p. 17 | Orange River Colony by J. M. FREEMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 14, 1905

Orange River Colony

By J. M. FREEMAN

DURING the quarter just ended I have traveled considerably. I held meetings near Frankfort, including a baptismal service. Sister Rensbury was baptized, and her mother-in-law, who had been a Baptist, took her stand for the truth, and asked for membership in the Heisterbach church. This step the good sister took in the face of much painful opposition from her household.

From Frankfort I returned to Heisterbach, and, accompanied by Brother T. Louwrens, visited some interested persons in the Harrismith District. We also spent a few days with the company at Mooihœk. I was glad to find the members there of good courage.

After returning to Heisterbach Farm, I at once started for Wilge Hoek, Lindly District, and spent Sabbath with Brother Venter and his family. They are a united family of Sabbath-keepers. The five adult members—the father, mother, and three very pleasant and intelligent sons, ranging from eighteen to twenty-four years of age—have all joined our church. The other children are younger, but very promising. I organized a Sabbath-school in their home. After spending a blessed time with this dear family, I proceeded to the districts of Senekal and Winburg. For the first time I visited Brother Bornman. I was glad to meet this brother, whom I had longed to see since his return from Bermuda. I found him steadfast in the truth, though he has much to contend with, as he lives alone, far away from any of like faith. There is a possibility that this brother will become a colporteur. From there I passed on to Bloemfontein, and received a kind welcome from our dear Sister Wocke, whose health was anything but good. While there I visited and labored with some who became interested through her efforts, and with others for whom I had worked.

I was obliged to return to the Heisterbach church for quarterly meeting. I arrived June 30, and found a goodly company gathered from various places, among them a Brother Kriek, from Kroonstad District. This brother withdrew from the Dutch Reformed Church several years ago when he was converted, and has been associated with the Baptists. He was an office-bearer. Though a farmer, he has been more or less actively working for the Lord. He is a man of faith, and relates many instances of answers to his prayers for the sick. Some six or eight weeks ago, he fully decided to keep the Sabbath. His wife is with him, and others, he reports, are much interested, and will follow his example. I knew this brother eighteen years ago. It was a joy to meet again, and especially through the influence of the light which had in the meanwhile come to both of us. The truth separates often, but truly it is a uniting power as well.

I also found the Venter family present, and through their light and work others have decided to obey the Lord.

We had a blessed time from Friday evening until we closed with the church business meeting Sunday evening. The various meetings were full of life, and much freedom prevailed. Besides myself, Brethren de Lange, Kriek, Venter, Louwrens, and Moolman took part in the services. Sister Victoria Sutherland had a very interesting Bible study for young people. I estimated the gain to our membership the last quarter to be thirteen.

I had the misfortune to lose by death my valuable horse a few months ago, which was a very serious loss to me. I have bought another, with which I am now traveling. After a few days of rest for my animal I intend leaving for Kronstad.

J. M. FREEMAN.

Heisterbach, Bethlehem.