p. 15 | Our Matabeleland Missions by W. S. Hyatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 29, 1906

Our Matabeleland Missions

By W. S. Hyatt

Recently I spent several weeks with our missions in Matabeleland. The work is going forward, and there are many encouraging omens. It is true that Satan is doing his best to close up the way before us, but the message is spreading, and its influence is being felt. We now have a number of young men who are getting an education that is fitting them for service wherever we may place them.

Several of these young men have a longing to go to their people and labor among them. Brother Anderson having found the parents of Jim, a native teacher at the Solusi Mission, we have sent him to Barotseland to work among his people. Young men from Nyassaland and Zululand are anxiously waiting for the time to come when they can return to their home lands and engage in giving the truth to the people.

A chief from north of the Zambesi came to the Somabula Mission searching for a missionary and teachers to enter his country. We were sorry that we could not enter this open door at once, but promised to do so as soon as the rainy season is over. Surely, Ethiopia is reaching out her hands to us for the bread of life.

Financially our missions are in the best condition they have been for several years. They are now well stocked with cows which yield good returns. At Solusi there was raised and sold three hundred and fifty bags of corn at one pound a bag. Besides this a large amount of food was raised at both missions, placing them in a good condition. We are thankful that the outlook for the finances is so good, considering the hard times through which this country is passing.

While at Somabula we had the privilege of baptizing eight young people. These have been in connection with the mission for three or four years, and are well established in the truth. At Solusi we baptized nine young men. It greatly encourages our brethren to know that the truth finds responsive hearts among these young natives.

Having my magic lantern with me, I gave several exhibitions during my visit. The natives were deeply impressed, as they had never seen anything of the kind before. They may not know how to read a book, but they do know how to read a picture understandingly. Some came several miles to attend the services. We feel sure that a lantern would be a great help to any mission, since it attracts the people, and thus enables the missionary to present the gospel to them. I firmly believe that every honest means, such as the lantern and music, should be provided and used in this work of reaching the African native.

W. S. HYATT.