Opening in Natal, South Africa
“The following is culled from a recent letter from Elder W. S. Hyatt, president of the South African Conference:— During my stay of seven weeks in Natal, I visited Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Gray Town, and also an American mission station twenty miles south of Durban. I had been in Maritzburg but a few days when I had openings for five evening cottage meetings or Bible readings each week. From ten to twenty persons were usually in attendance. Fourteen were keeping the Sabbath, some of whom had recently begun its observance; and there were others from Johannesburg who needed further instruction in the truth. This I gave them, and left them all united. One became interested, and accepted the truth during my stay. Several others are investigating, and we hope that Brother Schmidt, through the blessing of God and the help of the brethren, will be able fully to establish these. About three years ago, a gentleman from this place went to Germany on account of ill health, and took a course of treatment, which cured him. He studied the methods, and upon his return began to give treatments. Soon there was a demand for a building. This he bought, and can now accommodate sixteen or eighteen persons. His building is full, and many others come to him for treatment. Through the providence of God, Brother Schmidt, a young man who went to Maritzburg to canvass, was invited to hold Bible studies at his place, for the benefit of the patients. The gentleman himself and one of his assistants accepted the truth. In every part of Natal I find that hundreds are becoming interested in these treatments and in the subject of health. I was invited to go to Durban and deliver an address on this subject. Some of the leading men of this place are adopting hygienic principles, the editors of two of the principal papers being of the number. About seventy-five were present at the lecture, and gave good attention. They are starting treatment rooms and a vegetarian restaurant. They have sent for nuts and a mill, and are making nut butter. They have also sent to Battle Creek for samples of the foods, hoping to make some of them here. I never before witnessed such enthusiasm on the subject. They want some one to teach them the fundamental principles. We ought to be in that field to instruct them. There should also be a good, wise man to teach the truth. Little or no prejudice exists against Seventh-day Adventists. I regard this as one of the best openings to begin work I have ever seen, and I feel that either Elder Hankins or myself must return in a few weeks. While there I met a minister who has been in the colony for many years. He has preached for two denominations, but now has an independent church. He is said to be a fine old man, but peculiar in his views. I compared views with him, and found that he believes all the leading features of our faith—the Sabbath, nature of man, baptism, coming of the Lord, the two judgments one thousand years apart, etc. He says that he has hoped that God would send some one to raise up a Sabbath-keeping church. I preached seven sermons for him. Twice he told me that he must soon discontinue the work, and he would be glad if I could take his flock and care for them. Several of them already believe the Sabbath. I was offered the use of his church whenever I wished it. Here is another wonderful opening. I think that this field will support a minister from this time forward. All accept the tithing, and take joyfully the spoiling of their goods for Christ’s sake. An expense fund is being raised to meet emergencies. The Sabbath-school contributions were over nine pounds last quarter. On the last Sunday I baptized seven persons—three men, three women, and a girl of seventeen, who is in the canvassing work, and doing well. Thus the Lord has opened a door for us. During my stay in Natal I preached ten sermons, gave thirty Bible readings, made thirty family visits, and Brother Schmidt and I together took fifty-three subscriptions for the Sentinel, besides a club of twenty-four. Now is the time to work in this colony, but it will be a long time before we can do much in Orange River Colony or in the Transvaal. I am sorry the work has to stop in Natal. We ought to have a minister and two or three laborers who can canvass and do Bible work, and a man to start the health work.