South Africa by M. J. Sturdevant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

South Africa

By M. J. Sturdevant

BULUWAYO.—I am glad to hear of the interest that is being felt by our people in America in regard to fields abroad. Elder Reaser and others have been writing, also, in regard to helping some of our native teachers, and have sent us help for four. And it is a help, too, you may be sure.

The four seasons I have been here have been so poor that we have not been able to raise sufficient crops to support our mission without help; neither can we this year, though we planted a large crop. The yield will compare with about half of what we would have in the States.

The work here is truly being blessed of God. The spiritual condition of our little flock has been very encouraging for months in the past. This is not to say we have no battles, for we do have, and some severe ones; but Christ is our

helper, and we are learning to trust him. I am teaching the children that we must not look to our weakness, but to the Source of our strength. We know his presence is with us.

As for the school work, all things considered, I do not see how we could expect more. I feel very much encouraged. I regret that I can not do more for the children. No little part of the time I am called away to look after the business matters of the mission, as my wife and I are the only workers here now; yet we are doing all we know how, feeling that the time is short in which to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord, and desiring to hasten the young teachers to the front. We now have a class of ten or twelve preparing for baptism. We expect the rite will be administered soon. There are as many others, but we thought best to have them wait a while until they grow a little older, and stronger in the faith.

Besides the mission school, we have four out-schools, which are doing good work, though the attendance is not what we could hope for.

M. J. STURDEVANT.