Matabeleland, South Africa
By M. C. STURDEVANT
KNOWING the interest of our brethren at home in regard to the work in this field, I will give an account of three trips taken to look for outstations and to strengthen those already established. Having heard of a place about thirty miles southwest of us, where it was said the young people were very desirous of receiving schooling, I started January 9, with two of my boys. I took my bicycle, but found we had to walk most of the way, as the paths were so bad. We arrived at the first kraal just as the sun was going down. The chief let us come in, although we could see at once that we were not wanted. A shower soon drove us into a small hut. Some goats slept in this house, and all the time we were there disputed our right to stay. The hut was round, about fourteen feet in diameter; nevertheless about twenty people crowded in with the goats, to hear me make known my errand to their village. I told them I had heard the young people there wanted a school very much, and I had come to see if this was the will of the parents also. I soon found that the chief was very bitter. But after he went out, the children present said they did want a school very much; and one man said he did not know what was the matter with all the old people, that they did not want their children to learn. The chief gave us a place in which to sleep that night by putting one of his wives into another hut. We heard them disputing about it, the wife saying she did not want to give up her house to a white man, etc. We crawled in, being very tired after having walked thirty miles, and slept the best we could. At daybreak we started to see another chief, about five miles away. We arrived there as the sun was well up, and soon found the chief, an old man with hair as white as snow. He admitted us, quickly asking our business. We told him we were hunting for a place to start a school, that the children might learn the way of God. He said, “Who is God?” He did not want his children to learn about God; wanted us to get right off the place; did not want to hear more. And to hurry me away, he asked me to go and see his cattle, which I did. But by this time the people and children had gathered around in great numbers. He picked up cobs and sticks and stones, throwing them at the children, telling them to go away, and that they must not look at the white man. But they did not go very quickly. I asked for some milk to drink, and soon took my journey homeward. We can truly see that feeling is fast turning against the gospel. In these parts the natives know of the gospel, and so know what they are rejecting. I long to go and teach where they have not heard and rejected. One month later, I went with two of our boys to our out-station beyond Kupuvula, where two of our boys were teaching, the interest seeming to have run down. We stayed the first night with Brother C. R. Sparrow, and visited the school there. We found the numbers very few, but the teacher still holding on. School interest seems to be very low among the natives now in all these regions. Missionaries of other denominations also note this. The following day we went on, arriving at our school a little before sunset. We found only two in attendance here. The chief was very favorable and kind,15and the old people were willing for their children to go to school; but the children had little interest. I talked to the people that night; also in the morning I called some fifty together, and had a good talk with them. The children promised to attend school if I would leave my teacher there. So we left the boys to try it again. Returning by another place, where we hoped to start a school, we found the chief away, so we could do nothing. But as the Lord willed it, on our way home we met the chief. This we believe was for the good of our cause, as his young wife, who seems to have much influence with him, is not favorable to our work. I had before obtained permission of the white man who owned the farm to start a school there, if the chief was willing. The latter seemed very willing, and really urged me to send him teachers. Accordingly, we have two teachers who are trying the work there. Again, on March 3, we went out to the north and east, to see about starting a school where we had taught before. For lack of interest, we had closed there. But the people had again urged that we send a teacher. We had a very kind reception at this place. I talked to them that evening and the next morning. They promised to be faithful to the school, and send their children. It is yet to be proved what they will do. These people are good to promise, but slow to fulfil. It can be seen by these accounts that we are trying to enlighten the natives; but we feel that they have become wonderfully gospel-hardened. In all these regions they know just what we are, and who we are. They are without excuse. The interest at the main station is really good, and we hope that all who come do so to get help, that they may be a help in the future to their people. We have a class of fifteen or more whom we are preparing for baptism the first week in April. We still have about fifty in the home, and a good spirit prevails. So while some things may seem discouraging, we have much to encourage, and can say we are of good courage concerning the prospect. Still, we need strong men and means to help us, and your prayers that God will indeed be our help, and not let us follow our own judgment.