p. 20 | Kaffirland Mission by W. S. Hyatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 13, 1906

Kaffirland Mission

By W. S. Hyatt

For a long time our brethren have been deeply impressed that we should have a mission in Kaffirland. This section was one of the first in South Africa to be entered by missionaries. Thousands of its people have been educated, more or less, and some of them have accepted the truth for these last days. But there are a large number of heathen natives even in the most favored parts. These are called the “red kaffir” because they paint their faces with red clay, which makes them look very hideous.

Nearly two years ago we began to search for a farm upon which to open mission work for this people. As all the country, except small portions reserved for the natives, has been taken by farmers, the government will not give us a farm for mission purposes. The price of land is so high that we found it impossible to purchase a farm and equip it with our small amount of funds. Our brethren in South Africa have raised over two thousand dollars for this purpose, but two thousand dollars does not go very far in this country, where prices are so high.

Learning that Brother Charles Sparrow had bought a large farm twenty-five miles northeast of Grahamstown, lying near some of the reserved land where there are a large number of natives, we were led to consider whether this might not be a good place for a mission. Accordingly we interviewed Brother Sparrow and found him quite willing to furnish us with a small farm on very reasonable terms. In fact, he had been impressed that we might want a portion of his farm for this purpose. A committee was chosen to visit the place, and after careful consideration, came to the conclusion that it was best for us to open work there.

The mission farm contains about four hundred and fifty acres. We have taken it on a lease of ten years, with the privilege of renewing it if we so desire. We are to pay twelve pounds the first year and twenty pounds each year thereafter. Then, too, Brother Sparrow offers to graze twenty head of cattle and twelve ostriches for us on his pasture lands, as a continual donation toward the support of the mission. If we can invest the amount of two years’ rent in ostriches and cattle, then the cost of the farm is assured to us, as the income from the cattle and birds will return this to us under ordinary circumstances.

This mission is but a few miles from the coast of the Indian Ocean, and the country is very healthful. On the hill above the house several miles of the ocean coast can be seen. There is an abundance of good water, also building stone and firewood. Elder G. W. Shone is now there and in charge of the work, and his hands are full in preparing to build and in putting in the spring crops. As we can not afford to employ much help, the work will necessarily move quite slowly for a time. We thank God that one more center has been established from which the light of truth will shine out to the natives of Africa.

W. S. HYATT.