South Africa by M. C. Sturdevant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1907

South Africa

By M. C. Sturdevant

BULUWAYO.—We are glad to hear from the home field, and to learn of the progress there. The reports are cheering to us. And we can report only progress here. Our health remains good, though we become very weary at times with the amount of work for which we are responsible.

We are glad to say that help has been sent us. A young Brother Ellingworth, from the Claremont School, is here now, and is taking right hold. I have given him the larger share of the school work, so I can go into the field and help the ‘boys put in the crop, as our rains have come, and we can begin digging again. We have a little planted, and it is coming up. But swarms of locusts are in the country this year, and are coming this way. Before breakfast I went to the back of the field, and at the end of our peanut patch, just outside of the fence, were the locusts as the sands of the sea. They will be in the field before night. I tell you, the heart of man trembles in this country. What is coming next we know not. “Only we do know,” the Deliverer is “even at the door.” What more will it take to convince the world?

The natives are flocking to the mountains, with their beer and other things to offer to Satan, pleading his mercy, and begging him to remove the locusts. O we are slow to carry the knowledge of the true God to this darkened people! Last year it was not the locusts, but the drought. Nevertheless we had the best crop of any year since our arrival; and having had a good market this year, we have come out quite well. Our mission is out of debt, and to the present we have all our needs supplied.

Our school is doing nicely. There are as many children in the home as we can well care for, and a good spirit generally prevails. The church and Sabbath-school work are also onward, with a good attendance every Sabbath. Recently nine dear young men were buried with their Lord in baptism. It was a good day for us. After Sabbath-school we all went to the river two miles away, where assembled two hundred or more natives, Elder Hyatt, Brother Sparrow and family, with ourselves. Elder Hyatt and Brother Sparrow preached to the people, and I administered the rite. A good impression seemed to be left on all. We have never had a class better instructed than these, I am sure. They had had an opportunity to know just what they were doing. Many others desired to be baptized, but we thought it best they should wait a while longer.

We are glad to learn that Brother Branch has help. The tidings also from British East Africa cheer us. O the many places that should be opened! It seems we are so slow entering. Yet how thankful we are for what is being done. May God stir us to more faithfulness.

M. C. STURDEVANT.