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diff --git a/37728-h/37728-h.htm b/37728-h/37728-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..68eabca --- /dev/null +++ b/37728-h/37728-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15786 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of South and South Central Africa, by H. Frances Davidson. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + margin: 3em auto 3em auto; + height: 0px; + border-width: 1px 0 0 0; + border-style: solid; + border-color: #dcdcdc; + width: 500px; + clear: both; +} + +hr.hr2 { + width: 250px; + margin: 3em auto 3em auto; +} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + .toc { + margin: 0 25% auto 25%; + padding: 0; +} + + p.toc { + font-size: 60%; + margin-bottom: 0; + padding-bottom: 0; +} + .toc li { + list-style-type: none; +} + .toc li p { + margin-top: 0; + padding-top: 0; + text-indent: -1em; + text-align: justify; padding-right: 2em; +} + .toc .num { + position: absolute; + right: 25%; + top: auto; + text-indent: 0; +} + .tocdesc { + padding-right: 2.2em; +} + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: #999; +} /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + .chapdesc p { + margin: auto 20%; + text-align: center; +} + + .center {text-align: center;} + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .gap { margin-top: 1em; } + +/* Images */ + .figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + + .bord img { + padding: 1px; + border: 2px solid black; +} + +p.caption { + margin-top: 0; + font-size: 70%; + text-align: left; +} + +p.caption2 { + margin-top: 0; + font-size: 70%; + text-align: center; +} + +/* Transcriber Notes */ +div.tn { + background-color: #EEE; + border: dashed 1px; + color: #000; + margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + margin-top: 5em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + padding: 1em; +} + + +/* Poetry */ + .poem { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + text-align: left; +} + + .poem br { display: none; } + + .poem .stanza { margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; } + + .poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + + .poem span.i2 { + display: block; + margin-left: 2em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + + .poem span.i4 { + display: block; + margin-left: 4em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + + .signature { + text-align: right; + margin-right: 5%; +} + + .signature2 { + text-align: right; + margin-right: 15%; +} + + .hanging { + margin-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +li.pad { padding-top: 2.0%; } + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's South and South Central Africa, by H. Frances Davidson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: South and South Central Africa + A record of fifteen years' missionary labors among primitive peoples + +Author: H. Frances Davidson + +Release Date: October 11, 2011 [EBook #37728] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOUTH AND SOUTH CENTRAL AFRICA *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Julia Neufeld and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<p> +<a name="Frontispiece" id="Frontispiece"></a> +<span class="pagenum"></span></p> +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 352px;"> +<img src="images/frontis.png" width="352" height="600" alt="H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle." title="H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle." /> +<span class="caption">H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle.</span> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h1>SOUTH AND SOUTH CENTRAL AFRICA</h1> + +<div class='center'>A RECORD OF FIFTEEN YEARS'<br /> +MISSIONARY LABORS AMONG<br /> +PRIMITIVE PEOPLES</div> + + +<h3>BY</h3> +<h2>H. FRANCES DAVIDSON</h2> + + +<div class='center'>(WITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE MISSIONARIES)<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<small>PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY</small><br /> +BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE<br /> +ELGIN, ILL.<br /> +1915</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + +<div class='center'> +Copyrighted by<br /> +H. FRANCES DAVIDSON<br /> +1915<br /> +<br /> +<hr style="width: 45%;" /><br /> +<br /> +Books may be obtained through<br /> +<br /> +H. R. DAVIDSON<br /> +<span class="smcap">Auburn, Ind.</span><br /> +Route 3<br /> +<br /> +or<br /> +<br /> +M. L. HOFFMAN<br /> +<span class="smcap">Abilene, Kans.</span><br /></div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + + +<div class='center'><br /><br /> +DEDICATED<br /> +TO<br /> +MY FATHER'S LIFELONG FRIEND<br /> +DR. W. O. BAKER<br /> +And to All Others, Who, Like Him, Are Deeply<br /> +Interested in the Evangelization of the<br /> +Dark Continent<br /></div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>INTRODUCTION</h2> + + +<p>With utmost confidence and pleasure, I give an +introductory expression for this intelligible, authentic, +and most valuable little volume, the product of +great sacrifice and long experience, by one who was +favored and honored with lucrative educational positions, +being a classic.</p> + +<p>I have been acquainted with the authoress for +many years, and am a member of the Foreign Missionary +Board under whose auspices she has most +effectually labored during an unbroken period of +one and one-half decades; therefore I speak with +great assurance of the merits and hope of her book, +destined to be prolific and incentive to active missionary +operations in foreign lands.</p> + +<p>The photo-engravings have special interest, having +been taken from real life and nature as she +found them in dark Africa—places, people, environments, +customs, habits, and religion, which she saw +with her own eyes and mind. Having thoroughly +mastered various dialects of tribes among whom +she has labored so many years, having gathered +many historical facts relative to uncivilized races, +and also having special tact, instinct and God-given +ability through the gift of the Spirit, making her +very efficient in her call to these dusky tribes, she is +qualified in a very proficient sense to compile the +story of this strange people.</p> + +<p>On meeting Sister H. Frances Davidson, one is +quickly impressed with her modest and unassuming +disposition, the rare gift that characterizes all +the truly noble and great.</p> + +<p>Her heroism and unfaltering faith in Jehovah is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> +most remarkably demonstrated in her adventure—accompanied +by Sister Adda Engle (Taylor) and a +native boy—into the wilds of Central Africa, unfrequented +by the tread or touch of any Gospel missioner, +among a class of raw natives that were very +shy, rather hostile, and of another tongue, and a +country infested with wild, vicious animals.</p> + +<p>When the planning of this adventurous trip was +heard by the Foreign Missionary Board, steps were +taken to discourage it, on the ground that no white +man was available to accompany them to the new +prospective mission field; but before the Board's +protest could be made effective, the dangerous journey +was heroically and successfully executed and a +new mission station planted north of the great Zambezi, +which is the northern boundary of South +Africa.</p> + +<p>Such an adventure would almost challenge the +courage of the bravest man. It must have been the +leadings of the Lord—the inspiration of the Holy +Spirit.</p> + +<p>We all love to read the truthful words that drop +from the pen of such fearless, devoted, and consecrated +souls.</p> + +<p>The book is written in a clear, graphic, and condensed +manner, just the thing for this busy, rushing +generation.</p> + +<p>We bespeak for it a precious harvest of lasting +fruitage.</p> + +<p>Yours in the hope of the Gospel,</p> + +<div class="signature2">J. R. ZOOK,<br /> +<br /> +Chairman of the Missionary Board<br /> +of the Brethren in Christ's Church.<br /> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p>Africa holds a unique place in the world today. +In no other continent is there such a world-wide +interest and such a variety of interests centered; +the religious, the political, and the commercial +world are alike concerned in its development and +progress. It has been a sealed book for so many +centuries that the majority of people have excused +themselves on that score for their ignorance of its +conditions and their indifference as to its welfare; +but the day of pardonable ignorance is past.</p> + +<p>While kings and emperors have been eagerly +seeking to obtain as large a slice of its territory as +possible, and moneyed men have been unearthing +some of its vast wealth, missionaries, too, have been +having a share in it. In the development of Africa +they may, without boasting, claim to be making the +most permanent contribution to its welfare, but +even their work is only begun. The various interests, +which for a long time were concerned with +only the countries along the coast, have now penetrated +and opened up that vast interior to civilization +and missionary enterprise; and it remains for +the Christians to say whether it shall be left to the +influences of a corrupt civilization or whether they +will shoulder their responsibilities and rise to their +privileges in taking the country for God.</p> + +<p>Many missionary bodies are already at work, and +much is being accomplished; but the continent is +so gigantic, the distances to be traversed so immense +that it will require the united efforts of all God's +children to pay the debt humanity owes to this +long-neglected continent and those downtrodden +pagans.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> + +<p>It has been my aim in these pages to give, without +embellishment, some idea of the nature of the +Africans, their character, customs, religion, and surroundings, +as well as some of the difficulties, methods, +encouragements, and discouragements of missionary +work among them. Missionaries are often +censured for being too optimistic, for giving only +the bright side of their work, therefore I have studiously +sought to avoid this attitude and to give +an unvarnished account of missionary enterprise. +Judging from my own convictions and beliefs in +reference to the work, it seems to me that if I have +erred in this respect, it has been by understating +rather than overstating the value and encouraging +results arising from such labors.</p> + +<p>This book does not claim to be a complete history +of the Brethren in Christ's Missions in Africa, +but rather some of the experiences of one member +of that mission body. Since, however, it has been +my privilege to be with the work from its inception, +the enclosed narrative will have the added value of +giving at least something of the beginning and early +history of the mission. My only apology for recounting +so much of my personal experience and +impressions in the work is that I am unable to +give, properly, the experience and viewpoint of +anyone else.</p> + +<p>We desire to express our thanks to Mrs. Myron +Taylor, formerly Miss Adda Engle, for the majority +of the photographs with which this work is illustrated; +also to Elder Steigerwald and the other missionaries +who have furnished a number of them. +We had hoped to have some later ones from Matopo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +and Mtshabezi Missions, but have failed in securing +good ones.</p> + +<p>If this little volume in some small degree arouses +a greater interest among Christians in the evangelization +of the Dark Continent, and is a means in +God's hands of getting the light to a few more of +the vast millions of pagan Africans, I shall feel +more than repaid for sending it on its mission.</p> + +<div class="signature">H. FRANCES DAVIDSON.</div> + +<p>Auburn, Ind.<br /></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + +<h3>PART I</h3> +<h4>Matopo Mission</h4> + +<div class="nomarg"> +<p class="toc"></p> +<ol class="toc"> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Early Missionary Labors—Origin of Foreign Missionary +Work, 1894—After Two Years—An Appeal—My +Call—First Missionaries—Preparing to Sail,<br /> +1897, 19 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +On the Deep—England—Bound for Cape Town—Matabeleland +Chosen—Landing at Cape Town, 29 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Cape Town—Elder Engle's Interview with Mr. Rhodes—Zulu +Language—Mrs. Lewis' Kindness—Journey +to Bulawayo, 38 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Matabeleland—Wars with the Natives—Hide in the +Matopo Hills—Bulawayo—Selection of a Mission +Site, 45 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Trekking to the Hills, 1898—Chief and His People—First +View of the Mission Site—Building Huts—Misunderstandings +with the Natives—Missionaries +Working, 53 +</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Opening of School—Its Equipments and Work—Sunday +Services—Learning the Language—Kraal-visiting— +Matshuba—Sunday-school, 66 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Reinforcements and Supplies—Mr. and Mrs. Cress, Mr.<br /> +I. O. Lehman, 1899—Clothing for the People—Building—Old +Queen—First Baptisms—Boer War, 83 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +The Cresses Open Mission Station—Sickness and Death +of Sister Cress and Elder Engle, 1900—Sickness +and Seventh Day Adventist Doctor—Wedding—Brother +Cress and Sister Engle Return to America, 1900, 96 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Resuming the Work—Boys' Confession—Hluganisa and +School—Kraal-visiting—Locusts—Ndhlalambi—Sickness +of the Lehmans—Trouble in Reference to +Mission Farm, 107 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Mr. L. Doner and Miss Emma Long Arrive, 1901—The +Lehmans Go to Cape Town—Industrial Work—Elder +and Mrs. Steigerwald Arrive, 1901—Building +House on a Mission Station—Training Natives—School +Work, 126 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Death of Mr. Rhodes, 1903—Of Fusi—Furlough and +South Africa—The Compound's Missions—Native +Bee—Appearance of Congregation, 140 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +First View of Mapani Land—Medical Work—Reminded +of Call to Interior—Return to America, 1904—Miss +Sallie Kreider, 1904—Opening of Mapani Mission +and Sister Doner's Death, 1904—Return to +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +Africa with Mr. and Mrs. Frey and Misses Adda +Engle and Abbie Bert, 1905—Mtshabezi Mission, +1906, 155 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Religion of Matabele—Ideas of God—Umlimo Oracle—Rainmaker—Witchcraft—Transmigration +of Souls—Spiritualism, 173 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Customs—Putting Children to Death—Betrothal and +Marriage—Native Kraal—Polygamy—Food and +Beer—King Khama—Visits—Generosity and Politeness— +Death and Burial—Grave of King Mzilikazi, 191 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Visit to Matopo, 1910—Improvements—Brother and +Sister Doner—Mapani—Mtshabezi—Visit in 1913— +Bulawayo and Vicinity—Changes at Matopo—Aiding +the People—Love Feast at Mtshabezi—What +Hath God Wrought? 212 +</span></p></li> +</ol> +</div> + +<h3>PART II</h3> +<h4>Macha Mission</h4> + + +<div class="nomarg"> +<p class="toc"></p> +<ol class="toc"> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IPART2">CHAPTER I.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Early Missionary Labors—Railroad Building—Starting +for the Zambezi, 1906—Victoria Falls—David +Livingstone—Barotseland and Other Missions, 237 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IIPART2">CHAPTER II.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Preparing to Advance—Broken Wagon—Journey to +Kalomo—Interviewing Officials—Difficulties in the +Way—Permission to Proceed—Macha, 252 +</span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IIIPART2">CHAPTER III.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Why Selected—Living on the Veldt—First Huts—Spiritual +Duties—Learning an Unwritten Language—First +Christmas, 263 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IVPART2">CHAPTER IV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Trying to Begin School—Chief Brings His Son—Industrial +Work—School Books—Wild Animals—Threatened +Uprising—Mr. M. Taylor Arrives, 1907—White +Ants—Visit to Nanzela, 277 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VPART2">CHAPTER V.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Wenger Arrive, 1908—Need of +Good Houses—Making Brick—Tsetse Fly—Brother +Taylor's Encounter with Lions, 295 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VIPART2">CHAPTER VI.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +School Work—English—Evangelistic Work—Brother +Taylor Among the Baila—Building a House—Elder +Steigerwald and Brother Doner Go North—Visit +of Elders J. N. Engle and J. Sheets—Marriage—First +Baptism, 306 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VIIPART2">CHAPTER VII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Furlough—Encounter with Elephant—Misses E. Engle +and Mary Heisey Visit Macha—Preparing the New +Testament—Out-schools—Murder of Chief—Taylors +or Furlough—Death of Semani, 323 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_VIIIPART2">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Baby Ruth—Building Church—Training Natives—The +Year's Work—Brother Taylor Itinerating—Elder +Steigerwald's Visit, 343 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_IXPART2">CHAPTER IX.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +New Books—Native Problems—Studying the Native +Character—Child Life—Natives Resourceful—Dark +Side of Native Character, 355 +</span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XPART2">CHAPTER X.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Are They Lazy?—Three Natives—Home Training—Charlie—Are +They Provident?—Naturalists—Attitude +Toward Whites—Generosity of Some—Kraal-visiting, 372 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIPART2">CHAPTER XI.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Ideas of God—Native Prophetesses—Rainmakers—Death +and Burial—Digging a Grave—Sacrifice of +Animals—Beer-wailings—Evil Spirits, 387 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIIPART2">CHAPTER XII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Tribal Mark—Decorating the Body—Kinship—Betrothal +and Marriage—The Bride—Hindrances to Mission +Work—Compared to the Matabele—Salutations, 402 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIIIPART2">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Ruth's Sickness—Medical Work—A Visit Among the +People—Remember the Aged—David Goes to School— +Taylors Go to America, 1913—Wenger's Return— +Outpouring of the Spirit—Miss E. Engle and Mr. +L. B. Steckley Come to Macha—First Women Baptized, 418 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XIVPART2">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Two Objects Paramount—Need of Native Evangelists—Visit +to Out-schools—Mianda—Impongo—Kabanzi—Kabwe—Myeki—Chilumbwe, 440 +</span></p></li> + +<li><h3><a href="#CHAPTER_XVPART2">CHAPTER XV.</a></h3> +<p><span class="tocdesc"> +Lehmans' Work—Eysters' Work—Doners Open New +Station—Present Status—Are the People Eager to +Hear?—What It Means to Be a Missionary—Qualifications— +Difficulties— God Is Able, 466 +</span></p></li> +</ol> +</div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left">H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle,</td><td align='left' colspan='2'><a href="#Frontispiece">Frontispiece</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Hut Built by H. Frances Davidson and Alice Heise at Matopo,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_57">58</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matopo Mission, March, 1899,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matopo Mission Church in 1899. Built by Elder Jesse Engle,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mrs. Cress Giving a Lesson in Cleanliness,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Elder Engle and Donkey Team at Matopo Mission,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matopo Cemetery,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matopo Mission House. Front View,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes,"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matopo Mission Church. Built by Elder Steigerwald in 1905,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Back View of Matopo Mission House, Showing Granite Hill Beyond,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">In the Matopo Hills,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mapani Mission, 1907,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Kwidine Taking His Aunt to Church. Matopo M. Hospital,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Christian Wedding Reception Near Matopo,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matabele Kraal, Near Matopo Mission,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matabele Women Stamping Grain,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Matabele Women Digging,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Building the Boys' House at Matopo, M. S.,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Boys' Brick House at Matopo Mission,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">A Native Christian's Home. Matshuba's,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mtshabezi Church and School,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mtshabezi Mission in 1910,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mtshabezi. Baptismal Scene,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Girls at Mtshabezi Mission,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Victoria Falls Bridge,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Main View of Victoria Falls, 1¼ Miles Wide,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Mission Huts, 1907,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_281">281</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Boys and Schoolhouse,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_287">287</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The Last Invitation,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_291">291</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Making Brick at Macha,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_302">302</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Brick Kiln. Mr. Jesse Wenger and Helpers,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_302">302</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Mission Dwelling House,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_307">307</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Elder Steigerwald and Mr. Doner on Their Trip North of Macha,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_313">313</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Crossing the Kafue River in a Native Dugout,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_315">315</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Batonga Chiefs and Headmen,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_317">317</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">First Baptismal Scene at Macha. Native Congregation Not Visible,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Wedding Dinner at Macha,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_320">320</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The Elephant That Derailed the Train,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_325">325</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Mission School, Boarders, 1910,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_327">327</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Wagon and Oxen Near an Ant Hill,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_330">330</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Simeoba's Village, Viewing the Strangers,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_334">334</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Sisters Engle Crossing the Tuli River in the Matopo Hills,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The Bottle Palm,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Mission Church and Boys' House,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_347">347</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Ruth Taylor and Her Mother. A White Child in the Midst,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_351">351</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Little Nurses. Mianda Village,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_359">359</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Batonga Fisher Women,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_364">364</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Batonga Village with the Cattle Pens in the Foreground,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_404">404</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Cattle Pen of the Batonga,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_406">406</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">A Batonga Family Traveling,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_408">408</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Native Women—Widows,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_410">410</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Kabanzi Chief with His First Wife,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_412">412</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Giving the Gospel in Macha Village,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_414">414</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Macha Mission, 1913,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_419">419</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Ruth Taylor,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_423">423</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">First Christian Marriages at Macha,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_426">426</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">David Moyo and His Wife and Child,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_429">429</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Rev. and Mrs. Kerswell with Native Carriers on a Visit to Macha,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_431">431</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Batonga Chiefs, Near Macha Mission,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_435">435</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">School at Kabanzi Village,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_446">446</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Sikaluwa,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_456">456</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Brethren in Christ Cottage and Chapel at Johannesburg,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_469">469</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mr. and Mrs. Isaac O. Lehman and Family,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_474">474</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Boxburg Mission Station. Built by Mr. Jesse Eyster,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_479">479</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> + +<h2>PART ONE</h2> + +<h3>MATOPO MISSION</h3> +<div class='center'>"Go ye therefore and teach all nations"</div> + +<div class="signature2">—Matt. 28: 19</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> + +<h2>SOUTH AND SOUTH<br /> +CENTRAL AFRICA</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER ONE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Beginning of Missionary Effort</h3> + + +<p>It was at the General Conference held in May, +1894, that the Foreign Missionary Work of the +Church of the Brethren in Christ originated.</p> + +<p>Previous to that time the old fathers of the church +had made many missionary journeys through the +United States and Canada for the advancement of +Christ's Kingdom and in the interests of the faith +they so dearly loved. These journeys were made +without remuneration and often with great discomfort +and sacrifice of time and money. The +precept that the Gospel was free, "without money +and without price," seemed so instilled into their +hearts that some of them, no doubt, would have felt +pained for people to think that they expected money +for their services. So while the laity were busy +with their own temporal duties, these heralds of the +Cross would often leave their little farms in care +of their wives and of help, hired at their own expense, +and devote weeks and months to evangelistic +work, expecting what? Nothing but their food and +sometimes sufficient to pay their car fare, if they +went by train. But it often happened in those +early days that the entire expense of whatever sort<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +was borne by themselves. They looked for no +reward on earth save the consciousness that they +were about their Master's business and seeking to +extend His Kingdom on earth.</p> + +<p>Much honor is due those old soldiers for their +self-sacrificing labors. In that Great Day when the +books are opened, perhaps the record of their labors +may astonish some of us who sometimes criticise +them for their slowness in launching the foreign +missionary work of the Church.</p> + +<p>Among them were some who were greatly burdened +for the heathen. Some felt this lack of +Church activity so keenly that they almost severed +their connections with it on this account. Others +saw the need, but, realizing the smallness of membership +and the limited resources, thought the +Church was too weak to launch out into foreign +missionary enterprise.</p> + +<p>In the meantime individual members were agitating +the question, and some were planning to go +independently to India and to Central America, +while others were contemplating going under other +Mission Boards.</p> + +<p>While this agitation was going on, the question +of foreign mission work was brought forward at the +General Conference in May, 1894, held in the Bethel +Church, Kansas. On Friday, the last day of the +Conference, a paper on the subject was read by +Mrs. Rhoda Lee, but no active steps were taken +and the question was tabled indefinitely, to the +great disappointment of some present. Later, on +the same day, Elder J. E. Stauffer arose, and, placing +a five-dollar bill on the table, stated that it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +for foreign mission work, then sat down. This +action brought matters to a crisis. Here was missionary +money and something must be done with it.</p> + +<p>After consultation it was decided that the donor +be appointed Foreign Missionary Treasurer, and any +desiring to donate should give their offerings to +him; and that, as soon as sufficient money was in +the treasury to justify the measure, active steps +would be taken toward sending out missionaries. +By the close of the day thirty-five dollars had been +placed in the hands of the Treasurer. The funds increased +slowly but steadily.</p> + +<p>At the Conference of 1895 held in Ontario, "A +Foreign Mission Board, consisting of Brethren Peter +Steckly, B. T. Hoover, and J. E. Stauffer, was +appointed to hold office for five years, subject, however, +to the advice and control of General Council." +At the next meeting of Conference in 1896 in Pennsylvania, +"The Treasurer of the Foreign Mission +Fund, J. E. Stauffer, submitted his report, and he +was congratulated for his successful effort. The +amount in the treasury is $419.60." This amount +had been donated in two years. These data have +been given that it may be seen how the work has +grown.</p> + +<p>At this meeting it was decided that the funds +had increased sufficiently to take an advanced step. +The Board was increased to twelve members with +an operating board of three. Of this Elder Samuel +Zook was appointed treasurer, Elder Henry Davidson, +chairman, and Elder Jesse Engle, secretary. +The Board was empowered to secure volunteers for +starting a work among the heathen in some foreign<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +country, no particular country being designated.</p> + +<p>Of the General Board of twelve members, Brethren +Peter Steckley, J. R. Zook, and Peter Climenhage +are still on the Board after a lapse of eighteen +years.</p> + +<p>Just what was done in the interim I cannot say, +but on January 15, 1897, there appeared in the +<i>Evangelical Visitor</i> the following:</p> + +<h4>AN APPEAL</h4> +<blockquote> +<p>We would call attention to the fact that the committee +appointed at last Conference is ready to act on the foreign +mission work, but up to this time they have received +no applications. Why is it? Does the Lord not speak to +some hearts? Or is it because the Church is not praying +the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest?</p> + +<p>The field is white. The harvest is ready. Who will go +forth in the name of the Master, filled with the Holy +Ghost, ready to lay his or her life down for the cause of +Christ's salvation to the heathen? It means something +to be a foreign missionary. It means a full sacrifice of +home, friends and self—a perfect cutting loose. But, +praise the Lord! when it is done for Christ's sake and the +Gospel's, we shall receive an hundredfold in this life and +eternal life in the world to come.</p> + +<p>The Lord has provided money—somebody was willing +to give it, but who will give himself? I believe the Lord +has spoken to your heart. Just say, "Lord, speak, thy +servant heareth." And if the Lord tells you to go, don't +do as Jonah—try to get away from the Lord—for as +Jonah did not fare well, neither will you. But if you obey +God, He will go with you into the ship. We are ready +and waiting to receive applications, but somebody must +be willing to obey God or the work will be delayed +while souls are perishing.</p> + +<p>If the Lord lays it upon your heart to give because you +can not go yourself, please send your donations to Elder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +Jesse Engle, Donegal, Kansas, as he is the committee's +secretary and will keep a correct account of all money +received and hand it over to the treasurer. The committee +has not decided yet where the field shall be, but will +decide when such workers present themselves as are believed +to be called of God. South Africa has been spoken +of; also South or Central America. No doubt God +will direct when the time comes that somebody is willing +to go. Who shall it be?</p> + +<div class="signature">SAMUEL ZOOK.</div></blockquote> + + +<p>At that time I was teaching in McPherson College, +Kansas, and was greatly enjoying the work. +It was my seventh year at that place, and just the +day before the article had appeared I had entered +into a verbal agreement with the other members of +the faculty to remain for some years, the Lord willing. +No thought of the foreign field had entered +my mind previous to this, except a readiness for +whatever the Lord had for me to do. Up to that +time I verily thought I was doing His will by being +in the classroom.</p> + +<p>The day that "The Appeal" appeared in the +<i>Visitor</i>, it was read like the other matter and nothing +further was thought of it; but the day following +the Lord came to me, as it were, in the midst of +the class work, in the midst of other plans for the +future, and swept away my books, reserving only +the Bible. In reality He showed me Christ lifted +up for a lost world. He filled me with an unutterable +love for every soul who had not heard of Him, +and with a passionate longing to go to worst parts +of the earth, away from civilization, away from +other mission bodies, and spend the rest of my life +in telling the story of the Cross.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>We prefer not to dwell too minutely on the feelings +of that sacred hour. Sufficient to say that there +and then He anointed me for service among the +heathen. Not that I have measured up to all that +He placed before me on that day. On the contrary +I have fallen far short; but the consciousness +of that call has ever been with me, and has strengthened +and kept me, in the thickest of the fight in +heathen lands. Even when the battle was sore and +defeat stared me in the face, the conviction that it +was His appointment and His work for me kept me +fast.</p> + +<p>My first step was to go to my colleagues and ask +to be released from the agreement into which I +had entered with them. They were as much surprised +at the turn affairs had taken as I had been, +but readily agreed not to stand in the way of the +Lord's call. A letter was then sent to the Mission +Board, informing them of the call to service and my +readiness to go and at once if they deemed it advisable +to send me.</p> + +<p>Much had been said about missionary work and +many had seemed eager to go, so that I somewhat +tremblingly awaited the result, feeling that they +might not consider me fitted. At the same time a +private letter was dispatched to my father, who was +Chairman of the Board, telling him of my convictions +and call. A letter came first from dear father. +He had been quite unprepared for the news contained +in my letter, and his answer can best be +summed up in two of his sentences: "How can I +say yes? and how dare I say no?" He closed the +letter by advising me to wait a year or two until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +others were ready to go. The official letter from the +Board through the Secretary, Elder Jesse Engle, +stated that I was the only applicant so far and had +been accepted, but that there would be time to +finish the year's teaching. It was quite a surprise +and disappointment to me to learn that there were +still no other applicants, but not long afterwards +word came that Elder Jesse Engle and wife were +likewise seriously considering the question.</p> + +<p>He, as many of my readers know, had realized a +call to give the Gospel to the heathen while he was +still a young man, but probably from lack of encouragement +and from other seemingly insurmountable +obstacles had not obeyed. Now, at the advanced +age of fifty-nine years, he still felt that his +work was not done; and he was ready to enter the +field, if his way opened, even though it might appear +to be at the eleventh hour. And she, who had nobly +stood by his side for so many years, could still say, +"My place is beside my husband. Where he goes I +too will follow."</p> + +<p>In the meantime the question as to the location +of this first missionary venture was beginning to +agitate the minds of some of us. The Board felt +that the missionaries should be consulted in the +matter. The conditions then existing in South +America were attracting the attention of the Christian +world. Some countries, notably Equador, were +for the first time being opened to missionaries. The +sore need there appealed to me and led to correspondence +with others in reference to that field; +but no one was ready to go there. Later I learned +from Brother Engle that he was led to Africa, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +country of his early call. The location was immaterial +to me, for my call was to the neediest field, +and I soon realized that Africa, with its unexplored +depths, its superstition and degradation, its midnight +darkness, was surely in need of the Light of +Life.</p> + +<p>The cheering news soon came that Miss Alice +Heise also had applied and been accepted as a foreign +missionary. That increased the number to +four.</p> + +<p>At the General Conference in May, 1897, at Valley +Chapel, Ohio, the following report was given and +adopted:</p> + +<blockquote><p>Report of the amount of money in the hands of the +Treasurer of Foreign Mission to date, $693.46.</p> + +<p>Four candidates presented themselves for the foreign +mission field and have been accepted as follows: Elder +Jesse Engle and Sister Elizabeth Engle, his wife, of Donegal, +Kansas; Sister H. Frances Davidson, Abilene, Kansas; +and Sister Alice Heise, Hamlin, Kansas, and if approved +by Conference, it is recommended that they should +be ready to start for their field of labor as early as September +or October, provided that sufficient means are at +hand to pay their passage to their place of destination, +which means are to be raised by voluntary contributions +as the Lord may direct, and to be sent directly to the address +of each of the missionaries.</p> + +<p>The Board recommends that to complete the number +of workers there should be one more added to the number +in the person of a brother as an assistant to Brother +Jesse Engle.</p> + +<p>The Board further recommends that the Conference +now in session select some well qualified brother to fill +the vacancy occasioned by Brother Jesse Engle on the +Foreign Mission Board. Brother W. O. Baker was appointed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +to fill the vacancy (provided Brother Engle should +go); all of which is respectfully submitted.</p></blockquote> + +<div class="signature">HENRY DAVIDSON, Chairman.<br /> +SAMUEL ZOOK, Treasurer.<br /></div> + +<p>The summer of 1897 passed slowly for some of +us who were eager to be on the way; but even the +days of waiting and visiting were a part of our +preparation. They were solemn and momentous +days also to others besides those who were going. +Some of the friends felt that we should not go; +others with tears bade us Godspeed, feeling that we +might probably never look one another in the face +on earth again. In October a little farewell meeting +was held at Dayton, Ohio, where God's blessing +was invoked on the work, and here I said good-bye +to dear old father, realizing that it would likely be +for the last time. At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, we +were pleased to receive into our number Miss Barbara +Hershey, of Kansas, who also was called to +the work.</p> + +<p>The actual moving out of the missionaries was also +a great impetus to the financial part of the undertaking. +During the few months previous to sailing +$1,500 was given by voluntary contributions into the +hands of the missionaries themselves, more than +half of which was handed to Brother and Sister +Engle in their extended tour of the Brotherhood. +In addition to this, $639.70 was during the same +time handed to the Treasurer, making $1,211.64 in +his hands.</p> + +<p>On November 21 a general farewell and ordination +meeting for all was held in the Messiah Home +Chapel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where the five<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> +prospective missionaries were set apart for the work +of the Lord. No brother had volunteered to go +along as a helper to Elder Engle. This was a +solemn time to those going, for a new and untried +field was before them and a voyage and country of +which they as yet knew nothing. And yet there +was no fear, no anxiety. On the contrary, to some +of us the joy of having the privilege of being His +messengers to those sitting in darkness transcended +all other emotions, and our journal of that time is +full of expressions of longing to be in darkest Africa. +At that meeting Elder Engle delivered a farewell +address with power and unction from on High, and +the rest told of their call. After the ordination of +all had taken place, we commemorated the death +and sufferings of our Savior.</p> + +<p>If we may judge from expressions made at the +time and since, there were others in that large audience +that evening to whom the occasion was an important +and impressive one. The Church was rising +to a sense of her opportunity and privilege—yes, +and duty of carrying out the Great Commission. +As we went forth, we felt that the prayers of the +entire Church were bearing us up, and that gave +renewed strength and courage all along the way. +Those prayers buoyed us up as we went forth even +into the blackness of heathendom; they opened +doors that otherwise would have been closed; yes, +and best of all, they opened dark hearts that the +light of the glorious Gospel of Christ might penetrate. +Those prayers yet today are rising as sweet +incense in behalf of the Dark Continent.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER TWO</a></h2> +<h3>The Voyage and Landing</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Now the Lord had said unto Abraham, Get thee out +of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father's +house, unto a land that I will shew thee.—Gen. +12: 1.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>Seventeen years ago a voyage to Africa was +not the common occurrence to us plain country +folk that it is today. The majority of us +had never seen the sea, we knew no one who had +made the trip, and we knew less about the continent +of Africa.</p> + +<p>It had been decided that we should sail November +24, 1897. While Elder and Mrs. Engle were making +their tour of the churches, some of us had finished +visiting and were waiting the time of sailing. So +he suggested that we secure the tickets. We did so +to England, and through an agent, Mr. Mills, of +England, arranged in advance for tickets from England +to Cape Town. The tickets were bought, the +good-byes were over, and the date of sailing found +us all at New York Harbor, a little anxious, it is +true, but eager to launch.</p> + +<p>Being inexperienced, we had a little difficulty in +having some money matters attended to. Sister +Hershey and myself had each a draft which we +desired to have exchanged for one on an English +bank, and were told by one of the men to take them +to the bank on which they were drawn and have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +it attended to there. So we were obliged to go up +into the city the morning of the date of sailing, +when the steamer was to leave at 12 M. We were +gone all morning, only to find on reaching the bank +that there was no one to identify us, and nothing +could be done. Hurrying back to the hotel, we +secured our hand baggage and hastened to the +wharf. The rest of the company had already embarked, +and only a few minutes remained until +time of sailing, but we appealed to our agent to +exchange the drafts for some on an English bank. +Although one of the other men objected on account +of the shortness of time, he promptly attended to +them, Elders Jacob Engle and John Niesly, who were +brothers of Brother and Sister Engle and had come +to see them off, going security. The gangway for +passengers had already been removed from the +steamer and we hurried along that on which baggage +was carried. As soon as we were aboard, the +steamer <i>Majestic</i> began to move; and ere we found +the rest of our company on board, a narrow stretch +of water lay between us and our native land.</p> + +<p>This, our first voyage across the Atlantic, was a +delightful one. The sea was unusually calm for +that season of the year, so that none of our number +became sick, except one, as we neared the coast of +Ireland. The passengers on board were on the +whole congenial. As we paced up and down the +deck, many thoughts crowded in upon us too deep +for utterance. What did the future have in store for +us? What awaited us on the other side? The Lord +alone, whose messengers we were, could foresee. +The great, wide, boundless space of water was an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +ever-increasing source of interest and delight, and +greatly enlarged our conception of the power and +majesty of Him "who hath measured the waters in +the hollow of His hand." We felt in truth that we +had let go the shore lines and had launched out into +the ocean of His love.