Visit to Basutoland by W. S. Hyatt

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1903

Visit to Basutoland

By W. S. Hyatt

For three years I have desired to see Basutoland, and visit our mission, which is under the supervision of Elder J. M. Freeman. Our first work for the Basutos was by Elder S. N. Haskell. He made a short visit to the country, and, needing an interpreter, secured the service of David Kalaka, who is an educated native. During the short visit of but a few days, seeds of truth were sown in his heart that brought forth fruit.

Brother Kalaka labored alone for over a year; but was continually pleading for help. Finally the South African Conference decided that help must be sent. We had several seasons of earnest prayer, in which we sought God to direct us to the right man, and place the burden upon him to go. When Brother Freeman was asked to go, we learned that the burden for that field had been resting heavily upon him for some time, and from that day forth he has never doubted his call to the work.

The Lord gave him favor with the paramount chief, and a site was chosen at the foot of Mt. Kolo. The view is a beautiful one, as it stretches across a fine strip of rolling country. The location is not far from the Orange River Colony, and during the war the columns of men moving to and fro could be seen easily by the aid of a field-glass. During the siege of Wepener, the roar of the cannon and the bursting of the shells could be distinctly heard.

From Aliwal North we traveled by cart, and passed through a portion of the old Free State, close to where Gen. De Wet operated so largely. Ruins are to be seen everywhere. The walls of houses which were made of brick or stone are usually standing; but all the lumber in them has been torn out, and used for fuel. The village of Rouxville was vacated, and when the people returned, they found everything destroyed except the walls of their houses. One reason for this, no doubt, is that there are no trees in the country except the few about the houses.

God has blessed the work of the little mission. When the work began, the people were heathen; but now there is a nice company of all ages, who have an intelligent faith in Jesus. They understand all the leading points of present truth, and it is a real pleasure to preach the word to them, and hear them sing songs of praise to our God.

Sabbath morning the building was well filled,—it will seat about a hundred,—and as the Sabbath hymn was begun, the Spirit of God filled many hearts with joy, and tears flowed freely. I enjoyed great liberty as I presented to them the power of Christ to liberate and keep free from the bondage of sin.

On Sunday the Lord came near to us. The village chief and several of the leading men were present, and as the word was spoken, the Holy Spirit carried it home to them with power. In response to our invitation, over thirty expressed a desire to become Christians. Many good testimonies were given, and we felt that the day was well spent. The last Sabbath I was with them we celebrated the Lord's supper. It was a privilege to be with them, and see the deep interest taken by all.

I was pleased to see the advancement made by the children in the school. A son of Brother Kalaka is teaching them. There are about thirty-five in attendance, and several of these are young

men. The heart of the most skeptical would be changed if they could see the great work done for these poor heathen children. In the past a few have been taught the English language, but in the future all are to be taught it; and I expect by the time I visit them again, they will be able to read and use the Sabbath-school lesson in the Little Friend. The English government encourages the teaching of English in all the schools.

In some sections schools are plentiful, while in others there are but few. For seventy years the French Protestants have been in the field, and have done a good work. They often ask us why we came to Basutoland, why we do not go farther on into the interior. Gladly would we do so if they would preach the “gospel of the kingdom” in all its fullness; but as they will not, we must go to the people with the special truth for this time. Brother Murray Kalaka is soon to start another school. Brother Kalaka takes the ponies and cart and travels about, selling our books and tracts. He does real colporteur work. The message is onward, and erelong we may be able to send educated natives to Barotseland to labor, since the same language is spoken by them. Brethren, pray for the missionaries.

W. S. HYATT.