Union College, South Africa
By J. F. Olmsted
We are thankful to report courage and progress here in South Africa, even in the midst of financial distress and disappointment. It is difficult to have success under present conditions, but the Lord has looked down upon us in mercy, and given us many evidences that he is still with his people, and that his truth will prosper. During the week of prayer held throughout South Africa at the end of March, nearly all our students renewed their allegiance to our Heavenly Father, and, by their lives and deportment since, have shown that the sweet, subduing influence of God's Holy Spirit has been working in their hearts, prompting them to greater zeal and consecration. At the end of the Sabbath service, Sept. 26, 1908, the writer baptized seven of our young people in the baptistery of the Claremont church, and we trust that they may ever rest with assurance and confidence upon the mighty arm of our Heavenly Father. It was a solemn hour, yet we believed God's promise, that they should be raised to walk in newness of life, and we pray that these who have now entered the fold of Christ may triumph over every trial and temptation that the enemy may bring against them. We are preparing another class for baptism at the end of the year. Ten or twelve will then go forward in this ordinance, and identify themselves with the church. We feel of good courage in the Lord, and thank him for his wonderful love. Our constant desire is to walk in the light of his counsel, and do his will to the best of our ability, prompted by his Holy Spirit. J. F. OLMSTED.