</p> + +<p>The second day out was Thanksgiving Day, and +in company with another missionary on board we +had a very enjoyable service which was attended +by most of the second-class passengers. Sunday +morning there were the regulation Church of England +services, and later our genial table steward +asked Elder Engle to preach in the evening. He +did so to a large, intelligent, and interested congregation. +As there had been much conjecture +among the passengers as to who we were, and what +our belief was, he embraced the opportunity, while +speaking, of setting forth some of the tenets of our +faith, much to the satisfaction of those present.</p> + +<p>On November 31 the steamer reached Liverpool, +England, and the first part of the voyage was at an +end. As we stood on deck gazing at the strange +scenes around us and at the sea of unfamiliar faces +looking up into ours, and awaiting our turn to disembark, +we realized in truth that we were strangers +in a strange land. How was our agent to be found +on that crowded wharf?—but this question was +quickly settled. No sooner had we stepped off the +gangway, than a gentleman approached, and, naming +us, introduced himself as Mr. Mills, our agent. +What a relief it was to all of us in our ignorance of +foreign travel! We were thus forcibly reminded +that He was going before and preparing the way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +so that we need have no anxious fear. This thought +was further impressed upon our minds as we entered +our room in the little hotel in Liverpool, for +there, on the opposite wall, as we opened the door +were the words, "The Lord shall be thy confidence." +Mr. Mills then and there took charge of us and our +baggage and did not relax his vigilance until we had +safely embarked for South Africa.</p> + +<p>Fortunate it was that our baggage was in such +good hands, for part of it had been miscarried and +reached the steamer at Southampton only about an +hour before we left that port for South Africa. English +travel has many things to recommend it, some +of which Americans would do well to profit by; but +one learns to appreciate the excellent system of +handling baggage in America only after he has had +a little experience of the slipshod manner in vogue +abroad. This fact was again brought to my attention +on my first furlough to America nearly seven +years later. When I disembarked at New York, an +English lady from the same steamer bought a railroad +ticket from New York to San Francisco and +checked her baggage.</p> + +<p>I said to her, "Now you need not trouble yourself +about your baggage until you reach your destination."</p> + +<p>"So they tell me," she replied. "It will seem so +strange to travel without having to look after one's +luggage."</p> + +<p>One is pleased to note, however, that the increased +amount of foreign travel of late years has +brought about some improvement along this line, +even in conservative England. +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> +<p>The ride from Liverpool to London was most +enjoyable, and would have been still more so had +there been some one to point out the places of +interest. The fields, still green at that late date, +were well kept; but the methods employed in farming +seemed somewhat antiquated to people fresh +from the farms of western America. As the train +glided along we were favored with a glimpse of a +hunting party in their brilliant colored costumes in +pursuit of the poor little animals on one of the game +reserves. The small private compartments on the +train were a pleasing novelty, but there was no one +to call off the names of the cities through which the +train was passing, and the surroundings were too +new for us to know where to look for the names. +Once when the guard came to examine our tickets, +I inquired the name of the place. Concluding from +his silence that he had not understood, I ventured +to repeat the question. The stare he gave made me +realize that I had been guilty of a breach of something, +but what it was is not exactly clear to me to +this day. We also had a glimpse of London, that +great metropolis, with its narrow, crowded streets, +its rush of business, and its perfectly-controlled business +traffic. Here our company was met by another +agent, who conveyed us to Black Wall and placed +us on the steamer <i>Pembroke Castle</i>, of the Union +Castle Line, for a three weeks' voyage to Cape +Town.</p> + +<p>The associations on the <i>Majestic</i> had been pleasant +and we expected a similar experience on this +second steamer; but the long voyage to Cape Town +leaves much to be desired. One may always find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +some congenial spirits, but even under the best circumstances +the voyage finally becomes tiresome. +Only too often the more turbulent element gains +the upperhand, so that drinking, gambling, dancing, +and even grosser evils prevail.</p> + +<p>After sailing from Southampton one soon leaves +behind the cold, chilly winds of the temperate climate +and begins to enjoy the soft, balmy breezes of +the subtropical climate. However, as the heat becomes +more intense, this enjoyment gradually gives +place to discomfort. The only stop on the way to +Cape Town was at Las Palmas, on Canary Island. +As we approached the place, the low-lying mountain +peaks could have been mistaken for clouds, but +soon the entire island lay before us in all its beauty. +What appeared at first sight to be bare cliffs were +soon seen to be clothed with verdure; and while we +were feasting our eyes on the scene, on one side of +the steamer, our attention was called to the opposite +side where the city of Las Palmas lay. It was indeed +a magnificent scene and beggars description. +The city, which is almost entirely white, rises tier +after tier up the mountain side, and the whole had a +dark background of mountain peaks. We were in +the bay with the island nearly surrounding us. In +a short time our steamer was encompassed by a +number of small boats full of natives, some of whom +came to sell their wares of fruit or fancywork. Other +boats were full of diving boys, ready to plunge +into the sea for money thrown from the steamer +into the water.</p> + +<p>In a short time the steamer was again on its way; +but where was it taking the little band of missionaries?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +and what was to be their final destination? +Their tickets called for Cape Town, but beyond that +the way seemed like a sealed book. Africa, with its +barbarism, its unknown depths, its gross darkness, +lay before them; and they were keenly conscious of +their ignorance of the continent. They had implicit +confidence, however, in their Great Leader, and believed +that they were going to a place which the +Lord said He would show them. Many prayers +ascended that they might understand His voice +when He spoke to them.</p> + +<p>Personally their ideas about the location of the +work differed. At first Elder Engle felt drawn for +various reasons towards the Transvaal (not Johannesburg), +because that was not so far inland. +To one of the party the call had been distinctly into +the interior and most needy regions where Christ +had not been named. All, however, were ready to +let the Lord lead.</p> + +<p>A number of the passengers on the steamer were +familiar with some parts of Africa and gave valuable +information. One of the officers, the chief +engineer, was especially helpful. He brought out +his maps and went carefully over the ground, showing +where missionaries were located and where +there was need. Ere the party left the steamer, the +consensus of opinion seemed to be that Rhodesia, or +the part of it known as Matabeleland, was the +Lord's place for them to begin aggressive missionary +work. This was further confirmed when it was +learned that the Cape to Cairo Railroad had just +been completed as far as Bulawayo, the chief town +of Matabeleland. +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> +<p>This having been decided upon, the next question +was as to how long they were to remain at Cape +Town before proceeding into the interior. The +amount of money at their disposal was not large, +and as it was the Lord's money it was necessary to +know His will as to its disposal. They soon learned +that He was continuing to go before and prepare +the way. Those were precious days of waiting on +Him; for never does His will and guidance seem so +precious as when He is showing only one step at a +time, and as one becomes willing to take that, lo! +another is revealed just beyond. Why then do we +so often halt, fearing to walk alone with Him, knowing +that we cannot stumble as long as we keep hold +of His dear hand?</p> + +<p>On December 26 the steamer entered beautiful +Table Bay, and the long voyage was over. Praises +ascended to Him Who had given such a prosperous +journey. It was Sunday when land was reached +and the passengers were allowed to remain on board +the steamer until Monday if they so desired. All +of us attended divine services on land Sunday morning, +and in the afternoon Brother and Sister Engle +went to the Y. W. C. A. Building where the Secretary, +Miss Reed, offered to help them look for +rooms.</p> + +<p>They accordingly went on Monday morning, the +rest of us remaining with the boxes and in prayer. +They at first were unsuccessful in securing rooms, +but after again looking to the Lord for guidance, +Miss Reed was impressed to take them to a Mrs. +Lewis (nee Shriner), a prominent temperance and +reform worker of Cape Town, and a most devoted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +Christian. This lady was a friend in need to many +of God's children. She had lately rented a large +building in connection with her work; but the venture +had not been as successful as she had hoped, +and she was in prayer about the matter, pleading +that the place might be made a blessing to some +one. Even as she prayed, three persons stood at +her door desiring to speak with her. These were +Miss Reed and Elder and Mrs. Engle, whom the +Lord had directed thither. As soon as she heard +their errand, she felt that here was an answer to +her prayer. Arrangements were immediately made +by which they were to receive three plainly-furnished +rooms for a sum which was very moderate +indeed for Cape Town. She said she would prefer +to give the rooms gratis if she were in a position +financially to do so. Together they fell on their +knees and thanked the Lord for answered prayer +which meant so much to all concerned. When Elder +Engle returned to the waiting ones their hearts, +too, leaped for joy at the good news. They thought +it was almost too good to be true, that so soon +rooms had been secured, and that they were to +have a little home of their own without the expenses +of a hotel. Truly, "He is able to do exceeding +abundantly all that we ask or think." Boxes were +soon transferred to the new home and our feet +planted firmly on African soil</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER THREE</a></h2> + +<h3>Preparation and Progress</h3> + + +<p>We were here on the threshold of Africa, +eager to move out. We realized, however, +how meager was our knowledge of +this vast continent and its needs, so it was necessary +to go slow and gain all possible information from +this vantage ground.</p> + +<p>Cape Town is the oldest of South African cities +and is the largest seaport town, having a population +of about 80,000 inhabitants. The long, tiresome sea +voyage being over, the sight of this picturesque city, +nestling so cozily at the foot of Table Mountain, is +one long to be remembered. The mountain rises +abruptly 3,850 feet in the background of the city. +Its majestic flat top is two miles long, and when the +weather is clear, it stands sharply outlined against +the blue sky. Frequently, however, a white cloud, +known as the "Table Cloth," comes up from the +sea from the back of the mountain and rolls down +over the face, a sign that a change of weather is +imminent. It has been said, "The glory of Table +Bay is Table Mountain," and "The glory of Table +Mountain is the Table Cloth." Bay, town, and +mountain combine to make the picture beautiful and +unique of its kind.</p> + +<p>Cape Town was laid out by the Dutch, and the +substantial, antiquated-looking houses in the older<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> +parts of the city bear ample testimony to this fact. +There are also many fine, modernly-built houses. +The place is supplied with all the latest improvements, +which are a necessary part of a modern city. +The population is most varied. Dutch, English, +Hottentots, Malays, and Kafirs abound. The scenes +on some of the streets at that time, especially in the +evenings and on holidays, were most varied and picturesque. +There were to be seen Europeans in civilian +dress, others in soldier's uniform, Malays in +their turbans and bright, flowing robes, well-dressed +blacks, and the raw native African with only a +gunny sack to cover him, for clothed he must be +before he can enter the city.</p> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, together with other Christian +people whom we met at Cape Town, thought +Matabeleland, the chosen field, was a good one, +especially the Matopo Hills, as there were no missionaries +in that locality. The late Cecil Rhodes, +who was still powerful in Rhodesia, was at that +time living on his estate, Groot Schuur, near Cape +Town, and Bishop Engle was advised to go to +him and endeavor to obtain from him a tract of +land for a mission site. This was another special +season of looking to the Lord on the part of the +little company, that He might overrule it to His +glory and to the advancement of His Kingdom. +Brother Engle was received kindly by the gentleman, +and his request was favorably considered, +especially the suggestion of going to the Matopo +Hills. He at once gave Brother Engle a letter to +the British Charter Company, of Rhodesia, with +the recommendation that we be given 3,000 acres<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +of land in the Matopo Hills for a mission station. +He added that "missionaries are better than policemen +and cheaper."</p> + +<p>Every forward step only served to confirm us in +the decision on the steamer that Matabeleland, +which is a part of Rhodesia, was the Lord's place +for opening up His work in Africa. The fact that +the railroad had just shortly before been completed +that far, thus making it easier of access; the advice +of those on the steamer who were familiar with the +country; the advice of the spiritually-minded +friends met at Cape Town, and the encouragement +given by him, the "Empire Builder," who perhaps +more than anyone else had the welfare of the country +at heart and whose name, Rhodesia, the country +bore, together with the conviction of the missionaries +themselves, all served to set at rest any further +question as to location that might arise.</p> + +<p>Sister Hershey, it is true, was somewhat burdened +as to whether Rhodesia was the Lord's place for +her. While she was seeking to know His will in +the matter, she received a letter from Mr. and Mrs. +Worcester, of Johannesburg, inviting her to come +and assist in the missionary work at the Compounds. +She felt at once that this was the Lord's +place for her, and accepted it as from Him. We +were truly sorry to lose so valuable and consecrated +a colaborer in the work, but felt to bow in submission +to Him Who knoweth best.</p> + +<p>While we were waiting at Cape Town, we learned +that the Tebele language spoken by the natives in +Matopo Hills and vicinity was a dialect of the Zulu +language. The Bible had been translated into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +Zulu, and there were grammars and dictionaries to +be had, and we at once endeavored to procure these +so that we might do some studying. Efforts were +also made to secure a teacher, but the Zulu teacher +recommended did not have sufficient English to be +of any real service to us except in the pronunciation +of Zulu words, so we were obliged to study on alone +and consequently made very little progress.</p> + +<p>We had arrived at Cape Town in the midst of the +summer and dry season. Like California, Cape +Town and vicinity have rains chiefly in the winter, +and a most healthful climate the year round. Other +parts of South Africa, however, have their rainy season +in the summer, and in some localities, notably +Rhodesia and farther inland, the deadly malarial fever +is especially severe during the rainy season. So +we were advised to remain at Cape Town until the +rains were over in Rhodesia. Mr. Lewis was contemplating +going north with us to assist Brother +Engle in opening the work; but before this could be +accomplished, both he and Mrs. Lewis were summoned +north to Bulawayo by a telegram to minister +to one of their friends there who was very sick.</p> + +<p>After reaching Bulawayo they immediately sent +a telegram south telling us to remain at Cape Town, +and under no consideration to venture into the interior +until the rains were over. As if to emphasize +the message, both of them, while attending to the +sick, were stricken with fever, and all were obliged +to hasten south as soon as possible. We also came +into contact with some of the Seventh Day Adventists +in Cape Town, and through them learned that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +two of their missionaries in Rhodesia had just succumbed +to the fever.</p> + +<p>From the illness brought on at this time Mr. +Lewis never fully recovered, and shortly after our +departure from Cape Town, we learned, much to +our sorrow, that he had been carried away by the +disease. We were often made to feel, as Mrs. Lewis +expressed it, that the Lord had sent them before us +to preserve life. Otherwise we would undoubtedly +have gone to Bulawayo at an earlier date than we +did and would probably have had to suffer in consequence. +We shall never forget the great kindness +of these friends during the entire four months of +our stay at Cape Town. The wise counsel, the spiritual +and financial aid which they gave, will ever be +a green spot in our memory. And not only then, +but in later years, Mrs. Lewis' home, "The Highlands," +and her large heart were ever open to our +missionaries. As each recruit stepped foot on Africa's +shores she was the first to welcome him. When +any needed rest, her house was wide open for any +who might choose to come and rest there. When a +few years ago word came that she had gone to meet +her Savior Whom she so much loved, we all felt +that we had indeed lost a friend that could not be +replaced.</p> + +<p>At last the time came when it was considered safe +to move out, Sister Hershey to Johannesburg and +the rest to Bulawayo. Mrs. Lewis had given us a +nice large tent, 16 x 16 feet, which could be used as +a dwelling place while huts were being built, and +she had also on her trip north met some of the +white people of Bulawayo who were ready to assist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +us. Other friends at Cape Town also kindly helped +us on the way.</p> + +<p>On April 28, 1898, we took the train at Cape +Town, bound for Bulawayo, 1,362 miles inland. We +traveled four days and four nights in a comfortable +coach and reached the place May 2. The same journey +formerly required six months and longer with +an ox team. We passed through only a few towns +worthy the name; Kimberley, the center of the diamond +mines, being the principal one. Some of the +country through which we passed looked like a +desert; not a blade of grass to be seen, but the red +sand is covered with bushes. This is known as the +Karroo, and, as rain seldom falls on much of this +land, one is surprised to see flocks of sheep and here +and there an ostrich farm. There are many flat-topped +mountains and hills, at the foot of which one +occasionally catches sight of a farmhouse with its +accompanying sheep pen. A letter sent to America +at the time adds:</p> + +<blockquote><p>Parts greatly resemble Kansas prairies, while the last +four or five hundred miles of the journey the country +looks like old, deserted orchards. We were also introduced +to African life in its primitive state, and during +the latter part of the journey no white people were visible +save the few connected with the railway service, but +many native huts were to be seen. Some were made of +mud, others formed of poles covered with various-colored +cloth, forming a veritable patchwork, while the natives in +semi-nude condition came crowding about the car windows, +begging for money and food. How my heart bled +for these poor souls! Although the railroad was built, +ostensibly, for the purpose of developing the commercial +and mining interests of the country; yet, as I looked +upon those poor natives, I wondered whether the real<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +purpose of it under the Providence of God was not to +bring the Gospel to them. Other missionaries are here +before us, but I believe we are the first to make use of +the new railroad for this purpose.</p></blockquote> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER FOUR</a></h2> + +<h3>Matabeleland</h3> + + +<p>Before proceeding with my story let me introduce +to my readers the people and the +country to which we had come. The Matabele +are a branch of the Zulu tribe of Southeast +Africa. During the reign of the great and despotic +Zulu King, Tyaka, they revolted under the leadership +of Mzilikazi, or Moselikatse, and started north +through Africa, proving a terror to the various +tribes along the way and meeting with numerous +hardships and varying degrees of success. About +the year 1836 found them in this country, to which +they gave the name Matabeleland. This land, together +with Mashonaland, constitutes what is now +known as Southern Rhodesia.</p> + +<p>Here they established themselves by ruthlessly +slaughtering all who opposed them, and enslaving +the natives already in the country. After the death +of Mzilikazi, his son, Lobengula, became King. He +was more or less tyrannical, like his father, and he +lived with his sixty wives about two miles from +what is now known as Bulawayo—the killing place—or, +as the natives often say, "o Bulawayo," meaning +murderer. A rock near this place is still pointed +out as the place where a number of his wives met +a violent death.</p> + +<p>This King Lobengula ruled his people with a rod +of iron. The young men were all enlisted in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +army and the women and children left to carry on +the work in the gardens and kraals. Rev. Helm, one +of the first missionaries in the country, said it was +impossible to get hold of the young men; and even +if the boys did start to school, the King would take +them for his own use as soon as they were old +enough. He, however, never molested the missionaries +themselves, and probably considered it an +honor to have a white teacher in the country; but, +as Mrs. Helm remarked, they were careful not to +offend him.</p> + +<p>The British Charter Company had obtained some +concessions from the King in 1889, and, in the next +year, Europeans entered the country to prospect and +mine the gold. It was a foreseen conclusion that +there would eventually be a conflict between a savage +despot, to whom many of the white people were +obliged to cringe, and a civilized people. The inevitable +reached a climax in 1893, when war broke +out between the King and the white people of the +country. There were only a few white men in the +country at that time, but assegais and other native +weapons were no match for Maxim guns and European +tactics. The King's house being burnt, he +himself fled and eventually died in January, 1894, +thus causing the war suddenly to come to an end, +as there remained no one to keep the forces together. +The British South African Company took possession +and began to occupy and build up the country.</p> + +<p>The Matabele, however, did not consider themselves +conquered, and many circumstances conspired +to bring about a second conflict. Perhaps +the chief among these was the fact that all the cattle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +were regarded as the property of the King, although +being distributed among the people and used by +them as their own. However, since the cattle belonged +to the King, the British Company looked upon +them as theirs by right of conquest, and proceeded +to appropriate some of them. This greatly angered +the natives, as also the rinderpest, which +came later and swept off many of the remaining +cattle. Then 400 of the subject tribes were armed +and enlisted as native police; and this was most +galling to the proud Matabele warriors, that they +should be exulted over by their former slaves. The +disease among their cattle, the locust, which devoured +their crops, and numerous other troubles +were all, by their witch doctors, laid at the door of +the white man. Umlimo (their god) also affirmed +that their King was still alive and was ready to +assist them in gaining their liberty.</p> + +<p>This second conflict, known as the Matabele Rebellion +of 1896, came very suddenly upon the 4,000 +white people, scattered in various parts of the country. +No one seemed to expect danger, although +there were several who had had a little warning, +and many natives who were working in Bulawayo +were called home by their parents. One boy in +speaking of the time said:</p> + +<p>"I was working in Bulawayo when my father +sent word that I was to come home. I did not +want to but I was afraid to disobey. I was afraid +to look at my father, he looked like a mad man. +He said, 'We cannot live and be oppressed like this. +We would rather die than be treated as we are!'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The rest of the people, too, looked just that +way!"</p> + +<p>The natives rose against the Europeans and suddenly +murdered 200 in the outlying districts, including +a number of women and children. Some of +these were murdered by their own servants. The +rest of the white people hastily gathered into the +new town of Bulawayo, while soldiers scoured the +country in search of native troops. A large number +of the native police had gone over to the enemy, +carrying their rifles with them, and a number of the +natives, both in Matabeleland and Mashonaland, +had in some way secured several thousand firearms; +so that in this war the natives were much better +prepared.</p> + +<p>This rebellion lasted eight months, and the natives +were finally driven into the Matopo Hills. In +these, nature's vast strongholds and caves, all efforts +of the European soldiers to dislodge them +proved unavailing. Here finally came Mr. Rhodes, +unarmed, into the midst of the enemy's camp and +made peace with them. The tree under which this +famous council was held is still pointed out not +many miles from where Matopo Mission now is. +We entered the country a little over a year after +the close of the rebellion, while all the causes and +events were still fresh in the minds of the natives. +What is still more significant, we were located in +the very heart of these hills where no missionary +had yet penetrated, and being surrounded by many +of the rebels themselves, we were able to glean +much of the above history at first hand. When we +went among them they were still seething with discontent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +from the same cause which led to the Rebellion.</p> + +<p>Mr. Rhodes, who had made peace with these natives, +was always respected and trusted by them, +and while he was no religious man himself, he thoroughly +believed in missionary work among the people. +His desire that we come to these hills and his +statement, that "missionaries are better than policemen, +and cheaper," was actuated by no mercenary +motive. It was his conviction, borne out by experience +and by long years of contact with the Africans, +that missionary work and the Christianization of +the natives was the only solution of the native problems.</p> + +<p>But to return to our story, we arrived at Bulawayo +late in the evening and were taken to the +Royal Hotel. This was a good, up-to-date hotel, +with an up-to-date African price. In the morning, +as we looked out of the window, the first sight which +greeted our eyes was a large African wagon drawn +by eighteen oxen. Except for this and similar +sights we could easily have imagined that we were +in an American town, for this place, with broad +streets and thriving business, is said to have been +patterned somewhat after American cities. My +impressions of the town and vicinity written at the +time were as follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p>Bulawayo is a modern wonder, an oasis of civilization +in the midst of a desert of barbarism and heathendom. +It has nearly 3,000 inhabitants, and has been built +since 1894. Before that time Lobengula, the great Matabele +King, held sway about two miles from here at the +place where the Government House now stands. This +place reminds one of the booming Kansas towns of a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +years ago, but it is hundreds of miles from any other +civilized place, and is well built of brick and iron, has +good stores of all kinds, five churches, public library, +electric lights and telephone, not only in town, but also +extending to various police forts in the surrounding country, +but no public schools. There are comfortable riding +cabs, or traps, drawn by horses or mules, but the traffic +is carried on by heavy carts or still heavier wagons drawn +by a large number of oxen or donkeys. The manual labor +is done chiefly by the native boys, the white people considering +it beneath their dignity to do anything a native +can do.</p> + +<p>The surrounding country is very pretty and level, and +one can see an abundance of the "golden sands" mentioned +by the poet, and even gold sands are not wanting, +but I am sorry to say that the "sunny fountains" rolling +down them are very few, especially at this season of the +year when there are seven months of drought!</p></blockquote> + +<p>This for Bulawayo in 1898 and first impressions.</p> + +<p>We remained at the hotel only two days. Our +tent and the other goods had not yet arrived, but a +gentleman, to whom we had a letter of introduction +through Mrs. Lewis, most kindly offered the use of +his house and furniture for two weeks, which offer +was gratefully accepted. Before the end of that +time our tent had arrived, and this being placed on +a vacant lot furnished ample protection for that +season of the year.</p> + +<p>Bulawayo, being of such recent growth and being +surrounded by pagan tribes, would have afforded +abundant opportunity for missionary work. Daily +these raw natives would come to our tent door to +sell wood or other articles; and we longed to tell +them something of a Savior's love, had we been +able to speak to them. One morning thirteen native<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> +women, each with a great load of wood on her +head, arranged themselves, smiling and expectant, +before the door of our tent. We could only smile +in return, that one touch of nature's language which +is akin the world over. We were thankful that we +could do so much, but back of the smile was a heavy +heart that we could do so little.</p> + +<p>During the two months we remained at Bulawayo +efforts were made to secure a suitable location +among the Matopo Hills. Mr. Rhodes' letter had +been delivered to the government officials, and they +generously undertook to assist in locating the work. +The first place to which they took Brother Engle—the +one recommended by Mr. Rhodes—was found +to have been surveyed by a private individual. They +then made another selection, about thirty miles +southeast of Bulawayo, the place now known as +Matopo Mission, and they agreed to give us here a +Mission Reservation of 3,000 acres. The officials, +as well as other Europeans in Bulawayo, rendered +us much assistance. In addition to these the Seventh +Day Adventist missionaries also greatly +helped us on the way. These had a mission station +about thirty miles west of Bulawayo, and about +fifty miles from the place selected for us; and while +we were waiting in Bulawayo, they kindly took out, +at different times, Brother and Sister Engle and +Sister Heise, for a visit to their station.</p> + +<p>The time came for us to move out to our +location among the hills, and the question of how +we should get ourselves and our goods to the place +was becoming a serious one. Transportation, like +everything else in the interior of Africa, was exceedingly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +expensive. In this emergency Mr. Anderson, +of the Seventh Day Adventist Mission, offered to +come that long way with his donkey wagon and +move us for half the sum required by a regular +transport driver.</p> + +<p>It is difficult for the reader to form any conception +of what these various expressions of kindness +along the way, coming so unexpectedly from entire +strangers, meant to that little band of missionaries +out in the heart of Africa. Even as I write these +things, after a lapse of sixteen years, and live over +the events of that time, tears of joy unbidden come +and my heart wells up in gratitude as I again recall +these evidences of the wonderful "faithfulness of a +faithful God."</p> + +<p>We had been ignorant of our destination when +we left the American shore, and even more ignorant +of the cost of living in the interior of Africa; so +that, by the time supplies had been purchased to +take along to the hills, the money on hand was +about exhausted. We knew not how long a time +would elapse before a fresh supply could reach us. +Knowing, too, that the Church had very little experience +in foreign missionary work, one could not +fail at times to be a little anxious. Thanks, however, +to the wisdom, ability, and promptness displayed +by the old fathers who formed the Mission Board, +and to their support, backed up by the Church; +as soon as conditions were understood at home +means were forthcoming and we were never allowed +to be in want.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER FIVE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Opening of the Work</h3> + +<blockquote><p>We must remember that it was not by interceding for +the world in glory that Jesus saved it. He gave Himself. +Our prayers for the evangelization of the world are but +a bitter irony so long as we only give of our superfluity +and draw back before the sacrifice of ourselves.—M. +Francois Coillard.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>We heartily echo the words of this sainted +missionary to the Barotse, but we believe +that the thought uppermost in the heart +of each of the four waiting ones at Bulawayo was +not sacrifice but privilege, on that July morning, so +long ago, when the command to go forward was +given. We were soon to reach our destination, the +place to which we had started from New York over +seven months previously. An account of this trip +written at the time reads somewhat as follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p>We left Bulawayo on the evening of July 4 and traveled +three nights and two days before the mission valley was +reached. The nights were cool and a bright moon lighted +up the way, so that traveling went better at night than +during the heat of the day. The wagon was about eighteen +feet long, very strong and heavy, and was drawn by +eighteen donkeys. These were led by one native boy, +while another with a long whip was doing the driving. +The load of about three tons was very heavy—too heavy, +in fact, for a part of the way. Donkeys can travel only +two miles an hour on good roads and on poor roads it +sometimes requires two hours to go one mile. Occasionally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +we stopped from two to four hours to let the donkeys +rest and graze.</p> + +<p>During such times we would build fire on the veldt, and +cook and eat our food; or, if it were night, we would +wrap our blankets about us, take our pillows, and lie down +in the shelter of some friendly bush and sleep. Mother +Engle usually preferred the shelter of the tent on the +back of the wagon, although the place was too much +crowded for her to rest comfortably. Since the load was +so heavy we spent a great deal of the time walking. +We would walk ahead of the wagon for a distance, then +sit down and rest until the wagon reached us. Only two +of three settlers' houses were visible, and no native kraals, +and we were informed that as soon as the white man +makes a road, the natives move away from it.</p> + +<p>After twenty miles of travel we came to Fort Usher. +At this place there reside an English magistrate and a +number of white police. Here we were kindly received +and given a native guide for the rest of the journey. We +now left the government road and plunged into the hills. +The wagon went along another five miles with very little +difficulty. Then it mired on going through a swampy +place, one side sinking nearly to the hubs of the wheels, +and further progress was impossible. All put forth every +effort to extricate it but to no avail. What was to be done?</p> + +<p>While we were in this dilemma, the Chief of the natives +in this part of the country, Hluganisa by name, with some +natives came to meet us and bid us welcome. They gave +us a very friendly reception, and then joined in to assist in +extricating the wagon, but without success. Mr. Anderson, +who could speak the native language, explained to +the chief who we were and our object in coming, and he +promised to meet us at the mission site the next day, as +it was now evening.</p> + +<p>Mr. Anderson then took our party forward a little distance +to a dry spot, where we rested during the night. +He and his native boys returned to the wagon, and, removing +the greater part of the load, carried it beyond the +marshy place. The donkeys were then able to pull out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +the wagon. It is needless to add that Mr. Anderson and +his boys were extremely tired after this laborious task +and were glad to snatch a little rest. Even under such +circumstances they did not indulge long in the much-needed +rest, but at an early hour were again ready for the +journey. Those of us who had enjoyed a good night's +rest were also aroused, and we started on our last trek +into the hills. We reached the valley, which is to be our +home, on the morning of July 7.</p> + +<p>This valley is surrounded by immense granite hills and +boulders, some of which cover hundreds of acres, so that +at first sight the rocks seem to constitute the chief part of +the country, but a closer inspection showed us to what +a beautiful place God had led us for His work. There, +spread out before our eyes, was a beautiful rolling valley +of rich, dark earth, well supplied with an abundance of +fresh water. It was stated that the "sunny fountains" +are rare in this part of Africa, and that is true. Here, +however, in this beautiful valley, in the heart of Matopo +Hills, are sparkling fountains of beautiful water, crystal +clear, oozing from under the surface of the rocks, and +flowing down the valley. Some contain delicate mosses +and pretty water lilies, and surpass the Michigan lakes in +transparency.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the Chief had sent word to the headmen +of the various kraals to meet us. So, in the morning, +obedient to the call of their superior, they came and sat in +a semi-circle while their chief addressed them (Mr. Anderson +interpreting for our benefit):</p> + +<p>"These are not like other white people."</p> + +<p>The deep-toned voices of the headmen responded in +unison, "Yes, my lord."</p> + +<p>He continued, "They have come to teach you and your +children and to do you good."</p> + +<p>Again came the response, "Yes, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Now do what you can for them and help them."</p> + +<p>And again the same response was repeated.</p> + +<p>One may imagine how that impressed us. Here we +are, far from other white people, among a class of natives<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +who have never been subdued by the English soldiers. +They are kept in subjection only by forts of police +stationed among the hills, the nearest being ten miles +distant. Yet these people recognized us at once as their +friends and received us with kindness far above what we +dared expect. Our hearts overflow with thankfulness to +Him who rules the hearts of men.</p></blockquote> + +<p>The Chief and one or two other natives went with +us to look up a location on which to pitch the tent +and build huts. The tent was finally pitched under +the shade of a large umkuni tree, Mr. Anderson +returned to his station, and we were left without an +interpreter, and with no practical knowledge of mission +work. We had, however, a Great Teacher, and +we were willing to be taught.</p> + +<p>Both Matabele and their subject races, known as +Amahole, live in the Matopo Hills. The majority +of them are not black, but a chocolate brown, and +some have features resembling white people. They +are generally large, well-formed, and intelligent-looking. +They are more or less rude in manner, +uncouth in appearance, and wear little or no clothing +except the loin cloth. This in the men usually consists +of the skin of small animals, and among the +women a short skirt of cloth or skins. Over the +upper part of the body is sometimes thrown a larger +piece of cloth.</p> + +<p>Among those that gathered about us that first day +were some who had been quite active in the late +rebellion. As we gained their confidence, they often +pointed out to us the caves where they stored their +grain, and where they themselves hid during that +terrible time. A year of famine had followed the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +war, and some had starved to death. At the time +we entered upon the work there was a great deal of +destitution all about us; for some had not yet been +able to grow grain, and they had no flocks to fall +back upon as they usually had in time of grain +famine.</p> + +<p>Many of the white people in the country and in +Bulawayo were continually talking about and expecting +another uprising. They looked for it to +come from these Matopo Hill natives, and some +sought to warn us not to venture into this, the +enemy's stronghold. We, however, living among +them from day to day, saw no cause for fear.</p> + +<p>The natives came to see us in large numbers. +Sometimes fifty would appear in one day and crowd +around the door of our tent, desiring to have a good +view of the newcomers and their belongings. Many +of them, especially the women and children, had +never seen a white person before, or at most a white +woman. Some three or four families had heard a +little of Jesus, but the great majority knew absolutely +nothing of the Gospel.</p> + +<p>Our ignorance, both of the language and the people, +led to many blunders, both ludicrous and otherwise. +The desire to help them and to show them +that we were their friends caused them often to +take advantage of our kindness. We soon learned +that the African is not so much interested in the +things that are for the good of his soul as in that +which ministers to his body and appetite. It was +so difficult to know just what to do at all times, for +they were destitute of nearly everything which we +considered necessary for comfort. They were confirmed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +beggars, and the more they received the +more they wanted. The missionary opens his Bible, +and reads, "He that hath two coats, let him impart +to him that hath none; and he that hath meat let +him do likewise"; he then gets down on his knees +and prays that the Lord might help the poor souls +about him, but he often feels that his prayers do +not ascend very high. What he needs to do is to +get up and answer his own prayers.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus059.png" width="600" height="393" alt="Hut Built by H. Frances Davidson and Alice Heise +at Matopo." title="Hut built by Frances and Alice." /> +<span class="caption">Hut Built by H. Frances Davidson and Alice Heise +at Matopo.</span> +</div> + +<p>When we made a contract with them for work, +and told them what pay they would receive, they +always wanted more than the contract called for +when the time came to settle. This is characteristic +of the native in dealing with the white man. He +sees that the other has clothing and many comforts +of which he is deprived, hence concludes that the +pockets of the white man are full of money. Socialist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +that he naturally is, he thinks that the property +should be equally distributed. It never occurs to +him that his laziness and shiftlessness have much to +do with his destitution. In fact, that thought does +not generally occur to the missionary when he goes +among the heathen for the first time, unless he is +with some one who understands the situation.</p> + +<p>It is necessary to make the natives understand at +times that the kindness of even the missionary has +a limit. One day I was in the little straw shed +which served as a kitchen, and was endeavoring to +bake bread. As usual a number of people were +about the door, and one man, taking advantage of +my kindness, came in and sat down by the stove in +front of the bake-oven door. He made no effort in +the least to move away when I tried to look into the +oven door. I bore it for some time, not wishing to +be rude to him, and not knowing how to ask him in +a polite way to move. Suddenly it dawned upon +me that the proper native word was <i>suka</i>. So I +made use of the word and told him to <i>suka</i>. He +looked up in surprise and repeated the word to +know if he had correctly understood, but he moved. +Afterwards, in looking for the word in my dictionary, +I found that it was a word often in the +mouth of the white man when addressing a native. +It really meant a rough "Get out of this." So the +look of mild reproach in the eyes of the native was +accounted for. Some of the softness in the missionary, +too, soon wears off as he is obliged to deal with +the native from day to day. He finds that it is necessary +to make the native understand their relation +one to another as teacher and pupil.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> + +<p>Living in a tent during the dry and healthy season +is not unpleasant in such a climate, except that +one suffers from the heat by day and the cold by +night.</p> + +<p>Matopo Mission is located about 20½° south latitude +and 29° east longitude. It is 5,000 feet above +sea level, so that, although it is within the tropics, +it has a delightful and salubrious climate the entire +year. From the middle of November to the middle +of April is what is known as the rainy season. The +rest of the year rain seldom falls. One cannot live +in a tent all the year, but must provide better shelter +for the rainy season. So hut building occupied the +first few months. We had no wagon and no oxen, +nothing but two little donkeys, which had been +brought out with us from Bulawayo, and we did +not know how to make the best use of native help. +The poles used in the construction of the huts were +cut and carried to the place of building by natives.