ABOUT three months before the mission was opened here at Tsungwesi, Joel Chirano had a dream in which he was shown that if he wanted to be saved, he must go to school and become a Christian. This matter weighed heavily upon him; and just about the time the workers were opening this mission, he and another young man started out in search of a mission school.
They first applied at a Catholic mission; but a certain tuition was asked of them, which they were unable to give. Leaving that place, they traveled westward about sixty miles. Their course brought them near our place; but they passed by, knowing nothing of the mission here. After going some distance,20Joel’s friend was stricken with a severe pain in his limbs, and they were obliged to stop. They were much disappointed at this, as another day’s walk would have brought them to the mission that had been recommended to them. Now they must go back, for Joel must take his friend home. The boys and girls here want to be at home when they are sick, the same as in other lands.
Tanganyika Mission Home
Securing the services of another young man, they started back. After they had come some distance this way, the pain suddenly disappeared, and the friend exclaimed: “Why, I am all right now! The pain is gone!” Joel was provoked at this, and said: “What do you mean? You have been deceiving me all the time.” But his friend affirmed that he had actually been suffering, and that now the pain had left as suddenly as it began.
They stopped for the night at a kraal near. Here they met a man who had just come from our mission. He told them all about the new mission here. Joel was much interested in all that was said, and especially what was told them with reference to the Sabbath. He decided to visit the mission at once, and was favorably impressed with all he saw. He soon returned to school, bringing his friend with him. These two young men, together with a small boy who had accompanied our workers from the Solusi Mission, were the first students to come to our school here at Tsungwesi.
Joel made rapid progress in his studies; and as the wonderful Bible truths were taught to him, he readily responded. He was baptized at the end of the first year. As he told us the story, he said, “O, how I do rejoice at the way the Lord has led me!” For nearly three years, Joel has been teaching in the school; and for nearly two years, he has been preaching. He has had several remarkable experiences, and we cannot but feel that God is working for him.
