A Missionary Visit in Uganda by L. R. CONRADI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 16, 1908

A Missionary Visit in Uganda

By L. R. CONRADI

L. R. CONRADI

To one conversant with the history of missions, especially with the mission work in Africa, it will be most interesting to learn that this precious truth has also found its way into the “Japan of Africa,” a name given to Uganda, on account of its rapid development.

Last year, when the British Union Conference decided to open a mission on the shores of Lake Victoria Nyanza, the German East African Mission consented to Brother A. C. Enns, joining Brother A. A. Carscallen in selecting the new mission site. Brother Enns had been one of our pioneer missionaries in German East Africa, and had made such good progress in mastering the African languages that he was well able to assist Brother Carscallen in starting the mission. For awhile we feared for Brother Enns’ health, but God in his mercy raised him up again.

During Brother Enns’ illness, when he could not attend to the work on the building, some Uganda boys were secured to help erect the house, and Brother Enns improved the time he had during his sickness to labor with these Uganda lads. One of them, Sakariya, was a Christian, while the other, Kimera, was yet a heathen; but both were able to read, and as they had no literature save a part of the prayer-book, they were only too glad when Brother Enns let them have his Uganda Bible and Testament, and read with them as they had opportunity. He found they were very much interested and desired to ask many questions. Often when the Bible study was over, Sakariya would clasp the Bible in both hands, and kneel down, exclaiming, “Nungi nyo nyo! (O, how very, very good!) Brother Enns was free to speak with them about the main points of present truth.

When Sakariya was asked if he had been baptized as Jesus was, in the water in the river, he replied: “No; in the cathedral in Uganda they only had a little water.” Brother Enns was made happy a few days later, when Kimera came to him, wishing to be baptized. This means much, after only six months of instruction in the third angel’s message.

Brother Enns also went over the Sabbath question with them, which they gladly accepted; and they desired him to write down the texts on each subject separately, that they might carry the truth to their friends. Thus God has led us right to the border of the lake, and already brought us into contact with some honest souls in the interior—souls that are able to read, and have some knowledge of Christianity, and can thus be more quickly reached by present truth.

As the German Union Conference is anxious to extend its missionary operations, we wrote Brother Enns that, if it be possible, we should be pleased to have him take a trip around Lake Victoria Nyanza, the southern portion of which is in German territory, and thus see if there would be a good opening for us. Accordingly, he took the steamer, and went down the eastern shore of the lake, stopping at a number of German ports, and visiting as many mission stations as he could, seeing what other missionaries had been able to gain in that territory. It was told him that the Catholic missionaries were not liked in their field. When we first began work in German East Africa, we had thought of going into that well-populated country, but were then informed that the Catholics exercised such power that it would not be wise for us to attempt a mission there then. But it would now seem that the way is opening for us, and, in view of the increased experience our workers have had, the German Union hopes to start a mission on the southern shores of the lake within the next twelve months.

Having gathered important information concerning the German territory, Brother Enns went up the west side of the lake, to Uganda proper. Arriving in Ntebe, he was kindly received by one of the English missionaries, and had an opportunity of visiting some of his teachers. One of these teachers was so impressed that his eyes filled with tears, before Brother Enns could get through telling about the truth for this time, and he desired that some of our missionaries might return to give them more light.

Then Brother Enns went on to Mengo, the Uganda capital. There he was entertained by the Christian servants of Mr. Werner (the gentleman himself being absent), who made it as comfortable for him as they could. He was here eight days, and held Bible studies every evening. No less than fourteen became so deeply interested that they requested

that a missionary might be sent to instruct and baptize them.

Thus the good seed has been sown in the hearts of a number of honest Uganda people; and we can plainly see how Ethiopia is stretching out her hands for help. Going out one day, Brother Enns met a man on the street. They had a short conversation, and Brother Enns found that this man had just come from the Catholic Mission, where he had been attending the prayer service, and that he was one of the waiters in the royal palace. Brother Enns had an interesting talk with him, and before they got through, tears ran down this man’s cheeks, too, and he desired more light.

Brother Enns was invited to call on the regent and the two young Christian princes, Kabaka, who is eleven years of age, and his brother. These children are both well educated, and Brother Enns writes that they appear to be Christians, heart and soul. He was also requested to see Pastor Henry Wright, who seemed much interested in the work. The regent asked Brother Enns to supper, and desired our people to establish a medical mission in the province of Chagwe. They have been waiting for a hospital there for some time. The same request was also extended to us by the government physician. Brother Enns also had a pleasant visit with Bishop Tucker, and was invited, with him, next day to dine with Mr. Hardsley.

Brother Enns gives a very interesting account of the few weeks’ trip around this lake in the very heart of Africa. We see that honest souls are everywhere. Naturally, as they more or less have learned to read, and have the Bible in their own language, there is a wonderful opening before us. Now, as we are invited to commence medical work there, we surely ought to take steps soon; and still more means ought to be raised, that we may enter upon that work.

There seems no question whatever that, if we as a people take hold of the work there as we should, we shall not only reap many souls in the “Japan of Africa,” but we shall also find that this land sustains the same relation to Africa that such countries as Germany, England, Scandinavia, Switzerland, etc., have borne to the other parts of Europe. How much good could be done if our medical workers could heed that call, and, constrained by the love of Christ, and actuated by a real missionary spirit, enter the work there! How blessed it would be, too, if those who have sufficient means would now, in this most favorable time, give of their abundance to forward the work in this field.

To-day, we see the Gentiles coming to the light God has given us. Princes and governors are coming to the brightness of its rising glory. What we need is to lift up our eyes; and as these people gather together to come unto us, and call from afar, O that our hearts may be enlarged, and that we may truly arise and shine, so that God’s work may speedily be finished!

Hamburg, Germany.