</p> + +<p>As the manner of building was quite foreign to +an American, Brother Engle took occasion to examine +other huts, built by Europeans, so that he was +enabled to build very good ones for the mission. He +was alone and, to make the work lighter, we women +assisted, and used hammer, saw, and trowel, brought +stones for building chimneys, raked grass, and assisted +in thatching. The huts are built somewhat as +follows:</p> + +<p>A trench about fifteen inches deep is dug the size +and shape of the desired hut. In this are placed, +near together, poles from the forest, space being +allowed for doors and windows and sometimes for +fireplace. The poles are cut out so as to extend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> +about eight feet above ground. Large ones are +sawed lengthwise for door posts and window frames. +Some flexible poles are nailed around the top and +about halfway up the side, so that the walls of the +hut are firmly fastened together. Longer poles are +then used as rafters, these being firmly fastened to +the walls and nailed together at the top. Small, +flexible ones are also used as lath to fasten the +rafters together and upon which to tie the grass in +thatching. The grass used for this purpose grows +in abundance among these rocks, and sometimes +reaches the height of eight feet. The women cut +this and bring it in bundles, glad to exchange it for +a little salt. It is first combed by means of spikes +driven through a board. It is then divided into +small bundles; the lower ends being placed evenly +together, and the bundles tied closely together on +the lath with tarred rope. The next layer is placed +over this like shingles, so as to cover the place of +tying. When completed the thickness of grass on +the eaves of the roof is from four to ten inches. +Then follows the plastering. The mud or plaster is +made from earth which had been worked over by +white ants. This, pounded fine and mixed with +water, makes an excellent plaster, and when placed +on the walls it soon dries and becomes very hard. +The native women put this on the outside with their +hands, as the walls are too uneven to allow the use +of a trowel. Similar earth, mixed with sand, is used +as mortar in building with brick and stone. The +floors also are of this earth pounded hard and polished.</p> + +<p>The windows have either small panes of glass<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +or muslin stretched on a frame, and the doors +boast of imported timber brought from Bulawayo. +Each hut is about as large as an average-sized room. +It is difficult to make them larger on account of the +scarcity of suitable material in this part of the +country. The walls are whitewashed on the inside, +and some have a white muslin ceiling. Much of the +furniture is of our own manufacture and is made of +boxes or of native poles draped with calico.</p> + +<p>When completed the rooms looked quite cozy +and comfortable, so that we felt thankful for such +pleasant homes in connection with our work. The +first year there were four of such huts built, kitchen, +dining-hut, and two sleeping-rooms.</p> + +<p>Dealing with the natives while building these was +not always easy. Sometimes difficulties arose +through not being able to make the natives understand, +so that we could not always place the blame +on them. When grass was wanted for the thatching +a contract was entered into with one of the headmen +to furnish one hundred bundles for five shillings +($1.20). The grass was brought until there was +about half the specified amount, then the pay was +demanded. This was of course refused. The man +brought a little more and then he stoutly affirmed +that he had fulfilled his part of the contract. After +considerable delay and, being harassed by the headman, +we finally paid him. After all, he may have +been honest in the affair and a mistake may have +been made in the beginning; for the word for <i>one +hundred</i> and that for <i>much</i> were similar except in +the prefix. He may have understood that he was +to bring much grass, and he certainly did that.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> + +<p>Again, when the first hut was to be plastered, +arrangements were made with certain women to +plaster it for a stated amount. They brought a +number of others along to help them plaster; and +when pay day came, the total amount of pay demanded +was about double the original agreement. +There was such a noisy, unpleasant demonstration +that day, that we learned our lesson, and we were +very careful so to arrange matters that the difficulty +would not occur again.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus064.png" width="600" height="473" alt="Matopo Mission—March, 1899." title="Matopo Mission 1899" /> +<span class="caption">Matopo Mission—March, 1899.</span> +</div> + +<p>Our living at the time was of the simplest. Nearly +all kinds of eatables could be procured in Bulawayo; +but they were very expensive, and there was +no way of bringing them out except by native carriers, +or by trusting to the friendly assistance of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +white traders at Fort Usher. Sometimes it fell to +the Elder's lot to walk the thirty miles to Bulawayo +in order to purchase supplies. There was no need, +however, for us to do, like many a missionary in +the wilds of Africa has done, deprive ourselves of +wheat bread and ordinary groceries. These we always +had, but we were more economical in their +use than we would have been at home. We had no +milk, except tinned milk, no butter, and very little +meat, and no gun to procure game. But we had +chicken and could occasionally procure meat from +the natives. Of course at first there were no vegetables +to be had, except such as we could at times +procure from the natives—corn, sweet potatoes, +pumpkins, and peanuts, but these were scarce.</p> + +<p>Elder Engle, alive to the value of the soil and the +need of wholesome food, at once secured fruit trees +and set them out, including a number of orange +trees. He also bought a small plow and with the +two donkeys broke land and planted vegetables. +One native, who continually stood by us during +those early days, was Mapipa, our nearest neighbor. +He was a powerfully-built Matabele and reminded +one of the giant of Gath; for he had six fingers on +each hand and six toes on each foot. He had been +quite active in the Rebellion and was wounded in +one of the battles. He could always be depended +upon in work, and Brother Engle greatly appreciated +his assistance.</p> + +<p>Perhaps some one who reads these lines may +wonder whether building, farming, and such manual +labor is missionary work. Did not the Great +Missionary, according to all accounts—I say it in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +all reverence—take an apprenticeship in the carpenter's +shop where He "increased in wisdom and +stature and in favor with God and man"? Did not +the Apostle Paul, undoubtedly the greatest of His +followers, unite tent-making with his missionary +work? Should then we, such feeble imitations, belittle +manual labor, even though it falls to our lot +as missionaries? Any one going to the mission field +should not, if he is to be successful, decide in his +own mind that he is going to do certain things, he +should be willing to do whatever the Lord gives him +to do, of spiritual, intellectual, or physical labors.</p> + +<p>There are so many sides to missionary work, and +who can tell which will result in the greatest good? +To preach Christ and lift Him up that others may +see and accept Him is undoubtedly the central +thought of the Great Commission. The ways of +exalting Him, however, are so many and so various. +Christ must be lived among the people before He +can in truth be preached to them. The heathen of +Africa cannot read the Bible, but they can and do +continually read the lives of those sent among them. +If these do not correspond to the Word read and +preached among them, they are keen to discern and +judge accordingly. If the Christ-life is lived before +their eyes, day by day, many will eventually yield +their hearts to Him, even though, they may for a +time resist.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER SIX</a></h2> + +<h3>Educational and Evangelistic Work</h3> + + +<p>The natives were eager to see inside the new +huts. When they had an opportunity to look +at the whitewashed walls and the homemade +furniture, they stood spellbound, and the first word +that broke from their lips was "<i>Muehle</i>" (pretty).</p> + +<p>They had another and more personal interest in +seeing the huts completed. They had been told +that, as soon as the goods were moved out of the +tent, school would be opened. Both large and small +were exceedingly eager to learn, or at least they +thought so. They had never seen books, and writing +was like magic to them. To put down some +characters on paper and from those to spell out their +names when they next visited the mission was little +less than witchcraft. Both old and young like to +be known. They are pleased if their missionary +pronounces their name and seems to know them +when they come a second time.</p> + +<p>School opened October 11. The first boy to +come bright and early was Matshuba, together with +two of Mapita's girls. This little boy, then about +thirteen years old, had been a very interested spectator +of all that occurred from the time the mission +opened. Day after day he would be on hand, and +his bright eyes and active mind took knowledge of +everything that was said or done. His father,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +Mpisa, then dead, had been one of the most trusted +witch doctors of the King, and had been held in +great respect by all of the natives in that part of the +country. This boy was very eager for school, and +the first morning he and Mapita's girls begged us +to allow only the Matabele to attend school, and +not the Amahole, or subject races. This furnished +an excellent opportunity of teaching them that God +is no Respecter of persons.</p> + +<p>The first morning of school twelve bright-looking +boys and girls entered the tent and sat down on the +floor, curious to know what school was like. It +was a momentous time. It was the beginning of a +work the result of which human eye could not foresee. +How the teacher, who had often stood before +a far larger and more inspiring-looking school in a +civilized land, trembled as she stood there before +those twelve little savages in the heart of Africa! +She knew that those bright eyes were reading her +thoughts, and realized that she came so far short +of the "measure of the stature of the fullness of +Christ." The special burden of the prayer that +morning was that, as these dear souls learned to +read the Word, the Light might enter their hearts +and they yield themselves to God.</p> + +<p>The second day eight more were enrolled, and the +third day fourteen, and by the end of the month +there were forty in all. Sister Heise and I were +kept busy during school hours as the pupils were +taught to sew as well as to read and write. Cleanliness +is a rare virtue with them, so they were told to +wash before coming to school. As new ones entered +the school the admonition was repeated, with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> +statement that we wash every morning. Mapita's +little daughter, Sibongamanzi, with shining black +face, which showed that she had been heeding the +command, looked up brightly and said, "Yes, but +you are white and we are black." She evidently had +thought that, if she washed every morning, she too +would become white, but she had concluded it to be +a hopeless task. Mr. Anderson said that some of +their children thought that if they ate the food of +white people, they too would become white.</p> + +<p>This, our first schoolroom, was very primitive. It +consisted of a tent 16 x 16 feet. In front there was +a box which served as a teachers' desk and as a receptacle +for slates, pencils, paper, books, and sewing. +Other boxes served for teachers' chairs. There +were two easels made of poles; one supported the +blackboard and the other the charts. The blackboard +consisted of a few small boards nailed together +and painted black, and the charts were of +cardboard, 18 x 24 inches in size. There were ten +of them printed on both sides with syllables, and +Tebele words and sentences. These had been printed +by homemade stencils and pen, and had occupied +our leisure time while we were hut-building. The +floor of the tent was covered with straw, and the +pupils sat on this without seats or desks. They +knew nothing of the comforts of the schoolroom in +civilized lands and thought they were well supplied.</p> + +<p>Since we had no primer at the time, the Gospel of +St. John was given to them as a textbook when they +had finished the charts. To enable them to read +and understand the Word of God was the aim of +the school work and the Bible the Textbook<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +throughout. After they had learned to write the +letters of the alphabet, their copy usually was a +verse from the Scriptures. They were also taught +to memorize certain portions in connection with the +daily worship, and hymn singing.</p> + +<p>The pupils compare very favorably with white +children in their ability to learn, but few of them +come regularly to school. To most of them school +is just a side issue, some place to go when there is +nothing else to be done. Some have an idea that +they can learn to read in about a month, and when +they find that it requires months of weary, patient +effort at meaningless characters, they give up in +despair. Others are ridiculed by the older people +for throwing away their time at such useless work; +"There is no money, no beer, no food in it and they +are dunces to go."</p> + +<p>Again, some are grown, and being past the age +when mental effort is easy, they soon become discouraged. +One big fellow stumbled along until he +had mastered the chart after a fashion. Then, to +his delight, he was given the Gospel of St. John to +read. Day after day he struggled along over the, to +him, meaningless syllables and words. Still he +persevered until it gradually dawned upon him that +the printed page meant something. He looked up +one day with a most delighted expression on his +face and exclaimed, "This book is talking to me!"</p> + +<p>The native cannot be said to be very persevering, +owing to the fact that all his life, in his untaught +state, he goes on the principle that the world owes +him a living. His needs are few and often they are +supplied by nature. When he comes up against a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +difficult problem of any sort, his usual answer is, +"It will not consent." For this reason arithmetic is +always difficult for him and his progress in it is +very slow. One day I was endeavoring to show a +girl how to make the letter <i>b</i>. After a vain effort to +make it properly, she exclaimed, "My pencil will +not consent to slide that way."</p> + +<p>The sewing hour probably was the most interesting +time to all. They expected to receive the garments +after they had finished sewing them and had worked +for the cloth with which they were made. The +dearest wish of their hearts was to have a garment +to put on. And that is not strange, for in the cool +morning air they come shivering, and at noon the +hot sun burns their bodies. We might have made the +garments and donated them; but that would not +teach them to work and would have done them more +harm than good. A native always appreciates most +that upon which he has bestowed labor or money; +so both boys and girls learned to sew. It was rather +amusing to see them, in the absence of other garments +to which they might pin their sewing, place it +between their toes. It was also interesting to watch +the different expressions when at last the garments +were finished and they could clothe themselves.</p> + +<p>Matshuba put on his suit; then, folding his hands, +said in a quiet and contented manner, "Now I am +not cold any more." Amuzeze, when he had finished +his garments, put them on, and taking a good +look at himself stepped off as proudly as if he +owned a large estate. Sibongamanzi kept her dress +for Sunday. At home she would carefully fold it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +and putting it in an earthen jar cover it up for safe +keeping.</p> + +<p>In the meantime services on Sunday had not been +neglected. At the opening of the work none of the +missionaries could speak the language, but they +could read it after a fashion. So, from the very first +Sunday after the work opened, endeavors were made +to instill into the minds of the natives that one day +out of seven was a day of rest and worship. To +them all days were alike—workdays, rest days, or +carousal days, as they chose to spend them. Sad to +say that even the few that went to work for the +white man saw little or no difference between the +days of the week. It falls to the lot of the missionary +to teach the significance of the fourth commandment +as well as the rest of the decalogue. On Sunday +the people were invited to assemble under the +shade of a friendly tree, and a portion of the Scriptures +was read to them and hymns sung. They are +great lovers of music, so that in itself was an attraction. +The first congregation was very small. +Sometimes there would be only Mapita and his family, +five or six in number. As the nature of the +meetings began to dawn on the native mind, others +would assemble with us, but in the first few months, +or until the opening of school in October, not more +than twenty-five congregated at one time.</p> + +<p>Acquiring the language is always a tedious, +though important, part of foreign missionary work. +The missionary sees the natives about him, day by +day, and longs to tell them something of Jesus and +His love, but is unable to do so, especially if he be a +pioneer in the work and without an interpreter as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +we were. We had been endeavoring to study the +language from the Zulu books on hand, but on coming +face to face with the natives it was discovered +that the set phrases we had acquired seemed as unintelligible +to them as their words were to us. There +were several reasons for this. One was that we had +not learned the proper pronunciation and accent, +and another was that their dialect differed somewhat +from the Zulu, which we had been endeavoring +to learn. Another, and far weightier reason, and one +which, to our sorrow, we did not discover until +some time afterwards, was that some natives did +not speak the correct language to us. Those who +had been accustomed to speaking to the Europeans +had invented a jargon of their own, which they +seemed to think especially adapted to the mental +capacity of white people. This medium of communication +is known as "kitchen Kafir."</p> + +<p>It consists of a small vocabulary, chiefly of Zulu +words, simplified and divested of all inflections—and +grammar, it might be said. This dialect, which +is especially distasteful to linguists, is invariably +used by many natives in addressing white people +for the first time. It is the common language of +the kitchen and the shops, between master or mistress +and their native servants. It has also of later +years spread much among the natives themselves +where various tribes meet and converse. Its use +has become so general over South Africa, and even +in parts of South Central Africa, that it has, not +inaptly, been termed the "Esperanto of South Africa." +Undoubtedly it lacks much of the elegance +of the real Esperanto, but is in daily use by more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +people. Not only is "kitchen Kafir" spoken between +whites and blacks and between blacks themselves, +but sometimes, when a common language +fails, something akin to this is used between even +the white people.</p> + +<p>Not so many of the natives in the hills had come +into contact with Europeans before our coming +among them, yet there was sufficient "kitchen Kafir" +among them to confuse the newcomers and +make it necessary in after years to unlearn many of +the things they first acquired.</p> + +<p>Learning the language is trying, especially without +a teacher, and many blunders and misunderstands +occur; but it is not the least useful of missionary +experiences. People on first coming into +contact with raw heathendom are seldom capable of +doing much preaching to them in such a manner +that the native can understand and appreciate.</p> + +<p>While one is learning the language, he is also +learning to know the native himself, his surroundings, +and modes of thought. By the time one is able +to converse with the native, he also knows better +what to say to him. One thing, however, it is always +safe to do from the time the missionary enters +the field of labor; he may always read the Word, if +he has it in the language. The unadorned Word is +always safe and suits all conditions of men.</p> + +<p>Gradually we learned to speak the language, sentence +by sentence. How our hearts burned within +us those days to be able to tell the story of Christ +and His love! Usually the dull, darkened look on +the faces of the few present would cause the speaker +to feel that he had not been understood, or that there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> +had been no answering response. Then occasionally +a dusky face would light up, as if a ray of light had +penetrated a darkened corner, and the speaker +would be encouraged to renewed efforts to make the +subject plain. Thus, Sunday after Sunday, the +effort would be renewed.</p> + +<p>It was not only on that day, however, that some +of the older ones heard the Word read and an attempt +at explanation given. Morning and evening +worship was held in the native language, and often +a larger number, in those early days, gathered about +us on workdays than on Sunday. The door was +always open and everyone was invited to enter at +time of prayer. After school opened, and it became +better known which day was Sunday, and that the +services were held in the tent, the attendance gradually +increased.</p> + +<p>Our feelings, as written at the time, were somewhat +as follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p>We realize more fully every day that much wisdom +and grace is needed in dealing with this people. If we +did not have such confidence in our Great Leader, we +might at times be discouraged, for the enemy of souls is +strong here in Africa and human nature is alike the world +over. When the truth is driven home to their hearts, they +are quite ready to excuse themselves. Thus we find it +necessary to get down lower and lower at the feet of +Jesus and let Him fill us continually with all the fulness +of His love and Spirit, that there may be no lack in us.</p></blockquote> + +<p>In his own eyes the pagan African is always a +good, innocent sort of person. He has done no +wrong, has committed no sin, hence has no need of +forgiveness. One of the first requisites seems to be +instilling into his mind a knowledge of God and His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +attributes. This must be "precept upon precept," +"line upon line," "here a little and there a little." +Time after time this thought of God must be reiterated +until it is burned into the consciousness of +the hearers. We are told of one missionary who, +for the first two years, took as his text, Sabbath +after Sabbath, "God is." And it would seem to be a +wise course to pursue. The conception of a Supreme +Being Who is holy, omnipotent, omniscient, +and omnipresent, and cannot look upon sin with +any degree of allowance, to Whom all must render +an account, needs to be indelibly impressed on the +native mind. Until they realize that "all have +sinned and come short of the glory of God," it +seems useless to preach Christ as a Savior to them.</p> + +<p>Missionaries soon realize that they cannot sit +down and wait for the people to come to them. +They must go out into the streets and lanes of their +villages and "into the highways and hedges and +compel them to come in." Kraal-visiting forms a +very important part of the Gospel work. Sister +Heise and myself went among them as much as +possible. We went chiefly on foot, and many miles +were traveled in all kinds of weather, so that the +people might be instructed in the things of God. At +first these visits could be little more than a friendly +call and the speaking of a few broken sentences. +These wild children of nature were quick to respond +to the interest that prompted the visits, and would +always welcome the visitors. As soon as we were +within sight the children would come to meet us +and pilot us to their parents. When we left they +would again accompany us a little distance, perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +to the next kraal. Who shall say but that +these early journeys, in which little of the Gospel +was given, was not as fruitful of results for God as +later ones? Back of those black exteriors are human +hearts waiting to be touched by the finger of +love and human sympathy, ready to imbibe the milk +of human kindness. They know something of the +natural love of parent to child, and <i>vice versa</i>; but +they need to realize that there is such a thing as +disinterested love in their welfare, and by this +means be led to realize in some little measure the +<i>wonderful love of God</i>. In this, thank God, we had +no need to simulate love. A spark of the Divine +love for them had entered our hearts before we even +set foot on Africa's shores.</p> + +<p>It is difficult to understand the expression of a +missionary who visited Matopo some time after the +work was started, and who in his own field of labor +seemed to have been used of the Lord. He said +one day: "I cannot say that I love these people. +I do not love that child," pointing to a little girl at +some distance in front of him, "but I realize that +Christ loves them and desires them to be saved, +hence my work among them." This seemingly cold +sense of duty may answer. If, however, the pagan +African once realizes that disinterested love prompts +our treatment of him, he is generally most pliable +and teachable. Without something of the Divine +love work among them must be hard indeed, for +there are so many trying things to be met with day +by day.</p> + +<p>After a time it was discovered that the donkeys +might be made use of in kraal visiting. I well remember<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +our first experience at this mode of travel. +We had no saddles, so we placed blankets on the +backs of the donkeys and fastened them with surcingles +of our own manufacture. Sister Heise was +an expert rider, while I was quite the reverse. Our +first trip was to a kraal about five miles distant, the +home of the chief, Hluganisa. Two boys, Matshuba +and Sihlaba, accompanied us as guides. All went +well on the trip over. We were very kindly received +by the people and afforded an opportunity to give +them the Gospel. The village was up among the +rocks, and as donkeys are expert climbers they +had no difficulty in making the ascent, or descent, +either, but on the return journey I could not keep +my place, and was sent over the donkey's head on to +the ground. My companion, when she saw that no +harm was done, rather considered the accident as a +good joke, and I joined in the laugh at my own expense. +The boys failed to see any fun in it, and +seemed greatly to resent the laughter.</p> + +<p>Some time after this we made another journey of +about the same distance in the opposite direction. +The reason for this second visit was as follows: +Among our pupils was a nice, modest-looking girl +about twelve years of age. She belonged to Mapita's +family, and seemed to be an affectionate and well-behaved +child. She was absent from school for a +few days, and on inquiring we learned that she had +gone to the home of her intended husband. Greatly +shocked, we made further inquiry, and were told +that Mapita had sold her to a man who had already +one wife, and that he lived about five miles away. +It was our first experience with heathen marriage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +and we determined to hunt her up and if possible +release her. We looked upon this child as a slave +or prisoner.</p> + +<p>Taking the donkeys and our two boys, we again +started out one morning. The path was not familiar, +even to our guides. It wound around among +the rocks and we were in great danger of being lost. +Immense boulders were piled up in all sorts of fantastic +shapes, and a white person could easily be lost +among the hills and perhaps never find his way +out, but the native will always find his way. Once +we found ourselves on the top of a nearly perpendicular +rock, and dismounting reached the bottom +only with great difficulty. The boys inquired the +way of a native in his garden, but he regarded us +with suspicion and remained silent. Since the close +of the rebellion, when the natives hid themselves +among these rocks, they have been very suspicious +of white people, for fear some one may desire to capture +them. It was only after repeated assurances +by the boys that we were missionaries, and their +friends, that he consented to direct us.</p> + +<p>Finally we reached the home of Buka, the man +who had taken little Lomanzwana. His kraal was +situated up among the rocks in one of nature's fortresses. +Here, in this desolate place, in the midst +of densest heathendom, was the girl. Her husband +was a cripple and very pagan looking. But what +could we do amid such rock-bound customs as held +these people? Nothing. With hearts lifted to the +Lord in prayer we tried to point them to the Lamb +of God. The man regarded us with wild-looking +eyes, and listened with seemingly dull, uncomprehending<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +ears to our stammering tongues. When he +was asked a question, he looked at those about him +and wanted to know what sort of an answer the +missionary desired; then he would answer accordingly. +In another hut was a very old woman, the +mother of Buka, who was an imbecile and was fed +like an animal. We retraced our steps with heavy +hearts, but for many a day the memory of that visit +haunted us.</p> + +<p>As for the girl, the man did not pay sufficiently +promptly to satisfy Mapita, so he finally took her +home. Later she was sold to a man who paid a +large sum. Here they quarreled and the girl returned +home, and the pay had to be given back. It +is needless to say that the girl was thoroughly demoralized +by this time. She was finally disposed of +to another man.</p> + +<p>In February, 1899, Matshuba came to stay at the +mission and attend school. Ever since the mission +had opened he had been a great help to us in acquiring +the language, and as he could understand +us more readily, he often explained our meaning to +others. He knew too just how many Zulu words +were in our vocabulary, and in speaking to us he +adapted himself to our limited understanding. He +also gradually acquired the English. He made rapid +progress in school; and as the Light came to him he +accepted it. He did not do this all at one bound, +but, as it were, according to his capacity to understand +the meaning of the Atonement and kindred +themes. The day came when he saw himself a great +sinner, and he repented in truth. He was the only +boy staying at the mission for a time, so that many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +and various duties fell to his lot. These he performed +faithfully, except that he was somewhat +careless in herding the donkeys, and lost them.</p> + +<p>One evening he came to the door of our hut in +great perplexity and said that he would like to have +a talk. He came and sat down on the hearthstone, +then said, "I prayed this morning, but the donkeys +were lost at any rate." By his language he evidently +thought that if he prayed the Lord would do the +watching. This gave us an opportunity of telling +of David, the faithful shepherd boy, and of the +"Great Shepherd," who told us to both "watch and +pray." The boy then told something of his early +life. Among other things he said:</p> + +<p>"Father used to tell me to go and watch the gardens +so that the animals would not come and take +our food. I did not watch well and the animals destroyed +the crops and father was grieved."</p> + +<p>"Are you sorry now that you did not obey?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! yes, indeed," was the reply. "If I might +live that time over again, I would be a better boy."</p> + +<p>He continued, "When father was sick they said +he was bewitched. So they tried to find out who +had bewitched him. Once, before he died, he said +that he would like to see a missionary. <i>Umfundisi</i> +[Missionary] Engle should have come sooner, before +father died."</p> + +<p>"Matshuba, did you ever hear of Jesus before we +came?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Missus," he replied, "I heard His Name +once, and I wanted my mother to go where there +was a missionary; then the Lord sent you."</p> + +<p>Here was this dear soul, groping in the night and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +reaching out for something better than he had +known, he knew not what. When the Light comes +to him he is ready to accept it. There are many +other such boys, and girls too, all over Africa, who +are waiting for some one to bring them the Light. +Is it you? There are many other old men to whom +the message will come too late unless some one +makes haste and brings it.</p> + +<p>Matshuba had many hard battles to fight, and +often have we heard him out among the rocks praying +for help and victory. I well remember the first +day on which he prayed openly before the school. +Almost the hush of death fell upon all, for it was a +new era to them. One of their number had learned +to pray like the missionaries. There was no hut at +first for him to sleep in, so he lay in the tent. One +morning he came out, his face all aglow. He said, +"I saw Jesus last night. He came and stood before +me. He was tall and bright looking."</p> + +<p>Some months after he came, another boy, Tebengo, +came to stay at the mission. He, too, had +been attending school and desired to be a Christian. +Bright, impulsive, but easily misled, in his instability +he was just the opposite of the more steadfast +Matshuba. There were also others of the schoolboys +who were stepping out into the light, and +among these were Kelenki and Siyaya, who were +Mashona people. Their home seemed more heathenish +than some of the others, but these boys, with +others from their kraal, appeared earnest in the +service of the Master.</p> + +<p>A Sunday-school was also opened this first year +and proved quite interesting to the younger ones.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +On the first Christmas Day the natives were invited +for services and about ninety came—the largest +number up to that time. After the services they +were invited to a large, unfinished hut, and all were +treated to bread and tea and some salt. Father and +Mother Engle sat down among them and partook +of bread and tea with them. This greatly delighted +all, and it was just as much of a pleasure to our +elder and wife, who always enjoyed mingling with +the people. The rest of us saw that all were served. +The people were very thankful for the treat, and +all expressed their gratitude in a forcible manner.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER SEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Reinforcements, and Progress of the Work</h3> + + +<p>The various departments of the mission were +gradually enlarging, and as the work increased +the burden fell more and more heavily +upon Elder Engle. It will be remembered that +efforts were made to secure an assistant for him +before we left America, but without success. In +April, 1899, however, we gladly welcomed into our +midst three new missionaries from America. These +were Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Cress and Mr. Isaac +Lehman. They were able and consecrated messengers, +and a valuable addition to the work. With +them came also several large boxes of clothing, +cloth for the sewing school, and other goods which +had been donated for the mission. About this time +also the Board sent out some farm implements, a +large Studebaker wagon, a two-seated spring wagon, +and a bell for calling the people to services. +More donkeys had already been purchased by Elder +Engle, so that the question of traveling, and of +bringing out supplies from Bulawayo, was most +satisfactorily settled.</p> + +<p>Shortly after this we also had the pleasure of welcoming +Mr. and Mrs. Van Blunk, of the Christian +Holiness Association. These had come to make +their headquarters near us and engage in evangelistic +work. We had now quite a little company of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +Christian workers—nine in number—and had very +inspiring and encouraging English services, as well +as those in the native tongue. Although Brother +Van Blunks were under a different Board and their +work was in a measure separate from the rest, yet +they were spiritual and consecrated missionaries +and of great assistance in exalting Christ among the +people.</p> + +<p>On account of the large increase in the number of +workers, it was necessary also to enlarge our dwelling +place. During this season five new huts were +erected, including those for the natives, making the +mission premises look like a little village. A building +for church services and school was also greatly +needed. During the entire rainy season these had +been held in the tent, which was proving inadequate +for the growing congregation. So Brethren Engle +and Lehman, with the assistance of the natives, +erected a very respectable looking church building +of poles and mud, 16 x 30 feet. It was furnished +with plank seats and good tables, and Brother Van +Blunk donated glass for windows. Long poles of +native timber were then secured and a framework +was made for the bell. This being hoisted and +fastened in place could be heard at many of the +kraals. It also assisted in informing the people of +the Sabbath.</p> + +<p>At sunset on Saturday evening it was rung a long +time to inform the people that the morrow was the +Sabbath, and that they should lay aside their work +and prepare for rest and service. Later in the work +some of us agreed to take that time for secret prayer +in behalf of the people, that the Lord might incline<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +their hearts to come to the house of the Lord. +After there were a number of native Christians, +they too joined us in prayer, each going to his +private place. One evening we were greatly impressed +to see Mazwi, the boy who was ringing +slowly, down on his knees, as if, while he was +calling the people to prepare for worship on the +morrow, he was also calling upon God to persuade +them to come. We were often made to feel too +that the Lord especially honored some of those +prayers.</p> + +<p>The sight of so many people about us being destitute +of clothing had greatly touched Brother Engle's +heart, and he had written to America about it. +The result was a large box of clothing generously +donated. He gave each of the headmen and the +chief a shirt and a pair of trousers, and told them to +come to services. They seemed to be, and no doubt +were, very grateful for the favor bestowed, and a +very few made good use of the garments. Others +came once or twice clothed, and then nothing more +was seen of them or their clothing. In less than a +year these latter ones came again and asked for +clothes, stating that they had nothing to wear to +church. It is needless to say that by this time the +missionaries had learned their lesson, and those desiring +to be clothed had to work for it. A number +did come and work for clothing and were well paid, +but what they did with the clothing was often a +mystery. Shirts they generally liked and appreciated, +and sometimes the other garments would be +sewed up in a wonderful manner and do duty for a +shirt or coat, or they would answer for a grain bag.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + +<p>Day by day we were learning the nature of the +people about us, and were obliged to adjust ourselves +to our changed understanding. They are all +children and must be dealt with accordingly. The +missionary soon finds that he not only needs +much of the love that "never faileth," but also a +large supply of patience continually in his work. +He must also be firm in his dealings with the natives +and make them know their place. They will respect +him all the more if he does this in the proper spirit. +Old children are more difficult to handle than young +ones, as they are more unreasonable and more set +in their ways. They generally do not feel under any +obligations to keep their promises to you, but they +fully expect you to keep yours to them, otherwise +they will lose confidence in you.</p> + +<p>When one first goes to the heathen and sees them +in their ignorance and superstition, seemingly lacking +everything to make them comfortable, he is led +to speak much of Christ and His love, thus seeking +to win them. They begin to say within themselves, +"Well, if He loves us, He will do us no harm, so we +need not trouble ourselves about Him," and they +continue, as vigorously as ever, to seek to appease +the malevolent spirits, who they think are seeking +to harm them. Then the missionary thinks he +should pursue another course. He soon becomes +somewhat discouraged and disgusted with their indifference +and hypocrisy, and is often led to the +opposite extreme, and dwells much on hell and condemnation, +which tends to harden his hearers. Finally +he reaches a golden mean. He realizes that +these poor souls about him have had no opportunity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +of rising above their degrading surroundings, and +he must take them as they are, and seek by the +ability which God giveth to live the Christ life +among them and lift them to a higher plane of living.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus088.png" width="600" height="471" alt="Matopo Mission Church in 1899. Built by Elder Jesse Engle." title="Matopo Mission Church in 1899. " /> +<span class="caption">Matopo Mission Church in 1899. Built by Elder Jesse Engle.</span> +</div> + +<p>The Sunday-school had been chiefly for the +younger ones, but we concluded to add a class for +the older people. This was greatly appreciated by +some of them, especially Mapita. It began with few +in number; but as time passed it gradually increased +in attendance and interest. Mapita seemed +so eager to learn in those days, and would often look +with longing eyes into the Kingdom, and the very +joy of the Lord would seem to be reflected in his +face, but he was afraid to step over. He gained a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> +great deal of knowledge of the Scriptures too, and +he was not slow to tell other people.</p> + +<p>All the services were more or less informal, and +any one was free to ask questions; yet in the Sabbath-school +class many felt more at home and often +expressed themselves freely in regard to the difficulties +in the way of their becoming Christians. One +day, after we had explained the lesson, Nyuka, a +witch doctor, said:</p> + +<p>"I believe all you say, and that Christ is able to +save us, but what can I do? My hands are tied. I +have five wives."</p> + +<p>Nothing had been said about a plurality of wives, +but intuitively he realized that it was a formidable +obstacle in his way. We could only tell him that if +he really reached the place where he desired to be +saved, the Lord would open the way for him.</p> + +<p>As question after question arose in the class, the +answer often given would be to open the Bible and +read a portion suitable for the question. One day, +after this had been done several times, one of the +men exclaimed, "It is no use to argue any more; that +Book knows everything." The difficulty generally +was that, although they believed the Word, they +were not willing to take the Way. The darkness +seemed too dense, the effort required was too great, +the transformation was too absolute for these old +people, rocked in the cradle of paganism for generations. +It is the younger generation that are chiefly +benefited by the mission work. Sometimes some of +the others, seeing this, will say, "I am too old; you +should have come sooner."</p> + +<p>Then again the missionary sometimes meets with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> +a Caleb or a Joshua. He receives some encouragement, +from even the old. Allow me to give an account +of a visit made at this time:</p> + +<p>We are going to visit an old queen. It is not our +first visit to her, but we are informed that she is ill +at present and her friends are fearful that she might +die, as she is very, very old. Sisters Heise, Cress, +and myself are going. We carry a little bread, +cocoa, and a New Testament. She is living at the +kraal of Mapita, our faithful helper. He also has +been sick with fever, but he is somewhat better today, +and is sitting out of doors by the fire, where his +wife and children are preparing their evening meal. +This consists of peanut gravy, kafir-corn porridge, +and pumpkin. After greeting these, we pass on to +the hut where the queen lies. We sit down on the +ground, so that we may look into the little opening +which serves as doorway. The woman in charge +invites us to enter, and we crawl into the hut. In +the center of the hut is a fire with four large stones +around it; the smoke finding its way into our eyes +or out through the straw roof, for there is no chimney +and no window. Near this fireplace lies the +poor old queen. Her bed consists of a large hide +spread on the hard, polished earthen floor, and a +block of wood serves for a pillow. A blanket is +thrown over her body. We offer the cocoa, which +the sick one gratefully accepts, but the bread is refused. +We then go to her side and try to point her +to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of +the world, and tell her of the home prepared for all +those who love God. She tries to listen, and sometimes +responds to the question asked. Of course<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +our knowledge of the language is still imperfect, and +it is more difficult for the old to understand than +for the young. When the sick one does not fully +comprehend, the nurse, who is Matshuba's mother, +explains. Sitting here by this old woman, and seeing +her stretch out her thin hands to the warm +stones at the fire, we forget that vermin surrounds +us or that our clothes might become soiled; our +hearts only overflow with a desire to let a flood of +light into the soul of the poor one before us. As +the talk continues she does seem to grasp some of +the spiritual truths, and she gives a more ready +assent to the questions asked:</p> + +<p>"Do you desire us to pray for you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! yes," she exclaimed with feeling. "I always +love to have you pray to Jesus for me."</p> + +<p>Kneeling there we offer prayers that the Lord +would speak to this dear soul and prepare her to +meet Him. Her farewell word and clinging clasp +of the hand on our departure cause us to feel that +light is breaking, and that she, in her feeble way, is, +by faith, taking hold of Christ. Once before, when +we visited her, she too offered up her feeble petition.</p> + +<p>We emerge from the hut and stop a few minutes +to speak with Mapita and his family, and offer up a +word of prayer. The sun has already set, so we +hastily bid them adieu and start for home, but not +before they have sent their respects to Father and +Mother Engle.</p> + +<p>Thus ends one of the many visits we are called +upon to make. But who is this old queen, amid +such unqueenly surroundings? She was one of the +numerous wives of Mzilikazi, the founder and first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +king of the Matabele tribe. He had a large number +of wives, not fewer than forty or fifty, and this was +one of them. The natives here claim that she was +his chief wife and the mother of Lobengula, the +king. We think that, however, is very doubtful, +although the husband of the woman where she stays +was one of Lobengula's most trusted men.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/illus092.png" width="450" height="346" alt="Mrs. Cress Giving a Lesson in Cleanliness." title="Mrs. Cress Giving a Lesson in Cleanliness." /> +<span class="caption">Mrs. Cress Giving a Lesson in Cleanliness.