CULOLO.—God has blessed our labors here among this people. Many are willing and anxious to learn of Jesus and his love. They come from far distant villages to be taught how to read, that they may read God's Word for themselves. This they esteem as a great blessing, and are not only willing to walk long distances to be taught, but are willing to work and have the barest necessities of life, that they may gain this gift.
I believe that it is the providence of God that has sent us to them. They have a knowledge of their forefathers having been carried away long, long ago; and appreciate that we, of their own kindred, have returned to them with the knowledge of the true God, to teach them the better way to live, and to lead them to Christ. Men and boys come to study these things. Still there are thousands who have never heard of the message of salvation. The land is teeming with her millions in darkness—the darkness that Isa. 60:2 describes: ‘Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people.’ Having eyes, they see not, and ears, but they hear not. Much needs to be done for them.
They must be taught how to till the soil, how to make and conduct their homes, as they have families; in short, they must be taught everything to make them men—such men as God would have them be. Families are needed to live among them as teachers. Young men and women are needed as instructors in the schools—young married couples are preferable. Those who come to this country should have one object in view, to raise the standard of the Lord, and build an altar to the glory of Jehovah.
This is a beautiful country, fertile and well watered, with luxuriant forests,—a well-favored land, bountifully supplied with all that is needed for the human family.
It will take a long time for a thorough work to be done, but the devotion of those who are Christians is very impressive, for they are indeed earnest, according to their knowledge. Some are much quicker to obtain knowledge than others. Last April I baptized five young men and one woman who were very earnest in the study of the Scriptures. They would sit in groups, studying the Word of God, and then come to ask for an explanation, as they make sure of a thing before making a decision. It would move one to greater diligence, to see with what carefulness they prepared the place for baptism.
My prayer is that God will send more workers into this part of the field. Brethren, pray for the work in Africa. We are of good courage to work as Christ directs.
