Naperville, Ill.                                                                                                                     Index

April 16^th, 1902.

Africa Inland Mission,
Philadelphia, Pa.

My dear Brothers:

        I have received your letter, but I hesitate to answer it fully before I have spent many hours with my Father in secret, concerning the matter. I hope the Board will be patient, because I dare not move unless I am certain my Father wills it so. I should be very sorry if I should send you recommendations, from which it would be necessary for the Board to form a wrong opinion of my character, and thus not only hinder the Spirit from directing my life, but perhaps I might be led to some place where God has no use for me.

        I am not so much anxious that you help me to go to Africa, as I am that through you God’s will may be carried out concerning my life. I want to be kept very close to him that he may direct me step by step until my work is done. If God permits you may hear from me sometime next week. I shall try to answer your questions as definitely as possible.

        Your brother in Christ,

        J.W. Stauffacher