p. 12 | LIVINGSTONIA, AFRICA by W. H. Anderson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Oct 18, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 42.

LIVINGSTONIA, AFRICA.

By W. H. Anderson

[From the Welcome Visitor.]

I AM here on the north bank of the Zambesia River, camping under a big tree. We will remain here a week, loading our wagon, buying oxen, and getting ready to “trek” to the north.

As you have undertaken to support one of our helpers here, I thought you might be interested in him. His name is Detja. He belongs to the Makallanga tribe. He tells me he was born the year before the army raided on Lake Ngami the first time. That is the only way they have of telling their age. One was born when they raided one tribe, another when they raided another place. That would make his age about twenty-three years. He is a natural linguist. He speaks Tabele, Sekalanga, Sesuto, Secuana, Zulu, Sekololo, and Batonga. I have him with me as an interpreter. He was with me when I was in this country before. I never had a more faithful boy. When I was sick he watched me and cared for me like a mother would a child, and I can not describe the gratitude that shone in his face when he saw that I was recovering. He anticipates my every want and is very attentive. He is dull in his studies and does not advance as rapidly as some of the others. He was baptized two years ago and has led a consistent Christian life ever since. His Bible is his constant companion, and he is very studious.

His earliest recollection was to see all the men of his village killed for witchcraft by order of the Matabele king. He was sold as a slave. When he grew up he ran away from his master and went to work for the white man. He had a position and was getting twenty dollars a month when he entered our school. I asked him what led him to give up his work and come to the school. He said that he had a school near his place and he had heard the old men talk about it. Some said that the old way was the best way and that they must not leave it. Others said that the God of the white man must be superior to that of the black man, as the white man had better things than they had. Then they told him that the Book contained God's words to us. He had been deceived by the white man and the black man, but he was sure that God would not deceive him. So he came to the school to learn about God. He is now going to give himself for the work among the Batokas.

He asks little wages, only that he may have plain food and little clothing. He told me yesterday that he wanted to lay up his wages in heaven so he would have something coming when Jesus comes. He said if he drew it all now he would have nothing when He came, and he did not want that. He wanted to have some treasure laid up for himself in heaven.

Dear young people, can we not learn something from this boy? He does not want to consume all upon himself. He can get twenty dollars a month any time that he wants to go from me, but he prefers to work for the Lord for seven dollars a month, to serving self for twenty. This is the spirit of Christ. May we lay all upon the altar to be used as God sees best, and be willing that He shall direct us in all things.

Good-by for this time. Let me hear from you often. I will write to you as I have time. May God bless you and keep you all true and devoted to Him is my prayer. Your brother in Christ, W. H. ANDERSON.

Kalomo, N. W. Rhodesia, Africa.