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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 10.

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West Africa

By D. C. BABCOCK

LAST Wednesday we had a baptismal service at the Freetown church. Seven were baptized. It was quite an interesting occasion, as some who were baptized had attended the tent-meetings five years ago, and the evening of the baptism was just five years from the first meeting held in the tent. We have the work all planned for the present year.
Last Sunday I had an interesting time. I was at Waterloo, and quite anxious to get home, but we have no Sunday trains. However, while I was talking to some of the schoolboys, in came a train with three special cars. I ran down to the station, and found that it was the general manager's special train. I took courage, and asked him for a ride to Freetown.
My request was granted, and I boarded the car next to the manager's car. In a little while I was sent for. I felt a little strange to be called into such company, but gathered courage and went in. I was acquainted with the general manager, but was somewhat surprised to be introduced to the general manager of the railways in India, and the general civil engineer for the Sierra Leone railways.
The general manager remarked that Sunday trains just suited me. I said, Yes, and from that the Lord helped me to present the Sabbath of God's Word. I lost no time. They asked me if I worked on Sunday, and I told them I did, and that it was not simply a convenience as they looked at it, but a God-given right.
What they wanted was to talk over plans to get palm kernels out of the bush to the railway stations. They want us to build a one-wheeled truck to carry freight, so two men can run it in a narrow path in the bush. We are building one for a trial now.
The manager of the India railways is here in West Africa inspecting railways in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, under the direction of the British government.
Among other things, the general manager agreed to build us a good road from the station at Waterloo down to our factory. I sometimes wonder at the openings for us in our work.
D. C. BABCOCK.