p. 17 | British East Africa by THOS. H. BRANCH.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 3, 1904

British East Africa

By THOS. H. BRANCH.

CHOLO.—I am truly sorry to write the sad word that Brother Watson is dead. Of course you know it ere this. He passed peacefully away after a fortnight’s illness of fever, Friday, December 11, at 5 A. M. Our hearts were made very sad to stand by that bedside and say good-by for a while to him who had come so recently to labor in this field. All was done that could be done to relieve his suffering, and to restore him to health, but we were called to bow our heads in humble submission to the will of a kind and loving Heavenly Father, who doeth all things well. We laid him to rest at the setting of the sun, in a beautiful green grove near the mission house.

“Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding O’er the spoils that Death has won, We would, at this solemn meeting, Calmly say, Thy will be done. Though cast down, we’re not forsaken; Though afflicted, not alone. Thou didst give, and thou hast taken. Blessed Lord, thy will be done.”

I am indeed glad that Providence has given us such a splendid location in this great continent—a most beautiful spot, and quite convenient. Although the mission is very well furnished for work, we are in great need of a church and school building. At present we are holding our church services and school in a store-room, which is very unsatisfactory. I would be glad if more of our people would come to this part of Africa, to work among this people who are in heathen darkness, to help lift them up to stand as men for God.

Many of the boys who were farthest advanced in English have left the station. Among them were several whom I baptized last April. They were all sorry to leave, and I was touched when one of them said to me, “Please give me a balata [letter] that reads, Charley is a Christian, and keeps the seventh-day Sabbath.” He said, “I shall show that to the people.” I could not help but think how often we fail to improve an opportunity to speak for Christ, when we might hand out a tract or paper, and draw the minds of the people to the message for this time.

A short time ago I visited a colored Baptist station forty miles from here. They are doing a good work. They have two American workers—a lady and a gentleman—and a native young man who was educated in America. The young lady has charge of the woman’s work, and is building a dormitory for girls. But notwithstanding all these advantages, many of the natives come to us, and ask to be taught here, because of the Sabbath.

I also visited several of the schools supported by this mission, and found them in good working condition, with steady young Christian native boys as teachers, who speak and write English well. I usually speak through an interpreter, although I am learning the language. My wife and daughter do well with the language, and the boys speak it very well, also quite a bit of the Yao tongue.

We are hoping to do much here in the strength of Christ. We are of good courage, and in good health.

THOS. H. BRANCH.