Our Mission Work in Kafirland by W. S. Hyatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1909

Our Mission Work in Kafirland

By W. S. Hyatt

W. S. HYATT

THE influence of this mission is being felt far up in the country. The opening of our school has caused a stir among the people. The fourth standard is as far as the common schools of the country take the children, and if they wish more education, they must go to one of the boarding-schools. In these schools they have to pay about five dollars a month for tuition and board; and as money is scarce, but comparatively few can attend. The opening of our industrial school, in which boys and girls can earn their way, made it possible for those who have no money to get more education. This has brought our work and teaching prominently before the people.

The discussion about our work and the opposition that followed, led many to believe that we are right. Accordingly many parents gave their children to us, saying, “Take our children and teach them the Word of God, and we will follow them.” We have thirty in our school at present, but expect to increase the number soon.

While Elder F. B. Armitage has been in charge of the school work, I have been out among the people, going from village to village in a covered wagon, holding services with the aid of a magic lantern; also doing Christian Help work, and selling and giving away literature. God has greatly blessed our efforts to help the people. We have found that the medical missionary work is indeed the “right arm of the message.”

Wherever we go, the “little wagon” is known, and the people come flocking to us for help. We have given as many as thirty-five fomentations in one day. They come to us with sore eyes, and ears that must be treated, lame shoulders and backs that are hurting them, teeth that must be extracted, and many other complaints. We do what we can for each of these, and seek heaven’s blessing upon our efforts, and the Lord does not disappoint us. This work has astonished the natives, for they have never seen a white man assisting them with his own hands before, and making no charges. Many can not understand it.

We have often heard it said that the native knows not the meaning of the word gratitude. While there are reasons for this saying, still there are exceptions. After giving treatments we have often seen tears of thankfulness flowing from their eyes, and the poor people would catch our hands and kiss them as we were leaving. Several persons told me that they had heard about the love of God from their ministers, but this was the first time that they had ever seen it. O that Jesus may be lifted up in our lives that we may reveal him to this poor people!

This work has led many to search earnestly for the truth. The majority of the people for whom we have labored are known as “School Kafirs,” and are members of one of the many different churches among them. This awakening is causing considerable opposition. Calls are coming to Brother Moko and myself, “Come and help us.” A short time ago a man walked sixty miles to the mission to learn about the Sabbath. Surely the Lord must have a few diamonds in the large amount of débris here. May he give grace and wisdom to find them.

Kenilworth, Cape, South Africa.