Pemba, South Africa by E. C. Silsbee

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1911

Pemba, South Africa

By E. C. Silsbee

As we consider the darker fields, and see new gospel lights started in advanced places, we thank God and take new courage. We are closing in on the dark center of the Dark Continent; and while every advance means added privations and suffering to our small force of warriors, yet with our wounds bound up, we pass on to place the standard of Prince Emmanuel still farther over into the enemy's territory.

Our latest and longest stride toward the dark and unentered Kongo Free State is our out-stations at Lusaakas and Imperi, the latter being but one hundred sixty miles from the border of that state. It requires about a two-hundred-mile walk (round trip) to visit these stations; and at this time of year it is most uncomfortable on account of the rain.

I was caught in a swamp at nightfall, on the return trip, with nothing to do but go forward, as the rain was pouring down, and it was impossible to stop. So for nearly four hours I waded in mud and water from one to four feet deep, until I came to a pioneer farmhouse, where I stayed that night and the next day. The following morning, after wading half a dozen rivers, —but no more swamps, as I had unknowingly finished with that part,—I arrived at the railroad station, and was soon on my way to the mission home. After a week's siege with the fever, caused by the exposure of the trip, I find myself about twenty-five pounds lighter in weight, but am rapidly recovering. E. C. SILSBEE.