p. 8 | Our Matabele Mission by W. H. Anderson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 3, 1903

Our Matabele Mission

By W. H. Anderson

W. H. ANDERSON

MANY of the boys have been at work on the farm. They have been harvesting the peas, mealies, and peanuts. We have cut part of the mealie stalks for forage, and put them on a rack so that the white ants can not get to them. This seemed necessary this year as there has been little rain fall, and we need to save all the feed we can for the stock.

We have sold two more cows and fourteen goats. The cows were sold in harmony with the recommendation of the South African Union Committee, at fifteen dollars each. The cattle disease is gradually drawing nearer, and we are holding our animals in readiness to sell if it is necessary, to save them from dying on our hands. We can sell the goats at a good profit now, and buy more later at a lower price.

We have torn down Elder Sturdevant’s house, as the white ants were in it so bad that he was afraid it would not bear the roof. In many places the walls were badly eaten, and the roof was completely wrecked. We shall use cement in the first few layers of brick, and so have an ant-proof house. We were promised a mason last week to do the building, but he disappointed us, and I do not know now when we can get another one. We are trying in everything to do permanent work, so that it will not have to be repeated in a short time.

The work of building Jim’s house is progressing slowly on account of repeated attacks of fever. He has not been able to throw off the fever this year, although the season is far advanced.

Five new boys have entered the school this month, and three have left. Those who left refused to submit to the discipline of the school.

The advanced class in Bible is finishing the book of Genesis. The second class is studying the twelfth chapter of the Acts. The third class is studying the sermon on the mount.

May 17 we were called to mourn the loss of one of our native teachers. Umby first attended the school at Umkupuvula in 1899, taught by Brother J. A. Chaney. Here he learned to read, and expressed desire to serve the Lord. Two years later he joined the training school at the home station to fit himself for the Master’s work. After two years, partly in school, and partly in the kraals, teaching, he laid off the burden, and is resting in Jesus.

He was taken with fever on Friday night. Evening after the Sabbath I gave him treatment, and he said that he was comfortable when I left him at half-past ten o’clock. I did not think him seriously ill, as his fever had not been more than 103. Sunday morning he walked around. I saw him at nine thirty, and he complained of severe pain in the back of the head and neck. At about one o’clock a noise was heard in his hut, and on going in, he was found in a spasm. We did all we could for him, but he never regained consciousness. He died at 4:30 P. M.

We miss him in the school, in the Sabbath-school, on the farm, and from the kraal work. God knows best, and we bow in submission to his will. I think he died from malarial poison.

The spiritual interest is extending and opening. At the same time some are sifting out. On the part of some there is a fixed determination that, come what will, they will serve the Lord. We try to make every day a “day’s march nearer home.” A good spirit prevails in the boarding school, and we thank God daily for what we see and hear among the students. There is a unity among us that means much for the work here. We are all of good courage in the Lord, and are willing to give all there is of us to advance the work.

I am getting ready for my trip to Barotseland. I expect to start in about four weeks. I can not start later, as I must be back when the rains begin in November.

Mrs. Anderson is not well, but manages to be about and to carry on her work. Brother and Sister Sturdevant are well.