South Africa by Thomas H. Branch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 21, 1905

South Africa

By Thomas H. Branch

PLAINFIELD MISSION, CHOLO.—The twenty-ninth day of August marked the close of our three-years' service at this station; and as we take into consideration all the work,—the changes, the blessings, the failures, the disappointments, and yet the successes,—we can but say, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” In these past three years there has been much sickness with the fever, but there have been only two deaths—that of our late Brother Watson, and a native child. While we have been made sad at the cutting short of the work of our colaborer, we believe that he will come forth at the first resurrection, and receive his reward with the “Well done,” for God alone knows why he permits these afflictions. We are willing to labor and trust in the Lord, knowing that the work is his.

The past three years have been years of blessing—just the very best that the Lord could do for us; and to the very best of my ability, the third angel's message has been given to the people. We have gone by twos, fours, and sixes to the villages with this message, that there might not be one who should not hear of our dear Saviour's soon return to this earth. These oft-repeated visits to the villages have resulted in a marked change in the village life,—cleanliness of habits in their dress and in their huts,—and in a better attendance at the church services.

Some of the village boys have left off the old customs of life, with dancing and beer drinking, and even go with the mission boys on Sabbath to visit other villages, and help with the services. This is a great deal to praise the Lord for, when we think from what depths of sin these young men have come. There are a goodly number who are able to read the Bible. There have not been any great pretensions made on their part as to conversion, yet there is that slow, steady searching of the Scriptures. It is true, “There are many coming and going, yet few are entering in.”

Our school work is still moving on nicely. Some of our village pupils are leaving the school, as this is the time to gather the hut-tax money. There are only about twenty-two boys staying at the mission, and attending school. I am still giving Bible lessons every night. The boys and women attend, and I can see that the boys are taking more interest in their studies than usual. They are helping one another more, by studying together.

I have been very busy, reroofing all the houses on the station, as the rains of last year left the roofs in a weakened condition. I am clearing out some of the trees around the mission, and getting things generally in shape, as it is time to prepare to plant again. We raised very little last year—about twelve tons of corn, and twenty sacks of peanuts, and some beans and potatoes. We have had enough to feed our boys, and I think I shall be able to sell some of the corn, by being careful and economizing, as we are in need of material aid, and feel that we must try to help ourselves all we can.

God is certainly blessing in many ways. Our health is very good, and our courage is strong in the service of the Master. The general health of the natives in our schools is good. The mission cattle are doing well, and I think soon they will be of some income to the estate. I am not paying my boys large salaries. That is why I do not have so many of them. While they know neither the true use nor value of money, they have a greed for it, and when they get it, it soon goes, like that of the prodigal son, in riotous living.

I have been giving the boys a series of lessons on the tithing question, and I am glad to report that some of them are seeing the light, and are paying their tithe. They come bringing their one, two, or three pennies, according to their wages. This is quite a bit to them, when we consider that they receive from thirty-six to seventy-two cents a month.

We were all made very happy the first day of September, when we received our first news from the General Conference. It did our souls much good to read the good reports of the work far and near. We are sure that the meeting had its significance, and I believe that a greater impetus will be given to the message. Truly, we are living in the last days, and that part of the work which remains to be done must be executed with great diligence. Pray for us, and the work here, that all that we do may be wrought in God.

THOMAS H. BRANCH.