p. 9 | ANOL GRUNDSET by Anol Grundset

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

ANOL GRUNDSET

By Anol Grundset

Abyssinia

ANOL GRUNDSET

I BELIEVE it will be of interest to have a few lines from this part of the world-wide field. I arrived here to take charge of the Abyssinian Mission in October, 1909, and have been very busy ever since. The two brethren here had occupied their time the past two years in learning the language of the people, and this is of much help. They have not yet fully mastered it, but a good beginning has been made. Remember, we are grappling with one of the most difficult languages to be found anywhere. We who have more recently come, are busily studying it. But, since the alphabet contains about two hundred fifty-six characters, not one of them in any way resembling those of our alphabet, their pronunciation very difficult, requiring every conceivable twist of the tongue to produce, we can not advance as rapidly as if learning a more modern language. But God being our helper, we are confident that we shall be able to fully master it, and thereby be able to make known to the people the same precious truths that have made you, my brethren and sisters, glad in the faith.

There are many problems here difficult of solution, and our way is by no means clear. But we know that he who has summoned us to this place will adjust every hindrance, and further his own cause. The people hold very firmly to their own faith and beliefs, which, so far as I have found, are a mixture of a little truth and much paganism and heathenism. The priests have a strong hold. We anticipate many and varied experiences in presenting the message, but believe that it will captivate the honest of even the Abyssinians, and that in this vast throng representatives will be found soon, to surround the throne. What a gathering that will be! A saved people from all of earth’s varied nations! Will you and I be in that number? Our daily life is now testifying as to how that question will be answered. If properly answered by victory over sin, we shall find there our final reward. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev. 21:7. God help us all now to be daily, yes, momentarily, overcomers.

The climate is fair. The fever districts are not far away, but there is no fever where we are located. We are about seven thousand feet above sea-level, and above the fever line. The days are very warm, but the nights often get quite cold. Vegetation is very scarce for seven or eight months of the year, because during that time it does not rain. However, trees, vegetables, and flowers will grow the year round, if watered. Trees two or three years old will live through the dry season without being watered. The whole country about here is desolate, and to one accustomed to seeing grass and green fields, presents everywhere an almost discouraging spectacle. There are pieces of land in the valleys, that, if tilled and watered, would produce well. We are thankful that even here old mother earth, weighted doubly under the curse of sin, will yet, as the reward for persistent toil, give something in return. But there is no comparison between conditions in this country and the land in the States which is blessed so abundantly with rain and snow. One may travel long distances here, and find no water. We believe we shall find plenty on our mission farm, and for this we are very thankful.

Recently, at the time of Elder L. R.

Conradi’s visit to us, we purchased a piece of land of about sixty-five acres, about one mile and a half from Asmara. This had practically no buildings on it, and we are at this writing very busy erecting a double dwelling-house, schoolhouse, and a barn. We are also digging a well. This will be our first mission station. We believe the Lord has helped us in securing this property, and given us much favor with the officials of the government, even though our getting it was opposed by some.

We hope later, if our dear people by their contributions and help will make it possible, to open another station. Our buildings are not expensive, being made of stone, of which there is plenty on the place. Tin sheeting is used for roof, and cement for floors. Lumber is so high that we can not afford to use it, except for doors and windows. Even the other materials are quite expensive. The people are very poor, and we often wonder how they live on their meager resources; but they live very simply, and many are in an almost wild state.

At this writing we are well, and thankful to God, who has brought us safely over the seas, kept us in health, and given us a humble part to act in the great closing message proclaiming to every nation, tongue, and people the glad tidings of the coming King. We are of good courage. We can not boast of being blessed with the abundant luxuries of the home land. What one would call necessities would here be termed by many an abundance. But we are content. When we think of Jesus, who left his royal home on high and came to earth and was forsaken and opposed by even his own people, dying on Calvary’s cross after his life of self-denial and sacrifice in our behalf, we are glad we can endure a little for his sake. To you in the land of such abundance, let me say, Give of your entrusted means to speed the everlasting gospel, the message so dear to us, to these millions of souls in Africa’s error and darkness. Speed the Saviour’s return by finishing that which he has given us to do. Already the sun is fast setting on the western horizon of time. Signs are thickening and fulfilling everywhere about us. Therefore, let us, wherever God has stationed us—you in your place, we in ours—be faithful. Watch and pray. The time of our redemption hasteth. Be ready. And while we wait, let us also labor, for the night cometh, when man’s work is done. We ask your prayers and co-operation for the proclamation of present truth to Abyssinia.

Asmara, Eritrea, East Africa.