p. 14 | British East Africa by A. A. Carscallen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 29, 1912

British East Africa

By A. A. Carscallen

(Concluded)

A. A. CARSCALLEN

WE are indeed glad to report the first baptism in this part of the Dark Continent. On May 21, 1911, we had a baptismal service at Gendia Mission. All our workers were present, also Brother B. Ohme, our superintendent for German East Africa. Sixteen boys followed their Lord in baptism, and in the afternoon joined in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

All who have had experience in working for others, and seeing them leave the world for Christ, will understand our joy in seeing these sixteen boys, the first of the million Kavirondos, take their stand upon the principles of the third angel’s message. We often wonder where these boys get the courage to step out against the teachings, customs, and influence of all their own people. One of the sixteen is a little boy of only twelve years, but he is one of the most earnest and sincere of all. He took his stand alone in his family. He is now anxious to take the message to others. Once a week I read a few items to the boys from the REVIEW, translating as I read, and it is encouraging to see the interest they take in the spread of the message. They really feel as much a part of that message as any of our people. We have other boys who are almost ready to be baptized, and we hope to have another baptismal service in 1912.

We have just started three out-schools, and we are planning to open two more in a short time in connection with the Gendia Mission. Brother J. D. Baker is now opening his first at Wire Hill, and we trust others may be started there soon. We also hope it may be possible to begin work for the Kisii people by starting out-schools among them. The Wire Hill station is near the Kisii border, and we shall try to get some boys from that tribe to come to our schools. Brother Baker has been teaching several who know that language; and just as soon as we have a teacher ready, we are going to make use of him among the Kisii tribe.

We are sorry to report some sickness during 1911. Brother Baker has been ill since April. We were afraid for a while that we would have to send him home, but he took a decided turn for the better, and so stayed. He is not able to do much in the sun, but can work at the language in the house. To remain in the house is one of the hardest things to do out here. One always wants to move about, and that makes this a hard country in which to be ill. Brother H. H. Brooks was also very ill for several months. He developed abscess of the liver, and we sent him to the hospital in Nairobi. When he came out, we thought he would be quite well again, but as he had another bad turn and kept getting worse, we were compelled to send him home. He left us the first of November. He is the first worker who has had to give up his post in this field. We sincerely hope it will not be long before he will be strong enough to return to the work he so reluctantly laid down.

In the previous issue, we referred to the opposition of the government to our work in this place during the past four years. During that time I have talked with every official who could in any way help us, but the provincial commissioner has always said that the Seventh-day Adventists could not have any more sites. A short time ago he came to see us, and before going away, told us that from this time on he would treat us in a different manner. He said he had been against us because he had always been given to understand that we were working against the government, but that he had not been in our house long before he knew this was not true. He also spoke about our work, our principles, and our plans, and then gave us ten acres of land, the very best in our district. Quite naturally we could not understand this change in one who had done all he could to oppose us. We therefore did not wish to say much until we should see if things would take another turn. We are glad to say that all the letters from the provincial commissioner since then have caused us to believe that there is indeed a change for the better for us in this field. The provincial commissioner is a strong man in the government, and if he really understands that we wish to do what is right, we think he will help us. We know that the country must be opened up for the message, and God can open it at his pleasure.

We indeed have much to be thankful for. God has not forsaken us, and his hand has not been withdrawn from us. We thank him for the progress during 1911, and trust that he will help us to accomplish more during the coming year.

A few days ago one of the men who comes to church every Sabbath, spoke out in the meeting, and asked, “If Jesus is to come as soon as every one hears, why do not a lot of your people come and tell our people the story of Jesus? Then it would be finished quickly.” Our boys are regularly praying for God to send more workers to spread his Word. Will our people at home remember these calls, and think of us and our work in this field? Your prayers will help in two ways: First, sincere prayer will be answered; and second, your interest in our work will deepen, and perhaps some will feel called to come and help in bearing the message to these who sit in darkness.