South Africa by Oliver W. Tickton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

South Africa

By Oliver W. Tickton

KIMBERLEY.—During the past twenty-seven months I have been engaged in canvassing for our publications, taking subscriptions for our papers, selling Bibles, giving Bible readings, and holding meetings, just as the way opened. The Lord abundantly blessed my wife and myself in this work.

A few months ago, at the invitation of the South African Conference, I visited several of the refugee camps, selling our publications and Bibles, and holding meetings as opportunity afforded. In these camps I found several who were hungering for the truth, and willing to read and investigate for themselves. Before leaving the camps, I distributed several thousand copies of Zions Vaktare and suitable tracts.

The white population of Kimberley numbers about forty thousand, and the native population nearly one hundred thousand. Most of the white people and many of the natives speak English. In this place we have only four workers. We have now several interested in the truth. The baths have accomplished much good, but there are many cases which they do not reach. We sorely need a visiting nurse to work with the people in their homes. I have met several persons, while canvassing and visiting, who have in some way transgressed the laws of health, and who would gladly welcome a nurse in their homes. This would do much to overcome prejudice. This would be a favorable opening for a consecrated worker. The climate, though very trying in the summer, is all that could be desired in the winter.

Recently while canvassing, I was received very kindly by a woman who was in great distress about her daughter, who was suffering from St. Vitus's dance. and eager to learn. Another great need of this field is a doctor. We have not a doctor in the whole of South Africa. Several have asked me why we did not have one.

Before closing I must relate one more precious experience. A few weeks ago it was my privilege to go to Taungs, about ninety miles north of Kimberley. In this little village, which has about one hundred inhabitants, resides one of our sisters. She has indeed been letting her light shine. Every Protestant in the village I canvassed gave me an order for "Great Controversy," while several Catholic families bought "Christ Our Saviour" and "Gospel Primer." I found a deep interest there. I was privileged to hold two public meetings. About twenty-five were present at each meeting. By special request, I took up the Sabbath question. The Spirit of the Lord was present to bless. As a result of these meetings, one young lady has decided to keep the Bible Sabbath. Several are convicted, and are anxious to walk in the light, but at present they see too many crosses. May the Lord help them to choose whom they will serve. With few exceptions, all in the village belong to the Church of England, the established church. Just prior to my coming, the minister had warned his congregation not to have anything to do with us. And so the good work goes on; and I can only repeat the Macedonian cry, "Come over . . . and help us." "Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." OLIVER W. TICKTON.