Nyassaland by S. M. KONIGMACHER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 21, 1910

Nyassaland

By S. M. KONIGMACHER

NENO.— Just a few lines to let you know of the progress of the work in this field, and of God's goodness to us during the past school year.

Our territory lies alongside the Portuguese territory. This same territory is claimed by the Catholics, or French fathers. They are very active in placing out-schools, and as they were here before we were, our work is made harder because we believe the district resident favors them. He says the rule is that no mission can place another school within five miles of an out-school belonging to another denomination. We have been refused two good sites because the resident says they are within the five-mile limit. The natives want our schools, and have refused the Catholics; but on account of this rule there are many villages which we can not enter. These villages will probably have to be worked later by the native missionary.

God has given us another site about forty miles from here. I went over to see the location, and spent the Sabbath with one of our old mission boys. He was one of the chiefs whose request for a school was refused. On the Sabbath I spoke to thirty-six.

Now we have four out-schools, with an attendance respectively of forty-eight, fifty-one, thirty-seven, and eighteen. The home-station school is a two-session school, with an attendance of forty. We are endeavoring to teach the simple gospel, and hope to have some ready for baptism when Elder R. C. Porter comes.

We appreciate very much a visit from Miss Ina Austen, who is spending a short time with us, as it is very lonely on an out-station. Our crops are doing quite well. We have had an abundance of guavas and mangoes, which are very delicious. We have had a great deal of rain, which has washed away our bridges, and has caused all the white teachers to have fever. But God is good, and we are grateful for each new banner of truth unfurled in these heathen surroundings.

The other day I asked one of my little boys if he did not wish to be baptized, telling him he must leave his old ways of deceit and lying, and follow in the way of Jesus. He asked me how many times he must pray for God to take away his sins. This gave me an opportunity to explain prayer. Surely it is only the Holy Spirit that can dispel the darkness around these poor souls.

We sincerely hope to gather many bright jewels for the kingdom. But we need the prayers of God's people. We need consecrated young men and women who will come and live the gospel before these people. It is the Christian life in Africa, as well as in other lands, that counts for eternity. We can not give what we do not have. Pray for us, that God may work through us to the finishing of his work in this part of his vineyard.

S. M. KONIGMACHER.