</span> +</div> + +<p>This poor queen in her younger days had no doubt +plenty, with slaves to wait upon her and do her bidding. +Now, in her old age, she tries to work +for a living by cultivating the soil, and growing +her own food. If her change of fortune is instrumental +in leading her to Christ, she is richer than +she knows. She will not have all her good things in +life. We have been trying to help her also in temporal +affairs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> + +<p>She arose from this sick bed and afterwards visited +us. One day, when we were again speaking of +Christ, her face lighted up and she exclaimed, "I +am happy because Jesus lives in here," putting her +hand on her breast. We feel, as Sister Heise expressed +it, "One would look upon her as one of +the first fruits of our mission work in Africa."</p> + +<p>Although the work among most of the older people +thus far appeared to make little progress, if we +may judge by their lives, yet a number of the +pupils were steadfast. As far as could be ascertained +they had accepted Christ as their Savior and +were walking out in all the light they had. Since +they were eager to follow the Lord in all things it +was considered advisable to baptize some. Accordingly, +after the little church was completed, they +were examined as to their faith. In August, 1899, +nine boys and one girl were by Elder Engle led into +one of those sparkling streams and dipped three +times into the name of the Trinity, and thus put on +the Lord by baptism. It was a time of great rejoicing +and encouragement to the missionaries when +this was done, and they could gather around the +table of the Lord, with some dark-skinned brethren, +who had so lately come out of pagan darkness. Although +these were but babes, yet the missionaries +felt that the Lord had set His seal upon the work.</p> + +<p>It might seem that we were somewhat hasty in thus +so soon receiving into church fellowship. The mission +had been opened only a little over a year, and +our imperfect knowledge of the language, as well as +of the native character, made it scarcely possible +for them to be well instructed in the things of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +Lord. There was no cause to think, however, that +they were not honest and sincere so far as they +knew. There was a radical change in their lives, +and some were steadfast, but others had not fully +counted the cost and soon fell back, if indeed they +were really saved. One of the oldest, who was over +twenty years of age, stood well until he went to +work for a European, who made sport of him, and +the boy gradually fell back into his former habits. +Great pains were taken to lead them on to know the +Lord.</p> + +<p>During this year the war known as the Boer War +began in South Africa. It was a conflict which +seemed inevitable between the wealthy English +mine owners and their Dutch rulers. We are perhaps +safe in saying that heavy taxation without +sufficient representation was the chief cause of the +war. The first event of importance in connection +with it was the siege of Kimberley, the great diamond +field, and the headquarters of Mr. Rhodes at +the time. This occurred October 14. The war then +spread through other parts of South Africa and to +the border of Rhodesia, but did not extend into it. +English troops were, however, stationed there to +repel an invasion should one be attempted.</p> + +<p>The war did not directly affect us, but indirectly +it did. By the siege of Kimberley, and later that of +Mafeking, and the destruction of the railroad our +line of supplies from Cape Town was cut off, consequently +prices in Rhodesia rose very rapidly. +Sugar was soon two shillings (48c) per pound, flour +about three guineas ($15) per one hundred pounds, +and other groceries in proportion. With little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +money on hand, and the prospects of receiving more +under such conditions uncertain, famine might have +stared us in the face. There was no need to be +uneasy, however; the Lord and the forethought of +Father and Mother Engle prepared us for such an +emergency. Shortly before this the Charter Company +had placed some cattle on the mission farm, +and we had the use of milk. Butter, eggs, and vegetables +for a time brought a very high price in Bulawayo +market, and with all these the mission was +supplied. The little spring wagon, drawn by four +donkeys, went to Bulawayo nearly every week for +a time, taking in produce which brought a high +price, and we were in turn able to pay a high price +for groceries and food for the table; so that, during +the darkest days of the war, all our needs were supplied.</p> + +<p>Occasionally disquieting rumors would reach us +that the Boers were about to force their way +through and come into Rhodesia. The natives +themselves were not a little interested in the outcome +of the war. They had no newspapers or +system of telegraphy like the white people, but they +had a means of gaining news which to them was +much more effective. This was by means of communication +among themselves. How they so +quickly secured news of the various engagements in +the south and the result of each engagement was a +mystery. We on our part, situated among them as +we were, and conscious that there were many who +were still seething under British rule, could not +avoid wondering what might be the outcome were +the British defeated. On the other hand, many of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +the natives seemed to prefer British rule to that of +the Dutch. They chose to remain as they were +rather than change masters.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER EIGHT</a></h2> + +<h3>Extension of the Work Followed by Dark +Days</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat +fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it +die, it bringeth forth much fruit.—St. John 12: 24.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>Matopo Mission was only one little light +in the surrounding darkness, and it was +hoped that other stations might be opened +in time. So after Brother and Sister Cress came, +or as soon as they had some little knowledge of the +language and of the work, they desired to open +another station. After looking the country over, +they felt led to a place up among the hills near the +kraal of Buka, of whom mention was made earlier +in these pages. There were a number of kraals in +the immediate vicinity, and the location seemed a +good one, except that it was somewhat near Matopo +Mission. They decided to move out in November, +and at that time they, together with the tent and +supplies, were taken to their new station. Unfortunately +a heavy rain came on while they were on +the way and the ground was thoroughly soaked +before they had an opportunity to pitch their tent. +They concluded, however, to remain at their place +and build. It was named Entabeni Mission.</p> + +<p>The building progressed satisfactorily, and they +held services on each Sunday for about two months +or a little over. They felt encouraged in their work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +and the natives interested. At the Christmas holidays +they came to spend the time with us, and we +had a very enjoyable time with the natives. The +third week in January, 1900, a messenger arrived to +inform us that Sister Cress had been stricken with +fever. A conveyance was immediately sent to +the place to bring her to Matopo Mission, and by +the time that reached their mission Brother Cress +also was sick. Both were brought to the mission +and made as comfortable as possible. At first no +one considered their illness serious, for our party +had thus far been enjoying good health since the +work opened. Other complications set in in connection +with Sister Cress' illness, and she gradually +grew worse. For twenty-four hours she lay unconscious +and then rallied and seemed quite bright. +We were all present—Engles, Van Blunks, Sister +Heise, Brother Lehman, and myself—when she rallied. +She requested that prayer be offered for her +recovery. This was done and we felt that she would +gain strength, but it was not to be. In half an +hour that sweet young life passed to be with God. +This was February 8, 1900. All through her sickness +she felt perfectly resigned to the Lord's will, +whether for life or death.</p> + +<p>We felt that we could not spare this saintly woman, +so well fitted both by nature and by grace to +shine for God. She had laid her all upon the altar +for Africa, and often expressed herself that she +wanted to spend her life in behalf of this people. +She had been in Africa only nine and one-half +months, yet she had entered heart and soul into the +work of the Lord, and was rapidly acquiring the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +language, so that she could converse with the people. +She had formed some of the women into a sewing +class, uniting this work with religious instructions, +and endearing herself to all with whom she came +into contact. She loved the people and was willing +and ready to undertake any kind of work that came +to her. She was especially gifted in prayer, and it +was always an inspiration to the rest of us to listen +to her heartfelt petition. Why the Lord thus early +in her missionary career took her to Himself, we +know not; but when the things of earth shall be +revealed, when we shall know as we are known, +then all will be clear.</p> + +<p>Brethren Engle and Lehman made a coffin; we +covered it within with white muslin and without +with black cloth, and thus laid the body away. Mr. +Eyles, of Bulawayo, was interested in the mission +and occasionally visited us and spoke to the natives, +since he had good command of the Zulu language. +On this occasion he consented to come out and +preach the funeral sermon. The chief men of the people +carried her to her last resting place beneath the +Umkuni tree, and they mingled their tears with +ours. The occasion was made more sad by the fact +that the husband was still ill and unable to view the +corpse or attend the funeral.</p> + +<p>During the sickness of these two people we greatly +appreciated the presence and help of Brother and +Sister Van Blunk, who still lived near the mission. +Both were very kind in assisting to care for the +sick and also in the last sad rites. Shortly afterwards +they moved to Bulawayo and made that the +headquarters of their evangelistic work.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus100.png" width="600" height="348" alt="Elder Engle and Donkey Team at Matopo Mission." title="Elder Engle and Donkey Team" /> +<span class="caption">Elder Engle and Donkey Team at Matopo Mission.</span> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> +<p>Brother Cress recovered from his illness, but concluded +that it was best for him to return to America, +and wrote the Board accordingly. He felt his loss +keenly. The work in general resumed its normal +condition until the last week in March, when our +bishop and overseer, Elder Engle, became sick. He +had been very busy with the work, and in his frequent +trips to Bulawayo, sometimes in the rain, +he may have exposed himself. His condition did +not seem serious, and he was not obliged to keep his +bed continually. On April 2 he walked to a garden +near by, and when he returned he again lay down. +He ate heartily of the dinner prepared for him, after +which his wife came to the dining-room and ate +with us. At the close of our 3 P. M. dinner she +went to her room, but returned at once and asked +me to fill the hot water bottle and come over. I +did so and found Brother Engle having a heavy chill +and speaking the Zulu language rapidly, seemingly +unconscious of our presence. We endeavored in +every way to help him, but soon found that he was +rapidly becoming paralyzed. Sister Heise and +Brother Lehman were called and a consultation +held. It was decided to send a messenger to the fort, +ten miles away, and from there telephone to Bulawayo +for a doctor. Brother Cress had left that day +to go as far as the fort on his way to Bulawayo, and +he was also to be informed.</p> + +<p>All night we watched by the Elder's bedside, but +there was nothing that could be done. Brother +Cress arrived near noon the next day, but the doctor +did not arrive in time. That was a dark time as +he lay paralyzed and unconscious in the little mud<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +hut he called home, far from his children, far from +the comforts of civilization, with none of his family +or relatives, save his devoted wife, by his side. As +it became evident that the end was near, that heroic +mother, who had been such a worthy companion in +all his labors, stooped over and imprinted on his +face a kiss for each of their seven sons in far-away +America. At 5 P. M., April 3, he breathed his last. +Thus, in less than two months from the date of +Sister Cress' death, Elder Engle also was called +home. The loss of our sister was great, but this +seemed to be a still greater blow on the mission.</p> + +<p>He was so absorbed in the work, and no sacrifice +was too great, no labor too hard, for him to endure. +Perhaps, if he had spared himself a little more, he +might have been able to continue longer in the +work. Who knows? The language was difficult +for one at his age, yet he was making heroic efforts +to acquire it, and could make himself pretty well +understood. We have seen him, after reading the +Word, stand before the people, with the tears running +down his face in his great love for them and +in his desire to help them to Christ. And the natives +knew that he loved them and they in turn +loved him and greatly lamented his departure. The +language of many of them might be summed up in +that of one woman. As she stood by his coffin, +weeping, she said:</p> + +<p>"He was good to me. He gave me salt, he gave +me calico. What shall we do without him?"</p> + +<p>It seemed that his life work was finished. He +had had the desire of his heart, in that he had been +permitted to reach Africa and see a work started in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +the wilds. He had been privileged to see something +of the travail of soul by beholding some step into +the Kingdom. Now he had gone to hear the welcome +message, "Well done, good and faithful +servant ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."</p> + +<p>This time it was Brethren Cress and Lehman who +made the coffin. There was no lumber on hand, +but they removed some from the hut doors for the +purpose. Again we covered it to contain the form +of our elder. Mr. Eyles could not meet with us at +this time, and the Van Blunks were away; but two +of the officials from Fort Usher were present, and +a number of natives, not so many, however, as at +the previous time. No doubt they were becoming +suspicious of this oft-repeated death. The white +men present, together with some of the natives, carried +the body to its last resting place beside Sister +Cress. Brother Cress spoke in English to the white +people present, while the natives were addressed +by the writer from 2 Tim. 4: 7-8.</p> + +<p>The devoted wife had been wonderfully sustained +by a Higher Power through all this sad scene. She +had been called here, far from her home and family, +to lay away her husband, but she realized that she +was not alone. When, however, the funeral was +over, the effects of the shock and of the strain +through which she had been passing were manifest. +She too took her bed with the dread African fever.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus104.png" width="600" height="346" alt="MATOPO CEMETERY. +Elder Jesse Engle. Mrs. Cress. Mrs. E. Doner. +Elder Jacob Engle at his father's grave and Elder John Sheets." title="Cemetery" /> +<span class="caption">MATOPO CEMETERY. +Elder Jesse Engle. Mrs. Cress. Mrs. E. Doner. +Elder Jacob Engle at his father's grave and Elder John Sheets.</span> +</div> + +<p>The Seventh Day Adventist missionaries, who +had been so kind to us when we first came to Bulawayo, +sent letters of condolence as soon as they +heard of our bereavement, and offered the services +of their physician, should we need him. In this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +emergency we sent for him to come and see Mother +Engle. He rode the fifty miles on horseback to +come to minister to her and to give us instructions +as to how to treat the disease. This was something +which we greatly needed and appreciated, and it has +been of great service to us in later years. He would +accept no compensation for his long and tiresome +journey. Such are the big hearts one finds in the +interior of Africa. They are enlarged to take in +more of the Spirit of the Master. All was done that +could possibly be done for Mother Engle, so that +she might gain her health sufficiently to return to +America with Brother Cress. She continued to +have relapses of the fever for three months, and it +was not until July 19 that she was able to make the +journey.</p> + +<p>Brother Cress' stay of sixteen months in Africa +had brought great loss to him, but the Lord had +sustained him. We were sorry to lose him as well +as Mother Engle in the work. She never felt called +of herself to go as a missionary, but only to be with +her husband. When he was led of the Lord to go +forth, she most cheerfully bade farewell to her family +and all that was dear to a mother's heart and +went with her husband, neither of them knowing +whether they would be permitted to see their family +again. She was not merely a companion to him, +but a most devoted helpmate, not only in all that +can possibly mean in civilized lands; but larger still, +in the heartaches, the weariness, the loneliness, and +the discouragements that come to a missionary. +How often the names of their loved ones would be +spoken by these two! How they would linger over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +the letters that came, and yet never a word of complaining +or regret that they had left all for this. +When Elder Engle died we felt that we had lost a +father; so, when she left for America, we realized +that the mother and homemaker was gone.</p> + +<p>Before their departure a most important event +transpired. I refer to the marriage, on May 1, of +Mr. Isaac Lehman and Miss Alice Heise, by Rev. +Van Blunk. This was to have taken place earlier, +but was delayed by the sorrowful events through +which we were passing. Even the day of the wedding +was saddened by a most serious relapse of +Mother Engle, and we felt quite anxious on her +account. This was the first opportunity for the natives +to see something of a Christian wedding, and +we believe they were impressed with the difference +between a Christian and a pagan marriage. Brother +Lehman was a consecrated young man and had +from the first taken hold of the work along all lines +with zeal and readiness. He had also made rapid +strides in the language. Sister Heise, too, ever since +the opening of the mission, had been a most able +and efficient worker, so that both were well +equipped to do effectual service for the Master.</p> + +<p>All of us accompanied Mother Engle and Brother +Cress to Bulawayo, where they rested for a day and +then took the train for Cape Town, while we returned +to continue the work. For a time nine white +workers had been at Matopo Mission, and in less +than six months the number had been reduced to +three. Those left, however, were not discouraged. +May 23 of the same year one of them wrote to the +<i>Evangelical Visitor</i>:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + +<blockquote><p>"He that keepeth thee will not slumber." This is the +Father's promise to all His dear children, not only to +you who are sheltered in Christian homes, but also to +us who are in the wilds of Africa. We have just as much +faith in the promise today as when to outward appearances +everything was more secure. Your hearts with +ours have no doubt been torn by the sad messages which +have crossed the waters during the few months just past, +and some one may be even tempted to doubt whether it +was the Lord's will for us to come to Africa. Beloved, +does England doubt the outcome of the deadly conflict +raging in South Africa because she has already lost thousands +of men? Is her courage failing? No; far from +it. Money and men are continually pouring into the +country and soon the independence of two states will be +a thing of the past. Shall we as Christian soldiers have +less faith in the King of kings? Shall we give up the +conflict because two have fallen by our side? No; not if +all men forsake us, for with God we still have a majority. +While our hearts feel bereft by the departure of our beloved +colaborers, we still have confidence in our Great +Captain, and we know that He never lost a battle.</p></blockquote> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER NINE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Battle Is not Yours, but God's</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, +that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and +having done all, to stand.—Eph. 6: 13.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>The missionary going among the heathen +must realize that he is about to engage in a +warfare, and that the conflict will be fierce +and long. He is assailing the great enemy of souls +in his stronghold. The fight is on continually and +one must keep armed for battle. More important +yet than this the missionary should remember that +he is under orders and that the work is not his but +the Lord's.</p> + +<p>The loss of our fellow-soldiers was most keenly +felt, and there were some severe tests to face. The +work had become disorganized by the continued illness +and the deaths, when all our energies had been +needed in caring for those about us. Encouraging +letters, however, came from the homeland and the +Mission Board, so that we realized that prayers +were being offered in our behalf and in behalf of +the work. We also expected that reinforcements +would be forthcoming in the Lord's own time. So, +under the leadership of our Great Captain, the army +was again set in array and the conflict continued.</p> + +<p>We were pleased to note that the people stood by +us nobly in this extremity, even though Satan had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> +put forth every effort to defeat the work. Some +who had started to follow the Lord saw that they +had become indifferent and renewed their covenant. +There were four boys who were staying at the mission +at this time, and they came one evening and +said they would like to have a talk. This was not +so strange, as we often had little confidential chats +with them. On this particular evening they came +in and sat down. Then, without any preliminary +remarks, Matshuba arose and made a complete confession +of his past life. He then sat down and +Kelenki arose and began to do the same. I said,</p> + +<p>"Boys, if you desire we will call Brother and +Sister Lehman, that they may hear likewise."</p> + +<p>They replied, "Yes, Miss, do so, for we desire to +confess everything and have all wiped away, and we +do not want to repeat our wrongdoings, for we +want to be ready when Jesus comes."</p> + +<p>So one of them called the Lehmans, and beginning +again they arose, one by one, and told of their +past life. When each one had finished he would +turn around and inquire of the rest if he had told +everything. Three of them were baptized members, +and they evidently had been having a meeting in +their hut and became concerned about their condition. +They had not been guilty of any new sins, +but were in doubt as to their standing before God, +and wanted pardon and cleansing. They had taken +1 John 1: 9 very literally. When the confessions +were finished we all knelt in prayer; and after we +had prayed, they too most earnestly besought the +Lord that they might be set completely free from +their past life. When they arose to their feet their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +faces were shining and they said "God had heard +and answered."</p> + +<p>Then, as they sat there, they told of their old lives +and of the lives of the people about us, until we +felt that we were just beginning to know the people +among whom we were situated. Conditions which, +up to that time, they had been timid of telling, for +fear of their people, they now boldly and fearlessly +exposed, and they seemed to be done once and forever +with their heathen past. Our hearts went up in +gratitude to the Father, and our eyes were opened +more and more to see the real need of this people +and the obstacles in their way of becoming Christians.</p> + +<p>People reared in Christian homes, with an entire +Bible which they can read from childhood, with the +privileges of church and Sunday-school, with good +literature and hymns and many other advantages +which might be mentioned, cannot possibly, by any +stretch of imagination, put themselves in the place +of those who are deprived of all these; and not only +that, but who, from infancy, have been in an atmosphere +of ignorance and superstition, reeking with +influences the most foul and loathsome imaginable. +Then, too, is it to be wondered at that when people, +who have been brought up amid surroundings the +most helpful possible, spiritually, and the most conducive +to growth in grace, grow lean in soul and +backslide—I say is it to be wondered at that the +Christians in heathen lands, in their desperate struggle +against such adverse and degrading surroundings, +sometimes relapse into heathendom? Not only +is it not to be wondered at, but it is positively surprising<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> +and a great cause for rejoicing among missionaries, +that so many grasping hold of the Everlasting +Arm do once and forever shake off the bog +and filth of the bottomless pit and stand as monuments +of His power to save to the uttermost.</p> + +<p>During the dry season of 1900 an aggressive campaign +against Satan and his followers among the +rocks and strongholds was begun, for we felt that +the Lord would have us press the battle to the +gates. During the rainy seasons, when people are +busy in their gardens, and when there is a great +deal of sickness, both school and evangelistic work +suffer, so that it is necessary to make the best use +of the dry season. As soon as the crops were gathered +the school at the mission increased in numbers +and interest, and Brother and Sister Lehman opened +a school at the village of Chief Hluganisa. They +rode back and forth day by day, and when they +were unable to go two of the boys were sent to +teach. The attendance and interest there were encouraging.</p> + +<p>What of this chief, who had so kindly received +the missionaries two years before? It would be a +pleasure to be able to report that he had opened his +heart to accept Christ as his Savior, but such was +not the case. He was very ready to receive the +gifts of the white man, whether from officials, missionaries, +or any one else. He was also quite willing +that the school should be started in his village; +for would not this make his people wiser and more +able to secure the good things of the earth? But +the white man's religion, he would none of it for +himself. He was a most troublesome beggar from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +first to last. Elder Engle, had made him a present +of a very good blanket, with which he was greatly +pleased, but he seldom came to services. When +he came to the mission it was always with the expectation +of asking and receiving something.</p> + +<p>One day he came to pay us sort of a state visit, +and a little later his three wives followed in order +of their rank. We were desirous of treating them +all kindly after their long walk to pay us this visit, +so Mother Engle concluded to give them bread and +tea. A plate of bread, together with a quantity of +tea and sugar, was placed before them. We expected, +of course, that all would receive some. The +chief appropriated everything; emptied all the sugar +into the tea, drank all, and ate all the bread. When +they started home the wives went first, the lowest in +rank preceding, to prepare everything for their lord +and master, who followed at his leisure. One day +one of the missionaries, tried by his cupidity and +avarice, gave him a straight talk. He did not return +for some months after this, not until the funeral of +Sister Cress. Until this day he continues to be a +rank heathen, greedy, and superstitious, and a lover +of wives and beer.</p> + +<p>All three of us by this time were fairly well prepared +in the language, and some of the boys were +beginning to be helpful in evangelistic work. Early +in the season the Lehmans, with one of the men as +guide, made a tour to the southeast of us in a +section not yet visited. They reported an interesting +and profitable trip and met the people from six +different kraals. As it was a section of raw heathendom, +they were surprised to find, at one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> +kraals, a woman who joined heartily in the hymn +sung and was familiar with the words. On inquiry +they found that when a girl she had lived at the +house of Rev. Thomas, one of the first missionaries +of Matabeleland. He had a station at some distance +north of Bulawayo, and his memory is much +revered by those natives who knew him. The brother +and sister had the fortune, or misfortune, to be +present at a beer drink. This is their way of getting +a lot of work done: They make a quantity of beer; +then call in their neighbors to help work, paying +them with beer. It is surprising how much beer +they can consume at such times. They often become +quite boisterous and even intoxicated, and +frequently quarrel and fight as a result of their debauch. +On this occasion the men were friendly, +but scarcely in a condition to receive the Gospel. +The travelers returned tired, but rejoicing in the +Lord because of another opportunity of sowing seed.</p> + +<p>The life of a missionary is not full of exciting +adventures and encouraging incidents. It is very +ordinary at times and very crushing at others. The +ups and downs would soon wear him out did he not +take fast hold of God and, looking up by faith, keep +saying to Him, "Lord, this is Thy work. Do Thou +bear the burdens, the joys, and the sorrows that +keep crowding thick and fast upon me, and let me +be only Thy instrument and Thy weapon of warfare." +I remember, during the first year, I at times +felt I was not burdened enough for the souls about +me, and once spent long hours of prayer, asking that +the burden might rest more heavily. I retired to +rest. The next day the Lord answered the prayer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +of His messenger. I thought it would crush me to +the earth, but the lesson had been learned. He knows +how much we can bear, and we should always say, +"As Thou wilt."</p> + +<p>In our visits among the people one day is much +like another, but they must be made in order to +keep in touch with them. August 17 I wrote as +follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p> +"One more day's work for Jesus,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">One less of life for me,</span><br /> +But heaven is nearer and Christ is dearer,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Than yesterday to me.</span><br /> +His life and light fill all my soul tonight."<br /> +</p> + +<p>This being Saturday, I arose early to go out among +the people. After taking some food, I started a little +after sunrise with Sihlaba as guide. We went to visit +the kraal of Siponka, about two miles distant. These people +have been on my mind for some time. They are +good-hearted but veritable heathen, and care only for +the good things of this life. They are entirely too indifferent +to come either to school or church, although two, +who were members, live here. The downward influence +is too strong for even them, and seemingly they have +done according to the proverb.</p> + +<p>Early as it was in the morning, the people were nearly +all away, but we found at home two men, some women, +and boys and girls. There was an opportunity for giving +the Gospel to them, and the Lord greatly helped in the +presentation of His Word. They gradually became interested +and seemed at least to have greater light. May +the Lord send home the truth into their hearts!</p> + +<p>Siyaya (one of the backslidden boys) went along with +us to the home of Amuzeze (another member). Here +there were a number of women, one man, and some young +people. They were more willing than usual to listen, +also more able to understand, and Amuzeze took part in +prayer.</p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> + +<blockquote><p>From there Siyaya also went along to Umvunzi's home. +Poor boy! he followed us around, seemingly hungry for +the Word, but helplessly overcome by the gross darkness +surrounding him. At this last place there were only a +few present. The men from all these kraals had gone a +long distance to buy goats. Here the powers of darkness +were so great that I could not shake off the feeling +and have victory in speaking. I wonder what my spiritual +status would be at the end of the year, if I were obliged +to live long amid such surroundings; and yet I have +Christ and His Spirit in my soul and much of His Word +written in my heart, while these poor ones have only +generations of paganism back of them.</p> + +<p>We then turned our faces homeward, moving in something +of a circle and coming first to Seba's village. This +is not far from the mission, and yet it is our first visit +to this place. The people seemed very glad to see us, and +some here had the privilege for the first time of hearing +the Gospel, and were eager to catch every word. While +we were speaking, a native, carrying poles, was passing, +and he put his poles down and entered to listen. He was +a stranger to me. A tall fine-looking fellow he was. He +informed us that he had moved near and was building a +hut. Mapita and his wife also had entered during the +services. Seba invited us to remain for dinner and eat +of their <i>inkobe</i> (boiled corn), but it was not yet ready, +so thanking him for his hospitality we continued our +journey.</p> + +<p>First, the stranger invited us to go over and see his +wife and the hut he was building, which was only a short +distance away. We did so and here we met two women +from our nearest kraal. We then proceeded on our homeward +way, and had gone only a short distance when we +met John (a Christian) and his brothers, who followed +us home.</p> + +<p>On the way we stopped a few minutes at Mapita's home +to see the children, and then reached the mission at midday. +The boys remained a short time to talk. I then +tidied my hut, made a dress and gave it to a little girl,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> +and entertained a number of native women. After our +three o'clock dinner and worship I read and studied the +language, and here it is evening and the close of a very +enjoyable day.</p></blockquote> + +<p>This account has been given, not because there +was anything unusual about it, but because it is +typical of many Saturdays on the mission field, and +some of them have been days of the most exquisite +enjoyment we have ever known. Such days never +seem to become monotonous. One forgets the +long and tiresome walk if he finds eager and interested +listeners at the end. Even if some steel their +hearts against the Word, there is still the consciousness +to the messenger that he has done what he +could. Then again much of one's time on the mission +station is spent talking to the natives who +come. They may not be anxious for the Gospel, +but one always hopes some word or message may +sink into their hearts.</p> + +<p>The first few years of the mission, the country +was occasionally visited by locusts, sometimes in +such large swarms as almost to darken the face of +the sky. These were not the seventeen-year cicadas, +which some people are pleased to term locusts, but +large grasshoppers, various kinds of which made +their appearance to the great destruction of crops +and vegetation. Sometimes the corn and the kafir +corn would be stripped. Again, an immense swarm +would come suddenly and alight—so that in a very +short time the whole face of nature would be transformed +from a bright green to a reddish brown, the +color of the locusts—and would then as suddenly fly +off without doing much harm. Wherever the locusts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +settled for the night, the natives would be +there early in the morning with their nets and +catch them for food.</p> + +<p>The year 1900 was especially one of these locust +years. During the dry season, the adult locusts +selected suitable places, remained to feed for a +time, then deposited their eggs in the earth and +died. As at this time the insects cannot fly, the +natives catch them in large numbers and carry them +home for food. One such swarm settled about two +miles from the mission, and thither day after day +went the women and girls to catch them. They +would put them in bags or large baskets and carry +them home. One could often see ten or twelve +women walking through our premises, each one +carrying on her head a bushel or more of locusts. +They would cook them in large earthen pots, then +spread them on the rocks to dry, after which they +would go for a fresh supply. When the locusts +were dry they would be stored away for food. In +eating them the natives would remove head, wings, +and legs and eat them somewhat after the manner +of dried herring, and considered them a great delicacy, +saying, "They are our meat." We have partaken +of them in this manner and found them not +unpalatable, and they are certainly a cleaner food +than many things eaten in civilized lands. The +natives' favorite way of preparing the locusts, however, +was to stamp them in a stamping block, then +cook them, together with ground peanuts, into a +gravy to be eaten with their porridge.</p> + +<p>Although many of the locusts had been safely +stowed away in the native storehouses, during this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +year, yet numbers remained in various parts of the +country to lay their eggs in the ground. When the +rains came and softened the ground these eggs +hatched. After a colony hatched, the little wingless +larvæ, or hoppers, started forth as an army, all +going in one direction. These armies were generally +about a rod or two in width and much greater in +length, and woe to the young garden that came in +their way! They would spread over it, devour the +tender shoots, and then proceed in the same general +direction in which they had been traveling. The +natural grass and herbage of the country was too +tough for them to eat. Not only one but several +such armies coming from different directions passed +through our gardens that season, and some of the +cornfields had to be planted two or three times. +One was finally left unplanted, while our potatoes +and many of the garden vegetables were destroyed. +At first we endeavored to fight them with fires when +they were seen to be approaching a garden, but this +was soon found to be useless. The missionaries felt +the loss of their crops and vegetables, but their +loss could not be compared with that of the poor +natives, many of whom could not procure grain for +a second planting, and they had nothing else to depend +upon.</p> + +<p>During this year we were seriously contemplating +an advanced step in the work, by opening the way +for more boys and girls to come as boarders. They +would thus be given a Christian home and be +trained to work and to habits of cleanliness. Up to +this time the largest number staying at one time +was four boys; and one girl had come lately. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +day was not far distant when it would be necessary +to erect better and more permanent dwellings, as +the huts were already showing signs of decay; and +if more boys could be received and these trained to +make brick and assist in building, it would be an +advantage both to the boys and to the mission. As +the year drew near to a close there began to be a +desire on the part of some of the older boys to attend +school and perhaps come to stay with us. We +knew enough of the native character to believe that +it was best not to throw out any special inducement, +as it is always best for them to desire a thing for +themselves and to be fully persuaded in their own +minds so that they might not be wavering.</p> + +<p>On New Year's Day, 1901, after the close of the +services, a boy, probably nineteen years of age, +stood at the open door of my hut with rather a wistful +look on his face. He was well dressed and had +been working for white people, but had shown no +interest in school or in the Gospel up to this time. +Something in his face that day prompted me to say,</p> + +<p>"Ndhlalambi, when are you coming to stay at the +mission and give your heart to the Lord?"</p> + +<p>He promptly replied, "I am coming one week +from tomorrow."</p> + +<p>Afterwards, in giving his experience, he said, +"While I was working at the mines I became convicted +of my wrongdoing and made up my mind +that I would come to the missionaries and go to +school and give my heart to Jesus. When I came +I was afraid to ask and the Lord told Miss to ask +me."</p> + +<p>He did come and did yield his heart to the Lord,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +and seemed to settle it in his mind, if one may judge +by subsequent actions. "I care not what course +others may take, but as for me I will serve the +Lord." He made a good confession and was always +ready to step out into the light as it shone on his +pathway. His way, however, was not an easy one. +He met with violent opposition at times from an +irascible pagan father, and persecution in various +ways, but he stood firm. A special test came to +him a year or two after he started to school. One +day he came in great distress and said,</p> + +<p>"Father is very angry with me. My mother's +brother died and left me a lot of cattle and other +property, and my parents wish me to go and claim +the property. But if I go, they will have a big +dance and claim to call back the spirit of my uncle +and ask him his will about the property, and they +will want me to take part in their worship. I desire +to follow the Lord."</p> + +<p>I said, "If you do not go perhaps you will not receive +the property."</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," he replied. "I love +the Lord more than I love the cattle. Only pray +that father will not be angry with me for refusing +to go."</p> + +<p>Later he came with his face all aglow and said, +"The Lord has heard our prayers. Father is not +angry with me any more."</p> + +<p>In school he was slow but persevering, and in +work likewise. He had his faults, and seemed at +times to be lacking in humility, yet he never seemed +to waver in his determination to follow the Lord.</p> + +<p>Several other young men also applied for admission,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +among whom was Gomo, a brother of Tebengo +and Muza and Emyonleni; also two younger boys +who were already Christians, Masikwa and Madhliwa. +There were now nine boys, and several months +afterward three girls came. These girls were trained +by Sister Lehman to do housework. The work was +looking quite encouraging, for all showed an interest +in desiring to become Christians.</p> + +<p>As this rainy season came on, it could not fail to +remind us of the loss and of the trying times of +the previous year. Some of our number thought it +best to go to a more healthy place until the rains +were over. This, however, would almost necessitate +closing the work, which was not to be thought +of.</p> + +<p>In the midst of the rains, in March, Sister Lehman +took down with the fever one day and on the +following day her husband was also laid low. The +buildings at Matopo are in a healthy place, yet +during the rainy season one is always more or less +exposed to fever, either by traveling and sleeping +out, or even by going down to the gardens in the +valley in the evening. At that time we did not +understand so well how to check or combat the +fever as in later years. So the sick ones grew worse +and required my constant attention day and night +for about ten or more days. Fortunately the boys +were good helpers, as there were no girls at the +time. Matshuba was able to take charge of the +school; Ndhlalambi and one of the little boys could +help me in the kitchen and sickroom; Gomo did the +washing outside of the window where I could see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +and direct; and the other boys attended to the +gardens.</p> + +<p>As the sick ones grew worse we sent a boy for a +doctor, but on account of the damp, rainy weather, +he delayed several days before coming, so that the +fever was broken by the time he reached the mission. +It was a trying time and one of looking to +the Lord on the part of the sick and the well ones. +To make matters worse some of the boys became +quite ill, and we were unable to give them the attention +they needed. One day Kelenki, who was +very low, managed to crawl to the kitchen and +begged to be allowed to lie there by the stove. Mrs. +Eyles kindly came out from Bulawayo when at last +the doctor was able to reach us. She remained for +a week during their convalescence and cared for the +sick. This gave me a much-needed rest and an opportunity +to turn my attention to the boy, who was +still quite ill and needed help. It was a day of +rejoicing when our brother and sister and all were +restored to health, and we were thankful that the +Lord had mercy upon us, lest we should have sorrow +upon sorrow.</p> + +<p>During the time we were passing through these +afflictions, another difficulty was staring us in the +face, which threatened, if possible, to be more serious +than any which we had yet been called upon +to meet. This was the land question. Mention +was made that we were looking toward the erection +of more permanent buildings. We had sent to the +Board for money for this purpose; also for money +to survey the land. Up to this time the 3,000 acres +upon which the mission had been located by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +government, had not been surveyed. It had been +given only as a reservation for mission purpose, +and permission had also been granted that the missionaries +could stake off a plot of 3,000 acres and +make a diagram without going to the expense of +employing a government surveyor, as that kind of +work is costly in Africa. For this purpose, the year +previous, four of us, Brethren Engle and Cress, together +with Sister Heise and myself, started out to +stake out the land, supposing, as we had been informed +by the official who located the mission, that +the two beacons north of us were the limit of the +surveyed territory. We climbed hills, went over +precipices, and waded swamps under a hot August +sun and made a diagram of the desired farm, only to +find at the close that the result was not satisfactory +to the government. It was necessary for a government +survey to be made, and this had not been +done; but we had sent for money for the purpose, +and the money had just arrived.</p> + +<p>The day on which Sister Lehman took sick, two +Europeans brought some cattle and put them in our +pen, from which the company's cattle had been removed +the previous year. They did not ask for +permission to place these cattle on the mission farm, +and to us it seemed rather a bold step. They informed +us, however, that they thought a mistake +had been made in locating the mission, and that we +were on surveyed land. They stated that they were +not certain in reference to the matter, as the owners +did not know the exact boundary of their farm.