The Work in South Africa by W. S. Hyatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 26, 1906

The Work in South Africa

By W. S. Hyatt

It was my privilege to spend two weeks, during the month of March, at the Kolo Mission, Basutoland. Brother and Sister Chaney have worked faithfully to carry forward the work in this field. They have been not only missionaries, but medical missionaries among the people. They have cleansed and dressed many terrible sores, and treated, by means of simple methods, those who were sick and suffering. In every lawful way they have tried to gain the confidence of the people, that they might bring the gospel to them. Slowly but surely the work is advancing, and its influence is being felt among the Basuto people.

Since our mission was located at Kolo, several other schools have been opened near by, consequently the attendance at our school is not large. But something is being accomplished. During my visit, two young men who were attending the mission school decided to keep the Sabbath. Many of the native people are being troubled over the Sabbath question. Recently several chiefs have been inquiring after light on this subject.

Last year Brother Chaney spent a few weeks doing colporteur work among both Europeans and natives. In less than two months he sold seven hundred and fifty dollars' worth of our books, and gave away a large number of tracts. He has planned to spend more time in this work during the present year. Many of the natives can read, and can thus learn the truth from the printed page.

Another colporteur wagon has been started in Cape Colony, that we may reach the scattered farmers and natives. Elder G. W. Shone, with Brother R. Moko to assist him, has charge of this work. They will sell and distribute literature and hold meetings wherever there is an opportunity to do so. We are sure that this is one of the best ways to reach the partially educated natives of these districts.

The Cape Conference has three colporteur wagons at present. These are working in the thinly populated districts and in those sections that are not of easy access. Our field is large, and the people are scattered, but the truth must go into the “highways and hedges.” These wagons are trying to search out every dark corner, and let the light of truth shine into it.

In the Orange River Colony the message is spreading among all classes. Recently two of our young brethren were visiting some friends who lived at quite a distance. While visiting these friends they heard of some earnest Christian people in that vicinity, and called upon them. After a short talk, they gave the people a few tracts, and went their way. To-day four families are rejoicing in the truth as the result of that visit.

Our brethren in that colony, having a burden for the souls of their servants, began to hold meetings with the natives living near, with the result that several have begun to keep the Sabbath, and ten or twelve have been baptized. A well-educated native teacher has recently accepted the truth. He is a Basuto, but is now teaching the Zulu, hence understands both languages. We hope he may be a help in our native work.

Reports from the ministers and missionaries are of an encouraging nature. Elder Edmed has held a series of tent-meetings in Pretoria, and twenty-five have accepted the truth. A tent-meeting is being conducted by Brethren Groenewald and Olmsted in the Cape Colony Conference, and good reports have been received. Elder Hankins is conducting a mission in Cape Town. A few are interested, and fruit is beginning to appear.

W. S. HYATT.