Malamulo Mission by Joel C. Rogers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1907

Malamulo Mission

By Joel C. Rogers

The New Name

JOEL C. ROGERS

When our mission in Nyassaland was first opened, it was called Plainfield Mission. That was in the year 1902. It is situated at Cholo, British Central Africa.

This mission had been conducted by the Seventh-day Baptists for three or four years, and was named after their headquarters at Plainfield, N. J.

On reaching this field, I learned from the natives that among them this mission is widely known as the Sabbath Mission, in distinction from the missions where Sunday is observed. It occurred to me that some name indicating a prominent feature of our faith would be better than its present name. One well understood by the natives would also be desirable.

Taking the New Testament in the Nyanja,—the universal tongue of British Central Africa,—I looked for words on the coming of Christ, the Sabbath, the commandments, etc. The single word which seemed best to meet the requirements is Malamulo. It means the commandments. This word is found in Rev. 14:12: “Pano pali chiriro cha oyera mtima, cha iwo akusunga malamulo a Mulungu, ndi chikhulupiriro cha Yesu.”

The phrase malamulo a Mulungu means the commandments of God. The same word “malamulo” is used both for the verb and for the noun of command, also for the word “law” in all its forms. Thus it is one of the most common words in the Bible. It is found in the native New Testament more than two hundred and thirty times. The Old Testament, in which it is so much used, is now being translated into the native tongues of British Central Africa. The same word is used for civil laws and commands. We earnestly asked God to give us a name for our mission which would be favorably received by the people. We believe he has given us the right name.

We find some things to encourage us as we learn more of this land and the people. Brethren and sisters, you are supporting this mission with your money. We are thankful for such support. We are about to open a training-school for native teachers. Our Cholo school consists mostly of small children with their fathers and mothers. We must continue this school, and open new ones like it. But our urgent need just now is teachers trained in the truths of the message. We are having calls for teachers frequently. We must have a new station for training them. Our present station reaches but one tribe, and that an inferior tribe. Our main station and school for teachers must be in the heart of the country, so it will reach the other tribes which are the superior ones. We need much wisdom for opening this new school. Will you please pray for these definite things?—

That the Nyassa people may inquire after this message;

That wisdom be given us in opening the new school;

That native young men who will make good teachers be given us;

That God will help us to learn the language quickly;

That our health may be preserved for the work.

Cholo, British Central Africa.