p. 15 | Latest News From German East Africa

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 21, 1904

Latest News From German East Africa

By Ludwig Richard Conradi

L. R. CONRADI

Our missionaries, Brethren J. Ehlers and A. C. Enns, left Naples for Africa, October 22, on the steamer “General,” of the German East African line. The weather was quite stormy, the first few days. Having sailed as steerage passengers in order to save what they could, they had rather an unpleasant time. They reached Mombasa, British East Africa, November 9. According to our wishes, the governor had written the brethren not to unload their things before they reached the capital, Dar-es-Salaam. They were able to land there November 12, and waited upon the governor the thirteenth. He received them very kindly, and offered them various propositions during the audience, which lasted about one hour and a half. One of the suggestions was that they establish a mission in the Pare Mountains, between Tanga and Kilima Njaro. Before they left, the governor gave them a very kind letter of introduction, which he himself wrote for them, recommending them to all the military stations in the colony, and asking that they be granted whatever assistance they might need, either by way of counsel in selecting a station, or with guides and carriers, or with soldiers to protect them in case of necessity. This is really more than we could have asked, and we believe it shows us, further, the kind providence of God in opening the way before us.

They again reached Tanga the eighteenth, and were just preparing to go into the Pare district where we last heard from them. Brother Enns writes that the country would seem almost like a paradise were it not for sin.

November 25 they cabled us, “Pare Mountains,” and as we had previously arranged for them to cable us as soon as they had selected a location, we conclude they had decided to locate there. The only railroad in the colony runs to Korogwe, fifty-five miles from the coast. From here they will have to travel about as many more miles on foot, through Usambara, until they reach the Pare Mountains. This range really consists of three sections—the north, the central, and the south—extending from south-east to northwest for ninety miles, and finally, in the northwestern part, forming the foothills to the highest peak in Africa, the snow-covered Kilima Njaro. The territory is ten miles wide, in its widest part. The hills are from two to six thousand feet high. The Usambara Mountains, which lie between the Pare Mountains and the coast, have proved to be one of the most healthful portions of East Africa, and the government has established a sort of sanitarium there. Several flourishing missions and prosperous plantations have been opened in this region. The Pare Mountain district seems to be quite well watered, and contains good timber and grazing land. It is also well settled. The tribe is called the Wapare, or the people of the Pare Mountains. The natives are said to be fairly industrious, and to carry on agriculture and cattle raising. Their principal productions are maize, legumes (especially beans), bananas, melons, sugar-cane, sweet potatoes, and tobacco. There is much iron in the territory, and there are many native smelting works.

We are thankful that thus far the Lord has gone before us. We shall soon have to take steps to re-enforce the mission with workers, and of course the erection of suitable mission buildings will call for a considerable outlay of means. We hope that our brethren in America, especially those who speak the German language, will take a deep interest in this mission to the heathen, and help it with their prayers, sympathies, and means, as the Spirit of God shall reveal to them their privilege in having a part in enlightening this dark corner of the vineyard. Watch the published subscription list, and send your offering to the Treasurer of the General Conference, 222 North Capitol St., Washington, D. C.

Hamburg, Germany.