</p> + +<p>The Charter Company, of Rhodesia had, especially +at the close of the war, made large concessions of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +land to companies, syndicates, and individuals. +These grants often comprised many thousands of +acres, and in many instances the owners, in the +early days, did not know the location of their land. +They simply sent out a surveyor to measure and +stake off the requisite amount and erect beacons; +then the land was left entirely unimproved. If they +were fortunate enough afterwards to know the +boundaries of the farms, they often sent out an agent +to collect tax of the natives living on it. The best +of the land being disposed of, very little remained +for farmers, who would have improved the land, or +for missionaries, who would both improve it and instruct +the natives. No doubt the government, when +too late, realized their lack of wisdom in making +some of these grants, as it greatly retarded the work +of building up and developing the country.</p> + +<p>This was the condition of affairs when Matopo +Mission was located. We had, however, no intimation +that a mistake might have been made in the +location, until informed by the two Europeans previously +mentioned. One of them desired to collect +hut tax for the company owning the land, but this +he could not do, as he was not certain of the boundaries, +and the company, at the time, was not willing +to bear the expense of having a surveyor come out +to locate the land. It is needless to say that it was +a dark and trying time for the missionaries. If we +were on surveyed land, we might have to change +the mission site and much of the work already accomplished +would be lost. Again, how were we to +find out where we were? If a wealthy company did +not care to bear the expense of locating their land,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +how much less able were missionaries, whose purses, +at the best, are never too full! Should we go to +the expense of sending for a surveyor to locate us, +we might be forced to move the mission, and the +outlay incurred would benefit the company alone. +We were in these wilds; could we succeed in locating +ourselves?</p> + +<p>As usual, when difficulties thus confronted us, we +looked to Him who never fails. Any one in the +mission field has often reasons to be thankful for +the varied training and experiences of the home +land; for no knowledge or previous experience of +whatever sort comes amiss when he is out where +there is little outside help. We had studied, hence +had a little knowledge of surveying. Would that +knowledge help us here in these fastnesses?</p> + +<p>Mr. Jackson, the magistrate at Fort Usher, who +had always been a friend in need, was appealed to. +He did not know the boundaries of the farms in the +immediate vicinity, but he knew the location of +one important beacon several miles north, for he +had had occasion to settle a difficulty in reference +to it some time previous. So, with this knowledge +to begin with, we went to the government surveyor +and secured a diagram of all the farms in the vicinity +of the mission. Thus equipped, and securing a compass, +we started for home. Brother Lehman made +a temporary chain, and together with some of the +boys we went to the beacon pointed out by Mr. +Jackson. From this a survey was made south, and +it was discovered that the mission was on a tract of +land known as "Matopo Block," owned by the +Bulawayo Syndicate. This was a farm of 25,000<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +acres, and it was about twelve miles long. As there +were no beacons for a distance of seven miles on the +south of the mission, it was not difficult to understand +how the mistake was made in the location. +By further survey we discovered that we were on +the extreme east end of this farm, and a line drawn +nearly southeast from the beacon north of us would +give the mission the required 3,000 acres. Another +surveyed farm lay adjoining this on the east.</p> + +<p>We had located the mission, but it remained to +induce the government to arrange with the syndicate +and give them land elsewhere in exchange for +the amount promised to the mission. It is needless +to enter into the details of the slow process necessary +for settling the difficulty, for any one dealing +with the affairs of government knows something +of the tediousness and red tape required. Letters +were addressed to both the government and to Mr. +Rhodes, who was then on his estate near Bulawayo. +The government officials met the question in a spirit +of conciliation and fairness, promising to do all in +their power to bring it to a satisfactory settlement. +We were asked later to make further survey, to be +certain that we had given the correct location. At +one time it appeared that the exchange could not be +made, and we were requested to look up another +location. Looking to the Lord, we made another +appeal, which resulted, in September of the same +year, in the mission being allowed to retain its location. +At first this was to have been only a reservation, +but the final papers, which were not made +out until late in 1902, resulted in giving a ninety-nine-year +lease, which was much more satisfactory.</p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER TEN</a></h2> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> +<h3>Reinforcements and Industrial Work</h3> + +<blockquote><p>It is not the mere preacher that is wanted here. The +bishops of Great Britain, collected with all the classic +youth of Oxford and Cambridge, would effect nothing by +mere talking with the intelligent people of Uganda. It is +the practical Christian tutor, who can teach people how to +become Christians, cure their diseases, construct dwellings, +understand and exemplify agriculture, turn his hand +to anything, like a sailor—this is the man who is wanted. +Such an one, if he can be found, would become the savior +of Africa.—Henry M. Stanley.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>During the progress of the land question +and the negotiations with the government, +important changes were taking place in the +personæ of the mission. In June of 1901 we were +pleased to receive much-needed reinforcements in +the persons of Mr. Levi Doner and Miss Emma +Long. Accompanying them were Mr. and Mrs. +Jacob Lehman, who were on their way to engage +in mission work at the Compounds in Johannesburg. +On account of the war they were not yet permitted +to enter Johannesburg, so they came to Matopo for a +time.</p> + +<p>At the same time Brother Isaac Lehman and wife +thought it best to go to Cape Town for a rest, as +she had not fully recovered from her attack of the +fever. We were very sorry to lose so valuable colaborers +at this time, for they had the language and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +experience in mission work, and it always requires +time for new missionaries to take hold of the various +duties. I especially felt the loss of Brother Lehman, +as I was the only one left who could speak +to the natives. Brother Doner, however, made rapid +strides in the language, and soon acquired a working +knowledge of it, and was also a willing and efficient +messenger along all lines. Very early in the +work he was laid low with fever, but he recovered. +Then Sister Long was quite sick for a time. These +experiences, coming so early in their missionary career, +were somewhat discouraging.</p> + +<p>The mission family was steadily increasing. A +number of other boys had come to stay at the mission +and become pupils and industrial workers. +From the very first in receiving boys at the mission +station, it was our plan to have them in school +three and one-half hours and the rest of the time, +which was five or six hours, they were engaged in +some industrial work. As the natural inclination of +the native is toward laziness and filthiness in personal +habits, we were opening the door and taking +all who desired to come and giving them a home, +our aim being to take them out of their degraded +home surroundings and give them the threefold +training, spiritual, intellectual, and industrial, all of +which seemed necessary to help them become +strong, established Christians.</p> + +<p>These natives, for sanitary and other reasons, are +always given their own separate huts, away from +the Europeans; they have their own native food +and live their own life. Some of them are appointed +to grind and cook their food and do the work of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +their kitchen. It could not be otherwise in such a +country. Even the most civilized natives as a rule +prefer to eat by themselves. The missionaries +sometimes accept the hospitality of the natives in +their homes and eat of the food set before them, +but even there the natives will wait until the missionaries +have finished eating, or else they will eat +in a separate place.</p> + +<p>Since the pupils have time to do considerable +work, they receive, in addition to food and schooling, +a small sum of money sufficient to clothe themselves; +and on Saturday afternoon, after washing +their clothing, they have the time for recreation and +mending their clothing.</p> + +<p>Up to this time the industrial work of the boys +had been chiefly on the farm and in the gardens; +but now a new line of work was being introduced, +that of brickmaking. Brother Doner desired to +start in this work at least. It was at this time somewhat +of an experiment, as the various kinds of soil +had to be tested so that he might know which was +best suited for this purpose. It was also too late in +the season to spend much time in this work. A +few thousand of brick were made; and as rains +threatened to come early, they were hastily built into +a kiln and burnt. A beginning had been made, +however, and some knowledge of brickmaking +gained.</p> + +<p>During November of this year an event occurred +which was second to none in the history of the work. +I refer to the arrival of Elder and Mrs. Steigerwald, +sent out to have charge of the mission.</p> + +<p>We had been looking forward and hoping that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +some one might come in this capacity. In the meantime +we were carrying on the work as well as we +were able during the nineteen months since the +death of Elder Engle. The brother and sister took +hold of the work courageously from the first. It is +not an easy task to begin mission work in heathen +lands, among a strange people, strange tongue, +strange surroundings and ways of living. It is no +less easy to step into a work already begun amidst +such different surroundings and new ways of doing +things, and find the work pressing in on all sides. +Such were the conditions that met Elder Steigerwald +from the first, but it soon became evident that +he was equal to the task.</p> + +<p>Constant changes in the mission field are trying, +both to the people and to the missionaries themselves. +Here two had been called away by death, +four had returned home (including Brother and Sister +Van Blunk), and the two Lehmans and their +wives had gone to Cape Town. The people could +not help feeling these changes and scarcely knew +what to expect. The changes seem to have been +unavoidable, yet it makes the people suspicious of +those who remain. The natives, like all those in +heathen countries, love to think that their missionaries +have come to stay and be one with them. The +true missionary bears much the same relation to +his people as the parent does to the child; for they +are his spiritual children. Then too the language is +not mastered in one, two, three years, or even in a +longer period of time. In fact, many do not master +it in a lifetime, so that all these changes could not +fail to have their effect on the work and the natives,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> +and render the position of Brother Steigerwald a +difficult one.</p> + +<p>His first important work was to unite in marriage, +on Christmas Day, Brother Doner and Sister +Long. There were many more natives present on +this occasion than at the previous marriage to witness +the ceremony and to congratulate their missionaries.</p> + +<p>Money had been forthcoming for permanent +buildings which were greatly needed. The huts +were not only showing signs of decay, but some +were damp and unhealthful during the rainy season, +and even became mouldy at times. It was evident +that, however convenient and useful they had been +in their time, their day was fast passing away, and +for the comfort and health of the missionaries something +more permanent must be erected. The rains +had started before Elder Steigerwald's arrival, so +no more bricks could be made until the rains were +over. Brother Doner was busy with the farming, +and this left Brother Steigerwald free to make +preparations for building.</p> + +<p>There is an abundance of fine granite stones and +slabs in the vicinity; and as the new year of 1902 +opened, he had these hauled together for a foundation. +During the rainy season, whenever the rains +stopped for a time, he built at the foundation of the +house. Although he had natives to assist, yet he +found the work to be very heavy and taxing to his +strength, but by the end of the rainy season he had a +most excellent foundation for a house laid. Then +he and Brother Doner, with the help of the schoolboys +and some other natives, made and burnt a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +large kiln of bricks and were ready to begin the +house.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/illus132.png" width="450" height="347" alt="Matopo Mission House. Front View." title="Matopo Mission House. Front View." /> +<span class="caption">Matopo Mission House. Front View.</span> +</div> + +<p>The brethren in Africa can tell you that building +on a mission station in the wilds of Africa is quite a +different affair from what it is in civilized countries, +or even in the cities of Africa. In these latter +places, a man, desiring to build, buys his timber, his +ready-made brick, and other material. Then the +stone masons come and lay the foundation. The +bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, plasterers, and +painters all follow in their order, together with their +helpers, and the work is completed in an incredibly +short space of time. On the mission field all this usually +falls to the lot of one man, from the blasting out +of the stone for the foundation and the brickmaking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +until the building is completed. He is mason, bricklayer, +carpenter, plumber, plasterer, all in one. That +one often is not a trained mechanic, or even a practical +one, but many times he comes direct from the +farm, schoolroom, or pulpit. With the many duties +of a missionary pressing in upon him, sufficient +to occupy all his attention, he must in addition undertake +the laborious task of building a house, and +even make most of the furniture with which it is +fitted up.</p> + +<p>Some one may inquire, is it not possible to secure +skilled workmen to do the building? Yes, in some +instances this can be done; but the high cost of living +in Africa raises the wages of skilled mechanics +to such an extreme height as to make it practically +impossible for the missionary to employ them. +Again, he has around him raw natives, who need to +be taught to work, and his ambition is to do mission +work in connection with his building.</p> + +<p>Elder Steigerwald was equal to the emergency, +and together with the help of Brother Doner and +the natives, he completed the house in a little over +a year from the time he began to haul the stone. +The house is large, having nine good-sized rooms, +with a fireplace in each one. There is a broad +veranda nearly all around it and an iron roof over +the whole, and it is a building that would be a +credit to any one. The building is high and dry +and has good board floors in four of the rooms, +which add much to the healthfulness of it. Brother +Steigerwald could no doubt tell you, if he would, of +many days of arduous toil, which threatened to +undermine his health; of many difficult and perplexing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> +questions which confronted him in the +process of construction; of lying awake at night, +planning how everything was to be accomplished; +especially how he was to build three fireplaces opening +into one chimney and all have a good draft—a +feat which he most successfully accomplished.</p> + +<p>There were natives who lightened some of the +heavier parts of the work, but to train these to perform +their work properly is often a greater task +than to do it one's self. This training must be done, +however, if the missionary is faithful to his trust +of developing the native character along useful +lines as well as in giving him the Gospel. One of +the officials, in making a report of the work, stated, +"Here, at least, are missionaries who believe in +teaching the natives the dignity of labor." This +is the course pursued at all our stations. To train +them properly is no easy task. It requires much +wisdom, patience, firmness, and love. One meets +with many discouraging results and often with +great ingratitude on the part of those instructed; +yet in the end it pays, if natives are ever to be +brought to a more civilized plane of living.</p> + +<p>There is one thing which operates strongly +against the natives respecting labor. The average +European, on coming to Africa, even though he +may have been a day laborer and hard-working man +in the country from which he came, soon sees that +the more menial tasks fall to the natives; and when +he takes the hoe or pick or shovel, he is told, "We +do not do that here. Let the nigger do it and you +oversee." The majority do not need a second invitation, +and so such work is relegated to his black<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +neighbor. The native soon sees, or thinks that he +sees, that the white man regards manual labor as +beneath him. This training is exactly what the +African finds in his own home. He leaves the distasteful +and hard tasks to his wife and the younger +members of his family, while he sits down and enjoys +himself. He is thus confirmed in his belief that +labor is degrading.</p> + +<p>Not so with the missionary. He works continually +along many lines, and seeks to teach the native +by his example, as well as by precept, the dignity of +labor, and that only indolence, dirt, vice, and kindred +evils are degrading. It is true that on account +of climatic conditions and the many duties falling +continually to men and women on the mission field, +they are obliged, as their field of labor widens, to +leave many lines of work to the natives they have +in training. If they did not do this the spiritual +part of the work and their own health would greatly +suffer in consequence.</p> + +<p>Perhaps some one might ask, Do those ignorant +blacks ever learn to be cleanly and do their work +properly? Yes, some of them respond in a surprisingly +short period of time to faithful, energetic, yet +patient training, and become real helpers to the missionary, +both in the house and outside. Some, in +addition to handling the oxen on the farm, also learn +to use hammer, saw, chisel, and plane, and work +side by side with white mechanics in certain lines of +work.</p> + +<p>While the house was being built at the Matopo +Mission, Matshuba, still quite a young lad, was an +interested spectator of everything that was done,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> +and he himself did carefully whatever he was able +to perform. When he found a small piece of lumber +which was not likely to be used, he would say, +"Mufundisi [Missionary], may I have this?" If +permission was granted he carefully put it away, +but said nothing. After several pieces had been obtained, +he asked permission to use tools and work-shop +on Saturday afternoon, when other work was +stopped. He worked away in the shop, asking questions +of no one. After a few weeks had passed he +finally surprised us by showing a neatly-made chair, +patterned after one that had been purchased in town. +He gradually learned to do all kinds of work, as +well as to build himself a good dwelling house.</p> + +<p>There are almost insurmountable difficulties, however, +in the way of teaching the trades to the natives +as a means of earning money. The cry of the +country is for industrial schools and for native +skilled labor, but almost in the same breath the +European will tell you that he will not work side +by side with the native in the same line of work. +A gentleman in Bulawayo had a contract for a fine, +large building. His mechanics were white, while the +blacks were the attendants. Being in need of more +skilled labor, he sent south to the more civilized +portion of the country for a native mechanic, and +of course paid his way to Bulawayo. The white +mechanics absolutely refused to work with this native and +threatened to strike. The only course left +for the contractor was to pay the native some wages +and his fare home. This was no heathen native, +but one who had grown up amid civilized surroundings, +and no doubt his parents also were civilized.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p> + +<p>We do not wish to criticise such mechanics, for +here, in a land where the blacks so far outnumber +the white population, there are many things to be +considered. But with these facts staring the missionary +in the face, there is little inducement for +him to spend a great deal of time in training natives. +The only course left which will give the native +any chance at all in some sections of the country +is for a contractor to have all native mechanics. He +might then be employed by the more broad-minded +Europeans, but be boycotted by others. Notwithstanding +these difficulties, industrial training in its +broadest sense is very important on the mission +field, and it is encouraged by the governments. It +enables the natives to improve their condition and +way of living and to earn more money.</p> + +<p>While these changes and the industrial training +were in progress, the intellectual and spiritual part +of the work was not neglected. New boys were +continually coming, and some who came during +these years were destined to be of help in after years. +First was Nyamzana, who began to follow the +Lord before coming as a boarder. Although not so +quick in books as some, yet he was a faithful and +devoted Christian, never giving his missionaries +any uneasiness as to his spiritual standing. There +were also Nkwidini, Mlobeka, and Mahlenkle. The +last named was a nephew of the late king, and he +had begun to attend school when the Lehmans were +teaching at the kraal of the chief. He was an exceptional +native, most steady and unassuming, +ready and willing for any task assigned him. I +have mentioned these names because they with others<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +already referred to were among our future evangelists +and teachers. Nor do I wish to forget Kolisa, +a son of Buka, whom we visited up in the hills.</p> + +<p>Not all, however, continued to remain at the mission. +Some left, never to return. Others went away to +work for a time, that they might obtain more money +and then return again to enter school. The new +boys as they came generally showed a desire to +leave their old heathen lives and become Christians. +Others were a cause of great anxiety to us. There +were times of heart-searching and crying out to +God, which showed that His Spirit was still at +work in their hearts. One after another would +come and confess their temptations and failures, and +ask for prayer and help that they might be more +victorious over evil. Some would receive definite +help and blessing, while others seemed, for some +reason, unable to take hold of the Lord by faith. +Often we would feel greatly encouraged over the +progress some were making, and look forward to +their becoming able helpers and soul-winners for +Him, only to have our hopes and expectations suddenly +dashed to the ground. This was all a part +of our training as missionaries. The Lord was teaching +us by these experiences to take our eyes off individuals +and fix them upon Him. He was also +giving us sufficient encouragement, day by day, +through some who were steadfast, to enable us to +realize that our labor was not in vain for the Lord. +There were a number in the inquirers' class, and in +July, 1902, three more were baptized by Brother +Steigerwald. Of this number were Ndhlalambi and +Nyamazana.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> + +<p>The attendance at school was not as satisfactory +as could be desired. The authority of the parents +being paramount in the home, if there was anything +to be done, such as digging in the gardens, +herding, keeping the animals from the gardens, or +running errands, the children must stay at home and +attend to it. An early morning school was also +started for those who could not attend at midday, +and this enabled some of the herdboys to attend.</p> + +<p>The parents were especially opposed to their +daughters attending school, because they became +unwilling to marry the old men to whom they were +betrothed. As we mentioned previously, several +girls did come to stay at the mission. One of them +was Ganukisa, a daughter of the king. She was a +very nice, modest girl and proved a great help in +many ways. She also became a Christian and +member of the Church. Another girl, Zwadini, ran +off from home twice and came to us, imploring us +to save her from the man her parents were forcing +her to marry. We tried to buy her freedom, but to +no avail, and she finally was forced to return home +and marry the choice of her parents. At this time +we had no right by law to interfere in these matters, +however much we longed to free some of +these dear girls from their lives of slavery. It +required time and prayer and much looking to God +before a certain amount of freedom of choice was +granted the daughters, and then it came through an +action of the government.</p> + +<p>In the school some were making good progress. +English and some other branches had been added to +the curriculum, but the Bible continued to be the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +chief Textbook, and some were acquiring a fair understanding +of it. Natives have generally a keenness +of discernment and a clear grasp of the subject, +so that it is necessary for the teacher to be well +prepared for any question that may arise. The one +who was first at the mission was a philosopher and +a keen thinker. Nothing seemed to escape him. I +have heard him deliver most excellent sermons and +bring far more out of a Sunday-school lesson than +the ordinary teacher. One day in reading the book +of Isaiah, he came to the eighteenth chapter. He +knows nothing about Ethiopia, but after he had +finished reading, I inquired what people the prophet +referred to. He thought for a moment and then exclaimed, +"I believe he means us, the black people."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER ELEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Continuation of the Work</h3> + +<h4>Furlough</h4> + + +<p>The missionary, however robust he may be, +cannot keep at his work all the time; for he +generally works seven days in a week and +fifty-two weeks in a year. After a few years of such +labor it is necessary to call a halt, if one does not +wish to break down altogether. New missionaries +can take much of the burden, yet those who have +something of the language and can speak to the +people must be ready in season and out of season, to +talk, interpret, explain, as well as to have heart-to-heart +talks with the people.</p> + +<p>I had now been actively engaged on the mission +station for four strenuous years and was greatly in +need of a rest and change. The Board at home, as +well as the missionaries on the field, had been urging +me to go south for a few months. The only +difficulty in the way was the need of some one to +take the school, and so we had been looking forward +to the return of Brother and Sister Lehman from +Cape Town to take charge of it. They, however, +had been looking on the fields for mission work at +the Compounds on Johannesburg, and had decided +to go there. As a last resort we decided to ask +Matshuba to do the teaching. He was capable of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +doing it, and he was also becoming able to do some +interpreting from English into the vernacular.</p> + +<p>Before this happened an event occurred which +more or less concerned all South Africa, and especially +Rhodesia. I refer to the death, on March 26, +1902, of Cecil Rhodes at his home, Groot Schuur, +near Cape Town, the place where he had so kindly +received Brother Engle on our first coming to +Africa. It had been his request to be buried in +Rhodesia, the country that bore his name. In the +Matopo Hills was a beautiful spot which he had +discovered and to which he gave the name, "View +of the World." This is about fifteen miles from +Matopo Mission, as the crow flies, but over twenty-five +miles by wagon road. Here, on the summit of +a large granite hill, in the heart of Matopo, is the +spot he selected to be his last resting place.</p> + +<p>When the body was brought to Bulawayo, thousands +of people, both white and black, vied with +each other in paying a last tribute of respect to him +who had done so much for the development of the +country. The natives realized that they had lost a +friend that could not be replaced; and the white +people believed that no one could carry out so successfully +many of the public affairs with which he +was associated. When the funeral procession +reached the burial place, the heavy casket was +raised to the top of the granite hill. Into the solid +rock a grave had been cut, and into this the casket +was lowered. The grave was then covered by an +immense granite slab, on which was fastened a large +brass plate with this inscription: "Here lie the remains +of Cecil John Rhodes."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></p> + +<p>A part of his property was left for the improvement +of the country to which he had devoted his +time and talents. His two large estates in Rhodesia, +together with an annuity, were bequeathed to this +country; and his fine and well-built estate near +Cape Town was given over for the use of the government +of Cape Colony, but the grounds are continually +opened to the public. The Rhodes scholarships +for various countries, including two for each +State in the United States, were given with a hope +of cementing nations together. He wished no monument +to be erected over his grave, but near the +place is the Shangani Monument to the memory of +those who fell in the Matabele War. The grounds +have been beautifully laid out and a well-built road +extends from Bulawayo to the grave. On his estate +at Cape Town is a granite monument seventy feet +long, built near the seat overlooking both the Atlantic +and the Indian Oceans, where he used to sit +and lay his world-wide plans. There is a sad feature +connected with his life, like that of many other +men whom the world calls great. While he made +so much provision for earthly things, there seems to +be no evidence that he made provision for eternity.</p> + +<p>During this year there also died near us a native +who had been more or less interested in the work, +by the name of Fusi. He had been a prominent +soldier under King Lobengula, and also remembered +the first king, Mzilikazi. He loved to talk about the +good old days, and could tell of a visit that Rev. +Moffat, the father-in-law of Livingstone, once made +to this country. He said, "I remember Chete [Rev. +Moffat] quite well. I was just a young man at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +time and King Mzilikazi treated Chete nicely. He +said to me, 'Go and milk a cow and bring some +milk for the missionary.'"</p> + +<p>This old warrior, however, never showed any desire +to become a Christian; but he was always glad +to have his people attend school, and his youngest +son was one of the first communicants. The native +finally became sick with dropsy, and when we visited +him during his sickness, he said an enemy had +bewitched him, adding:</p> + +<p>"Before the white man came into the country we +put all the witches to death and we were well. Now +we are not allowed to kill them and we must suffer."</p> + +<p>Later we again visited him. When asked if we +should sing for him, he replied, "Yes, sing one of +the old hymns you used to sing when Missionary +Engle was alive." We did so, and he too joined his +quavering voice in the chorus. He also listened +most attentively to the Scripture reading and comments +that day, and joined us in prayer. What +thoughts these things stirred in his heart we know +not, for that was the last time we saw him.</p> + +<p>In July of this year the time finally came for our +furlough. I took a ticket from Bulawayo south to +Port Elizabeth. This was shortly after the close +of the Boer War, and all along the railway in the +south were to be seen the blockhouses erected to +guard the railway from destruction. Here and there +were the demolished farmhouses and the orchards +and beautiful groves that had been leveled to the +ground. Worst of all were the many graves—mute +testimony to that saddest of all human employment, +human butchery. Kimberley already was recovering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +from this terrible siege. This was still a small +town, its chief attraction being the great masses of +blue earth surrounding it. This diamondiferous +blue rock is mined far down in the earth, where it +had been formed under great pressure; and when +brought to the surface, the combined action of rain +and sun slakes it somewhat like quicklime. It is +then washed, which removes the lighter earth, leaving +the diamonds and other precious stones.</p> + +<p>From this place I went to Port Elizabeth, which +is 1,200 miles south of Bulawayo. It is the principal +seaport of Cape Colony, as it furnishes a shorter +and more direct route into the interior than Cape +Town does. This is a town of about 35,000 inhabitants, +but there is nothing especially inviting about +the place except its thriving business. It has been +said of it: "Out of sand-hills and scrub, Anglo-Saxon +energy has created a town that, for cleanliness +and health, and for the handsomeness of its +business buildings, is second to none in South Africa." +After a stay of a few days at this place I took +the steamer <i>Norman Castle</i> for Durban, where the +greater part of my vacation was to be spent.</p> + +<p>Durban is the seaport and largest town of Natal, +and has nearly 70,000 inhabitants. The business +part is low and often quite hot, but the part known +as the Berea is high and cool, and has many fine +dwelling houses. Natal is more thickly populated +than other parts of South Africa. It has a most +luxuriant vegetation and varied and picturesque +scenery, and well deserves the appellation, "Garden +of South Africa." In this warm, moist, subtropical +climate of the coast many delicious and tropical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +fruits are grown. This is the home of the Zulu +tribe of Africans, of which the Matabele are a +branch.</p> + +<p>My special purpose in coming to this section of +the country to rest was to make my furlough as profitable +as possible, and to gain information helpful for +mission work. Missionaries had been in this section +of the country the greater part of the nineteenth +century. The American Board had started their +work some time in the '30s, and this formed an +excellent opportunity of seeing some of the fruits +of missionary labors.</p> + +<p>I spent some time at an English Mission under +Mr. Eyles at Imbezana, at a Free Methodist Mission +and girls' school, Fairview, and at four missions +of the American Board—a boys' school at Adams, +a large girls' school at Inanda, and one at Umzumbi, +and also visited their work at Durban, in charge of +Rev. Bridgeman. At all these places I was most +hospitably entertained and given every opportunity +for studying the work. It was an inspiration to see +what God had wrought among these erstwhile +heathen. Here were large boarding-schools, and natives +living like white people in neat brick houses, +built by themselves. Here were missionaries, like +Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Bridgeman, grown old in +this soul-saving work, and yet so attached to the +natives and the work that they could not think of +leaving the country.</p> + +<p>Natal, like Cape Colony and the Transvaal, can no +longer be called heathen Africa, as so many of the +natives are civilized. The large cities of white people +are built in modern style, with all the latest improvements,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +electric lights, street cars, telephones, +and the like, and since then automobiles. There are +also many white farmers, as well as small towns of +white people, throughout the country. Missionaries +of many societies are here in this densely-populated +and easily-accessible district of Natal. This is considered +one of the greatest fields for the overlapping +of missionaries, perhaps, to be found anywhere, yet +all seem to have plenty to do.</p> + +<p>With all the advantages for improvement which +the Africans here possess, I was surprised to meet, +within a mile or two of one of the oldest mission +stations, natives with paint and grease, and when +the evangelists go to the homes of the people they +still find some raw heathen. Some not only do not +and will not accept Christ, but they also prefer their +dirty, indolent, ignorant way of living to that introduced +by civilization.</p> + +<p>At Durban I took the train to go north to Johannesburg, +a distance of 480 miles. The war had been +over for some time, yet it was still necessary to procure +a pass to enter Johannesburg. This I procured +through Brother Lehman, who was then at Johannesburg. +People were flocking thither as fast as +they could procure passes and trains to carry them. +The trains were crowded every day, and one was +obliged to book ahead in order to secure a seat. +This ride to Johannesburg is a delightful one, so far +as the scenery is concerned, but the winding railroad +is exceedingly rough and uncomfortable. One +passes through a landscape most beautiful and varied, +from the green, grassy hills of the coast, +through mountains and valleys, to the high, rolling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +veldt of the Rand, where the famous gold reefs of +South Africa are to be found. In this journey one +leaves the sea level at Durban and gradually rises +to the height of 6,000 feet at Johannesburg. It is +said of this place: "In 1886 the site was nothing +but a bleak, bare plain, that could have been bought +for one hundred pounds. Then came the discovery +of gold reefs east and west for sixty miles, and +stores, public buildings, and churches sprang up +with marvelous rapidity." This is now the largest, +richest, and most modern city of South Africa, and +the Rand is this sixty miles of gold-reef mines.</p> + +<p>At these mines are many thousands of natives +from all parts of South Africa, and when they are +not at work they are confined in large enclosures +known as "Compounds." This furnishes the missionary +an excellent opportunity of doing mission +work among this conglomerate mass of natives. The +great variety of languages is one hindrance in the +way, but if the missionary is able to speak one of +the chief divisions of the Bantu family of languages, +such as the Zulu, he can generally find some native +to interpret for him into other languages.</p> + +<p>In this mission field we found our beloved colaborers, +Brother and Sister Isaac Lehman, who had +just come from Cape Town and were becoming settled +in their new home. A dear little girl, Faith, had +come to bless their home and cheer their hearts. +Brother Jacob Lehmans also were engaged in mission +work here, as well as our dear Sister Swanson +(nee Hershey), who had left us at Cape Town to +come to this place. As our Board had no mission +station here at that time, these were all laboring in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> +connection with an undenominational mission in +charge of Mr. A. W. Baker. All were actively engaged +in mission work. It is a broad field and is a +great opportunity for giving the Gospel to the +heathen. However, one has the same obstacles to +encounter as in the native village, <i>i. e.</i>, the indifference +of the people. While we would be having a +service in one part of the Compound, other natives +would be dancing within sight in another part, and +often be making such a noise as to disturb the meeting. +One difficulty with the work is that the natives +often remain at the mines only six months or +a year, not sufficiently long to get them established. +Much good is, however, being done; schools are established +to teach the natives when they are not +at work, and services are held regularly at various +places. Natives, accepting the Light, carry it to +other parts of Africa, and sometimes become teachers +of their people.</p> + +<p>After spending a most enjoyable month at this +place I again returned to Matopo Mission, after an +absence of three and one-half months. It was a +pleasure to get back to the old battle ground, for +it was still the most beautiful spot on earth and its +people the dearest. Great changes had taken place +during our absence. Then the foundation of the +house had been laid and the brick burnt, but now +an imposing structure met the eye and the house +was rapidly being completed. It looked as if the +missionaries had come to stay and were to have a +comfortable place to live in.</p> + +<p>The school was progressing favorably under Matshuba's +management, and all parts of the work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +seemed encouraging. As there was continually +some difficulty about the stability of some of the +industrial pupils, it was decided to divide the school +year into two terms of five months each, with a +month's vacation intervening in which the pupils +could return home if they so desired. This worked +well and seemed more satisfactory to all. The one +who had been teaching was retained as pupil teacher +and was also permitted to take advanced work.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/illus150.png" width="450" height="271" alt=""Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes."" title=""Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes."" /> +<span class="caption">"Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes."</span> +</div> + +<p>There was again opportunity for me to visit in +their homes. So, accompanied by some of the boys +or girls, we made long excursions on foot among +the people, sometimes walking from eight to twelve +miles and meeting many people. Because so many +missionaries had left them and did not return, they +were not a little pleased to see me back, and, native-like, +were inclined to make flattering speeches. One +day we visited nine kraals, and everywhere had attentive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +listeners, and the people seemed to be hungry +for the Word. At another time we went to +Sibula's village for the first time, where we met and +gave the Gospel to over one hundred people. They +had never been visited before and seemed anxious +for a school. Later they built a schoolhouse, and +Nyamzana was given to them as a teacher.</p> + +<p>One day when we were out to the kraals we happened +to come to a beer drink, where they were +having a digging-bee.</p> + +<p>They said, "Why does not Missionary Steigerwald +invite the people to come and dig his large +gardens? He is so busy with building."</p> + +<p>"Will you come if he invites you?" we asked.</p> + +<p>"Certainly we will," they replied.</p> + +<p>When we reached home we told Brother Steigerwald +what they said, and he at once thought it a +splendid opportunity for getting his corn planted. +So he appointed a day and sent out invitations to +the people. One hundred and sixty-four adults +with their hoes came and digged and planted an +eight or ten-acre lot. It was an interesting sight to +see that many people digging in one place. They +would usually sing a native song, and with their +hoes keep time to the music. They performed this +piece of work without pay, and of course received +no beer, but a generous supply of bread and tea was +furnished them, which they greatly enjoyed. These +Matabele are always very ready to come out to +work when invited, and in this respect they were a +contrast to some natives. When hired to do work, +however, it was necessary to make them keep their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +promise and come at the time appointed, and also +finish their work.</p> + +<p>Sister Steigerwald was much amused at Sibongamanzi +shortly after she came to the mission. My +hut needed replastering, and Sibongamanzi was engaged +to do the work. The appointed day arrived, +but the girl did not come according to her promise, +and as the work was urgent I employed another girl +to do it. The next day Sibongamanzi came to do +the work and was quite disappointed to find some +one else had accomplished it.</p> + +<p>I said, "Why did you not come yesterday according +to your promise?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure a person has a right to change her +mind," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think so, too, so I employed some one +else."</p> + +<p>In school one is obliged to use the English word +for such articles as slate, pencil, and paper, since +there is no word in the language for these things. +When Steigerwalds came, there were also a number +of boxes of goods sent out; and in unpacking these +a pencil fell out. Sister Steigerwald picked it up, +and handing it to Masikwa, said, "Here is a pencil." +He was most delighted, and came and said, "The +Inkosikazi [Mrs.] can speak our language already. +She said 'Pencil.'" Sister Steigerwald, together +with the other sisters, had their own experiences in +teaching natives in the kitchen and housework, as +well as in sewing. She proved most capable and +patient in training various ones to be cleanly and to +do their work properly.</p> + +<p>The services at the mission were well attended at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +this time, and sometimes we were obliged to have +an overflow meeting. Natives would come fifteen +miles to be present at the Sunday services. "Our +little church is too small," said some. "We need a +new one."</p> + +<p>Our congregations were gradually emerging from +barbarism, and their appearance on Sunday was +often quite striking. Some of the boys and young +men would come, clean and neatly dressed in European +clothes, including hat and shoes, and exhibit +good taste in the selection of their clothing. Some +again came well dressed but without shoes; others +would appear partly dressed, but anxious to display +all the clothing they had. Perhaps on a sweltering, +hot day some would don a heavy winter overcoat +reaching below the knees, or a heavy suit of bright +red flannel. Another would have on a coat turned +wrong side out to show all the colors, and a vest +outside of this, while a number continued to wear +the purely native garb of skins. A few of the +girls were neatly clothed in dresses; others in short +skirts with or without a cloth thrown over their +shoulders. Some of the women's clothing was very +modest and picturesque.</p> + +<p>Natives, especially at this stage of their advancement, +do not as a rule dress according to the weather, +for to them clothing is more or less a matter of +ornamentation and they don it accordingly. One +must be very careful about placing special emphasis +upon clothing, as the native is naturally vain, and +when he is able to be better clothed his vanity often +increases. He soon thinks that if he is clothed he is +a Christian, or if he goes to school and learns he is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +a Christian. He is quite ready to put on these outward +semblances of civilization without yielding +himself to God. If the missionary is willing to accept +the outward form of Christianity, whether of +clothing or ceremonials, he may soon have a large +membership. He must continually guard against +these things, and seek to know the inner life of +those about him, and their daily walk; nor is it always +easy to ascertain what is beneath the surface. +Hypocrisy is not at all unusual.