p. 13 | The Needs Among the Kavirondo People

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

The Needs Among the Kavirondo People

By A. A. CARSCALLEN

A. A. CARSCALLEN

In writing of the needs of any people in Africa, it is not to tell what they need for this life; for their wants are few, and their needs less. The real need here is the gospel, “which is the power of God unto salvation;” and if there is one place where that is needed more than another, that place is Africa. On entering this country, we find the people ignorant, naked, and living in a very low state of civilization. Their minds are filled with false ideas and superstition. Their customs and laws forbid leaving their old ways for anything new, but do not apparently forbid conforming to anything for the sake of worldly gain. We read that “this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled,” then think of our motto, “The Third Angel’s Message to the World in This Generation,” and then we turn to Africa, with its ignorant millions, and wonder, “How can these things be?”

The great need of the Kavirondo people is young men and women who are not afraid of work. When we entered this field about two years ago, the language which is spoken here had not been reduced to writing, and therefore we had no books to help us in acquiring it. The place was entirely devoid of food that we could make use of. There were no houses to rent, so we had to

build some. First we erected a dwelling-house, then a workshop and schoolhouse. In this work we had to be our own masons, carpenters, etc. We have had to make all our furniture, most of our windows and doors, and many other things which we required in the shop and schoolhouse. For all these things, lumber was needed, and this had to be sawed. We had to take men who knew nothing about such work, and teach them to saw. It is, therefore, of great advantage to laborers in this country to have a knowledge of several kinds of trades, for yet, while it is advantageous to know such work, it is not the all-important thing; for we have a much greater work to do.

Near the mission there are thousands who are living in heathen darkness, and it is our part to teach them this last message of mercy. The Kavirondos are a friendly tribe, yet many difficulties arise, which keep the work from going as fast as we would like. When we arrived in this part of Africa, we found the people distrustful, and many were even afraid of us, and would run and hide when they saw us coming. Thus it was only the most daring we could reach at first. Then when the others became more bold, and made our acquaintance, we found they wanted their friendliness repaid in a substantial manner. When we seem to get hold of some, we often find that they become proud, and think themselves above their fellows. In such cases our labor for them for a time is over.

Our experience with one case is worth mentioning. A young man who came to work for us the first month we were here, and who was at first rather timid, soon became very friendly, and made a good workman. We taught him to do many things, and, because he was such a help to us, we gave him a larger wage than the others. We were also teaching him the commandments and other portions of the Bible. He would come to the meetings every Sabbath, and would many times explain to the people what we were trying to say. In fact, he was the best all-round man we had. We often thought God had given him to us to assist in this work, and other missionaries spoke of what a help he was to us. Just at this time the head chief began to take notice of him, and at last made him one of the head men of the district. This entirely spoiled the boy. He thought himself above work, and ceased to come to the meetings on Sabbaths. We were compelled to drop him for a time, as we could do nothing more with him. However, we are glad to say he is again turning to us, and we still have hope of him. This illustrates some of our experiences. At times we wonder how the gospel of humility will conquer the hearts of people who are naturally so vain. But it will, and many of these dear souls will learn to love it.

In conclusion, I repeat, we need workers,—those who are not afraid of hard work, and who believe this message. We need those who can face trials and disappointments and darkness,—who can look upon these millions who know not the gospel, and who seem to put forth no efforts to learn it,—and still believe that “this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.”

Kisumu, British East Africa.