History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Baptist mission among the Shan 56
explained clearly the privileges and duties of Christian marriage. As I have written
elsewhere three others are interested and will become disciples, I think during the
present year. It is well to hold them as catechumens for a while though I do not require
them to know too much before they are received for baptism. There is not a better
location or a brighter outlook in the Shan States. The borderline between English and
Chinese territory, the NamMow, usually called here the NamKhamRiver splits the
valley lengthwise, it is definitely settled with treaty right to build a direct road to Bhamo
across Chinese soil.” 52
Cochrane reported in 1895,
“The attitude of the people toward the mission is doubtless the same as that of the
other stations in Shanland. We are welcomed anywhere and everywhere and receive a
respectful hearing. I cannot say that the people are eager for the gospel here, I am very
thankful that they listen at all. During the year past such large numbers have come to see
us as to give ample opportunity for evangelistic work without jungle traveling. Of the
three baptized during the year, two are doing well. The other has lately shown some
traits that are not the out-cropping of absolute perfection. I think the root of the matter is
in him but it will require, before the green leaves appear, a great deal of patient tending.
There are two or three others who look favorably upon the Christian religion but are not
converts. Our location is admirable, central, high, dry and healthful. I am improving the
compound (ten acres) as fast as limited means allow. I am repairing an old watercourse
by which a mountain stream will be made to wend its gentle course through the
compound. The expense is trifling. I hope and expect that it will settle forever the
question of a well and furnish water besides for gardening an occupation that boarding
pupils can be put at for amusement and recreation. As there is no special haste about
fencing the compound I shall set out bamboo quite close together and grow my ‘garden
wall.’ Such a fence cannot rot and the surplus growth will work in handily in homes for
native helpers. The great needs at this station are:
(1) A medical missionary
(2) Unpretentious but permanent buildings
(3) More native helpers
“As to plenitude of people the third factor mentioned in location NamKham is an ideal
or if not an ideal certainly a unique station not less than seventy-five villages within an
easy day’s tramp, averaging according to official statement fifty-two houses to the
village with as many more villages but a trifle smaller within as easy a tramp of a second
day. Within a march of four or five days this number can be multiplied by three. I have
not seen the other desirable locations of Shanland. I am satisfied in pitching my tent and
journeying no farther.” 53
“An absence of nearly six months, not due either in Mrs. Cochrane’s case or my
own to the climate of NamKham, brought everything to a standstill. We began anew on
our return, middle of December, where we began a year before, health improved,
courage good and prospect pleasing. Our expectations were faithful friends, new and
better helpers have been secured through kindness of Dr. Bunker and Rev. Young. The
people welcome us kindly and listen respectfully. Boarding pupils are coming in slowly
three yesterday our largest haul for any one-day. I hope this year to get ahead of where
we left off last we are even now. A recent change in MyoTsas, (local rulers) will be a
help to us. The present incumbrance is accommodating and friendly though not
52 Rev. W.W. Cochrane, NamKham, Dec. 8, 1894, The Baptist Missionary Magazine, p78
53 81st Annual Report, 1895, American Baptist Missionary Union, p299