p. 16 | In the Sierra Leone Interior by D. C. Babcock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 9, 1913

In the Sierra Leone Interior

By D. C. Babcock

In the regions about Matotoka, a town of the Timni tribe, I have witnessed more real heathen devil-worship than I have seen in any other part of West Africa. But I have heard there also the thankful prayers of some of these same darkened heathen when released from the power of the enemy and giving glory to their Creator.

We planted our first school among the Timnies at Matotoka, then sixty miles from the railway, but now only fifteen; for the railway is pushing on in Sierra Leone and West Africa. The paramount chief of the Timnies, Bai Kaffri, lives here and is our friend. At Maparka, near the railway, is another school. About a day's walk beyond is the Limba country, from which pressing appeals come for teachers.

Among the Mendi people, another tribe, we have a school at Gbamgbama. Two good mission houses have been built, and a plat of land donated to the mission. The chief also agrees to erect a new school building, or barrá, as they call it. Such buildings cost us but fifteen dollars, aside from doors and windows. The people are pleading to have teachers. The Mendies are less inclined to worship wood and stone than are the tribes about them. There are three or four of these villages where the people generally lay aside their work when the Sabbath comes. D. C. BABCOCK.