Northeast Africa by Anol Grundset

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 14, 1912

Northeast Africa

By Anol Grundset

ANOL GRUNDSET

On Dec. 5, 1911, at 4:30 P. M., on schedule time, the first train arrived at Asmara over the Nefasit-Asmara Railway. A large representative company invited by the government to participate in the exercises of the day, together with hundreds of other bystanders and a large gathering of curious natives, greeted with enthusiasm the arrival of the decorated train. The whistle announced its coming, reechoing among the mountains, but no view could be had of it until it wound around the curve, before entering the station. Hundreds of hearts were made glad, as, after passing through tunnels, over cliffs, and along canyons, it ascended for the first time onto the Hamasen Plateau, and unloaded its human cargo at Asmara. It meant an end to many of the hardships of travel, as well as a saving of time and means.

This railway has been many years in process of construction, and now that it is finished, it reflects much credit upon the Italian government. Its starting-place is Massawa, the seaport, said to be one of the three hottest places on earth. Here a continuous sweat-bath is forced upon every traveler, free of charge, from the time of entering till he leaves the place. Ghinda is the next station, and is about half-way to Asmara. The city is considerably above sea-level, but at certain seasons of the year is under the fever line.

The next station of importance is Nefasit, which lies nearly hidden among stalwart mountains. A little to the southeast lies the Bizen Mountain, famed for its large Abyssinian monastery, where several hundred monks spend a solitary life. The mountain is considered holy by the Abyssinians, and they have placed several restrictions about it, one being that no female should be allowed about its base or to ascend its steep precipice.

In reaching the capital, Asmara, the present terminus of the railway, an ascent of over seven thousand feet above sea-level is made. Railway construction is now going on through more favorable and level country, another ninety-five kilometers of track being laid inland to Keren.

So even in Africa we see Daniel’s prophecy fulfilled: “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” All these inventions aid in speeding on the everlasting gospel, “a witness unto all nations,” before the end comes.

In Asmara is located the governor’s palace, also other government buildings, the splendid Baldeseras Fort, etc. The city is electric-lighted, has several flour-mills with most modern machinery, and a machine-shop with latest appliances and skilled workmen. It has a well-built post-office, colony mail arriving and departing every other day, with foreign mail arriving and departing weekly. Telegram and cable service is open with all parts of the world. Marconi wireless also is in use at Port Massawa.

The merchants of Asmara are chiefly Italians, Greeks, Jews, Indians, Arabs, and Abyssinians. A large assortment of articles used by these peoples are for sale, often, however, at exorbitant prices. There being no American nor English merchants, many commodities from those countries are lacking.

There are seven religious denominations in the city at present, Seventh-day Adventists being the seventh. Our mission station is a little over a mile south of Asmara. We are glad to be located in the rural district, away from the city. At this writing the harvesting of the grains is nearly over. The natives are busy with their thrashing, the Bible custom of treading out the grain with oxen still being in vogue here. The straw and chaff are separated by the help of the wind. The flowers (where abundantly watered) are in bloom. Snow is never seen here.

There are drawbacks and discouragements which I could mention, but we try to cultivate the habit of looking on the bright side. Our great aim and desire above all is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who sit in heathen darkness.

Asmara, Eritrea.