Abyssinian Mission by H. Steiner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 9, 1916

Abyssinian Mission

By H. Steiner

H. STEINER

PERHAPS a report from our mission would be of interest to REVIEW readers. We feel very thankful to God, who has guided and blessed the work so wonderfully at this place. We had the first baptism here last year. Since then we have had two like occasions. Seven Ethiopians, in all, followed their Lord in this ordinance, one of whom has since fallen asleep. Others are now interested and ask for baptism. We have to be careful in selecting them. As far as possible work is provided for them while they are receiving instruction. Thus they can be proved. Five days in the week they have half a day for work on the farm. If we see no good will on their part, we are guided accordingly. Some leave as soon as they hear they are to work. We are glad for an opportunity to prove them before we speak of admission or of their taking part in our special preparation class.

Our special feature here in mission work was our boys' school. But as time passed, adults came to the mission. One whom we had never seen, came to tell us he recognized the truth of the Sabbath of the Bible, having been reproved by others for working on that day. The Abyssinians in general keep two days, the seventh day and the first, although the seventh seems of less importance to them. This man kept Sunday only, as he did not believe in the seventh day at all. But on being reproved by his own people, he searched the Scriptures, and as a result rejected the first day, and began again to keep the seventh. He united with us, being one of the first here to be baptized. He has proved true, and others are now interested, and have decided to stay with us. Many think to find a good opportunity here to make a living, but these soon leave.

Those who prove faithful and remain, bring gladness to our hearts. All the farm work is now done by those attending school. They do the work without the attention on our part which was necessary when we hired the work done.

One man came from the interior of Abyssinia, from a so-called Jewish tribe of Ethiopians. The Jews of Europe, considering them as brethren, are doing mission work among them. This man seems to be impressed by the present truth. From our first members we now have developed two good teachers to assist us in the work.

We arranged last year for the school to end at the time of the field harvest, that we might employ the pupils in the harvest immediately after the close of school. This will be an improvement.

On the whole, this has been our best school year. We are of good courage, and rejoice to be found worthy to have a part in God's work for this time. May it soon be accomplished is our prayer. Remember before the throne of grace our little company here.