Isaac Xiba by MRS. T. J. GIBSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 11, 1914

Isaac Xiba

By MRS. T. J. GIBSON

MRS. T. J. GIBSON

It is wonderful how God has led in the life of one of our Matabele boys, Isaac Xiba, even from childhood. As a small boy he was of a thoughtful disposition and inclined toward the religious beliefs of his nation.

One of their beliefs is that the spirits of their dead friends reappear in the form of snakes, and hence they worship them and offer sacrifices to them.

Isaac was very fond of his mother, who died when he was quite young. At one time when he was very ill, he saw two large snakes near the hut. He was told that one was his mother. He was so pleased to think she had come to see him that when he recovered he sacrificed a goat to her spirit.

When Isaac was still small, his sister went to visit a mission near Bulawayo. There she learned something about God, and one song she taught Isaac he always remembered, "Shall we meet beyond the river?" She told her people that if they did wrong, the white man's God would destroy them. Isaac at once determined to find out more about that God.

As soon as he was old enough, he went to Bulawayo and secured a place to work. Then he bought a book and began to learn to read. Later he attended a mission school, and a few years ago came to our Somabula Mission. Here he was baptized and united with the church. His thirst for knowledge made him an apt pupil, and he soon became our head teacher and interpreter. His faithful, earnest life is an inspiration to us to press on in giving the gospel to the heathen, for we know there are many others who want to know more about the true God.

Glendale Mission, Rhodesia: