionary letter-writing entails not a little
of care and burden upon both missionaries and secretary, but it brings
the missionaries and home workers into closer sympathy, and provides
interesting information for missionary meetings. We acknowledge
thankfully the consideration shown when letters have been unavoidably
delayed, and the many expressions of appreciation of the missionary
news.

Through the circulation of the letters and printed leaflets you have
had many glimpses of the schools, churches, prayer-meetings,
Sunday-schools, Endeavor meetings and the homes of the people in the
South, on the Indian reservations, the Pacific Coast and Alaska. We
trust it has been a joy to you to make the work so much your very own
by the share you have had in sustaining it and watching its
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