</p> + +<p>Early in our work there was a native who came +occasionally to our services. He had worked in +Bulawayo and attended one of the native churches +sufficiently long to gain a smattering and lingo of +Christianity. He came clothed in black broadcloth +and carrying a book under his arm, and withal +seemed a person of some consequence. He was a +brother of one of our boys, and we were informed +that he could read. One day in church, at the close +of the services, he asked permission to say something, +and not knowing what was coming we gave +him permission. He arose and began to read out +of his book and then talked. Again he read and +talked in a preaching way until he was finally requested +to sit down. As we were suspicious from +his manner in regard to his ability to read, we took +occasion to test him and found that he knew absolutely +nothing about reading. What he gave had +been memorized, and we learned that his life too +was decidedly corrupt. This taught us how necessary +it was to be careful of the stranger who came +and claimed to be a Christian.</p> + +<p>December 26, 1902, there was a most welcome addition<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +to the mission family in the person of a little +son to Brother and Sister Doner. This was the first +white child at the mission, and it was quite a curiosity +to the natives. Of course every one must have +a look at it, and happy was the one who might touch +or hold this wonderful white baby.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER TWELVE</a></h2> + +<h3>Looking on the Fields</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh +harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, +and look on the fields; for they are white already to +harvest.—St. John 4: 35.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>We moved into the new house early in 1903. +This left the huts empty, for our increasing +family of boys. As soon as the rains +were over for this year, Brother and Sister Steigerwald +and myself felt led to make a tour of exploration +in the interests of the work. Matopo Hills or +Mountains extend northeast and southwest for a +distance of about sixty miles. Between the hills +and Bulawayo there is a mission station and work +had been carried on for some years, although there +were at this time many raw natives to be seen. +Through the hills and south for a long distance +there were as yet no missionaries except our own, +and as our mission was on the north side of the +hills, we desired to go through them and explore +some of the south side.</p> + +<p>In June we arranged to make the trip, taking our +large wagon on which was a canvas top, which was +drawn by donkeys, consequently progress was slow. +Three of our boys accompanied us. We were +obliged to go west about nine miles before a road +could be found leading through the hills. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +wagon road was exceedingly rough and stony and +very little traveled, and the donkeys slowly wended +their way in and out among the hills which continually +surrounded us and seemed to close us in. +Frequently as the immense piles of rock seemed to +stretch across our path in front and bar further +progress, we would be led to exclaim, "Truly, there +is no way out of this," but on we went and the way +continued to open.</p> + +<p>The tediousness of the journey was relieved by +the exceeding beauty of the scenery as it gradually +unfolded before our eyes. In the first of the trip +are to be seen the immense bald hills of solid granite, +similar to some in the vicinity of the mission. +Soon the scene changes and the eye is greeted on +every side by lofty ridges, consisting of immense +boulders piled up in all sorts of fantastic shapes, by +the Great Architect, and from out of every possible +crevice grow trees and shrubbery of all sorts. The +dark green of the foliage, interspersed with the +varying shades of grey, yellow, red, and green of +the rock, forms a picture of surpassing loveliness. +Baboons, large and small, would make their appearance +on the jutting rocks, as we passed along, +and bark at these intruders into their peaceful domain.</p> + +<p>As the hills abounded in game, and Elder Steigerwald +was a good shot, we did not want for meat on +the journey. So, while the donkeys were grazing, +fires would be built and pot roasts and many sorts +of delectable dishes would be prepared and eaten +with relish. Natives are generally happy if they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +have plenty of meat to eat; so on this journey Tebengo +declared that they would be longing for the +fleshpots of Egypt when they returned to the mission. +Next to meat, their favorite dish was Graham +flour made into a loaf by means of water and a little +salt, then baked in the hot ashes.</p> + +<p>South of the hills we left the beaten track, which +proceeds east to Gwanda, and started south to the +open country, which is known as Mapani Land, +named from the large amount of excellent hardwood +Mapani trees which grow here. Very few natives +were seen on the journey through the hills, +but in this rich, open plain of the south there were +numerous kraals. The natives received us gladly +and readily consented to have services; and as there +were no missionaries in this part of the country, +many of the people had the privilege of hearing for +the first time the Story of the Cross. On this trip +we came to the home of Holi, a rich and prominent +native. His wife is a daughter of King Lobengula +and a sister of Ganukisa, who lived at the mission. +Here we were very kindly received and Holi presented +Elder Steigerwald with a fine fat sheep.</p> + +<p>From this point we turned west and north through +the hills by a different route. Along the way we +visited some places of interest, especially the "View +of the World," where Mr. Rhodes was buried. +Thence we proceeded east and south to the mission. +We had been absent about two weeks, had traveled +over one hundred miles, and had had a most pleasant +and profitable trip. It had also been a change +from the labor and routine of the station.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> + +<p>Brother and Sister Doner had for some time +been contemplating opening another station, and +they concluded during this dry season also to make +a tour and explore the country, as well as do evangelistic +work. They made preparations to spend +a month in this way, taking the wagon and several +boys. Little Oliver, who was then only seven +months old, also went along, thus early in his life +learning what trekking in Africa meant.</p> + +<p>They went south over the same route we had +taken, and it was on this trip, if I mistake not, that +the present site of Mapani Mission was selected. +They spent a very delightful month and came home +quite enthusiastic over the prospects of opening a +new work and eager to launch out at once. Permission +did not come from the Board, however, in time +to open that dry season, and the work had to be +postponed another year.</p> + +<p>During this year word came that one member of +the Executive Board had passed "over the river." +Dear father died the latter part of March. It was +a double loss to some of us; for we should now miss +not only his fatherly letters, but the wise counsel +that he gave in his capacity as a member of the +Mission Board. He always seemed to have such a +keen insight into the work, and wrote about it as if +he had been on the field and knew exactly our surroundings.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus160.png" width="600" height="373" alt="Matopo Mission Church. Built by Elder +Steigerwald in 1905." title="Matopo Mission Church 1905." /> +<span class="caption">Matopo Mission Church. Built by Elder +Steigerwald in 1905.</span> +</div> + +<p>The work at the mission continued to go along as +usual, and two more united with the Church, and +everyone found plenty of profitable employment. +One feature of the work, not yet mentioned, but +which always requires much of the missionaries'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +time, is medical work and the care of the sick. The +natives accept the miracles of healing, mentioned +in the Scriptures, without question, and the sick +frequently asked the prayers of the missionaries. +There were several instances of remarkable cases +of healing without the application of medicine, when +the native could be led to take hold of the Lord by +faith. On one occasion a native came for Elder +Engle, from a kraal about five miles distant, where a +woman was very sick and had eaten nothing for several +days. She was very low indeed and seemingly +unconscious of what was going on about her and +her friends were weeping. Brother Engle felt led +to anoint her and pray for her. The next day they +came to say that the woman was much better and +was eating, and they declared that the missionary +had raised her from the dead.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p> + +<p>At another time one of our Christian girls was +sick with such a disease that we knew we could not +help her, and she desired prayer. We granted her +request and she was healed immediately, even to +our surprise. Some time after Brother Doner had +come, an elderly native was quite ill with lung +trouble, and his people had been trying in every way +to heal him. They appealed to us, so we made the +case a special subject of prayer and he was healed +immediately, and told everyone that Jesus had +healed him. A mother also wished us to pray for +her child, who was very ill and seemed ready to die +at any minute; it too was healed at once. Other +instances of help might be cited; but we give these, +because we see that He is the same Christ yet today +and often shows His power, saying unto the +sick, "According to your faith be it unto you."</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a> +<img src="images/illus162.png" width="600" height="350" alt="Back View of Matopo Mission House, Showing Granite Hill Beyond." title="Back View of Matopo Mission House, " /> +<span class="caption">Back View of Matopo Mission House, Showing Granite Hill Beyond.</span> +</div> + +<p>Why He does not always choose to manifest His +power in this way I know not. I am giving things +as I found them. At first we were more or less loth +to use medicine, and some of the early losses may +have been owing to this fact. We believe also that +He receives honor in helping the missionary make +use of remedies to relieve the suffering of the sick. +With the natives sickness is always the result of +witchcraft or the influence of their ancestral spirits. +If one can by means of remedies, under the blessing +of God, show them that this is not true, he is doing +much to overthrow some of their superstitious beliefs. +So the sick are visited in their homes and +ministered to, and many come to the mission for +treatment. Sometimes the disease may be such as +will not yield to treatment, but the gentle sympathy +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +and the delicacy for the appetite are always much +appreciated, even from some sources least expected. +The missionary necessarily becomes physician and +nurse to his people, and it brings him into contact +with them and relieves their sufferings and thus +paves the way for ministering to their spiritual +needs. He who neglects this part of the work makes +a grave mistake. Many missionaries, who had done +little medical work at home, have by a willingness +and desire to learn, become quite proficient in healing +on the mission field.</p> + +<p>Elder Steigerwald has been much used in this +line of work. Many and various cases have been +treated by him most successfully. In addition to +the sick who come for medicine, there are generally +some who remain for a time at the mission to be +treated.</p> + +<p>During this dry season, as usual, kraal visiting +occupied much of my time outside of school hours, +and many long and enjoyable trips were made to all +the villages surrounding us. During these journeys +the Lord was also reminding His messenger of some +things that had been almost forgotten. He was +showing the large fields yet beyond where the people +were in pagan darkness and the Light of Life +had not yet penetrated, and where missionaries and +teachers were greatly needed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a> +<img src="images/illus164.png" width="600" height="351" alt="In the Matopo Hills." title="In the Matopo Hills." /> +<span class="caption">In the Matopo Hills.</span> +</div> + +<p>The reader of these pages will remember that our +call had been to the far interior of Africa, where +Christ had not been named. When Matopo Mission +was started it was felt that here was my place to +begin work, but that the time would come when the +Lord wanted me to press on farther in the interior. +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>This thought kept following me, and in the second +year of our work at Matopo, on my speaking to a +friend of the call to press on farther, the question +was asked, "You do not intend to go alone, do +you?" My reply was, "No, I do not think that will +be necessary. Perhaps the Lord will raise up others +who desire to go beyond the Zambezi." Also, while +Brother and Sister Van Blunk were at Matopo, the +question of going north was often mentioned, for +their eyes were likewise looking in that direction.</p> + +<p>As time went on, however, and the work at Matopo +increased, I entered more and more deeply into +it and became absorbed in my surroundings. The +children and also the older people occupied a large +place in my heart and crowded out for the time +being all thought of anything else. The Lord had +to take His own way of cutting me loose and again +lifting up my eyes to the fields beyond, and I could +not doubt but that His time was near at hand. On +the other hand, what a struggle it was to be willing +to leave these! He, however, showed me most +strikingly one day that when I was willing to lose +these children there were others waiting to be +found; and when the work was given into His hands, +He accomplished that which to me was impossible.</p> + +<p>First, the pushing out of the work must be presented +to the Board and the home Church and their +consent and aid solicited. Permission was given to +return to America, and as Conference drew near, +it seemed as if the Lord's time had come for me to +do this. Together with my colaborers, we made it +a special subject of prayer, and felt that I was to +start at once. So, on March 25, 1904, I left the mission<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +for America. Sister Emma Doner, as she bade +me good-bye, said weeping, "If I did not know of +a truth that it was the Lord's will for you to go at +this time I could not say good-bye." That was the +last time I was permitted to look into her dear face. +Brother and Sister Steigerwald, together with several +of the boys, accompanied me to Bulawayo, +where I took the train for Cape Town.</p> + +<p>I shall not dwell on the events of that journey to +America, for many things connected with it are too +sacred to find way into public print. It is sufficient +to say that it was a time of severe sifting and testing, +but of such sweet fellowship with the Father, +that I would not blot it out of my life, if I could. I +learned, in truth, what that meant, "With God all +things are possible." After it was over one of God's +children greatly desired to hear of the trip home, and +when told, he was quiet for a time; then he said, +"I believe it was God's preparation for going farther +into the interior. I believe the way will open."</p> + +<p>America was reached just in time for Conference +in Ontario. We were sorry to learn that Elder S. +Zook, the Treasurer of the Foreign Mission Board, +had in the meantime passed away in February. We +greatly missed him who had always been such an +able pillar in the Church and missionary work, for +his farsightedness and wise counsel had smoothed +the way in many a difficulty. The old fathers were +thus passing away and the work was devolving upon +younger shoulders, but they were equal to the task. +The Executive Board now consisted of Brethren +J. R. Zook, Chairman; Eli M. Engle, Secretary; and +Peter Climenhage, Treasurer, two of whom had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +been connected with the foreign missionary work +from its inception.</p> + +<p>A report of the work from the field met with an +enthusiastic reception, and it was requested that +the churches all be visited and an account of the +mission work be given. Permission was also granted +for an appeal to be made for pressing the work +on into the interior, both for workers and funds.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Miss Sallie Kreider had gone to +Africa to engage in mission work, and Elder and +Mrs. John Meyers and Miss Lydia Heise had also +gone there on a visit. Brother and Sister Doner, +with some of the mission boys, had gone to Mapani +to open a mission station in August, 1904. At first +Brother Doner was troubled with fever, and much +of the hut building fell to Ndhlalambi; then Sister +Doner became quite ill, and Sister Kreider hastened +down to assist in caring for her, but she passed +away. Thus three precious lives had been sacrificed +for the people and the work. Brother Doner was +desirous of taking the body and laying it by the +side of the others at Matopo. This was unusual in +a hot climate like this, where interment is usually +attended to at once, and the natives too object to +carrying a dead body, so there was much parleying +before they would consent to take hold of the bier +and carry it. The way over the hills was much +shorter, but it was also much more difficult. It was +an exceedingly trying journey for all of them, and +only the grace of God could have sustained them +through it; but Brother Doner had the comfort and +satisfaction of seeing his loved one resting in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> +little cemetery beside Sister Cress and Brother +Engle.</p> + +<p>Sister Doner's stay of over three years in Africa +was almost a continual struggle, one might say, +against disease, and heroically she bore up under it. +Her constitution was naturally not very rugged, and +this malarial climate aggravated her disease, as it +is sure to do with any one who is not strong. She +was afraid to write home and inform her friends of +the condition of her health, lest they should insist +upon her return to America, and that she did not +desire. She loved the work among the heathen, and +we believe she had her desire in laying down her +life in their behalf, rather than return to America +where she might have lived for a longer time. Little +Oliver continued to thrive, but as Brother Doner's +health was great impaired, it was deemed advisable +that he return to America on furlough and, +after placing Oliver with friends, regain his own +health. So in the spring of 1905 he left for America, +and Ndhlalambi was left to care for the work just +started at Mapani.</p> + +<p>In America the work was progressing; a number +had volunteered for the foreign field, and four were +ready to go to Africa at once; these being Mr. and +Mrs. Harvey Frey and Misses Adda Engle and +Abbie Bert. Over $2,000 had been donated toward +pushing the work on into the interior. This was +offered to the Mission Board, but they concluded +that it was best to leave it in our hands toward the +opening of the work. Of the four new missionaries +who were going to Africa, none were pledged to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +interior work except Sister Engle, but we still hoped +others would be ready to go.</p> + +<p>We reached Matopo Mission August 1, 1905, and +rejoiced that the Lord permitted us again to return. +Some very noticeable changes had taken place during +our absence: Brother Steigerwald had been +busy making improvements, and a fine, large brick +church, with an iron roof, had been erected. This +was much needed and it added greatly to the appearance +of the mission premises. The women, +about eighty in number, gladly offered their services +free to put in a fine polished earthen floor. A number +of the class members had been baptized, and +Matshuba was doing well in the schoolroom, where +Sister Kreider was also doing some teaching.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus169.png" width="600" height="313" alt="Mapani Mission, 1907." title="Mapani Mission, 1907." /> +<span class="caption">Mapani Mission, 1907.</span> +</div> + +<p>Ndhlalambi had been holding on faithfully at +Mapani Mission. A number there had accepted +Christ and he had formed them into a class for instruction. +It was thought advisable for Sister Engle +and myself to spend the remainder of the dry season<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> +at Mapani and help in the work there, so we +turned our faces in that direction. We were there +two months and helped in the various lines of work +and visited some of the people in the surrounding +neighborhood. Some of the converts were very encouraging +at that place. At the time in which the +rains usually open we returned to Matopo. On the +way down we had gone by wagon road, but on our +return four donkeys had been sent down, two for +pack saddles and the other two for Sister Engle and +me to ride, and two boys came along to assist in the +homeward journey.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 368px;"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a> +<img src="images/illus171.png" width="368" height="600" alt="Kwidine Taking His Aunt to Church. +Matopo M. Hospital." title="Kwidine Taking His Aunt to Church." /> +<span class="caption">Kwidine Taking His Aunt to Church. +Matopo M. Hospital.</span> +</div> + +<p>We left Mapani Mission at sunrise and took the +shorter journey across the hills, the same path along +which they had carried the body of Sister Doner +the year previous. It was a most difficult trip for +us and we had to marvel how they could have possibly +made the journey. We were obliged to stop +on the way and let the donkeys graze and eat, and +did not reach the hills proper until afternoon. As +the climbing was difficult and there were many trees +and shrubs growing out from between the rocks, +it was difficult for us to keep our seats, so we dismounted +and walked. The pack saddles would frequently +be nearly brushed off the other donkeys. +Once one of the donkeys in attempting to go up a +steep rock fell back and became fast in the rocks. +The boys removed the load and carried it up; they +then extricated the donkey and after much persuasion +got it on the rock and again placed on the +load. By the time we reached the summit, darkness +had overtaken us and we were obliged to make the +descent in the dark. We knew not where we were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +going, and were frequently in danger of broken +limbs or becoming fast in the rocks. We were +very thankful when at last at eleven o'clock we +reached the mission without any serious accident. +This was one of Sister Engle's first experiences in +Africa, but from her composure through it all one +would judge that she expected such things.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus172.png" width="600" height="467" alt="Christian Wedding Reception Near Matopo." title="Christian Wedding Reception" /> +<span class="caption">Christian Wedding Reception Near Matopo.</span> +</div> + +<p>Ndhlalambi remained on at the work in Mapani +most of the time for one and one-half years, and +when Brother Doner at last returned there were +some nearly ready for baptism. Not long afterwards +thirteen were baptized there and proved +faithful Christians.</p> + +<p>Brother and Sister Steigerwald had now had four +very strenuous years of work at Matopo and were in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> +need of a change. So, while the new workers were +at Matopo, the way was opened for them to go to +Cape Town over the rainy season. Here they had a +good rest and returned in April, 1906, quite refreshed, +ready to take up their duties at their station. +Brother Doner also returned from America at the +same time and was ready to resume work at Mapani.</p> + +<p>There had been some pupils attending school at +Matopo Mission, from Mtshabezi Valley, south of +the hills, but about fifteen miles east of Brother +Doner's station. These had strongly urged that a +mission be planted in their midst. Brother Steigerwald +promised them to consider the matter, and at +the opening of the dry season Brother Frey went to +see that part of the country. He was much pleased +with the outlook and felt led to open work there. +This is the origin of Mtshabezi Mission which was +started in July, 1906. The phenomenal success attending +that work since helps to confirm the belief +that it was a work of the Lord's own planting.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER THIRTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Religion of the Matabele and Subject +Tribes</h3> + + +<p>In order to understand a people properly one +must know something of their religious beliefs; +for all the important actions of their lives rest +upon their religion. Find out what a person believes +and you have a pretty good idea of his character. +A native is loth to talk about his religion, +and will, unless he fully understands and trusts the +questioner, often evade answering directly questions +asked upon this subject. It is somewhat difficult to +dissociate the religious beliefs of the Matabele from +those of the first inhabitants of the country, as the +two are so closely interwoven.</p> + +<p>It would seem that all the natives, with whom we +have come into contact, have some conception of a +God, however vague that conception may be. They +do not as a rule discuss Him and His attributes +among themselves, and so differ greatly in the attributes +ascribed to Him. They often prefer to deal +with and worship the lesser spirits, especially the +shades of their ancestors with whom they are somewhat +familiar, than a great God Whom they do not +know and Whom they fear, for the shades they think +can intercede for them. The native is really very +religious, but prefers to take that religion found +ready to hand rather than to make an attempt to +fathom that which he does not understand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Matabele when asked who their god is will +readily respond that it is the King Umzilikazi. They +say, "He gave us the country and everything we +have, and our customs and laws, and him we worship." +This can be easily understood from the belief +of the Zulu tribe, of which this is a branch. The +Zulu will say that Umkulukulu (the oldest or first +one) is the one to be worshiped, as he gave all the +rest their religion and customs. As their ideas of +worship were very elastic, there was no difficulty in +including other departed spirits in the list of those +worshiped. All who left them could intercede for +them in the spirit world; hence, when the old queen +was buried, the woman who washed her face just +before burial said, "Go in peace and speak a good +word for us to the king, and to those who have gone +before, so that we too may find a place and not be +found fault with."</p> + +<p>This very fact, that their religious beliefs are so +elastic, makes missionary work often the more difficult +and discouraging among them. They will quite +readily accept the God one preaches, and Christ as +the Savior of men, but to their way of thinking this +does not interfere with their worship. This fact +was forcibly thrust upon me one day in coming to a +kraal near the mission that had been frequently +visited. The people here had much light and often +came to the services, and their son Masikwa was a +baptized member. On this occasion we found the +older people worshiping the spirits, and said to the +woman,</p> + +<p>"How is this? We thought that you worshiped +the Lord Jesus."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh! yes, we do," she replied, "He is the Big +Spirit and we worship Him too."</p> + +<p>It was not at all difficult for her to include Him +among the number of spirits to be worshiped. She +was willing to accept all who might be able to help +them, and even give Him a large place alongside of +the others. The fact that He had been on earth and +died only added to the conception that He was like +the rest. The force of the resurrection idea she had +not grasped. It will be readily seen how difficult it +is to inculcate the idea of one Supreme Being Who +alone should be worshiped, and Who is a jealous +God and will brook no rivals.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, the belief in an intercessor +has its useful side in giving them the Gospel, for +we endeavor to impress upon their minds that Christ +is the Great Intercessor, Who "ever liveth to make +intercession for them," a risen Savior, not a dead +One. The great question here is, "Intercede for +what?" Sins they do not claim to have. To them +religion has nothing to do with morals, for neither +if they live pure moral lives are they the better, nor +if they are base and licentious are they worse when +they come to die. The spirits whom they worship +are of their own conception and have the same +loves and hates. As Mr. J. W. Jack says: "Down +all the ages to the present time so frightful have +been the abysses of depravity, the intolerable cruelty, +the extravagances of nameless lust associated +with religion, that if the veil were lifted, Christianity +could not bear the story." The raw native will +tell you that lying, stealing, murder, and adultery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +are bad, but they do not look upon these as having +anything to do with their religion.</p> + +<p>Again, the very fact that they are so tolerant in +their religious views, and so ready to include all, +led the Matabele early in their history to adopt the +religion of the conquered tribes. The oldest and, +to them, the most powerful and most widely-worshiped +of these heathen deities was Umlimo. This +was the name of one worshiped by the Makalanga. +He was supposed to have his abode in the Matopo +Hills, several of which places are still pointed out. +If one may judge from the information received +from the natives, the worship greatly resembled +that of the ancient Greek oracles. When any +important question of the tribe was in need of +solution, or even when individual questions arose, +they would go to the hill or cave in which the +Umlimo was supposed to have his dwelling +place, carry a present, perhaps of beer, meat, or +other food, and, placing it on the rock, remove to a +respectful distance and then make known their +wants. They said the answer would come from the +very depths of the earth.</p> + +<p>It is said: "The answer was given by means of +ventriloquism and, as the speaker was inside the +cave and invisible, the voice appeared to the inquirer +to issue from the very bowels of the earth. +The extreme ingenuity of the device will be better +appreciated when it is known that the spirits of the +departed are universally believed by the natives to +dwell in an under world. For a ventriloquist to +practice his calling as a diviner in the foregoing +manner is probably not unworthy of that oracle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +which Socrates himself felt it necessary to consult at +Delphi."</p> + +<p>In this way they would inquire as to the cause of +drought, rinderpest among the cattle, locusts, and +the like, and they were told that these came through +the white man. In speaking of their worship some +would acknowledge that a priest dwelt in the cave +and received their offerings, and that he would consult +Umlimo and give forth the answer in sepulchral +tones to the worshipers. This god was also worshiped +at the opening of every year by a great dance, +so that he would send an abundance of rain. One +special place of worship was in a large cave in the +midst of the Makalanga country. As this was said +to be only about five or six miles from Mapani Mission, +I had a desire to visit the spot and see what it +was like. Setyokupi, one of the first Christian girls +at Mapani, offered to accompany Ndhlamlabi and +myself to the cave, as she lived near the place but +had never visited it. We started early one morning +to the home of Setyokupi, which was several +miles from the mission, and from there continued +our journey to the cave. It was much farther than +we had anticipated, and we walked quite a distance +before reaching the immense kopje, or hill of +stone, in which the cave was. Then our way wound +round and round among the rocks for a long distance. +Setyokupi saw that the task was greater +than she had anticipated, and fearful of losing ourselves, +we asked a young lad, whom we met in the +neighborhood, to guide us. After reaching the cave +we were obliged to climb forty or fifty feet up the +side of the rock before we could enter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was a large cave, extending back into the rocks, +and would have formed several good-sized rooms. +We had understood that the worshipers generally +took a present and left it in the cave. This was +frequently a branch or twig of a tree; consequently +there were to be seen in it many dried leaves and +branches of trees, the thought in their mind in this +connection being no doubt similar to that of the +olive branch of peace. There were also a few old +ornaments and cloth, but nothing of value. Here +it was said the people came to have their yearly +dance and pray for rain. Everything on the inside +was quite old, and it looked as if the place had not +been visited lately, but we were informed that there +was another and more important place of worship in +the vicinity in which there was a pool of water. +This we did not see, nor did we learn of its location. +The day was fast passing and we were obliged to +hasten back to the mission.</p> + +<p>At this time, 1905, Europeans had already been +fifteen years in some parts of the country and the +natives about Matopo Mission were always quite +willing for anyone to be present at their religious +festivals. Many were beginning to throw off some +of their old superstitious ideas, and some were accepting +Christ; so there was no thought of impropriety +in our making this tour of investigation. The +account of it no doubt came out through the little +boy who accompanied us, and although these natives +in Mapaniland were more raw than those +about Matopo Mission, perhaps nothing further +would have been thought of the visit, had the rains +come on that year at the usual time. Unfortunately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +they were exceptionally late, not really coming until +the first of January, and the people were becoming +desperate. It is always necessary for the heathen +to let the blame rest somewhere, and as the +witch doctors and diviners generally hate the missionaries +because of their loss of custom and prestige, +so they naturally put the blame upon our visit +to the cave. I never learned that they placed the +blame upon myself, but they did upon those who +accompanied me. Ndhlalambi's life was really in +danger that year and his people were much concerned +for his safety. He, however, did not seem +concerned about himself and continued to go back +and forth and see about the work at Mapani. Several +years later Setyokupi, who is a most devoted +Christian, had to bear the blame from the older +people for a similar drought, the years of plenty +intervening being overlooked. We as missionaries, +however, always try to be careful not to stir up +unecessarily the opposition of the natives.</p> + +<p>According to some of the older natives Umlimo +is worshiped under various names; in fact, there is +a trinity. In the hills to the south is the father, +Shologulu. He is stern and unbending and is to +be greatly feared. In the east is the son, Lunzi, who +is kind and easy to be entreated. The mother, +Banyanchaba, is in the north. Just how much tradition, +handed down from Christianity, is embodied +in this idea cannot be ascertained, but the belief is +quite ancient.</p> + +<p>Again, some of the natives say that certain of the +people at times claimed to be Umlimo and to have +the power ascribed to him. One of these was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +woman whom the king, in order to test her power, +put in a hut near him. He convinced himself of her +false pretenses and punished her accordingly.</p> + +<p>In a general way natives do not concern themselves +about a Supreme God. Some, of course, will +readily say that He made everything. Again we +have inquired of others,</p> + +<p>"Who made the trees, the rocks, the grass?"</p> + +<p>They will answer, "We came here and found +them already created, so we did not concern ourselves +to inquire who made them."</p> + +<p>This indifference or spiritual laziness had much to +do with their religion. On another occasion we +were speaking with a native living near Mapani +Mission, and were telling him that he ought to +repent and accept Christ as his Savior. To excuse +himself he said:</p> + +<p>"He made me. He brought me into the world +and it is His business to boss me up."</p> + +<p>He really meant to say, "I am here by no choice +of my own. He made me. I am His and He has a +right to do as He pleases with me."</p> + +<p>This idea of fate runs through all their beliefs. +They have no volition of their own. Everything +that comes to them, whether of accident, sickness, +ill luck, or whatever it may be, is the result of +malevolent spirits which are in league against them. +In fact, all their worship is one of the propitiation +of the malevolent spirits. Good spirits will not +harm them.</p> + +<p>One day in the Sabbath-school class, where questions +were freely asked, one of the older men said, +"Since I hear you tell who God is and what He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +likes, and who Satan is and what he does, I see that +our god, whom we have been worshiping, is Satan +himself."</p> + +<p>The <i>amadhlozi</i> (spirits of the departed) are constantly +besetting their path, causing sickness or misfortune, +or else helping them to do what they desire. +Their expression, for ill luck is <i>Angi ladhlozi</i> +(I do not have any spirit). When sick they send +for the witch doctor to tell where the trouble is. He +may say that one of the spirits thinks he had not +been properly treated and wishes a goat. The goat +is brought and killed, and a small portion of meat +is used with medicine for the sick, but by far the +greater part of the meat is generally appropriated +by the witch doctor himself, who was no doubt more +desirous of it than the shades.</p> + +<p>If health is not forthcoming for the sick, he is +certainly bewitched. This is generally the belief +when one dies or is suffering from an incurable +disease. The witch doctor then takes his "bones" +and "smells out" the supposed witch, and he is +very careful to select as his victim one who is not +very popular in the community by reason of his +wealth or other circumstances. This one is accused +of bewitching, and is ignominiously put to death, +and all his property confiscated.</p> + +<p>Since the occupation of the country by the English +much of this killing of supposed witches is +done away with, but there are still violent deaths, +which looks suspicious. Since our stay at Matopo +there was an instance of an old woman being +drowned, which was traced directly to the witch +doctor and he was punished. There were also several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> +instances of supposed suicide by hanging, which +looked as if there might have been foul play, but +which could not be ferreted. It is not unusual for +the old or infirm to be gotten rid of in this way, +especially by the ordeal of drinking poison.</p> + +<p>It would be unjust to say that their doctors never +use remedies; in fact, they have many herbs which +they use and some of these are very efficacious. In +fever we have seen them administer a greenish-looking +powder of a native herb, which tasted much like +quinine, and we were surprised once to see a native +physician pass through the mission premises +with a wallet full of various kinds of herbs. He had +a pass from the magistrate to practice among the +natives, and he proudly opened his wallet and displayed +his drugs. Notwithstanding that they have +these remedies, yet, in practice, this is often so +mixed with charms and other superstitious ideas, +that it is difficult to tell wherein the real remedy lies. +A witch doctor, who lived near us and who had +much light, exclaimed one day, "I can give medicine, +and if the Lord says the sick will recover, he +will recover; if He says the sick one will die, he will +die; my medicine cannot save him."</p> + +<p>When one treats a native in his home for any disease, +it is always difficult to induce his people to +follow the prescribed treatment; for they desire often +to use their arts as well. A case of scurvy was +at one of the villages, and they came to the mission +for help. We went over. The boy had been losing +blood for several days and was very weak, seemingly +in the last stages of the disease. They had been +using their arts, but to no avail, and had come to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +the mission as a last resort. Elder Steigerwald reproved +them for waiting so long, and took hold of +the case, hoping still to save him. After looking to +the Lord for guidance, he managed to get the bleeding +stopped, but to see that everything was properly +carried out one of us remained for a time at the +kraal. When he was thought to be out of danger he +was left with his people, with strict injunctions to +do just as they were told. When the patient was +next visited it was found that the people had again +brought out their charms and put them about his +head, and it was necessary to frighten them thoroughly +before they would follow instructions.</p> + +<p>Parents are always very anxious to have their +children at home if they become sick. This may +partly be owing to natural solicitation on the part +of the parents, for they love their children as well as +white parents do, but it is also due to the fact that +they cannot use their divinations properly except +at home. Then, too, if they die, they are always +anxious that their people die at home. In this way +we often had great difficulty in keeping at the mission +some who were sick and needed care.</p> + +<p>One of our boys was very sick and we had been +unable to help him, and both he and ourselves were +looking to the Lord in his behalf. He was a good +Christian and perfectly conscious all the time, and +quite ready and willing to die if such was the Lord's +will. His parents lived near and had been trying to +take him home, but he did not wish to go; and we +too thought it best for him to remain under our care. +When he became very low, it was necessary to inform +his parents. The father, who was a very violent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +and wrathy man, was determined to take the +boy home, but we felt sure that a move at that +time would be fatal, and told the father so.</p> + +<p>He replied, "I'll take him home if he dies on the +way. I'll not have it said that my child died and +was buried away from home." And it was with +great difficulty that he could be prevailed upon to +let the boy remain. The Lord heard our prayer in +his behalf and he recovered.</p> + +<p>From what has been written it may readily be +seen that the African believes in the immortality of +the soul; that the souls of the departed take cognizance +of what is done on the earth by the survivors; +and that they have power over those who dwell on +the earth to help, harm, or intercede in their behalf. +They also believe in transmigration of souls, that +the spirit of the departed often enters a snake, bird, +lion, rhinoceros, or other animals, each of these +tribes having its own especial animal. This does +not necessarily imply that the soul remains in these +forms. Frequently they speak of the animals as +only a medium through which the spirit appears to +its friends.</p> + +<p>The Matabele revere the snake and will not kill it. +The first year of the mission a long snake entered +one of the huts, that was in process of erection, and +climbed up near the roof. I told one of the boys to +knock it down and kill it. He recoiled from the idea +and refused. Thinking he was afraid I took a hoe, +knocked it down and killed it. When other natives +came to the mission the incident was related to +them by the boys and they expressed great surprise. +I rather supposed that they were surprised<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +at my prowess, until one woman who knew me +better than the others exclaimed, "Were you not +afraid to kill it? Perhaps it was one of your friends." +I then found out that the snake was an object of +reverence.</p> + +<p>Matshuba said that when his father was ill a +snake entered his hut and he exclaimed, "That looks +like a child of mine, it is so pretty. It is your +brother, Matshuba."</p> + +<p>"Is that the reason," we inquired, "why so many +people are afraid to kill snakes?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied, "they think their friends come +to visit them in this form."</p> + +<p>Again, once while out kraal-visiting we were +speaking to some people who were working in their +garden. Some one came from their kraal with a +message of some kind, and soon all was commotion +and hurry.</p> + +<p>I inquired, "What is the matter? Where are you +going?"</p> + +<p>They answered, "Two snakes have entered our +hut and we must go and see them."</p> + +<p>"Will you kill them?"</p> + +<p>"No, they are probably some of our friends, who +have come to visit us," was the reply.</p> + +<p>The people were also accustomed to use a goat +in their worship and then drive it away on the veldt. +I know very little of this ceremony, except that +when it was told to me, I was forcibly reminded of +the "scapegoat" of the Israelites. Each family also +has a sacred ox or cow among the herd. They do not +worship images, and are surprised to find that there +are people on earth who do. Two of the boys in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> +reading their Bibles one day learned for the first +time that some people worship images made by +men's hand, and they were as much surprised as +any white child could have been.</p> + +<p>"Do they answer their prayers?" inquired they. +"Can they talk, or do they know anything? Is it +something like we make cattle out of mud to play +with?"</p> + +<p>We are accustomed to despise people who worship +animals, and it is certainly not very elevating; +but they are God's handiwork, and are they not +superior to many of the hideous images of idolatrous +nations? When these people do worship, the object +of their reverence is not the animal, but the souls of +their people who they think enter the animals.</p> + +<p>Spiritualism is a legitimate product of their beliefs. +I can best illustrate this feature of their worship +by giving an instance which came to our notice +in the year 1900. It was a religious dance. The +chief actors had come from a distance and the worship +was in honor of one of their dead relatives, the +aim being to bring back the soul and hold conference +with it through one who acted as medium.