In 1904, when British missionary S. Pollard came to a small Miao village in southwestern China, he was moved by the local people’s enthusiasm for knowledge, and attracted by their unique silver jewelry art, so he decided to stay.
At that time, the Miao lived in extreme poverty and were enslaved by the local nobles. The first thing Pollard decided to do was set up a church and a school.
He went to visit a local noble to buy a piece of land to found the church and school. The noble asked him how much land he wanted. Pollard said he only needed a piece of land as big as a cowhide. The noble thought it was funny, and promised to give Pollard that piece of land for free. So they signed a contract.
Later Pollard used a chemical to make an oxhide into thin threads, which were set out to measure one square kilometer.
Soon churches and schools were built up on this land. The local Miao people learned Chinese, English, science, math, and basic knowledge of hygiene at the schools for free. The oldest student was 46 years old, and the youngest was only 8.
Pollard wore the local Miao clothes and learned the Miao language from his disciples. But the Miao didnt have a written script. It’s said that the Miao lost their written script during their thousands of years of migration across China. So Pollard, together with his disciples, created Miao letters based on English and Chinese characters. The Bible was translated and printed in the new Miao language. More and more Miao people came to Pollard’s school to learn the new Miao script. Even today, many Miao people still use this form of writing.
Pollard also built hospitals, swimming pools, and soccer fields on the land. Some of these historic sites are still kept today.
Pollard helped the local people repair roads, build house, and improve their spinning machines. A safe and environmental friendly stove invented by Pollard was widely used instead of the old one which consumed lots of wood. People called him LaMeng, which means King of the Miao.
On September 16, 1915, Pollard died of typhoid at the age of 51. Lots of local people attended his funeral.
By the time of his death, there were about 10,000 Christian in the Miao areas. From 1905 to 1949, thousands of students graduated from his primary schools. About 200 finished their high school education. 30 went to universities in other areas of China. Mr. S. Pollard created a wonder in this remote village.
Today, Christianity influences the Miao’s life in every aspect. From the designs of their embroidery, silver jewelry, and batik artwork, you can read some interesting stories of the Bible.
Related Reading:
Evergreen A Christmas TaleA dying grandfather tells the story of the first Christmas tree to a family wrenched by strife.
Christmas Holiday Time Reusable Wall Decoration Stickers - Santa and Reindeer SleighGo and immerse yourself in a fun ambiance with these stickers! These removable, repositionable, and reusable stickers are the perfect and convenient way to adorn and decorate any space. Easy to peel off and to stick on walls, doors, windows, tables, refrigerators, and more! When you want to reposition your friends peel them off with ease without peeling off paint/wallpaper and without leaving behind any residue. Perfect for nurseries, homes, stores, dorms, and anywhere else! It'll liven up any room and give it a new vibrant life! Senyx is an authorized online distributor for HYUNDAE sheet in the US; Genuine wall stickers from Senyx include official Hyundae Sheet logo.
WOW ChristmasAll products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For ChildrenThis book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
