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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 8, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 45.

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West Africa

By D. C. Babcock

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE.— One of our boys who has been with us ever since we began work on the mission building, was called home about two months ago, on account of the death of his brother. He lives about one hundred miles back from Freetown, and we feared he would not return. He was learning to read, and we hoped to see him develop into a worker for the Lord among his people, the Mendies. He is the one I spoke of in a letter some time ago, the son of a late king. He is very bright, and when he went home, he said that he would take his book, and read for his mother. We gave him “Gospel Primer.” Last Monday whom should we see but Famboy returning, and his older brother with him! We soon found that he had studied his book since he left us, and had made some advancement.
He was very happy to get back. His brother is as bright as he is. Several other Mendi boys are anxious to come to our school, so they can learn to read. They take their lessons at night, as they work during the day to meet their expenses. Mrs. Babcock has a little school started by the request of an Austrian, who has been in the colony for more than fourteen years. They are Catholics; but he says that he would rather have his children under our instruction than to send them to the Catholic school.
By January 1 we hope to open a good school at the mission home. If we get the control of these Mendi boys, it will cost us something. In some way we must provide enough work for them to pay their way. We are now building a fence around the mission property, and the boys that work for us work at twelve shillings a month—about $2.88—and board themselves. Just as soon as we get the property enclosed, and all fitted up, I will try two or three of them in cultivating the soil, and at the same time teach them to read, and instruct them in the message we have for the world. I find we must bear long with their defects, and be very patient with them. Sometimes it is very trying. Lying and stealing is their nature. So far, we have gotten back everything they have stolen from us. Some days ago they took a steel crowbar, worth about five shillings. They said it was lost. I told them that it was not lost, and that they must not come back to work in the afternoon until they got it. In a little while the crowbar was at hand. These things look very discouraging. But when I think of the great light we have had, and compare it with what these poor heathen have received, and of our own sinful lives, I am ashamed.
A canvasser can do well in this field. For more than one thousand miles up and down this coast, there are excellent places for a good one. We are planning for a strong effort to be made for the public, as soon as we get a tent.
D. C. BABCOCK.