Basutoland, Africa by J. M. Freeman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1902

Basutoland, Africa

By J. M. Freeman

KOLO, MAFETENG.—The work here is moving steadily onward. We are now able to get about the country more than previously. Indeed, the cart and horses have been out in the field carrying the message nearly the whole of the last three months. During one trip of nearly four weeks Brother Kalaka visited over twenty settled villages, and also a number of native teachers and preachers. He sold what he could of Sesuto “Steps,” “Coming of the Lord,” and the Sabbath pamphlet. This is his third week in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country. From notes I have received from him, it appears that he has had good openings.

In the meanwhile the work is going on at the mission. One woman is ready to be baptized as soon as her health permits, and a young man and woman have offered themselves as candidates for baptism. These receive instruction week by week, so that they may become fitted, by the help of the Lord. The day school has reopened after a rather long vacation. We have not as many pupils as when we started, but those in attendance now appear to be in earnest, and are getting along nicely. Some young men who began with the alphabet are now able to read, and some of the children are also learning English. We have aimed at making the school work a missionary enterprise from the beginning, and I am glad to see fruit from the effort.

At the service last Sunday I was moved to make a strong appeal to the people to give themselves to the Lord, and felt cheered when three girls of about twelve, fourteen, and sixteen years of age respectively, arose and offered themselves. These, together with the other two, are all members of the day school. The youngest girl was among the little company who, nearly two years ago, were touched by the Spirit and wanted to become Christians, but the parents interfered because they were afraid they would not be able to sell them for wives.

The Lord is good to let us see every now and then some fruit of our labor even here. In my travels in the country I also do what I can for the white people. Nearly all seem to appreciate my visits. And I have taken subscriptions for the South African Sentinel from several English-reading natives. All whom I have seen appreciate the paper. I commend the work here to your continual prayers. J. M. FREEMAN.