North Basutoland, South Africa
By H. C. Olmstead
Some of our experiences here have been rather severe, but our great Burden-bearer has been a present help in every trouble. Like Paul, we sometimes feel “troubled on every side, yet not distressed; . . . perplexed, but not in despair; . . . cast down, but not destroyed.” We know that Rom. 8:28 is true, and that, if faithful, we shall some day understand clearly what now we know by faith. We are glad we are right here in North Basutoland, opening a new station to give the people light. Chief Jonathan is still very friendly. He is much interested in planting forest- and fruit-trees; and as I am raising these, and am also interested in them, we have this common interest to bind us. He appreciates a gift of a dozen tiny forest-trees above other things costing much more. I have about twelve hundred little trees growing from seed. He is also interested in having a good school started. At present we have a day-school, with an enrolment of thirty-five, also a night-school for the herd boys, who must work during the day. Our Sabbath-school is quite well attended, also the Sabbath meetings, and the open-air services in the kraals on Sunday. Some are interested. One woman has accepted the truth, and is obeying it as far as she knows. This is the time of seed-sowing. We think the prospects for the work here are bright. A mission house is being built, the outer stone walls being half completed. Stone has been quarried for the native helper’s house, and is being quarried for a barn. By the time you read this, we shall probably have stone out for a schoolhouse also. At present we are making fence, and plowing the tough sod before it gets too dry. Assurance that means is coming allows us to begin to push this improvement work. This word was received only last week, when we learned that Emmanuel Mission had been allowed its full estimate. How very much we need it to allow the work here to go forward, only those who are here can appreciate. There are dozens of things we need, that we have not asked for, and can not get. But we are happy indeed with what we have, and are willing to do without the rest. We can now always look forward to something better. Perhaps you would like a peep at our home. During 1910 we had only one chair, a stove, home-made tables, boxes for cupboards, springs and mattress on four stones for a bed, and other boxes for chairs. This was our total furniture outfit. The house has two rooms, is made of sod, and has a dirt floor and a grass roof. Thus far this year we have added three second-hand chairs and a child’s crib. During the year I hope to make a dining-table, a good cupboard, a book-case, a wardrobe, and a bedstead. At present we have no horses and only two oxen. Our means of conveyance is a bicycle. Getting provisions and materials home from our trading-post, twenty-five miles away, is one of our problems. But we are on a good road, and in time hope to have horses and a wagon. When the necessary facilities can be secured, we plan to do considerable evangelistic work, touring with a lantern and a wagon — teaching, preaching, treating the sick, selling literature, and securing pupils for our school. We do some treatment work. Pray for North Basutoland.