West Africa by D. C. Babcock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1907

West Africa

By D. C. Babcock

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE.—Beginning with August, Brother Browne will conduct a training-class in the points of present truth, three hours each day, in Freetown. This class will consist of young men who have embraced the truth and are preparing for the work. He will take them first to Waterloo, a town of three thousand population, and canvass it while they are carrying on their studies. The profits that at least some of them make will be applied on our church building.

This building is much appreciated by all. The cost of erection has been very small, considering the expense of building in this country. The cost of everything will be met by seven hundred and fifty dollars, and the seating capacity will be three hundred. I did not intend to build so large when I began. But when I laid the foundation, several prominent men visited me, and urged me to plan a larger house of worship. With a good mission house and a substantial church building, the people have evidence of success in the progress of our work.

Yesterday (July 20) our church was organized. We baptized seven to-day. Twenty members compose our first organization, and several others will soon be added. At least seventy-five per cent of our company are young men, from twenty-five to thirty years of age. Some have had excellent advantages in literary training, and are anxious to be fitted for the work.

A young man came to me yesterday after meeting, and said, "I wish to cast my lot with your people. My time expires next month, and I want to remain here in Africa, and work in this message." He was trained in the Kingston College, Jamaica. He learned the truth in this way: Brother Browne met a young man, a trainer in gymnastics for the battalion. He accepted the message, and at once went to work for this young friend. It seems that the Spirit of God is sending conviction to these young men's hearts. Fifty per cent of the army will soon disband, and many of our young men say they would rather work for the Lord than go back to home and friends. We came to the right place at the right time. It is God's providence.

D. C. BABCOCK.