First-Fruits in German East Africa

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 26, 1908

First-Fruits in German East Africa

BEGINNING in a region where the people were rude pagans, with not even a written language, our German brethren are rejoicing in the first-fruits of their mission. Brother E. Kotz says, in his report:—

“Eight candidates presented themselves for baptism, but two were advised to wait. Six young men were baptized. We had pitched a tent on the bank of the Sasseni River, and the pupils sang, ‘Come, Holy Spirit,’ in the native tongue. Several hundred persons had assembled to witness the awful things that they heard would take place at the baptism.

MISSIONARIES AND NATIVES AT OUR SOLUSI MISSION STATION

“The ceremony made a deep impression upon those who were present, upon the heathen as well as upon the Mohammedans. Many evil reports had been circulated, as, for instance: ‘Whoever is baptized, and then sins, must die;’ ‘You will be bewitched;’ ‘They will take you off with them to Germany;’ and other foolish things.”