Out-Schools of the Malamulo Mission by R. C. PORTER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 13, 1910

Out-Schools of the Malamulo Mission

By R. C. PORTER

R. C. PORTER

It was interesting to visit among the out-schools of this mission, and see the people in their native condition. It was more interesting to see them eagerly studying the Word of God. The simple faith of these heathen people was a new revelation to me. The “Higher Critics” would surely be put to shame if their faith, and unbelief were placed in contrast with the simple faith of these natives when the Word of God is brought to them.

Besides the main station, which has an attendance of over two hundred, there are twelve out-schools, ranging from three to sixty miles from the main station. Seven of these out-schools are within walking distance of the main school, one is fifty miles distant, and four are sixty miles away. The total attendance in the twelve schools is over four hundred, or an average of thirty-three in each school.

The climate being always warm, the school buildings are usually built of bamboo poles placed close together perpendicularly. The roof is thatched with a long, coarse grass. The seats are made by driving forked sticks into the ground, and laying a pole across. The natives usually furnish the material, and assist in the erection of the building.

The attendance is good and quite regular, often including the head man of the village, and married men and women. The ages range from five to fifty years, but the majority of those who attend are of the usual school age.

The first work in an out-school is to teach reading and writing in the native language. The pupils are then taught mathematics, geography, Bible, and sometimes grammar. Those who are being trained for teachers are taught English. They manifest extraordinary ability in memorizing. This makes it difficult to get them to comprehend the practical side of the instruction given, but in time they learn to study, and apply principles. When they have reached this point, they are usually quite strict in their adherence to principle.

The Matandane Station

The Matandane station lies about one hundred miles distant from the Malamulo Mission. It is situated on a high elevation, nestling near the mountain, with an abundance of pure, life-giving air and plenty of water. Fruit and vegetables are easily grown, and the farm is sufficient to supply all the needs of the station, with abundant pasture for the cattle.

So far, this station has been conducted only as a day-school. The attendance has been about fifty. Several times students have been turned away who came from Portuguese territory across the near-by border, as they were too far away to attend the day-school. During our visit it was decided that a small boarding-school be started, to accommodate such students. One great problem in this field is how to reach the Portuguese. They are entirely under the control of the Catholic clergy, and this makes it next to impossible to establish Protestant missions in their territory. I know of but one Protestant station that has crossed the border, and it was established at the request of the Portuguese villagers. Even then it took a long, hard battle with the priests before it was permitted. Our hope now is that by providing for students from Portuguese

territory, the way may eventually open, through their influence, to establish mission work among their people.

The Matandane station is under the management of Brother and Sister S. M. Konigmacher, who have a good work started. Four natives were baptized during our visit, and a church of eleven members was organized, with Brother Konigmacher as elder, and Sister Konigmacher as clerk and treasurer. This station has four out-schools, from four to twenty miles distant, with an aggregate attendance of one hundred twenty-five. The prospect is good for establishing several more out-schools the coming year.

Thus the Malamulo Mission, with its six white workers and thirty-three native assistants, is carrying nearly a thousand students, with the prospect of quite an extension of the work.

I was much pleased with the prosperity of the work in British Central Africa, and the outlook for the future is encouraging. If you who read this report could have the privilege of seeing these natives, who, only a short time ago, were steeped in the deepest heathen superstition, eagerly studying the Word of God, singing his praise, and worshiping reverently before his throne, your hearts would be melted to tenderness, and you would say, with me, We must make greater efforts to bring the message to the millions in heathen darkness.

Claremont, South Africa.