The Matabele Mission by William Henry Anderson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 22, 1902

The Matabele Mission

By William Henry Anderson

On the first day of November we began our second farm school with those whom we had in training for teachers. We continued our study of the life of Christ which was begun in April. We used “The Desire of Ages” as a guide in our study, and in harmony with our plan, completed the book. The last week of the school, December 21–28, we devoted to prayer and consecration to God for his service in giving the gospel to those about us. The Lord came near, and all had a rich experience. At the close of these meetings, nine entered the school work as teachers. Our schools are prospering above our expectations. Already souls are being converted. The leaven is working, and we must soon enlarge our borders and increase our facilities to meet the demands. Natives are asking for teachers, but we have no more to send. We have several in training, but they are not ready yet. Ten have joined our training school since November 1, but much must be done for them before they can be sent out to represent the Master.

While I was away on the Zambesia trip, the father of one of our girls stole her away. She was an earnest Christian and an efficient teacher. She had been with us for years. Her father, who is a very wicked man, took her to sell her to a man for his wife. Her life will be

practically that of a slave to the man and his older wives. There will be no opportunity for Christian privileges, and her Bible will be denied her and her life become threatened if she attempts to run away. I am quite sure she would be killed if she were caught in an attempt to return to us.

Satan is aroused, and is combating the work with great energy. This gives us courage, for we know that it means that God is working for souls, and that subjects are transferring their allegiance to God.

The boys in the school planted a small garden this year. We hope in this way to raise some grain, which will aid in their support.

At present, about twenty natives come in each morning from the farm, and are taught by Lena Mead. At 10 A. M. the natives in our home attend school. Mrs. Anderson teaches these, assisted by two native teachers. This means very heavy work for Mrs. Anderson, and it is telling on her strength; but until some one comes to do this work, I do not see how we can arrange it differently. I hope we may have help soon. Our offerings for the week of prayer amounted to fifteen pounds (seventy-five dollars).

W. H. ANDERSON.

Feb. 20, 1902.