p. 13 | A Conference of Missionaries in Nyassaland

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1908

A Conference of Missionaries in Nyassaland

By JOEL C. ROGERS

JOEL C. ROGERS

February 13, 14, a mission conference was held in Blantyre. Representatives attended from all societies working in Nyassaland. The meeting was called by the governor to inquire into the best way of distributing impartially a grant of money made by the imperial government for native education. The Livingstonia mission was represented by its well-known superintendent, Dr. Laws. The heads of the other missions present were Rev. Dr. Hetherwick, of the Blantyre mission; Rev. W. Murray, of the Dutch Reformed Church missions, Mr. A. Hamilton, of the Zambesi industrial missions; Mr. Oliver Deeath, of the Nyassa industrial mission; a representative of the White Fathers’ Catholic mission; and the writer, representing our own mission.

While it was not my intention to apply for a part in the grant, I felt it to be a favorable opportunity to meet the missionaries and the governor, and to represent our work among them as the way might open. This is the first time that Seventh-day Adventists have been recognized officially, or otherwise at all favorably. In the past our mission has been heard of only when some trouble or suspicion arose regarding its work.

On the day preceding the meeting with the governor, all the missionaries were invited by the superintendent of the Blantyre mission to meet there to discuss the questions under consideration. The discussion turned largely on the basis and aim of native education. All appeared to agree and assume that the great aim in all missions is evangelization through teaching of Bible truth. While the common branches are taught quite systematically, following an outline, or code, yet each mission follows its own plans for religious instruction, without interference from the government or any other mission.

Whether native education should be

built on the idea of making the European teacher or the native teacher the main factor was a question which received much attention. Dr. Laws and others expressed the conviction that the native teacher must be the great factor, under the supervision of the European. This conviction has pressed itself upon me continually. So in our own mission we encourage the training of native teachers, and put them to work as fast as they are ready. We now have twelve native teachers and four assistants. There is scarcely any limit to the number who might be employed if the teachers can be trained and their wages provided. Those now at work receive an average wage of £1 2s 5d a month with food. The usual wage paid teachers for the first year is £1 a month. This amount is increased from year to year as the teacher gains in experience and ability. As a rule not more than £2 5s is paid to any native teacher. As these teachers are able after a short training to teach the simple lessons required by their own people better than a foreigner, I feel that it should be our aim to train as many of them as possible.

I felt impressed that I should endeavor to meet the governor personally, and I prayed that the way might be opened for me to do so. My prayer was answered. After the conference was over, and all the missionaries had retired, I returned, and inquired if the governor could be seen. I was directed to a cottage. Knocking at the door, to my great surprise the governor himself opened it, and invited me in. Every kindness was shown me, and opportunity given to speak of our mission. With me the conviction is quite strong that such opportunities should be seized, trusting God to impress favorably “the powers that be.”

While meeting the missionaries who have given their lives to Africa, and labored many years to give the Bible to the African people, I earnestly pray that this third angel’s message may be endowed with such power from God that it will reach the hearts of the missionaries as well as of the native Africans.

Malamulo Mission, Cholo, Nyassaland.