British Central Africa
By Thos. H. Branch
PLAINFIELD MISSION, CHOLO.—This is a heathen land, where darkness abounds. Only the wisdom of God can make our work effectual. One needs often to prostrate himself before God, not only in the appointed times of prayer, but in the night season, when one can be alone with God, and can plead for wisdom to act in this most important time of earth's history, when eternal interests are at stake—yes, when men are dying all around us without a knowledge of God, and without even hearing of Christ, who died to save them from their sins. Many come to the mission to school, but all can not be taken in. I do not think it wise to take those who come, not from a love for knowledge, or a desire to learn of Christ, but for a good, comfortable place to stay and be cared for. This we can not know at a glance; it takes a little time to discover these. But since we have tried to find out those who really wish to learn, by requiring a certain amount of work for small pay, not a few have gone, among them some whom we really thought were most earnest. The reduction of the shillings was a true test. But we were not left without a good school, for this is a people who generally do not tarry long in one place; so as fast as some left, others came. Many of the boys would like to make an agreement to join with us in keeping the commandments of God if we would promise to keep them employed. But of course we can not make any such agreement. We are teaching them to trust God. I am teaching them daily the promises of God, and am leading them, gently and slowly, so they can see that to be hired to obey him is not serving him, but is serving man. This is one of the reasons why we have not organized a church here. But I believe there are a few who are storing up in their hearts this knowledge of God for eternity, and are even now trying to help others who are less favored. Some of the boys go out to the villages nearly every Sabbath, to tell what they have learned about the love of Jesus, and they have willing listeners to their simple narrative of the story of the cross, which is all so new to the villagers. I believe there will be many raised up to bear witness to the truth in this land of darkness, and I desire to be instrumental in the Lord's hand of doing what I can as long as he bids me labor. The farm work is moving on nicely. Our corn is gathered, and stored away in the nkokwe (cribs). We have a mission garden, and expect to try to make some little income for the mission. Of course this is a large estate, and the two hundred and fifty or three hundred acres I had under cultivation is nothing to that which is lying idle. A few natives are17living on the estate, but so many, many acres are unused. Notwithstanding the prevailing circumstances, the prospects are promising for a good work spiritually as well as temporarily. Our school is advancing, our village pupils are punctual and earnest. All the church services are well attended, and last Sabbath four precious souls followed their Lord in baptism, and others are anxiously waiting to do likewise. But I must first lead them by the written Word into the light of baptism, so they will not take this step in darkness.