p. 17 | South Africa by M. C. STURDEVANT

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1909

South Africa

By M. C. STURDEVANT

BULAWAYO, RHODESIA.—The work here is still prospering, under the blessing of our God. The present season has been a blessed one in our school work. While we have had only the average number of boarding students, the outside attendance has been the best we have had in years. At present our first school is in charge of Brother Victor Willson, with two native teachers. This is held from eight to ten in the forenoon, is filled with outside children, and the interest seems good. The second, in charge of Brother and Sister J. R. Campbell, who lately came to us from America, is in session from 10:30 A. M. to 2 P. M. Two native teachers help in this also; and I teach one Zulu class and the general Bible class, when I can be at home. This school is composed largely of our older boys and girls, the boarding students; and these are the ones on whom our hopes depend.

Generally speaking, the interest is good, and many are working hard in their studies. While there are a few who seem to be tired of school, having been here many years, yet, rather than leave the mission, which seems to mean to leave the truth, they hold right on to their work. We have some severe struggles with the enemy, and none need think that mission work is all sunshine. Yet Christ is our captain, and we seldom lose a battle. “Happy is that missionary who, when the mere romance of the foreign aspects of his work is staled by experience, falters no whit.”

Our out-schools are doing fairly well. August 24 I started with two of my boys on a visit to these stations, first arriving at the Lushabe River, where one of our teachers is located with his

family. We found him of good courage, and pressing the work with all his might. Going on to Kupavula, where Brother C. R. Sparrow is, we visited another native teacher. We found the school very small, many of the natives having moved away. The interest is not good; yet we believe the workers are doing all they can. We stayed with Brother Sparrow that night. Waking before day, we went on about thirty miles, to see some natives who, we heard, were calling for a teacher. But on arriving there at sunset, and seeing the conditions, we concluded the people were not very anxious to be taught. We stayed at that village that night. The next day we made another trip of about thirty miles, arriving after dark with our two teachers at Magam’s village. I was so sick that day on the road I could hardly hold to my saddle, and had to lie down twice for a rest. But, in answer to prayer, were able to reach our teachers a little after dark. There we drank hot water, and lay down to rest. The interest at that place is not good, but we found the teachers working hard. I could not help thinking how many of our white teachers would keep up courage under such discouraging experiences. The work for this people is growing harder and harder every day, and we should not slacken our efforts in the least to give the message to them.

The next day we started for home, forty-five miles distant. I arrived there a little after eight at night, the boys a little later, they having gone all the way on foot. We have some faithful boys. Were it not for these, the work here would go much harder.

Our church- and Sabbath-school work is onward. Nearly one hundred attend our meetings on Sabbath. The interest is good. Our courage is good, and our only thought is to finish the work. It gives us courage to hear of the blessings of God upon our camp-meetings in the home field, and to know you are thinking of us, and helping so liberally with your means. This work is yours also. We will finish it together. Pray for us.

M. C. STURDEVANT.