South Africa by M. C. Sturdevant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 9, 1904

South Africa

By M. C. Sturdevant

THE work is onward here, though there is much on our hands, with the oversight of the farm, home, and store, and with the school day, and night. Sometimes some things have to be neglected for a little while; yet we are doing the best we can, and we leave the rest with God.

I have some precious hours with our boys in the school, with the blessed Word. The Spirit comes near to help, and our own hearts are watered. I never was more happy in the work of God, nor more conscious of his presence. The thought of his soon coming is very inspiring to us, as we see the signs fulfilling one by one. O, the joy to know that the work will soon be done, and we shall see our Father’s face! I never felt more willing to work than at present.

Our church work is prospering, though we were compelled to drop a few names from the roll last quarter; this has caused the others to search their hearts as nothing else would. Others desire baptism; but they must wait till we are sure they know what it means.

We spent a pleasant day last week in bringing into the house of God some of all we raised on the farm this year, such as corn, beans, sweet and Irish potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, squash, peanuts, Kaffir corn, and nyauti. We placed these before the Lord, giving thanks for the blessings of the year. Many of the children read Scriptures chosen for the occasion. Sabbath I gave a discourse on tithing, and the importance of giving the Lord his own, and the blessings that follow. In the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. It was a pleasant, yet solemn time, and the Lord came near to bless. We already see good results from these services, as products from the gardens are being brought in as tithe. The people are just beginning to gather the crops, so I took advantage of the occasion. I hope to see the members faithful in giving their tithe.

Our farm will not bring us as much as we hoped, yet a great deal more than any around us. The natives think our crops are wonderful. I tell them I plowed in prayer, planted in prayer, and now gather in praise. They listen very carefully as I tell them the better way to dig and plant. Having no plows, they dig with a large hoe, and cultivate with the same. I hope to see a change in many gardens next year.

The Sabbath afternoon Bible work is still onward in the kraals, and we are looking for fruit from that. We have had quite a little fever in the home this season, but the lives of all have been spared; and now the fever season is about over, we hope for the best.

M. C. STURDEVANT.