Africa by M. C. Sturdevant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1905

Africa

By M. C. Sturdevant

BULUWAYO, RHODESIA.—I have just been on the scaffolding, working on our new church; but the wind is so strong to-day that I had to come down. This is midwinter in Africa, and we have had some very cold winds this season, which have brought much influenza. We have suffered from it here at the mission, but, to the praise of God, all are around again now.

I will give you a program of our work this winter: Rising at 5:45, all go to work till seven o'clock, when we have prayer and breakfast. At eight the first school is taught by native teachers, primary division. The same hour I take some boys, and go to building or other work, Brother Tarr, if at home, taking boys to other work. If he is away, I look after all the work. At ten o'clock we come in from work, and enter school, studying till two o'clock. As this second school begins, the first school is dismissed, and goes to work until two. The dinner hour is from two to three. After that all work until six. At 6:45 the bell rings for worship, which is followed by night-school till 8:45. At nine o'clock lights are out, and we are ready for bed.

The intervening moments are spent in caring for the sick, and drawing teeth, the latter a daily work in the winter season, because of the cold winds which test every weak place in the body.

In spite of the dreadful drought of last year, the Lord blessed us above our fellows, and gave us quite a little. From our farm crop we obtained seven hundred bushels of corn, seventy-five bushels of Kaffir beans, thirty-five bushels of Nyanti Kaffir grain, one hundred and forty bags of peanuts, and a goodly store of pumpkins. We also have ten acres in sweet potatoes. To the praise of God, we can say that we have raised food enough for our family, and a little to spare. And while our store has brought in little this year, it will provide clothing for all, and wages for our native teachers, I think.

The spiritual condition of our mission is very encouraging to me. Our school hours are a spiritual feast to me, and I am sure I can say the same for the children. Many are truly putting on the image of the Holy One. The change can be seen in the life, and few, if any, manifest an indifferent spirit. After having a weekly study with a class of twelve for many months on the subject of baptism, they were baptized. Last Sabbath—August 5—we invited Brother C. R. Sparrow and his family from the Kupravula Mission to join us, and after Sabbath-school at the schoolhouse, we all went to the river, about two miles distant, to baptize these dear children. There were about two hundred natives present, to whom we delivered four short discourses. Brother Tarr showed from the Word why the missionary had come to their land. Our native boy, Jim, followed, speaking of God's great love for his people. Brother Sparrow then gave a talk, telling them that now is the accepted time. The writer then reminded all of the fact that about one year ago the same call was made. To the praise of God, twelve had responded. Yet his voice was pleading. Who would follow? The candidates were urged to faithfulness, and to accept the proffered gift of the Holy Ghost.

The candidates all gave testimony, telling their people why they had accepted Christ as their Saviour. The testimonies were rich, and full of feeling. All were then buried with their Lord in baptism. Many of the fathers and mothers were present, and we trust another favorable impression was made upon the people. Our courage is good, and we desire to be found in the harness. Pray for your fellow workers here.

M. C. STURDEVANT.