Another Year of Mission School Work in Africa by S. M. Konigmacher

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 29, 1916

Another Year of Mission School Work in Africa

By S. M. Konigmacher

S. M., KONIGMACHER

THE past season has been a very trying one on account of the great heat. There has also been a scarcity of rain, especially during the time when the crops needed it; and consequently there will be suffering in some parts of the district, though most of the natives are getting a little food from their gardens. The rains are about over, and the cooler weather has come, which will be appreciated by many. [This was written March 26.]

On account of poor crops last year and a shortage of corn, we were obliged to close our school earlier this year than last. We have had between forty and fifty boys with us the last six months, and there seemed to be a greater desire for an education than ever before. The last week of school was devoted entirely to special services to try to win the boys to Christ. We were glad when a number asked for baptism.

We had two preaching services during the day, and the boys had their morning worship in their different houses; the evening worship was held together, with a native leading. The teachers from the outschools, with their wives, spent this week with us. It was especially interesting to us to see the great change that had come over the wife of one of the outschools teachers, and to hear her earnest testimony on Sabbath evening. Before she went to Maninga to help her husband, she lived near the station here, and for years did not seem to take any interest in his work, but the Spirit entered her heart, and she is now completely changed. The work for the women in this district is very discouraging, but when we see such a change as this take place in six months, we are encouraged to try again. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord,” is the work to be done.

On Sabbath after the service we went to the Magoye River for baptism. The boys sang almost all the way to the river. Many had never before seen a baptism, and we are sure that the burial of these three in the watery grave made a lasting impression. We hope that many will return to school, and follow their Lord in the same way. They were also greatly interested in the Lord’s Supper, which was celebrated in the afternoon. One boy, who had backslidden, could not rest till he came back and was rebaptized. We are thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit, which had been with us in marked measure during the whole school year. The testimonies of the boys every Sabbath evening were good, and we could always feel the presence of the Spirit at such times.

Mrs. Konigmacher made about twenty-five copies of the songs we translated, bound them into little booklets, and gave them to the boys who could read. These the boys took home with them, and we hope they will help to attract others to Jesus when used by the boys in the little

services they will hold in the villages where they live.

It is really surprising to find that some boys who do not seem good students in school do very good work when they are at home. I was particularly impressed with this fact when I went to Lusaka and found a boy who in school seemed very unpromising, but when I reached his village I was surprised to see what he had done.

I have just had a bad spell of fever, but now that I am getting stronger again, I shall go out tomorrow to Fufwa to reopen some village schools. Though in Nyasaland I had thought a school with an attendance of only twenty a small one, yet here we think such an attendance is very good.

My brother kindly sent me some picture charts. Last week when some of the boys went out into village work, I gave out a few, as they are a great help in such work. Last year Stephen took a chart with him, and this year a boy who came to school from the district where Stephen labored, said the chart was a great help in interesting him in our work. I also use the charts. Many times I succeed where I am sure I could not if I did not use them. Calls are coming from many places for pictures. Some of the boys offer to buy them. I also find the lantern a help, as I try to impress the people with the truth through their eyes and ears and through song.

Pray for the Batongas, and for us who are working for them.

Rhodesia, South Africa