South Africa by J. H. DE BEER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1909

South Africa

By J. H. DE BEER

JOHANNESBURG.—It gives me great pleasure to be able to report that the work is moving onward in this part of the Lord’s great vineyard, notwithstanding the many obstacles and difficulties on every hand. There seems to be an awakening among the Dutch-speaking population of this country, and the message is gaining a strong foothold here. The Dutch Reformed Church exerts a powerful influence over the people in this land, and, next to the Roman Catholic Church, is one of our strongest opposers; but, thank God, they can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

We have at present two small churches in the “golden city” of the Transvaal. The first one was organized by Elder Geo. W. Reaser some six or seven years ago. We own a neat little church building, thirty-six by eighteen feet, built of burnt brick. This building was dedicated a year ago, and is the first Seventh-day Adventist church building erected in the Transvaal. The site was generously donated by Brother J. J. Wessels.

The Lord has greatly blessed our efforts in the distribution of the Missionary REVIEW. The writer handed a copy to each of the editors of the three principal newspapers of this city; and as a result one of them—the Transvaal Leader—published quite a lengthy article, commenting favorably on our work. Last week Brother T. G. Crouch, one of our faithful canvassers, received a friendly note from a lady residing at Potchefstroom (seventy miles west of Johannesburg), to whom he had sent a copy of the special REVIEW. She enclosed a donation of ten dollars. Brother Jas. Symons received a letter from a prominent legislator expressing his appreciation of a copy of the REVIEW.

Elder J. N. Loughborough’s one week’s mission here closed on Sunday, May 23. His inspiring talks on the rise and progress of the great second advent movement proved a great blessing to our little churches. As our veteran pioneer told us of the early experiences connected with this movement, and how the Lord had wonderfully wrought for his remnant church, our courage was revived, and our confidence settled in all points of the great threefold message. His visit will long be remembered by those who had the privilege of listening to him. We are determined to press the battle even unto the gates. Pray for the work in this difficult field. J. H. DE BEER.