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British Central Africa

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 11, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 41.

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British Central Africa

By Thomas H. Branch

NYASSALAND.—Some of our boys have been with us nearly three years, and they are striving hard to learn to read the English Bible, as there are only parts of the New Testament translated, and those are very faulty. A few of our boys, with a little help, translate very nicely. One has translated several songs from the “Gospel Song Sheaf.” One of the songs is “Would you know why I love Jesus?” I wish you could hear them sing it. I am sure it would do you good, for they sing it heartily, and with deep feeling.
The work for the people is moving slowly; but I am encouraged, for I can see the hand of the Lord in it in many ways. I have a large class studying for baptism. The women are beginning to read the Bible, and are interested as they have not been before. A goodly number of them are in the baptismal class. They are so delighted that they can read the Bible that they often sit up far into the evening, a thing not common for women. True, in the villages, when there is a dance or beer-drink, they sit up all night; but at a mission they retire early.
We have three little girls who were the slaves, but ran away from their masters, and sought protection at the mission. We are caring for them and teaching them to work, and they attend school. I believe that God is sending many of these young people to be trained for his service; for erelong, in this dark land that has waited so long, God will do a great work in breaking the bands of sin, and letting the prisoners go free, through the belief and faith in the blood of Jesus. Then we shall see the lost ones, who are now in the dark corners of the earth, coming to the light. I am glad to hear of the onward march of the message, and of its taking hold of the people in German East Africa and other remote portions of the earth. Praise the Lord! This is, indeed, his doing.
At this writing we are all well, and are pushing on with the work. We need your prayers that God will give us wisdom to carry forward his work, to the blessing of many, and the glory of his name.
THOMAS H. BRANCH.