</p> + +<p>We felt to avail ourselves of this opportunity of +seeing something of their worship, that we might +have a better understanding of the same. The mother +of Kelenki, one of our converts, participated and +she, heathenlike, was anxious to have her boy take +part, but he of course refused, as he had always done +when urged to join with them. It was only about +two miles from the mission, so Brother and Sister +Lehman and myself went over for a short time. +We entered the village at about 3 P. M. and found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +about one hundred people assembled. They had +just been drinking beer and were feeling quite good. +As many of them knew us, they greeted us quite +pleasantly, nothing loath to see us on this occasion, +provided we did not interfere in their worship.</p> + +<p>One of the most noticeable features at first was +the evident attempt at ornamentation on the part of +the women, especially the older women who were +to take active part in the proceedings. We might +add that only the older people took part in this +dance, and that the ornamentation of the body is +always a noticeable feature of their worship. Their +dress, or rather undress, consisted of a short skirt +of dirty, greasy leather, covered with a heavy embroidery +of bright-colored beads. The rest of the +body was ornamented with beads and heavy brass +rings, neck, waist, arms, and ankles being heavily +laden. The headdress consisted of a broad band of +beads artistically put together.</p> + +<p>Our attention was soon drawn to three women +seated on the ground before one of the huts, each +with a large drum made from a hollowed log, over +one end of which was a skin tightly drawn. On this +drum they were beating with their hands and accompanying +the sound with low, plaintive singing. +Presently a man, who proved to be the leader, or +medium, stepped out, beating at the same time on a +drum made of a broad wooden hoop, over which +was stretched a piece of skin. He was a tall, athletic-looking +fellow, clothed in a short skirt similar +to that worn by the women. He had many yards +of blue cloth wrapped about his body and a yellow +scarf thrown over one shoulder. The drum which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> +was beaten with a stick produced a sharp ringing +sound, and he danced with a peculiar backward +step, keeping time to the beating of his drum, and +sang, calling upon the shades. To this the women, +beating the drums or tomtoms, would respond. A +number of other men with similar drums joined him +in the dance, and the air was filled with their melody.</p> + +<p>This was continued for some time, when all suddenly +ceased and disappeared within a hut and continued +their dance within. We were invited to +enter, and after creeping through the low doorway +we found ourselves in a hut about eighteen feet in +diameter, with a somewhat higher roof than is to +be found in many native huts. The performance +was similar to that on the outside, except that others +joined in the dance, but all danced alone. The +actions and contortions of the body became more +and more rapid and violent, and there was also +leaping and jumping, the heat and violent exertion +of the body causing the perspiration to flow freely.</p> + +<p>The medium finally worked himself up into sort +of a frenzy and announced that a spirit had entered +the door. With this he pretended to enter into conversation, +but as he spoke in the Shuna language we +did not understand him. The dancers all finally +rushed out on the rocks and the leader fell down exhausted. +After their return the same motions were +continued, but a new feature was added by women +entering, having native-made bells tied to their +ankles, and these added to the general din. The +motions of all were more or less similar, and even +when the actions and contortions of the body were +the most violent, they were somewhat rhythmical.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> +The noise was deafening in the extreme, and would +have surely waked the dead were such a thing possible. +In addition to a dozen drums and the bells, +there were yelling, whistling, and singing. A huge +battle-axe was handed around from one to another, +and part of the time was dangling on the neck of +the leader. Sad as one felt at the delusion under +which they labored, he could not but be impressed +by their evident earnestness, and only wished it +might be expended in a better cause.</p> + +<p>They did not forget our presence, and no doubt +we did interfere with the freedom of their actions. +The medium came toward us several times, beating +his drum. Thinking he might be annoyed at our +presence we spoke to the headman, but he hastened +to assure us that we were welcome to remain. In +fact, he as well as many others in the kraal, seemed +to be spectators rather than participants in the worship.</p> + +<p>They finally became quiet and the medium again +claimed to converse with the departed, and this time +one of our boys interpreted. Of course both questions +and answers were given by the medium. +Among other things he said: "I see a spirit enter +the door. It says, 'Who are these white people? +Are they the people who killed the Matabele?' No, +they are missionaries and like the black people." It +seemed evident that not only the spirit but some of +the strangers present were somewhat afraid and +needed assurance that we were harmless.</p> + +<p>We returned home sad at heart for their heathendom. +We were informed that this worship continued +until late in the night and two days following.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +There was much beer drinking and immorality, +so that even some of the heathen in the kraal +were thoroughly disgusted.</p> + +<p>The Matabele do not use drums in their religious +dance like the Mashona. Once when we were out +kraal visiting we happened to come upon some of +these worshiping at Fusi's kraal. We stopped only +a few minutes to see what they were doing, and were +greatly shocked by the hideousness of their looks +and actions. The very stamp of the bottomless pit +seemed impressed upon their features.</p> + +<p>Heathen worship, heathen dances, and hideous +rites are becoming less and less in the vicinity of +the mission, for the natives are fast losing faith in +their old religion. The missionaries need a great +deal of patience, forbearance, and firmness in dealing +with the perplexing problems in reference to the +natives' beliefs, but in the end God's cause is sure +to win.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER FOURTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Some of the Customs</h3> + + +<p>Custom is so interwoven with and dependent +upon religion that it is almost impossible to +dissociate the two, so there is a difference of +opinion as to what constitutes custom and what religion. +Whatever the natives believe or practice +has in their estimation been given them by their +god, even to the ornaments of their bodies. As Rev. +W. Chapman says, "The most satisfactory way of +changing native customs is by changing his religion." +On the other hand, take away the native's +religion and the restraints which often accompany it, +and place him in a modern city, with its so-called +modern civilization, without the restraining influences +of the Christian religion, and a monstrosity +of evil is often the result.</p> + +<p>From infancy this inexorable law, custom, assails +him. He must not step aside from the laws of his +ancestors or he will suffer the consequences. If +twins are born, they must be put to death. If a +child cuts his upper front teeth first instead of the +lower, again death is the penalty. Not because the +mother does not love her child. It is just as dear +to her as the child of Christian parents is to them, +and generally no amount of money will induce her +to part with it, but this infant is departing from the +customs followed by its ancestors, and if its precocity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> +leads it thus early to change the customs, +what will it not do as it becomes older? It is a +monstrosity and must be dealt with accordingly.</p> + +<p>If the child is a girl, it may at any time after +birth be betrothed or sold to a man for his wife, and +a part or all of the pay be given to the parents to +bind the contract. This intended husband may be +already middle-aged or old, with several wives. +That is to his credit, because it frequently means +that he is rich or a man of importance in the community. +An old, gray-haired man living near the +mission had nine wives when we arrived on the +scene, some of whom were just young girls. However, +one frequently meets with heathen natives +who have only one wife.</p> + +<p>The would-be bridegroom sends some one to the +father or guardian of the girl to ask for her hand in +marriage. He consults his relatives in reference to +the matter, but even if they disagree, he may give +his consent, for he alone receives the pay. This +may be in the form of cattle, sheep, or goats, or even +money in later years, and the amount of pay the +man can or is willing to give had much to do with +the father's consent. Of course the girl has no say +in the affair, and may not, until she is older, know +who her intended husband is. If she is small, he +waits until she is about grown before the actual +marriage takes place, but in the meantime she is +looked upon as his prospective wife and is often +thoroughly demoralized before marriage.</p> + +<p>Before the missionaries or Europeans came to the +country, it is doubtful whether the girl rebelled +much as to what disposition was made of her, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> +one choice was about the same as another, only so +that she might become a married woman. In their +eyes it was almost a disgrace to be unmarried after +they had reached the proper age.</p> + +<p>It is said that when the time came for her to be +married she would say, "I am grown and want to +marry." At first her people refuse, but finally they +give her a hoe and showing her a piece of raw veldt +say, "Show how you can dig, so that we may see +whether you have strength to perform the work of a +wife." She takes the hoe and shows her strength +by vigorous work; for is she not to take the place +of oxen or donkeys for her husband and plow and +sow his gardens? This is no exaggeration, for more +than one native has been heard to exclaim, "These +are my oxen," pointing to his wives, the chief difference +being that whereas the oxen get some time +to rest and eat, the wife gets little, as she must +grind and prepare the food in the interim of digging.</p> + +<p>When the day set for the wedding arrives, a number +of girls of about her own age are called and they +have a feast, often of goat, after which they accompany +the bride to the home of the bridegroom, an +old woman, carrying a knife, leading the way. Here +they are assigned their places and various ceremonies. +The wedding lasts several days and ends +in a feast, and very often much immorality is connected +with it. During a certain stage of the ceremony +the bride runs and hides, not again making +her appearance until she is found by the others.</p> + +<p>So-called marriages sometimes take place without +any pay being given for the wife, but in such instances +the children do not belong to or are not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +under the control of their parents; they belong to +the father or guardian of the wife, as she has not +been paid for. It may thus be seen that the giving +of pay is not an unmitigated evil, as it leaves the +children in the hands of their natural guardians, the +parents. With the wife the pay is merely changing +her from the ownership of her father to that of her +husband, and if she should leave her husband, the +pay or part of it must be returned to him.</p> + +<p>It frequently happens that a man takes a wife +according to native marriage without paying for +her, and afterwards, if he desires to retain her or +her children, he pays the father for her. A native in +the vicinity of Matopo had, in this manner, taken +five wives, at various times, without paying for any +of them. When some of his children became of an +age that his wives' parents desired to take them, he +took steps to secure them by paying for his wives. +One, however, whom he did not like, he drove away +without paying for her. These things show that +the marriage vow is exceedingly loose and leads to +much immorality. Several years after we came to +Matopo Hills a law was passed by the British Government, +allowing the girls some freedom of choice +in regard to the marriage question, and it is now +possible for Christian girls to choose Christian husbands.</p> + +<p>A man will have a hut for himself and one for +each of his wives, and the more wives he has, the +greater his importance in the community. I think +that it is safe to say that an old heathen's ambition +is to have many wives, each with her hut, about him, +many sons, who too, with their wives, add to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +number of huts, and many daughters, that he may +sell them for cattle or sheep and thus increase his +flocks and herds. He also likes to have nephews, +younger brothers, and other relatives with their +wives come to him and swell the number of huts. +This makes a large number of huts, large herds, and +he becomes an important headman; or if his followers +increase sufficiently he may become a chief. +These huts, built near together and often enclosed +with a fence, are what constitute a kraal. This is a +Dutch word and applies only to native villages, but +there may be only three or four huts and it still be +called a kraal.</p> + +<p>Their huts are built of poles and mud, much as +described in the making of our own, except that the +huts of the raw natives are much lower, without +windows and with a doorway only about three feet +in height. Sometimes no poles are used in the construction +of the walls, but they are moulded of earth +from the bottom up and are well made. The floor +is made of ant-hill earth, well pounded. This is +then covered with a thin coat of black earth and +polished with stones until it looks not unlike a +nicely-polished wooden floor. The Matabele build +much better huts than some of the subject tribes; +these latter are good farmers, but often have most +miserable-looking huts.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a> +<img src="images/illus197.png" width="600" height="351" alt="Matabele Kraal near Matopo Mission." title="Matabele Kraal." /> +<span class="caption">Matabele Kraal near Matopo Mission.</span> +</div> + +<p>There is no furniture proper in the huts. The bed +consists of a mat or hide spread on the floor at +night. During the day this, together with the +blankets, is rolled up and tied to the roof of the hut. +The pillow is made from a block of wood, and there +are no chairs, a small mat answering for this purpose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +They have earthen pots for cooking and +brewing beer and for various purposes. They have +many kinds of nicely-woven baskets, and gourds +for carrying and dipping water as well as for drinking +vessels. There are also the necessary stamping +block and a large flat stone on which the grain is +ground. The wash basin is the mouth. The mouth +is filled with water, which is allowed to run in a +thin stream on the hands until they are washed, +and then the hands are filled in the same way to +wash the face. I was greatly interested once in +the operation of bathing twins. This mother had +sufficient light to keep her from killing her babies +because there were two of them. She spread a +blanket on a large rock in the sun. Then she took +a gourd of water and filled her mouth. (It is surprising +how much water they can hold in the mouth; +practice aids greatly in this, no doubt.) She kept +the water in her mouth a short time to take off the +chill, then picked up one child, held it out and, with +a thin stream of water pouring from her mouth, +washed the entire body of the child thoroughly. +After this ablution she laid it on the blanket in the +sun to dry. She again filled her mouth and taking +the other baby repeated the process and also placed +it on the blanket. The children were evidently accustomed +to such baths; for they took it all quietly, +and perhaps enjoyed it as much as a white child in +a bath tub of warm water.</p> + +<p>Polygamy is not necessarily opposed among some +of the heathen women. They will frequently tell +you, "I like my husband to have more than one +wife; then I do not need to work so hard." It is,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +however, a source of much dissension and rivalry +among them and a cause of much favoritism among +the children. One day Gomo was reading the story +of Joseph and Benjamin. He exclaimed, "That is +just like our people. The children of the favorite +wife are loved more by the father." Of course polygamy +is one great drawback to the introduction +of christianity, but we believe that it has had its +day and that in many places it is becoming less in +practice. Each wife cooks of her own food for the +husband and places it before him. He, with older +boys, eats what he desires and leaves the balance, +if there be any, for the wife and her children. If he +has many wives a number of dishes are often placed +before him during the day, and he can eat that +which he prefers. Or, if there are several men in +the kraal, they often all eat from one dish, and from +each dish as it is brought to them by the various +wives, while the mother and daughters eat from a +separate dish.</p> + +<p>Their chief occupation is farming, and they grow +corn, kafir corn, millet, sweet potatoes, peanuts, +ground peas, melons, citrons, and pumpkins. They +generally hull the grain and then stamp or grind it +into a very fine meal or flour. This they put into +boiling water and make a very stiff porridge, or +mush. Their favorite food seems to be this porridge, +eaten with meat into the broth of which +ground peanuts have been cooked. They generally +have chickens, sheep, goats, or cattle, and often +hunt or trap game. Their usual way of eating is to +allow the food to cool a little and then dip the two +front fingers into the porridge, take a little and dip<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +it into the gravy and then put it into their mouth. +They also greatly relish green corn, eaten from the +cob or cut off and ground on the millstones. This +milky meal is then made into a loaf and placed into +a kettle and thoroughly steamed. This is their best +substitute for bread, and in its season it is considered +their most dainty dish, and with a little salt it +is quite palatable, especially if not much grit has +combined with it in the process of preparation.</p> + +<p>The African is fond of his beer, which also is +made by the wives. For this purpose they use any +of the grains grown by them, but they prefer kafir +corn or millet. This is moistened and put in a warm +place until it sprouts. It is then ground or stamped +and the meal is cooked into a thin porridge and put +into large earthen pots, where more water is added, +also the yeast or dregs of a previous brewing. It +is then allowed to stand in a warm place and ferment, +and before drinking it is usually strained +through a loose bag of their own weaving. The native +will tell you that their god showed them how to +make the beer, and I have no doubt but that he did.</p> + +<p>It is needless to say that it intoxicates and is the +cause of frequent brawls and fights among them, +and it is not unusual for the missionaries to be +called upon to help settle some of these disturbances. +It is less difficult to convince the Africans +of the evil effects of its use than it is some Europeans. +The latter will often tell you that the native +thrives and works better if allowed his beer. Missionaries +are not wanting who think it is best not to +interfere with their native Christians having their +beer. Our missionaries, however, have no difficulty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> +in inducing the Christians to discard the use of it, +and we believe the sentiment against it is increasing +among the missionaries in general. In a native +Conference held at Matopo Mission in February, +1914, the question of native beer came up. Of course +all were opposed to members drinking it, but the +question was in regard to the Christian girls, who +were minors, assisting in the making of it, since +they are under the jurisdiction of their heathen parents. +The older native Christians were in favor of +more stringent measures than even the missionaries.</p> + +<p>In order to show what an enlightened Christian +native can and will do if he has the power we need +only refer to the work of King Khama. He is the +King of Bechuanaland, the country just west of +Southern Rhodesia. His father was a heathen king +and a sorcerer, but Khama embraced Christianity in +his youth, and in the midst of most bitter persecutions +from his own father and others, he stood +true. The people finally recognizing his ability +chose him king in place of his father in 1872. Then +his difficulties began in another line. If he was to +be the chief of the country, it must be founded on +the principles of the Gospel. All imported liquor +was prohibited from crossing the border, nor was +native beer allowed to be made.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 308px;"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a> +<img src="images/illus202.png" width="308" height="600" alt="Matabele Women Stamping Grain." title="Matabele Women Stamping Grain." /> +<span class="caption">Matabele Women Stamping Grain.</span> +</div> + +<p>It was a fierce battle with some of the natives +themselves, for they were not all Christians and did +not readily yield. This domestic trouble, however, +was nothing compared with the battle he had to +wage with unprincipled white traders and even with +government officials, for the country was under the +protection of England, and they had some voice in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> +the management of affairs. But Khama won the +day in such a struggle as would have dismayed +many a stouter heart. According to Mr. J. H. Hepburn, +Khama wrote to the British Administration +as follows: "I dread the white man's drink more +than the assegais of the Matabele which kill men's +bodies and is quickly over; but drink puts devils into +men and destroys their souls and bodies forever. +Its wounds never heal. I pray your Honor never +to ask me to open even a little door to drink." +Words worthy of a native Christian hero, indeed; a +hero that could not be bought, that could not be +bribed or frightened by the liquor men.</p> + +<p>The Government of Rhodesia is rather favorable +toward native beer, yet we owe it much for prohibiting +imported liquor sold to natives within its +territory. Perhaps (who knows?) Khama's firm +stand in his own territory may have been an influence +in keeping Rhodesian natives from securing +imported liquor.</p> + +<p>Mention was made before that the native way of +getting work done is to make a quantity of beer and +invite their neighbors. They do this in digging +and preparing the ground for sowing, in weeding, +in cultivating, and in threshing. While a little beer +is given during the work, the greater part is kept +back until the work is completed, perhaps as an +inducement for them to persevere unto the end. If +then one, in evangelistic work, comes upon such a +company early in the day, they are not much the +worse for drink and will often listen attentively.</p> + +<p>Once Sister Steigerwald and I came to a place +where a large company were busy weeding. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +had a large garden to weed and did not greatly +desire to stop for service, but we promised not to +keep them long, so they gathered under the shade +of a tree. On opening our Bible our eye fell on the +"Parable of the Tares," which seemed quite suitable +for the occasion. They listened most attentively to +the short talk, and as illustrations taken from their +gardens and work always seemed better understood +and appreciated, we made use of such entirely in +the application. After singing and prayer we told +them they might return to their work. We sat +still and watched them awhile, and as they worked +and pulled out the weeds, we could hear them talking +to one another and saying, "Yes, the bad things +Satan sows in our hearts are just like these weeds, +and they need to be rooted out or they will destroy +us."</p> + +<p>On another occasion, one Sunday morning, there +were no natives from one of the large kraals present +at the services, and we felt to pay them a visit. +Ganukisa and some of the boys accompanying, we +went to the place in the afternoon to hold service. +We always tried to impress upon the people that +they should not work on Sunday, and many were +heeding, so on this occasion we were surprised to +find about seventy-five of them having a digging. +As we drew near, they had just finished the work +and were about to surround the huge beer pots for +a "good time." We knew by the time they had +consumed all that beer they would scarcely be in a +condition to receive the Gospel. What should we +do? We never like to ask the natives to do anything +unless there is some probability of its being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +carried out, for one is likely to lose influence over +them. Could they be persuaded to leave their beer +pots and let us talk to them first? We could not +make them do it, but God could, so looking to Him +we said,</p> + +<p>"Leave the beer and come out under the shade of +the trees while we talk to you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," they replied, "let us drink the beer +first and then we will come."</p> + +<p>We knew that if they did their drinking first +some of them would not stay for the service, so +again, with somewhat more authority, I repeated +the request, and at the same time, together with the +Christian natives who accompanied, moved toward +the shade. It was almost more than we expected, +but the Lord moved upon their hearts to leave the +beer untouched, and come to listen. The Lord especially +anointed some of our native Christians for +the service and they gave forth the Word with +power. One of them referred very strongly to their +desecration of the Sabbath. At first they sought to +justify themselves, but as the truth was pressed +home to them they said they would never do it +again. At the close a number of the older men for +the first time in their lives prayed and pleaded for +pardon. The old women who had invited them to +work seemed especially concerned and promised +not to repeat it on Sunday.</p> + +<p>When they thresh they also invite a lot of their +neighbors. They place the grain on a large flat +rock and then strike it with a straight stick. Once +I was present when a large number of the Amahole, +or subject tribes, were threshing. They were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +decked out with all their ornaments, and being divided +into two sides were placed opposite to one +another, like two opposing forces in battle array. +Each being armed with his threshing stick, they +performed a mimic battle with the grain lying on +the rock between the two lines of battle, each one +alternately driving the other before it and at the +same time beating the grain with their sticks. They +also sang their war song, of how the Matabele overcame +them and impaled them alive, and of the dire +vengeance they would inflict in return. The interlude +would be occupied by a sort of ballet dancer +among them. The whole was exceedingly heathenish, +but not uninteresting; and as for the grain, a +large amount of it was threshed.</p> + +<p>While much of the work falls to the women, some +of the native men are quite diligent in digging in +their gardens; but they generally wish to sell their +grain and secure money to pay taxes for themselves +and their wives. The women, in addition to growing +most of the food that is eaten, often help to +furnish the tax money. Of course to the raw native +dress is a negligible quantity.</p> + +<p>The people are always generous, and the food in +the kraals is shared with the strangers. No one +needs to go through the country hungry unless there +is famine, and even then they will often divide the +last morsel. When the stranger comes among them, +they always bid him welcome, and it is etiquette to +let him remain for at least one day without asking +him any questions as to his business among them.</p> + +<p>Even in respect to continually begging, which is +so obnoxious to Europeans, the native is not so rude<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> +as it would appear. They are not slow to ask one +another, and they have often surprised me by saying +that they felt flattered to be asked for articles, +as it showed that they had something which the +other did not have and they had an opportunity to +help. A native likes to have plenty, but he does +not want to have his gardens surpass too much those +of his neighbors, in productiveness; neither does he +want his herds to surpass others too much, for fear +he may be an object of envy to those around him +and a victim of malice, or be accused of witchcraft.</p> + +<p>There always seems to be a great attachment +between the mother and her children all through +life. This does not hinder the big, stout boy, however, +from lying around and living on the bounty of +his hard-working mother, and on the other hand +the heathen boy will often exert himself to aid his +mother and pay her hut tax, and she often lives +with her son when she becomes old.</p> + +<p>The native women generally shave their heads +with a piece of sharp glass. It is a laborious and +painful process and needs to be done by an expert, +but in the end it is well done. The married woman +always leaves a small tuft of hair on the crown of +her head. This is her sign of wifehood. The raw +native has no means of keeping record of his age, +so we must always guess at it.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus208.png" width="600" height="427" alt="Matabele Women Digging." title="Matabele Women Digging." /> +<span class="caption">Matabele Women Digging.</span> +</div> + +<p>The government is patriarchal and the younger +are generally respectful to the elders, and all are +more or less polite to one another. Their very name +implies this. The surname is handed down from +father to child, even the wife retaining that of her +father unless she is married by Christian marriage.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +The surname is also the <i>isibongo</i>, or thank word. +By that I mean that it is what they say if they wish +to thank for any favor. Among themselves they do +not say "I thank you" for any favor received. Suppose +Muza Sibanda would give another one something. +The recipient on receiving it would say +"Sibanda" instead of "I thank you." Again, in +addressing another, if one wishes to be polite or +respectful he will use the last, not the first name, or +he may say "Father," "Mother," or the like. I +at first thought them somewhat rude in not thanking +properly, but soon found that it was often the +result of not knowing what to say. One day I gave +a piece of bread to a little fellow about five years +of age. He hesitated, then looking up into my face, +said, "<i>Isibongo sako sipi?</i>" ("What is your thank<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +name?") If a native is given anything, all the +others present will join in thanking, for a favor to +one is a favor to all. The mother will often use the +thank name, or surname, as a term of endearment +to her child. After she has a child she is no longer +known by her name, but if the child is Luju she is +known as the "mother of Luju."</p> + +<p>If one falls or meets with an accident, however +slight, all the rest will say "<i>Pepa</i>" ("Beg pardon"). +If one enters the kraal of another, he enters +the hut and sits down near the door without saying +anything. Presently he says "<i>Eh! kuhle</i>" +("Peace"), about equivalent to saying, "Peace be +to this house." It is not a salutation, but a polite +way of announcing his presence. The occupant of +the hut then responds by saying, "<i>Eh! sa ku bona</i>" +("We see you"). In reality, however, it is equivalent +to saying "How do you do?" to which the +other responds.</p> + +<p>It is a real treat to hear two old natives conversing +together, especially if they are unconscious of +one's presence. Their gossip may not be very elevating, +but it is always carried on in a polite and +interesting manner. The Tebele language is most +beautiful and expressive, as its liquid syllables roll +off the native tongue, and it is always most correctly +spoken—no errors in grammar among them.</p> + +<p>This would not be complete without mention being +made of death and burial. In burial the various +tribes differ somewhat among themselves. Among +the Matabele, when one dies the friends come and +prepare the body for burial by placing it in a sitting +posture with the knees brought up near the face.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> +They clothe it in the garments which it owned, and +wrap the blanket about it, tying the body firmly in +this position with the face exposed. It is then left +sitting in the hut, together with some of the women +mourners, while the men go and select a place for +burial, generally at a little distance from the kraal, +unless the deceased should be headman. They make +the grave more or less circular in form, and near the +bottom a slight excavation is made in the side for +the reception of the body.</p> + +<p>The body is then placed on a blanket or large +hide and carried out to the grave, the friends following +and mourning. A gourd filled with fresh water +is brought, and with this a near friend or relative +washes the face of the dead, at the same time giving +it a message to kindly remember them to the king +and to speak a good word for them. The two men +standing in the grave receive the body and place it +in the excavation with the face toward the east. +They fasten it in position with stones and then fill +in the grave with earth. On top of the grave are +placed stones and the property of the deceased, together +with branches of trees, perhaps to protect it +from the wild beasts, for the grave is somewhat +shallow.</p> + +<p>As children do not have any garments which they +can call their own, they are often buried without +anything being wrapped about the body. Once, when +a little son of Mapita died, Sister Doner and I went +over to the burial. The little body was lowered into +the grave quite bare and they were about to put in +the earth. Sister Doner could not stand that, so +she hastily removed a large apron which she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +on and told them to wrap that around the little body +before throwing in the earth. They did so, but no +doubt would have preferred keeping it for themselves +before it had been defiled by coming into contact +with the dead body. When Kelenki, one of +our Christian boys, died in his home, they wanted +to know what to do with his books, and one of the +other Christian boys said he thought they had +better leave them for the living.</p> + +<p>After burial they all go to the river and wash, +for death means defilement. The women are the +chief mourners, and they assemble early in the +morning, fill the air with their wailing and then +return home until the following morning. This is +often done for four consecutive mornings. In the +interim the relatives sit about the kraal, quiet and +with little talking, except to answer the condolences +of their friends, who come from time to time to +sympathize with them. There is no feast, as among +some natives. In fact, for a time little food is +cooked or eaten except that brought by neighbors.</p> + +<p>Some of the other tribes lay the body down in +burial, and often place it in the crevices of the rocks. +If the deceased is headman of the kraal, he is generally +buried in the enclosure and often inside his +own hut, and the people usually remain there for +a year and then, after a period of worship, the kraal +is abandoned. The wives go to be the wives of the +brother of the deceased, unless they be old, when +they usually live with a son or daughter.</p> + +<p>About fifteen miles from the mission, in the direction +of Bulawayo, is the grave of the first king, +Umzilikazi. It is in a large kopje, between some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +immense boulders. On the top of the grave, or in +the immediate vicinity—since one cannot point out +the exact spot of the body—are many wagon loads +of rock thrown in to fill up the cavity between the +boulders. There are also wheels and the remains of +broken wagons and other property once owned by +the king, and probably bought from the white men +in his emigration from Zululand to this country. I +cannot give the exact date of this king's death, but +it was at least more than fifty years ago. As he +was considered the god of the Matabele, this grave +was often no doubt a place of worship by the tribe, +but we have no knowledge that it has been worshiped +in late years. Perhaps it somewhat fell into +disuse after Umlimo, the god of the Makalanga, +was considered so powerful.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">FIFTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Later Visits</h3> + +<blockquote><p>The missionary stands to the native for religion and +education, for all the help he may get to make his life +cleaner, more moral, and more in keeping with ideals of +the white man at his best.—M. S. Evans.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>In the year 1910 it was my privilege, on returning +from a furlough to Natal, to again visit Matopo, +after an absence of nearly four years. Bishop +and Mrs. Steigerwald were at that time in America +on furlough, and Brother Doner and his wife, who +was formerly Sister Sallie Kreider, and Sister Mary +Heise were in charge of Matopo Mission. When I +reached Bulawayo I found Brother Doner waiting +to convey me to the mission. It was indeed a pleasure +again to visit the place and to look into the faces +of those natives who had grown very dear by reason +of my long stay among them. Here it was +my privilege to come into contact, for the first time, +with raw heathendom, and to have the joy of seeing +light enter darkened minds and souls born into +the Kingdom. So it occupies a tender spot which +later experiences cannot touch.</p> + +<p>There had been improvements made since I had +left. Prominent among these were two substantial +brick buildings, a house for the boys and one for the +girls, and there were thirty-three boys occupying +the one and three girls the other. There is a nice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +little band of believers at this place, some of whom +I wish especially to mention. First is poor old blind +Ngiga. Shortly after Elder Engle's death we found +him at a kraal, destitute and afflicted, with no one +seemingly to care for him and give him food. We +carried or sent food to him for a time, and gave him +a blanket, and he gradually gained strength. Thinking +that exercise would do him good, Brother Lehman +encouraged him to come to the mission for his +food, as he was only a short distance away. He had +lain for so long without exercising his body that at +first it was with great difficulty that he reached the +mission, but being supplied with food, he grew +stronger and was enabled to walk the distance easily +and to help himself a little. Some time after Elder +Steigerwald came he treated him for his disease and +built a hut and brought him to the mission to stay, +as the loathsome disease with which he was afflicted +had left him about blind. He, however, was +converted and has been received into the Church. +It is a pleasure to hear him now testify to Christ's +saving power, and to praise the Lord for bringing +the missionaries. Truly, the Lord is no Respecter of +persons.</p> + +<p>Again, let us go to Buka's house. My readers +will remember Buka, whom Sister Heise and I +found upon the rocks eleven years before when we +went in search of little Lomazwana. Yes, it is +really he whose life and home looked so black to us +that day. He moved to within about three miles +of the mission, and his son Kolisa came to stay at +the mission and go to school. The father became +sick and Brother and Sister Doner visited him and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +ministered unto him. Then they built him a hut +and made him more comfortable. He finally became +a paralytic and unable to help himself, so Brother +Steigerwald assisted them to get a home on the +mission premises, and gave them gardens, so that +they are now quite comfortable. The oldest daughter +also accepted Christ, then the mother followed, +and these two with the son are now members of the +Church.</p> + +<p>My first Sunday at Matopo, in company with +Brother and Sister Doner, I visited this home. A +smile of recognition at once lighted up the face of +the invalid father; and though he could not speak, +the family interpreted the sounds he made. After +he had expressed his welcome he said that though +his body and speech were paralyzed, yet his heart +was all right. During another visit he tried to explain +how Jesus was dwelling within, and how glad +he was that when he got "over there" he would not +be sick. One could not help feeling that he had +learned to know the Lord. Truly, affliction had +proved a blessing to him.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 599px;"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a> +<img src="images/illus216a.png" width="599" height="465" alt="Building the Boys' House at Matopo, M. S." title="Building the Boys' House" /> +<span class="caption">Building the Boys' House at Matopo, M. S.</span> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus216b.png" width="600" height="460" alt="Boys' Brick House at Matopo Mission." title="Boys' Brick House" /> +<span class="caption">Boys' Brick House at Matopo Mission.</span> +</div> + +<p>There was a good school at Matopo, with Sister +Heise and Matshuba as teachers. Brother Doners +were very busy overseeing this work, as well as +their own station at Mapani Mission, and they kindly +took me to that place to see something of the +work there. Nyamazana had had charge of the +mission at Mapani for about six months and was +doing good work, especially spiritually. He is Spirit-filled +and alive to the responsibility resting upon +him. He had charge of the Inquirers' Class and +Sunday services, and the natives say that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +preaches powerful sermons. He has a nice Christian +wife, who is a help to him. There is a company +of earnest believers at this place. Brother Doner +erected a large brick church and a brick dwelling-house, +which added greatly to the appearance and +comfort of the work, and he deserves much credit +for the work accomplished alone and single-handed +in building.</p> + +<p>The first Friday in each month has been set apart +by the missionaries in Africa as a day of prayer +and fasting. On the Prayer Day in May of that +year we were permitted to meet with the believers +at Mapani Mission. Over seventy were assembled. +They included the members of the Church here and +those of the Inquirers' Class. We had a most precious +waiting on the Lord and heard many soul-stirring +prayers and testimonies. Many seemed to +be reaching out for a greater fulness of the Spirit, +while others were overflowing with the joy of the +Lord. The work was most encouraging and the +members steadfast, and the Lord had been pouring +out His Spirit upon some of them in a marvelous +manner, and our hearts were made to rejoice with +them.</p> + +<p>We also spent a few days visiting some of the +people and the schools taught by Brethren Nkwidini, +Mlobeka, and Nyamazana. All three of these +teachers were our former pupils and had been converted +at Matopo.</p> + +<p>Brother and Sister Doner then took me to Mtyabezi +Mission, after which they returned to Matopo. +Mtyabezi is the mission station of Brother and Sister +Frey, and a little over a year after it was opened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +Miss Elizabeth Engle also came to help in it. This +was my first visit at the station, and I was made to +rejoice at what the Lord was doing at this place. +The buildings are pleasantly located at the foot of +an immense kopje, which towers high above them in +the background. A neat-looking brick church had +been erected by Brother Frey, and well-built huts +in which they were living at the time.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus218.png" width="600" height="375" alt="A Native Christian's Home. Matshuba's." title="A Native Christian's Home. Matshuba's." /> +<span class="caption">A Native Christian's Home. Matshuba's.</span> +</div> + +<p>Sister Frey had been doing the teaching, but at +the time of my visit, Bunu, one of their pupils and +converts, was teaching and doing excellent work. +On Thursday Sisters Frey and Engle and myself +went in the wagon to visit some members about +eight miles distant, where we met with a warm +reception among those who were Christians. At one +place there was a Christian woman about sixty +years of age, who seemed so happy in the Lord and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +so eager to make us welcome and comfortable during +our stay. We were surprised to find in one of +the kraals a native dressmaker who owned a sewing +machine and had all the sewing she could do for her +dark-skinned neighbors. The sisters have been +teaching their girls and women to sew.</p> + +<p>In the evening about thirty natives, most of whom +were believers, gathered around our campfire to +hold service. We spoke for a time, and then a +number gave a clear testimony to the saving power +of Christ. We had to contrast this little company +with some other gatherings which we have seen and +heard in the hours of night in darkest Africa, where +beer, the dance, licentiousness, and all forms of +devil worship made night hideous. One can best +understand what the Gospel message is doing for +the people, if he first sees something of paganism.</p> + +<p>On Sunday at the mission there was a very impressive +time, and when the altar call was given a +number came forward. There were truly penitent +hearts, among whom were a number of young men +seeking to get right with God; also some girls and +married people. Here was a woman whose husband +had two wives, and she was much persecuted at +home, but she wanted to follow the Lord, and piteously, +in the midst of her sobs, she inquired what +she should do. Then a Magdalene confessed that +she had fallen into grievous sin, and like the one of +old came with bitter tears to the feet of Jesus. Another's +way was made hard on account of the +unfaithfulness of her husband, and so on. But the +one whose experience seemed the most touching +was a woman of nearly sixty years. Her married<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +daughter, who is a Christian, had been much in +prayer for her mother, and so the woman came and +with utter abandonment, seemingly, threw herself +at the feet of Jesus, weeping and confessing her +sins and saying, "I am a dog. Pick me up, Lord."