Tsungwesi Mission, South Africa
By M. C. Sturdevant
AFTER a ten months' furlough, our party arrived at the mission Oct. 11, 1913, and received a hearty reception. A lookout had been kept, and when our ox wagon appeared in sight, many came running down the road to meet us. All were anxious to greet their old teachers once more. It was a touching sight, I assure you. We found the mission in anything but an encouraging condition. The scourge of smallpox, resulting in the death of Brother Bowen, the burning of many of our native houses, together with being shut in for about three months by quarantine, had wrought havoc to the work of the mission, and brought more or less discouragement to our native students. Sister Bowen and Brother L. Sparrow had worked hard and faithfully to hold the work together till conditions should change and help arrive. We are thankful to God that he sustained these workers and brought relief in time. We saw at once that there was an abundance of hard work to be done, so, by the help of the Lord, we started in, and by his grace and blessing we can now say that things are in a much more encouraging condition. We are sorry to report that Brother F. B. Jewell, who, with his family, came out to help us, has not been well, and has finally been compelled to leave us for a time and go to our sanitarium at the Cape for treatment. During the time they were here, Sister Jewell was very faithful in her school work, and courage and hope sprang up again among the students. We regret this change that has come to us so soon again; but we must trust all to him who has held the work to the present moment. The work done in the baptism class that was kept up by Brethren Bowen and Sparrow resulted in the baptism of twenty-six believers, Sabbath, January 17. How our hearts rejoiced to see some fruit of our labors! One may plant, another reap, but it is God who giveth the increase. At the beginning of the new year our school numbers seventy-nine, most of whom are boarding students. The temporal side of our work is also encouraging. While it has been very dry all around us and little planting has been done in season, we have been blessed with sufficient rain so that we could plant and cultivate, and our crops have developed to the marvel of all who have seen them. The prospects are now good for a splendid harvest. Again our hearts go out in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who has promised to be with us to the end. Brethren, we are trying to press the battle to the very gates of the enemy, believing that victory is ours. Never were we more determined and hopeful in our work, and we are willing, if need be, to lay down our lives for this dear people. Never did we enjoy more of the Lord's presence and blessing in our efforts. Let us all be of good courage, and hasten the work, for our rest is in sight. Pray for the work at the Tsungwesi Mission.