p. 12 | Experiences and Observations in Africa

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1908

Experiences and Observations in Africa

By Homer C. Olmsted

HOMER C. OLMSTED

DURING our voyage from London to Africa we often wondered whether any one would meet us at Cape Town. But our anxiety was unwarranted, for a number of brethren met us before we left the boat. Our hearts rejoiced because of the welcome they gave us during our few days’ stay with them. We thanked our Father for permitting us to come to this needy field, and renewed our determination to be faithful in his service.

In journeying northward, the sight of many small earthworks and blockhouses reminded us of the British-Boer war. Most of the way from the Cape to Bulawayo we traveled over a grassy plain, or table-land, with a few small bush scattered over it as we neared the latter place. This bush, as well as the grass, becomes taller and taller as one travels on, until around Victoria Falls there are small trees, and the coarse grass is often seven or more feet high. At nearly every station native children come to the train, to get bread or anything which may be thrown to them. Some sold bottles of milk, while others sold little wooden images of animals, which they had rudely carved from soft wood.

The seventh of June we reached the Barotse Mission, some two-hundred miles northeast of the Victoria Falls. There Brother W. H. Anderson met us, and after being given a room in his house, we felt that we were “home” at last. The farm there contains five thousand acres of good land, and is crossed by two streams, which contain large pools even during the dry season. Several large springs also furnish water for irrigation. The land is largely open, and is covered with tall grass, which supports about one hundred cattle and a few goats. These are quite profitable, as butter brings a fancy price. Indian corn, or “mealies,” as it is termed in Africa, is the principal crop, about seventy-five acres being planted last year. This, together with peanuts and sweet potatoes, furnishes food for the native students. The common vegetables of the States may be grown here, as well as many of the fruits. White ants are the great pest, and are the chief hindrance to successful agriculture.

About forty native boys are in attendance at the home school, and about as many others attend the three out-stations now in operation. The Batongas, among whom the mission is situated, are not a bright or progressive tribe. They are slow in movement, and slower in thought, yet they can comprehend the plan of salvation, and be saved through the merits of their Saviour, and our Saviour. Our work is to sow the seed, and even now it is bringing forth fruit.

Twelve days after reaching the mission, I was taken with fever, which, however, lasted but four days. This was repeated the following week, and continued to reappear, usually with increased severity, until the fifth attack, when it kept me in bed for nearly four weeks. This, coming as it did long before the “fever season,” began to convince Brother Anderson that I should not stay there, so he sent us back south as soon as I was strong enough to travel.

We were indeed sorry to leave him alone at the mission, and it was a sad parting as we left. But God knows best, and we were willing to give up our plans to him. This little experience did not discourage us in the least, for “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” The dear Lord was indeed good to us through it all, and never for a moment did he permit us to become discouraged. We were as confident that Africa was our appointed place as when we landed.

In returning, we stopped a few days at the Solusi Mission, near Bulawayo. There Brother and Sister J. R. Campbell, who came over with us, are assisting Brother M. C. Sturdevant in the work. They have charge of the school, and are doing well in their new home. All were busy and happy, with only words of courage, which the Spirit of God alone can give to his children.

As the fever left me quite weak, we stayed in Kimberley nearly a month, while I took light treatments. After partially regaining my strength we left Kimberley for Basutoland, October 5. Here, we are assisting Brother M. E. Emmerson in the work, and are only temporarily located. Being in the mountains, the elevation is nearly five thousand feet, the nights are cool, and the climate is quite healthful. Nearly every fruit and grain of temperate climates does well here. The little sixteen-acre mission farm, leased of the Basutos, has a few varieties of these. Lacking the means to build and equip a school, the work must be carried forward by means of public meetings in the villages, by canvassing, and by personal work. We are sure God has some precious souls among this bright, progressive race.

Being young, to the young people I would say: Put all your trust in God. Ask him to help you prepare for service in winning souls for eternity. Never complain of your lot, but do each day what you can for the Master, and as soon as you are fitted for a broader field, be sure there is a place waiting for you. We need means and workers. God is calling for both.

Kolo Mission, Basutoland.