South Africa by I. J. Hankins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 12, 1904

South Africa

By I. J. Hankins

STELLENBOSCH.—We hope soon to open a mission station in the Colony, not very far from Lovedale. Kama, a local chief in that vicinity, has offered us a farm, and is anxious for us to come. We are now negotiating in the matter. It may be that the Lord is opening the way for us to do what we ought to have done years ago—establish a mission among natives for whom the preliminary work has been done by others, and to whom we may give the message direct, and then send them on to the interior to teach others. Brethren Shone and Tarr each have a burden for native work, and can both speak Kaffir well.

At present Brethren Tarr and Moko are conducting open-air meetings in the native location at East London. Some of the colored people have begun to keep the Sabbath, but I do not know that any of the natives have. The natives are pretty well stirred up, however, and a petition has been sent to the town coun cil, asking them to remove Brother Moko. The native ministers are afraid of his influence and work. I do not know how it will terminate, but we are hoping for the best.

There are about ten thousand natives in this one locality. Some of them are well educated, and hold good positions as interpreters of the court, magistrates, clerks, etc.

If we do not hold a tent-meeting here in Stellenbosch, I expect soon to return to East London, and conduct tent-meetings there. I am anxious to see some of those intelligent natives accept the truth, and then go as missionaries to their people. It is difficult in the towns for them to keep the Sabbath, as they work largely for the government, or for large firms.

We are very glad to know that Dr. Thomason is coming so soon. There is an open door for him into a large and fruitful field. We are of good courage, for the work is the Lord's.

I. J. HANKINS.