Asmara, Abyssinia by H. Steiner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1914

Asmara, Abyssinia

By H. Steiner

H. STEINER

WE are thankful to our Heavenly Father for his protection and his many blessings, notwithstanding our difficulties here, which are not few. The religious conditions in this country show that the Bible is greatly needed. The priests are numerous, and the people have a blind faith in them. They are guided by them about the same as in Roman Catholic countries. Their religion is more a matter of works than of heart and deeds. They believe in saints, and have their different national saints, about whom they tell the most strange and naïve stories. The people have very little education. The priests read and write, but only a few others can do so. In this way these men have full control of the people.

In approaching the Abyssinians, one is inclined to think that they are very pious. Their greetings consist largely of religious terms. In answering salutations, they may say, "The Lord be praised." They use the term Lord for almost every other word. Really it is pitiful to see so much form of godliness, while truth is undermined by their idolatrous beliefs. All this naturally causes us to look up to God. He is able to help us. His words are, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." We try to stand with the Lord here, knowing that from no other can we expect help. He used his servants of old in the greatest difficulties. He can also use us when we stand in the right relation to him. Naturally it demands patience, much patience. We expect some results in the future. We very much need the prayers of God's people in our behalf. We do not feel strong enough to attack such fortresses as these. We need much of the Spirit from above.

In spite of our difficulties, some rays of hope have already begun to reach us. Some are becoming interested in the truth. In our nearest village is a man who seems to have a thirst after truth. As he lives but ten or fifteen minutes' walk from us, he often comes to visit us. He seems quite interested, and asks if he may hear more of our teaching. He knows the Bible to some extent, and seems humble, sincere, and childlike. He reads and writes three languages.

We are in the beginning of a school season. It isn't the easiest matter to conduct a good school here. It depends much on the sort of pupils we get.

Our Master called us here, and we should rejoice could we go into the interior instead of remaining upon the borders of Abyssinia.