West Africa by L. W. Browne

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

West Africa

By L. W. Browne

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE.—It is now a month and a half since I came to Sierra Leone, and my observation has taught me that a great and effectual work has already been done here; but there yet remains a greater work to be accomplished, which is a herculean task, looking at it from a human standpoint, and can be performed only by the influence of the Spirit on us as workers, and on the people.

Concerning the present interest, I may say that never before was I in a place in which Seventh-day Adventists had newly gained a foothold where the expression of sympathy for our work was so marked as it is here. This week, when I visited the people of a certain locality, to ask for donations for our church building, I met many who testified to their faith in the message we bear. In order that they might know what denomination I represented (for they invariably ask), I simply had to tell them that I was connected with the people who held a series of tent-meetings some time ago in the city. “O!” they would say, “you belong to the Saturday Adventists. I must surely help your church. You people are doing a good work here in Sierra Leone, and I wish you success.” Some told of the books bought from our canvassers, and of the truths they had learned therefrom.

Truly may it be said that the city is stirred from center to circumference. The exception may be found in some pastors, who to their flocks make known their feelings of antipathy by misrepresenting us. But others are quite friendly. I made the acquaintance of one, a Methodist minister, at a special meeting where he lectured on the Sabbath question. Of course he opposed true Sabbath observance, and exalted Sunday-keeping in its place. The usual well-worn arguments were presented to his audience, to sustain his position. At the close of the meeting, I was introduced to him and other officials of their society. After remarking on the way he presented his subject, I looked him squarely in the face, and told him that I thought he did not believe all that he had set forth that evening in favor of the change of the Sabbath. He was somewhat abashed at first, but soon tried to defend his position. We spent a short time in discussing the principal portions of his lecture, and then I left him, accepting an invitation

to visit him at his home to further consider the subject.

The present experience connected with the building of our church reminds me of the experience of Solomon and the queen of Sheba. Day after day students from the Technical School come to the building to inquire of Elder Babcock concerning the technique of the construction. Bringing their books and mathematical instruments, they ask how this and that angle have been obtained, and the rules for finding the same. Several carpenters have voluntarily offered themselves to work on the building, in order that they may receive instruction concerning short and exact methods of work.

Our school now has an enrolment of sixty, and there is an increase occurring weekly. It may be observed that we have made no effort to obtain students, but there is a tendency on the part of the people to send their children to this school, even taking them from other schools, because they believe that the training received by the children is of a substantial nature. A gentleman in the city told me a few days ago that if we had a boarding-school, he would gladly send one of his sons to live with us. This remark was made by him spontaneously, without any request on my part for his child to attend school. We are endeavoring to fit the students to become workers for Jesus; for we know that soon—and very soon—children must witness where persons of mature age can not go.

The work to be done now is to retain and increase the present interest, and develop the minds of the people to a point of decision in favor of the truth. Just now meetings are being held in a place on the outskirts of the city, and a good interest is manifested. Some have requested that Bible readings be given them at home, and I am visiting such weekly. May the Lord guide and direct us in this work, so that no mistakes may be made for which regret must be afterward felt.

I hope that our call for a teacher may be speedily answered, and that soon we shall be able to report more encouragingly concerning the efforts that are now put forth. L. W. BROWNE.