British Central Africa by Mrs. Thomas Branch

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1902

British Central Africa

By Mrs. Thomas Branch

CHOLO.—In company with our co-laborers, Brother Joseph Booth, his wife and little daughter, we sailed from Southampton on the “R. M. S. Saxon,” June 28, 1902, for our future field of labor in British Central Africa.

We sailed over a smooth sea for sixteen days, and arrived at Cape Town, South Africa. There we were met by Elders Reaser and Hyatt, who gave us a hearty welcome, and made our two days’ stay a very pleasant one. Cape Town is a beautiful place, with a large number of natives. A vast amount of missionary work needs to be done there.

Our next stop was at Durban, Natal, where we stayed for a week. While here, we had the pleasure of attending two services of the Zulus. Although they have not the light of the third angel’s message, their devotion, according to their light, is marvelous. No work is being done for the natives.

During our long and interesting journey we had varied experiences, some of them being very pleasant. We trust that all were profitable; we endeavored to make them stepping-stones to the kingdom, remembering that it is written, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

At Chinde, East Africa, situated at the mouth of the Zambesi River, we were detained nine days by the British consul, because we were educated Afro-American missionaries. Brother Booth remained three days with us, working zealously to get the detention removed, but without success. Then he proceeded to Cholo to take possession of the mission. After the expiration of nine days we were permitted to proceed up the river. We left Chinde on the 14th of August, and arrived in Cholo on the 29th.

We were glad to reach our destination, where we were heartily received by Brother Booth and the natives, who were out to meet us in large numbers. Cholo is a beautiful place, situated among the mountains, three thousand feet above sea level. Many beautiful trees, flowers, and fruits cover the plains and mountains. Yet the marks of sin are visible everywhere.

This is indeed a needy field. It is the duty of Christian mothers to teach these heathen mothers what home is, and what are the duties thereof. They seem anxious and willing to learn. It needs only the wisdom and love of God in the heart to begin with them.

We have a flourishing school of about forty, some of whom are women and children, but the greater number are young men.

We are all in good health and of good courage. Our desire is to work until He comes whose right it is to reign.

Mrs. THOMAS BRANCH.