Farewell to the Nielsens (Early 1941)

Even prior to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, hostilities between the United States and Japan were such that the missionaries who were American citizens had to leave Manchuria. This included Dr. and Mrs. Niels Nielsen who, though Danish-born, had become Americans.

In a letter to the D.M.S. dated February 17, 1941, that was published in the missionary newspaper in April, 1941, Anna Bøg wrote of the Nielsen's departure:

"After 32 years of service, Dr. and Mrs. Nielsen are breaking away from D.M.S.'s Mission Hospital in Siuyen. It is not easy to have one's roots pulled up after working and living in one place for so many years.

"When the local people speak of Dr. Nielsen, they call him, 'Merciful doctor'. Or they say, 'He has saved countless human lives.' Or, 'He practiced true charity.'

"How sad it is to see the old pioneers break away. They belong with the place and people.

"It was typical of Dr. and Mrs. Nielsen that they continued their work until the day before their departure. They have always been diligent and took good care of the hospital. They helped each other and supported each other. Their home has always been harmonious.

"At the congregation's farewell party, many good and warm words were said to them by representatives of the congregation council, the congregation, and the co-workers [evangelists and Bible Women]. When there was an opportunity for anyone to speak, women and men stood up and thanked Dr. and Mrs. Nielsen for what they had been to them.

"We will long remember Dr. Nielsen's farewell speech: 'A farmer took all his savings to purchase wheat and sowed his field. And then came Winter and laid his icy hand and a thick layer of snow over the field. The farmer was about to lose heart and was afraid that all was lost. But one early spring day, his little son came running and said, "Father! The field is full of green sprouts!"'

"In 1939, we took leave of Miss Bahnson; in 1940, of Dr. and Mrs. Asschenfeldt; and now Dr. and Mrs. Nielsen. And there is no one yet to fill all the empty places. Of the relatively strong missionary staff we have always had here in Siuyen, we are now only three single women."*

Source:
Bøg-Madsen, Anna; "Afsked med Siuyen," Dansk Missionsblad, Vol. 108, Nr. 15, April 11, 1941; pp. 196-197.

Image:
Dr. and Mrs. Nielsen on Manchurian cart. From the Nielsen estate, courtesy of Mike from Monterey.
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*When Anna Bog said, "We are now only three single woman", the other two must have been Dr. Marie Nielsen and Nurse Anna Busch at Siuyen Hospital. Next week's post will be about Dr. Marie Nielsen, who took charge of Siuyen Hospital when the Nielsens left.