p. 18 | Waterloo, West Africa by T. M. French

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 1, 1910

Waterloo, West Africa

By T. M. French

MRS. FRENCH and I moved here one year ago. At that time there was only one small town lot we could call our own. The church had been organized only a few months before. During the year thirteen members have been added, and others are awaiting baptism. We also have our church and school buildings nearly completed, and have a school home and farm well equipped, caring for eighteen boarding students at present. Our day-school has increased from thirty-three to about seventy pupils. I believe the church has made rapid advancement spiritually, and much prejudice in the town and the neighboring villages has been broken down. So we have much to thank the Lord for.

I do not feel that we should concentrate our efforts largely around these coast towns and villages, but I believe our most fruitful fields will be found far back in the hinterlands, among the real native country people. These will be freer from the bigotry of the coast cities. While the converting power of the gospel will transform the lives of some, who will give valuable aid in carrying on our work among the masses of the interior, the majority of our creole students are not such as can successfully carry on pioneer work.

After two years’ experience here, I am convinced that we should not hesitate to secure tracts of land among the various tribes, and open up self-supporting mission stations, from which to work the surrounding country.

I am ready, as soon as this station can be provided for, to push away back into the country, and open up a good central station. We have some young men who would give valuable help in opening up such a station by the first of next year.

T. M. FRENCH.