South Africa by J. F. Olmsted

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

South Africa

By J. F. Olmsted

PORT ELIZABETH.—The work still moves steadily on, here and in Uitenhage, and we are encouraged to see souls accepting the third angel's message in this difficult field, where the gospel seems to have but little effect on the hearts of men.

At the close of the Sabbath service yesterday, in the baptistry in the Port Elizabeth church, the writer baptized three adults, who after long years of wandering, returned to the Father's house. Our hearts are greatly cheered as we see those for whom we labor leave the world, popularity, good wages, and influence, to join those who are willing to suffer for Christ and give all that they are or hope to be that his work may be advanced and his name glorified.

We had a spiritual feast together, and it was a Sabbath that will long be remembered, especially by those who, like the prodigal son, left their Father's house. One brother and his wife were church-members for five years, but became discouraged at the condition of

some things that unfortunately existed, and for fourteen years they wandered in and out, searching a better way. Finally the way became so dark and difficult to travel that they turned back and forsook even the Lord's holy Sabbath. But the Lord in his Fatherly kindness permitted affliction to overtake them, which brought them again to the fold of Christ, and to-day the sunshine of his love is unmistakably written on their happy faces. What a change when the Lord sets the sinner free!

We rejoice that we have a small part in the glorious harvest, which now is nearly finished; but our earnest prayer to God is that we may always prove ourselves worthy before him and before men, and that he may be pleased to seal our labor with his approval, and that we may be the means of leading many to the knowledge and acceptance of the truth. We ask our brethren to remember us at the throne of grace, that our work in this distant land may prosper to the glory of God. J. F. OLMSTED.