South Africa by M. E. Emmerson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 25, 1909

South Africa

By M. E. Emmerson

KOLO, BASUTOLAND.—Truly this is a dark land. But I am glad to report that already we can see omens of success. Our meetings are well attended, and each week I think the interest increases, for which we are thankful to God, knowing our work is prospered only when we trust all to him.

A few weeks ago a mother brought a little child to us whose leg was burned quite badly. Day after day for more than two weeks my wife dressed the affected leg. The result was that the whole family began to attend meetings. Every Sabbath until last Sabbath, the family came by our home from the meeting, bringing our native interpreter, Murry Kalaka. They wished to learn more from God's Word. The mother said that for a few weeks she had been keeping the Sabbath, and that she loved it. The father also seemed greatly moved, and expressed himself as having a desire to give his heart to God.

We had a good Bible study together on how to come to God and surrender to him, and we all felt that the presence of Jesus was with us.

This morning the father of the little child came in. He seemed sad, and I began to talk to him through our interpreter. I asked why he was not at meeting last Sabbath. Then he told me a part of his errand. He said that a white man whom he had owed a little money came to him on Sabbath morning, and wanted him to do an errand. He told the man it was the Sabbath, and he did not want to go. But the man continued: “You owe me, and if you refuse to do this, I will have you put in jail.” So he went. “Now,” he said, “I am sorry I did; but I did not know what to do. I would not do it again. I have already asked God to forgive me.” He went on to say that his wife could come and join the church now; “but,” he said, “we have some children in Orange River Colony who are not Christians. I must bring them in. I can not come without my children.” This made a deep impression upon my mind.

A heathen father finds Jesus precious to his soul, and is not satisfied to be saved himself alone, but says, “I must bring my children.” O that fathers and mothers in Israel would manifest such zeal in behalf of their children outside the ark of safety! O that they would say, “I must bring my children,” and cease not to cry to God day and night to save the children! Then would we see God work mightily in behalf of the young of the flock.

I feel sure that by the help of God this dear family will soon be established in present truth, and be a bright and shining light in this dark land of the Basuto. While we are forty miles from the nearest railway station, and twenty-five miles from the post-office, yet we feel that the sacrifice is not great, and we trust that by God's help we may be able to bring the light of truth to many a darkened heart.

Truly, God's blessings are great to his servants in foreign lands; and every day we can see more clearly omens of the coming day. Even some of the leading chiefs of Basutoland have expressed themselves as favoring the Sabbath. Surely the time has come for the truth to be echoed from thousands of voices, till all the world has been warned of the impending doom that is following so closely upon the third angel's message. May God help us all, day by day, to work with our might, knowing that the night cometh, when no man can work.

M. E. EMMERSON.