Central Africa by Thomas H. Branch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 22, 1905

Central Africa

By Thomas H. Branch

NYASSALAND.—Our school is doing nicely. We have twenty-eight boys staying with us at the mission, and we have had quite a number of men working out their taxes. I have also a few of the young lads from the villages, who receive a shilling a month for their work. This enables them to buy their cloth, a little soap, and salt. The two out-schools are doing well, with a good attendance. Johane teaches one, and Maliniki the other. I have not been able to send two boys to each school, as I need them to help get the crops in. There is another large village that wants us to start a school. As yet I do not see my way clear to do so, but hope to in the near future.

I have a class of candidates desiring baptism, and I am taking them slowly, step by step, and teaching them concerning this ordinance, as I feel they should know what they are doing in taking this obligation upon themselves.

We gave our boys a holiday January 2, and allowed them to play and enjoy themselves with their friends who came from the villages, until 2 P. M. Then we had all that could, come on the veranda, and after a short talk to them, they all joined in the Lord’s prayer. Food was then passed to all. The menu was as follows: beans, squash, sweet potatoes, pineapples, and usima (stiff porridge). One of the boys then arose, and said a few words to them, after which they all arose, and in one voice said, “Thank you, Ama!” Then we dismissed them. Fathers, and mothers with little ones tied on their backs, went running home, just as the children did, saying, “We will come again soon.”

We are still of good courage, and trust in the promises of the Lord found in Joshua 1:8, 9.

THOMAS H. BRANCH.