</p> + +<p>At the opening of 1913 we were permitted to make +another visit to the missions in this vicinity. This +vacation was to be only a month, and as I had in +the meantime been cut off from association with +white people, except those at the mission, I concluded +to spend the first few days in Bulawayo. The +place had grown since we reached it, nearly fifteen +years before, and although the growth had not been +so rapid it was of an enduring, steady kind. The +place is laid out on broad lines, with broad streets +and roomy dwellings—no need for skyscrapers here. +There are many fine, substantial-looking business +blocks, and as one goes into the suburbs he sees +many elegant, well-built dwelling-houses. There +are fine churches, a good hospital, museum, and library, +and two large government school buildings, +each with a good dormitory attached. One of these +is for boys and the other, which is on the opposite +side of the town, is for girls. Here, as in all parts +of South Africa, there is some industrial work in +connection with the schools. Bulawayo has also +many excellent stores and shops, so that one may +purchase almost anything required, not only in the +line of provisions, household goods, and clothing, +but all lines of farming implements and many kinds +of machinery. The heavy wagons, drawn by great +rows of oxen, donkeys, and mules, are still to be +seen, but there are also many dainty one-horse traps,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> +as well as two-horse conveyances, and a large number +of automobiles and motorcycles.</p> + +<p>There is attached to the town a large native location, +for the heavy part of the work as well as +the housework is about all done by native boys. +They are all called "boys." In the eyes of their +white employers the native seldom becomes a man. +He may be an old boy or a young boy, a little boy +or a big boy, but he is always a boy. On the other +hand, in the eyes of many Europeans it is almost +an insult to speak of their children as boys. In the +early days one of the missionaries, in speaking to +an old European lady, said something about her +boy. She straightened herself proudly and with +emphasis said, "My son." At the mission one day +a native woman was begging very hard for a piece +of cloth, and to strengthen her request she said, +"I am your boy," evidently meaning that she belonged +to me.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a> +<img src="images/illus222a.png" width="600" height="413" alt="Mtshabezi Church and School." title="Mtshabezi Church and School." /> +<span class="caption">Mtshabezi Church and School.</span> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus222b.png" width="600" height="453" alt="Mtshabezi Mission in 1910." title="Mtshabezi Mission in 1910." /> +<span class="caption">Mtshabezi Mission in 1910.</span> +</div> + +<p>Although Bulawayo is the largest town in Southern +Rhodesia, there are others, such as Salisbury, +Gwelo, Victoria, and Gwanda, which deserve mention. +Farmers are scattered throughout the country, +especially along the high, rolling plain between +Bulawayo and Salisbury. There are many valuable +gold mines and many old gold workings to be found +in various places. The most noted is Great Zimbabwe, +near Victoria. It is said: "The ruins cover +a large area, and on an eminence are the remains of +a fortress, the walls of which are thirty feet high +and ten feet thick, and built of cut stones put together +without mortar, so closely-fitting that a +knife can hardly be inserted between them. Smelting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +crucibles, with gold in them, ingot moulds, and +spears have been found." Some think that the +Sabeans from Arabia worked these about 3,000 +years ago. This is thought by some to be the "gold +of Ophir." Ruins on a smaller scale are to be found +in various places. Not far from Mapani Mission we +saw a circular wall made of wedge-shaped stones, +nicely fitted together. The country is also rich in +iron ore, and at Wankie is the great coal-mining +district. All these places furnish abundant work +for all the natives of Rhodesia, and are also centers +for mission work.</p> + +<p>January 1, I was again taken to Motopo Mission, +not with the slow, patient donkeys of fifteen years +ago, but with the swifter mules. Many changes +have taken place among the natives surrounding the +mission since 1898. On our first entering this valley +the natives had just fled and hid themselves away in +these rocks at the close of the Rebellion. They +were then very poor, without flocks and herds, and +had few gardens, and very little of the land had +ever been brought under cultivation. Since then +the natives have gradually come out of their hiding-places +and settled down to their work. Under the +influence of peace and better teaching their surroundings +have greatly changed. There are more +natives near the mission than at first, and they +have sheep, goats, and cattle, and some of them +have plows and oxen to draw them, so that they can +plow their large gardens. Every available place +near the mission has been brought under cultivation, +but not in the old, laborious way with human +oxen, so that the wives are not the slaves they once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +were. Of course, in the absence of the men at work +the women often hold the plow, but they have more +time to keep house. One of the officials affirms +that the best way of doing away with polygamy is +by introducing civilized ways of farming.</p> + +<p>The people began by bringing their oxen to +Brother Steigerwald to be trained, and then he +helped them to procure plows, and they still come +to him for help in trouble. The 3,000-acre farm is +far too small for all who desire to live near the +mission. If he had twice the amount of land it +would soon become filled with natives, who would +thus be near the mission and under the influence of +the Gospel.</p> + +<p>Let us visit some of the houses and see what +changes have taken place. Here first is the home +of Matshuba. As he was first in the fold, he is +worthy of first notice. He lives in a small, neatly-built +brick house, with a well-swept yard inclosed +by a fence. Inside the house are homemade bedsteads, +chairs and tables, and here is Matshuba the +same as of yore. He is older and has fought many +battles since that first day when, as a little boy, he +came and watched the newcomers. He has found +the conflict severe and almost overpowering at +times. It has left some scars, but, praise God! he +has come off victorious at last, and in a more humble +spirit he is following the meek and lowly Savior. +He is Elder Steigerwald's right-hand man and is +capable of turning his hand to almost any kind of +work. He can take the blacksmith tools and mend +the large three-disc plow; he can make use of the +small engine and grind the meal for the native food,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +or do any other kind of work about the place. Best +of all, he can go out and tell the people about Jesus. +He had hoped that the elder's many-sided +ability might be his, and he seems to have had his +wish. He could secure much larger pay as an +engineer in the mines, but he feels that his place is +in the Lord's work. May he have our prayers that +he may always find God's grace sufficient.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus225.png" width="600" height="479" alt="Mtshabezi—Baptismal Scene." title="Mtshabezi—Baptismal Scene." /> +<span class="caption">Mtshabezi—Baptismal Scene.</span> +</div> + +<p>Here too is his wife, Makiwa. She was also educated +at Matopo Mission, where she learned not +only in school, but also in the kitchen and sewing-room, +that she might know how to take care of her +home and family. A faithful helpmate she has +been to her husband and a blessing in the Church. +Here are their little boy and girl, whom they are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> +bringing up in the fear of the Lord. This old woman, +also neatly dressed, is Matshuba's mother, long +a slave to her old religion, her superstitious ideas, +her beer and her tobacco. Now she has accepted +Christ as her Savior and He has cleansed her and +she is in the Church. And this bright-looking girl +is her daughter, Sixpence. She was only about four +or five years old when we came to Matopo. Now +she is a tall, fine-looking Christian woman and well +taught. She has on a neat-looking black dress +which, Sister Steigerwald tells me, she cut and +sewed without any help from the missionaries. Yes, +this is a Christian home, from which we hope and +pray that the evils of heathendom have flown forever.</p> + +<p>There are others. First is Anyana, long a faithful +helper of the mission, and his wife, Citiwa, also +one of our girls. Then comes Siyaya, who had some +falls, but he has at last got his feet on the Rock and +is helping to tell others of Christ. Mahlenhle is also +here. He is the same faithful boy as of old, one of +those who never give their missionary any uneasiness. +He is always ready and willing to do what +he can, which is not a little. He teaches, he preaches, +and interprets for others, or he can go out and +handle the oxen and see to the farming. There are +also many new ones in church and school, several +of whom are assisting in teaching. There are forty-two +boys staying at the mission for school, and a +number coming to day-school. Sister Heise has +plenty to do, for she teaches both early morning +and midday, and is doing excellent work. There +are about 150 regular attendants at the Sunday services.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +The majority of them are young men and +women and children. Almost all are respectably +clothed and are seeking to know the Lord. The +girls who desire to stay at the missionaries' and be +trained are now sent to the Girls' School at Mtyabezi +Mission. There is a large sewing class at this +place for those who wish to learn. Two new missionaries, +Brother Levi Steckly and Sister Cora Alvis, +are also assisting in the work at Matopo.</p> + +<p>I went out among the people, eager to secure a +snapshot of a kraal, as they formerly were, but I +failed. They are all better built and more cleanly +than formerly. In every village there are some +who wear European clothing, for even if they have +not accepted Christ as their Savior, some have put +on the garments of civilization. There are, of +course, many among the older ones who have not +changed much, and who have always hardened their +hearts and stiffened their necks against the truth. +This has been the condition of the world ever since +the Fall, and it will no doubt continue until all sin +and wickedness shall be put under foot and He +shall reign in righteousness. If the command had +been "Go into all the world and make disciples of +every creature," missionaries would have given up +long ago in despair. Miss Carmichael, in her work, +"Things as They Are in Missionary Work in Southern +India," says, "It is required in a steward that a +man be found faithful. Praise God! it does not say +'successful.'" The same will apply to missionary +work in Africa.</p> + +<p>During the year of our visit the rains were unusually +late, and, as the harvest had been quite light<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +the previous year, some of the people were in great +need of grain. Brother Steigerwald was doing all +in his power to get grain out from Bulawayo for +them. The six mules were hauling out every week +to the extent of their strength, for farmers are not +allowed to take their oxen on the road, for fear +disease may spread among the cattle. As the wagon +returned from Bulawayo with fifteen 200-pound bags +of grain on it, the people, who had been watching +for its return, hastened to come to the mission to +purchase. Grain was expensive, about seven or +eight dollars a bag; but as soon as it was unloaded +it was sold. Their people must have food, and many +of the able-bodied natives had been away to work +and thus procured money, and perhaps a month's +wages would buy one bag of grain. Others were +trying to sell some of the cattle and sheep for grain. +Although many of these old people who were buying +had not accepted Christ as their Savior, yet +they have absolute confidence in His messenger, +Elder Steigerwald, and they come to him in their +difficulties, knowing that he has a kind heart. He +is their father, as Sister Steigerwald is their mother.</p> + +<p>A love feast had been announced for Mtyabezi +Mission the middle of January, and arrangements +had been made for all the white workers and as +many of the native converts as possible to attend. +Mr. Steckly and Mr. Hemming went across the +hills, twenty-five miles, on foot, and the rest of us +went by wagon around on the road—a distance of +about forty-five miles. This road was down through +the hills in the direction of Mapani Mission. We +started on Thursday morning, sleeping out on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> +veldt during the night, and reached Mtyabezi on +Friday afternoon.</p> + +<p>Brother Freys were at that time in America on +furlough, but the work was ably carried on by +Brother Walter Winger and his wife, formerly +Abbie Bert, and Sister Elizabeth Engle. This is +now known as our Girls' School. Twenty-five girls +were then staying at the mission, and they are being +trained in housework and sewing, in addition to +school and outside work. They are also supplying +some of our Christian boys with Christian wives, +and Christian marriage is taking the place of heathen +rites. In addition to these there was a good-sized +day-school, which was under the excellent +management of Miss Sadie Book. There were also +several large out-schools in connection with this +mission. A large brick house was nearly completed +and they were at the same time living in it. This +part of the country south of the hills was especially +suffering from drought at this time. Although this +was in the middle of what should have been the +rainy season, yet no rains had fallen, and the entire +country was bare, not a blade of grass was to be +seen, and the grain sown had not yet sprouted. +Brother Winger was busy with his wagon, getting +grain out from the station ten miles away to help +the people.</p> + +<p>This was the first love feast in Southern Rhodesia +that I had been permitted to attend for nearly seven +years, and I had looked eagerly forward to this +gathering. The joy of seeing the natives assemble +for the occasion was too deep for words. First to +come were some of the communicants from Matopo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +Mission on Friday evening. The sisters were walking +in front, Indian file, with their blankets and +Sunday clothing tied up in a bundle and carried on +their heads, and Sixpence leading the way. Following +these were the brethren, with Matshuba bringing +up the rear. It was now sundown and they had +walked twenty-five miles and were tired, so they +were shown their places for the night, and after eating +their supper, and prayer, they retired. The next +morning early a similar crowd came from Mapani +Station, fifteen miles distant. A number also gathered +from the vicinity of Mtyabezi and out-schools +on Saturday morning. The little church could not +hold all and an overflow meeting was held on the +outside. There were also a number of members +who could not be present.</p> + +<p>Saturday morning was devoted to a short discourse +and self-examination meeting, followed by +testimonies. It was an inspiration to look over the +crowded house and listen to the earnest testimonies +following one after another in rapid succession. +Often four or five would be on their feet at once, +and yet there was no confusion or disorder, as each +one quietly waited for his time to speak. We had +to say to ourselves, again and again, "What hath +God wrought!" We could not avoid contrasting +the early days of nakedness and midnight heathendom +with this enlightened, well-dressed company +before us. In fact, the contrast was so marked that +one could scarcely bridge the chasm even in imagination.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 419px;"> +<img src="images/illus231.png" width="419" height="600" alt="Girls at Mtshabezi Mission." title="Girls at Mtshabezi Mission." /> +<span class="caption">Girls at Mtshabezi Mission.</span> +</div> + +<p>In the afternoon seventeen from Mtyabezi Mission +and its out-schools were received into the Church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +by the right hand of fellowship. On account of the +drought and lack of water in the streams, the baptism +was deferred until a later date. There were +several others who made application, but after examination<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> +it was thought that some were not ready. +On Saturday evening the natives had a meeting of +their own and were addressed by Myamazana, while +the missionaries had an English service and were +addressed by Bishop Steigerwald.</p> + +<p>On Sunday morning we again gathered to observe +the ordinance of feet-washing and to commemorate +the sufferings and death of our Savior. +There were over 300 natives gathered together, +nearly all of whom were either members or inquirers. +The native communicants were 129 and +the white ones eleven, making 140 in all, and these +assembled in the Church while the rest were addressed +by Mahlenhle and others on the outside. +We had now a better opportunity of looking into +the faces of those who had been received into +Church fellowship. As our missionaries are in close +touch with their people and know pretty well their +private lives, we knew something of the company +before us.</p> + +<p>It was indeed an intelligent and respectable-looking +company of men and women, one to be proud +of, if I might use the term. Its respectability did +not depend so much on the fact that they had +thrown off the undress of paganism and had donned +the garments of civilization. That is not necessarily +an adjunct of Christianity, nor is it all due to Christian +influence. While the missionaries have been +laboring these years to win souls to Christ, many +civilizing influences have been at work throughout +the country, some of which have been previously +mentioned. Stores with European clothing are to +be found everywhere, and many natives discard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +their heathen garb for civilized clothing and yet +know absolutely nothing of Christ and His power to +save. Some of these well-dressed natives about the +towns have learned far more of the evils of civilization +than of its virtues, and hide under their new +dress an even blacker heart than they did under +their old pagan exterior. Then too we are sorry to +say that intelligence in the sense of having been at +a mission station and learning to read does not +necessarily make them Christians. Some of these +also, to the great sorrow of their teachers, have +made poor use of their knowledge.</p> + +<p>It is because the missionary sees this, and knows +only too well the many pitfalls before their unwary +feet; it is because he realizes, as probably no one +else does, what it means to these poor souls to be +so suddenly brought from the dense darkness of +heathendom into the glaring lights of modern civilization, +and how unprepared they are for it all, how +little they know to shun the evil and choose the +good; it is because he knows how helpless these +are who have suddenly broken loose from their old +tribal laws and customs—some of which were beneficial—and +have been cast on the untried sea of +strange and bewildering surroundings, without any +anchor to hold or compass and chart to guide them—I +say it is because the missionary knows all this and +much more that he can rejoice over such a crowd of +fine-looking, stalwart men and women as were gathered +there that day to commemorate the sufferings +and death of our Lord.</p> + +<p>He sees in the company before him Christian +homes, free from ignorance and superstition, free<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +from witchcraft and pagan worship, free from the +beer, the filth, and degradation of their neighbors. +He sees in this company, homes free from the licentiousness +and vice so common not only among +their heathen neighbors, but, sad to say, also among +some of their white ones. The missionary can rejoice +that here are men and women who have the +Anchor in their souls and are standing as beacon +lights to their heathen neighbors and friends. It +means much to them on the one hand to break off +from their old heathen lives; it means much on the +other not to be allured by the evils of the white +man's civilization and the inducements so often +thrown out to lead lives of sin. To come out from +all these and accept Christ as Savior and be true to +Him would seem to be an almost Herculean task, +and much greater than those in Christian lands are +called upon to perform. But we know that it has +been and is being accomplished. While one feels +to rejoice over these sheep, at the same time he +bears a heavy heart for those other ones which have +been devoured by the grievous wolves.</p> + +<p>The missionary is about the only force that makes +for righteousness among the natives, and he would +often feel that his task was an impossible one did he +not continually realize that he is only under orders +of Him Who is sure in the end to win. Lest some +may think that I am overestimating some of these +things, let me again quote Mr. Evans, who is an +authority on native affairs from a governmental +standpoint. He says:</p> + +<p>"What is effecting the most profound change in +the native is his contact with the white man at all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +points, and this change is proceeding with ever-accelerating +speed. The fundamental difference between +these changes and those wrought by the +missionaries is that, in the former there is little +building up of any salutary influence to take the +place of the old wholesome restraints, whilst in the +latter religion and morality are inculcated and replace +the checks weakened or destroyed."</p> + +<p>The work in Southern Rhodesia is by no means +completed; it is only fairly begun. The natives are +just beginning to see the advantages of Christian +teaching, and are calling more and more loudly for +schools, and they are eagerly availing themselves +of the opportunities afforded. There is a large field +to work and the time is opportune. Let every one +of God's children ask himself what his duty and +privileges are in taking possession of the country for +God. Our people should have at least one more +station of white missionaries here as well as others +for native workers. Shall we leave to themselves +these people, who are emerging from centuries of +darkness, to the influence of a corrupt civilization? +Our missionaries are laboring to the extent of their +ability and the means at their disposal. The work +can advance only as it is backed up by the people of +the homeland, together with their prayers and +money. Something depends upon you, my reader, +whoever you may be. What part have you had in +the winning of these souls? What part are you +going to have in those yet unborn into the Kingdom?</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> +<h2>PART TWO</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>MACHA MISSION</h2> + +<h3>"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end +of the world"</h3> + +<div class="signature">—Matt. 28: 20</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IPART2" id="CHAPTER_IPART2">CHAPTER ONE</a></h2> + +<h3>Bound for the Zambezi</h3> + + +<p>Africa is a gigantic and dark continent. In +fact, it is several continents in one. Although +nearly every one seems to know +something of its immensity, yet very few persons +realize it unless they have resided for a time in +some portion of its vast interior; even then their +knowledge of it is likely to be quite vague. For +centuries travelers of various nationalities sought +to penetrate it, many of whom perished in the effort, +while others brought back wonderful stories of peril +and adventure.</p> + +<p>It remained for David Livingstone, however, to +unearth the secrets of Central Africa and to expose +to the gaze of Christendom something of its condition +and needs. He inspired missionaries to press +into the narrow opening thus made, and to carry the +light of the Gospel to the millions bound in chains +of darkness and blackest midnight. Messengers +have been heeding the call and have been kindling +fires, one here and another there, in the darkness.</p> + +<p>In dealing with missionary work in Africa we +must continually keep in mind the fact that the natives +are much scattered. The population cannot +definitely be ascertained, but it is variously estimated +at from 130 to 150 millions of people. These +are scattered over a territory equal in area to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +United States of America, Europe, India, and China +combined. In certain portions, such as the Sahara +and Kalahari Deserts, there are very few natives, +while the lower plains and river valleys support a +large population. These alluvial plains, where nature +affords an abundance of food with a minimum +of labor, offer great inducements to the easy-going +Africans. Here they settle in large numbers, not +greatly inconvenienced by the unhealthfulness of +the locality. Pampered by the amazing prodigality +of nature on all sides, so that they need not exert +themselves much for food, and requiring little clothing +in this mild temperature, they settle themselves +to the enjoyment of their animal natures.</p> + +<p>The missionary, as he enters these swamps, which +are reeking with malaria and other death-breeding +diseases, takes his life in his hand; for Africa has +the unenviable reputation of being the "white man's +graveyard." It is true the medical fraternity are +fast solving some of the problems which confront +everyone entering the country, yet many difficulties +still lie in the path of the missionaries who desire to +settle in the more densely populated regions.</p> + +<p>In the old days of Dr. Livingstone and his immediate +successors, it required almost a small fortune +to penetrate Central Africa. In addition to +this the way by wagon or by native carriers was +long and tiresome, and the traveler was subject to +delays by swollen rivers, dying oxen, and many +other things. He was often in danger of his life by +wild animals or still wilder men, so that some never +reached their desired goal. Even after missionaries +had succeeded in establishing mission stations, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +suffered much in health from exposure and lack of +comfortable homes, and they were obliged to live +on the coarse native food much of the time, on account +of the difficulty in procuring supplies, even +though they might have had sufficient money to +procure better food.</p> + +<p>At the present day the railroads are eliminating +much of this difficulty. Their advance is accomplishing +more than any other agency in opening +up the continent to the Gospel. They are extending +right into the heart of the country, making use +of the plateaus on which to build, and bringing the +necessities of life and even many of its luxuries +within reach of the white inhabitants.</p> + +<p>In the year 1904 the Cape to Cairo Railroad was +completed as far as the Victoria Falls on the Zambezi +River, a distance by rail of 1,642 miles from +Cape Town. This part of Africa as far as the Zambezi +is generally known as South Africa. If one +examines a map, it is easy to be seen that in size it +is a very inconspicuous part of the African Continent; +but in point of modern civilization and twentieth-century +methods of doing things it compares +very favorably with any other country. Especially +can this be said of the towns and vicinity, but there +are yet many natives who are without the Gospel. +On my return to Africa, in 1905, the railroad was +being extended north of the Zambezi, the objective +point at that time being Broken Hill, making a total +distance of 2,016 miles from Cape Town.</p> + +<p>The facts just mentioned had nothing to do with +our call to interior Africa, for that came before we +knew what the actual conditions were and before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> +the railroad north of Bulawayo was built. The +opening made by the railroad, however, had much +to do in making the advance practicable at this time.</p> + +<p>After our return from America we engaged in +the work at Matopo and Mapani for nearly a year, +and continued looking to the Lord to ascertain His +will as to the time of opening the new work, for we +were hoping that there would be other missionaries +ready to move out. Money was on hand for the +purpose. This meant something. While I was in +America, as the needs of pagan Africa were set +forth, one after another would slip a bill into my +hand, saying, "I too want a share in pushing on +that work into the interior of Africa." What did it +all mean—the lack of workers, the ready money and +the intense longing in my own soul to carry the +Light to those people? We had now waited a year +with no prospects of others being ready to go.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 370px;"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a> +<img src="images/illus242.png" width="370" height="600" alt="Victoria Falls Bridge." title="Victoria Falls Bridge." /> +<span class="caption">Victoria Falls Bridge.</span> +</div> + +<p>Brother Steigerwald was sending to America for +a large Studebaker wagon, and he advised that one +also be ordered for the forward move, that both +might be sent out together. These arrived in May, +1906. Ndhlalambi had felt called some time before +to carry the Gospel beyond the Zambezi. Although +he was quite young, he was proving to be a very +steadfast and useful helper, both at Matopo and at +Mapani Mission. When they were opening the +latter station, Sister Emma Doner wrote to me—as +I was in America at the time—and said, "Ndhlalambi +is such a good helper in erecting our buildings, +as Levi has been quite sick. Perhaps the +Lord is preparing him so that he can build for you +in Interior Africa." At that time, however, I little +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>thought that it would be necessary to rely upon +him for that work.</p> + +<p>The time drew near when a decision must be +made, either to move out or to postpone the opening +of the work for another year, and much time +was spent out among the rocks alone with Him. +From a human standpoint it appeared to be a hazardous +undertaking to enter such a new country, and +many obstacles were in the way. I had been invited +to spend the year at Mapani Mission, and was +quite ready to do so, providing that was the Lord's +will for me. On the other hand, if He desired that +the work beyond the Zambezi be opened this year, +all power is in His hands; it would be a small affair +for Him to go before and prepare the way. The +more we looked to Him to ascertain His will the +stronger the conviction became that the time was +at hand. Sister Adda Engle also expressed herself +as being ready for the work. The rest of the missionaries +were requested to make the matter a +special subject of prayer. They did so, and a few +felt that an onward move was to be made; but the +majority said they did not have a clear understanding +of the Lord's will in reference to it.</p> + +<p>It was hoped that Brother Steigerwald might be +able to accompany us to open up the work; but +there were so many lines of work engaging his attention +at the time that it was impossible for him +to leave. He, however, fitted out the new wagon +with a strong body and a fine large tent, 6 x 13 feet +over the whole, and as far as possible put everything +in readiness for the journey.</p> + +<p>Our company included, besides Sister Engle and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +myself, the two native Christian boys, Ndhlalambi +Moyo and Gomo Sibanda. The latter was going +chiefly for the manual labor. They were both trustworthy +and we knew they could be depended upon. +It was again the 4th of July when we started on this +northern journey, just eight years from the day on +which we had left Bulawayo for Matopo. Brother +and Sister Steigerwald and Sister Frey accompanied +us as far as Bulawayo, expecting to aid us in purchasing +supplies and to assist us in getting started +north. Mr. Jackson, the English magistrate at Fort +Usher, gave us letters of introduction to the Civil +Commissioner and the Administrator of Northern +Rhodesia, as the country north of the Zambezi +is called.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately it was found, on reaching Bulawayo, +that much of the business could not be attended +to that week on account of holidays, so that our +friends were obliged to return to their station. The +Monday following was a busy and trying day on +account of the many things to be attended to and +the long distances to be traversed. We wished to +purchase supplies for the greater part of the year, +for we knew not what awaited us and where the +next would come from; and it was also necessary +that all the goods be sent on the same train on +which we went. Everything was finally accomplished, +and July 10, 1906, found all our supplies, +about 2,800 pounds in weight, and the wagon, on +the train bound for Victoria Falls.</p> + +<p>As Sister Engle and I entered our compartment +on the train and began to move northward, many +conflicting emotions stirred within us, and it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +with much trembling and looking to the Lord that +we went forward. We knew not what opposition +confronted us; for we had been informed by those +who knew something of the country that the officials +might not allow us to proceed farther than the +Zambezi River. Only the consciousness that we were +under Divine orders gave courage to proceed. We +had the promise, "Commit thy way unto the Lord; +trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass," +and we were resting in it.</p> + +<p>The journey of 280 miles to Victoria Falls is +through new territory. There were no towns—nothing +but small station houses—and the country +is wild and in some places quite jungly-looking and +infested by numerous wild animals. At Wankie we +passed through the region of the coal-mining district, +where there is a large vein of coal which is a +most valuable adjunct of the railroad. Victoria +Falls was at that time the terminus of the government-owned +railroads, and the limit to which regular +trains ran; and we could not avoid wondering +what was awaiting us beyond that.</p> + +<p>As we stepped off the train at Victoria Falls a +gentleman approached us, and introducing himself +as a forwarding agent, inquired if he could be of +any assistance to us. He inquired if we were not +from Matopo Mission, and at the same time stated +that he had met Mr. Steigerwald in Bulawayo. +What a surprise and relief it was to us, for he +seemed to be God's especial messenger, sent to help +us on the way. When he learned of the situation +he at once set our minds at rest by the assurance +that he would attend to everything and see that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> +goods and wagon, as well as ourselves, were safely +taken across the Zambezi River to the town of Livingstone, +seven miles on the other side. The railroad +at this time was completed to Broken Hill, 374 miles +farther north, but trains were run only occasionally. +We were obliged to wait at this place two days +before an engine could be procured to take us over +to Livingstone.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a> +<img src="images/illus247.png" width="600" height="367" alt="Main View of Victoria Falls, 1¼ Miles wide." title="Main View of Victoria Falls, 1¼ Miles wide." /> +<span class="caption">Main View of Victoria Falls, 1¼ Miles wide.</span> +</div> + +<p>An opportunity was thus afforded of viewing that +magnificent sight, Victoria Falls, which was discovered +by David Livingstone in 1855, but of which +little was known until comparatively late years. +This surpassingly grand bit of scenery is considered +by some people to outrival that pride of all Americans, +Niagara Falls. In dimensions, at least, it +certainly does surpass the American wonder. The +Zambezi is 1,936 yards wide where it takes its +mighty plunge of 400 feet into a vast chasm below, +only to be turned into clouds of spray again and +rise perhaps a thousand feet into the air. Rainbows +play about it, forming a scene of wonderful beauty +and grandeur. The rock over which the river flows +has a gigantic V-shaped crack about 300 feet wide, +into which chasm the water plunges. The opposite +wall is unbroken, save at one place where it forms +a gorge 300 feet wide, through which narrow channel +all the water of the falls, over a mile wide, +escapes. Along this opposite wall of rock is "Rain +Forest," so called because it is always dripping and, +needless to say, the vegetation here is most luxuriant. +Six hundred and sixty feet below the gorge is a railroad +bridge, 650 feet long and 420 feet above the +water, the central span being 500 feet. The view<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +of these falls greatly changes at different seasons +of the year. To see them at the height of their magnificence, +one should visit them at the close of the +rainy season in April, as at that time the volume of +water is much greater. At the close of the dry +season, in October or November, when the water is +shallow, the Falls are often much broken in some +places. As this is one of the greatest of the sights +of South Africa, thousands of tourists visit the +scene, and a hotel had been erected near the railroad +at this place.</p> + +<p>Our agent informed us that on July 13 an engine +would come and transfer ourselves, together with +the goods and wagon, to the Livingstone station on +the north side. For this purpose the wagon and +goods were loaded on an open truck, and as there +was no passenger car, we too climbed up into the +wagon, on the truck, and in this manner crossed +the Zambezi on that railroad bridge, 420 feet high. +At Livingstone the car was met by another agent +who, with his boys, assisted by ours, unloaded the +car and placed the wagon under the shade of a +tree. Here it was fitted up as a dwelling-place for +Sister Engle and myself for the remainder of the +journey. It was a home on wheels. We praised the +Lord that He had cared for us this far on our journey +and permitted our feet to be planted on the +north side of the river. Oxen could not be taken +beyond the Zambezi for fear of carrying disease, +so it was necessary that some be purchased before +we proceeded farther.</p> + +<p>This part of the country, like Southern Rhodesia, +is under control of the British Charter Company,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +but with a separate government. Unlike that, it +does not belong to the English by right of conquest, +but through concessions granted by Lewanika, the +King of Barotseland, and paramount chief of the +country, for the purpose of exploration and development. +The country is occupied by three main tribes—the +Barotse, living along the Upper Zambezi and +west of Victoria Falls; the Baila, or Mashukulumbwe, +as they are often called, living along the Kafue +River and north, and the Batonga, on the plateau +between the Kafue and Zambezi Rivers and east.</p> + +<p>Those familiar with his life will remember that +this is part of the country explored by Dr. Livingstone +during his first and second great missionary +journeys through Central Africa, from 1853 to about +1860. The Barotse at that time were subject to the +Makololo, who had emigrated from Basutoland and +settled along the Upper Zambezi. The Makololo +warriors were also responsible for the death of the +first party of missionaries to this part of the country. +I refer to the expedition under Price and Helmore, +sent out in 1859 in response to Dr. Livingstone's +urgent call. Nearly all of this party of missionaries +died from poison administered by these natives, to +the great sorrow of the African explorer. His memorable +prophecy, "God will require the blood of +His servants at the hands of you Makololo," was +soon fulfilled. It is said that just four years afterwards +the Barotse arose against their rulers, the +Makololo, and slew them and asserted their independence.</p> + +<p>It was in this part of Africa too that Livingstone +first saw some of the evils of the slave trade, and in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +1873 he wrote to Mr. Gordon Bennett: "When I +dropped among the Makololo and others in this +central region, I saw a fair prospect for the regeneration +of Africa. More could have been done in +the Makololo country [which is today known as +Barotseland] than was done by St. Patrick in Ireland, +but I did not know that I was surrounded by +the Portuguese slave trade; a barrier to all improvement.... All +I can say in my loneliness is, may +Heaven's richest blessing come down on every one, +American, Englishman, Turk, who will help to heal +this open sore of the world." A very remarkable +circumstance connected with this utterance is that +he evidently did not imagine at that time that the +healing was to come first from yet another country, +France. Just six years (in 1879) after those memorable +words were uttered, Rev. F. Coillard settled in +Barotseland. He and his heroic wife deserve of all +people in this part of the country to be called Livingstone's +successors.</p> + +<p>These natives could speak the Suto language, and +as the Scriptures had been translated into that language +for years, those books could be used here +among the Barotse, just as Zulu could be used in +Matabeleland. In the opening up of that work, +Christian natives from Basutoland, a thousand miles +farther south, volunteered to accompany Coillard. +It is said, "Just on the border of Barotseland one of +these native evangelists, Eleazer, died. 'God be +blessed,' he exclaimed, when he knew that he must +give up his heart's desire of preaching Christ to the +Barotse, 'God be blessed! the door is open. My +grave will be a finger post of the mission,'" as quoted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +by James Steward. So that it may be seen that +consecrated Africans also did their part in helping +to heal this sore. Coillard and his successors have +ever since carried on a most far-reaching work in +Barotseland. About twenty years after the work +was opened, Brother Engle had the great pleasure +of accidentally meeting this venerable messenger of +the Cross, Mr. Coillard, in a store in Bulawayo. His +hair then was white, but he was as intensely interested +as ever in his work, and was in a hurry to be +back to his field of labor. As, at that time, there was +no railroad farther than Bulawayo, he had to travel +about 300 miles by ox-wagon and then by boat on +the river. The labors of the missionaries and the +advantages of good government have accomplished +marvelous results in bringing peace and safety to +this valley, yet even at this late date there are not +wanting those who, if they dared, would rejoice to +resurrect the old slave trade.</p> + +<p>Among the Baila tribe the Primitive Methodists +of England, after encountering many difficulties +along the way, had begun a work in 1893 at Nkala, +and a few years later at Nanzela. In 1905 they also +opened one at Nambala, about seventy-five miles +north of the Kafue. Although they were doing excellent +work, they had as yet been able to reach only +a small portion of the Baila tribe when we appeared +on the scene. There were no missionaries among +the Batonga tribe living on the plateau between the +Zambezi and Kafue Rivers, until 1915, when a mission +was opened about 175 miles northeast of Livingstone +by Mr. Anderson, of the Seventh Day Adventist +Mission. This was just one year before we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +reached the country. Livingstone in his journey +had passed through much of this country, including +Kalomo, Monze Tete, and the Kafue River.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIPART2" id="CHAPTER_IIPART2">CHAPTER TWO</a></h2> + +<h3>From the Zambezi River to Macha</h3> + + +<p>The town, Livingstone, was, in 1906, quite +small, and consisted chiefly of government +buildings, postoffice, native stores, railway +station, and shops. Some of these buildings, especially +those owned by the government, were well +made and ant-proof. The town was at a short distance +from the railway station and seemed to +have been built on a hill of yellow sand, which sand +was so deep that walking seemed almost impossible, +and riding was very little improvement over walking.</p> + +<p>Our first step was to call on the Commissioner, +Mr. Sykes, and present the letter of introduction. +He met us in a friendly and accommodating spirit, +but gave no encouragement to proceed on into the +interior, owing to the newness of the country and +the unsettled condition of the natives in some places. +His version of the work accomplished by missionaries +was not very flattering, but that did not deter +us in the least, as one generally becomes accustomed +to hearing such things. He, however, did not +offer to throw any obstacles in the way of our +progress, but stated that it would be necessary for us +to have an interview with the Administrator (governor) +at Kalomo, the capital of North Rhodesia. +He expressed his willingness to do whatever lay in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +his power to aid us in the undertaking, and advised +that the purchasing of trained oxen for drawing the +wagon be left in his hands, and he would see to it +that good ones at a fair price were secured. This +generous offer was most gratefully accepted. We +were also invited to his home, and were most hospitably +entertained by his estimable wife and his +sister, and were made to feel that as yet we were +not beyond the reach of civilization. They were +living in a well-built mosquito-proof dwelling, which +had been made in England and sent out ready to be +put together.</p> + +<p>The next day a European brought to our tent ten +trained oxen, with a note from Mr. Sykes, that he +had proved these and found them satisfactory. The +price too was below what had been expected. Thus +equipped we were prepared to proceed to Kalomo, +a distance by wagon road of nearly one hundred +miles. A boy was employed to lead the oxen and a +native government messenger was also sent along +as guide. Gomo was to do the driving, but the man +of whom the oxen had been purchased said he did +not think the boy knew much about driving oxen, +and so it proved later. There were occasional passenger +trains running north through Kalomo, and +some of the people at Livingstone had advised us to +take the train that far and let the boys bring the +wagon. Others, however, thought it best for us to +stay by the wagon and supplies, as there was no +suitable hotel at Kalomo, and it would be over a +week before the wagon could reach that place, so +we decided to remain with our supplies.</p> + +<p>The wagon was heavily laden, the roads were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> +rough, and rivers bridgeless. About ten miles +out from Livingstone, in going over a piece of rocky +road, the reach of the wagon broke and further +progress was impossible. Had the drivers been +accustomed to this wild country, and the accidents +incidental to it, they might soon have made another +reach with timber from the forest surrounding us, +as they often did in later years. At that time, however, +we were helpless. What was to be done? +There was only one course open, and that was to +take the wagon back to Livingstone and have it +mended. Some of the party remained with the +wagon and supplies and the rest of us walked back +to Livingstone to see what could be done. The +question wanted to force itself upon us, Were we +after all mistaken as to the Lord's leadings?</p> + +<p>Mr. Sykes was again the Good Samaritan, when +he heard our story. The next morning he sent out +conveyances to bring all back to Livingstone, and +he and Mrs. Sykes insisted on our occupying the +guest house until our wagon was repaired. There +were no hotels in the place, and we were informed +that prospectors and others often made use of the +government house for an indefinite length of time. +They said they were glad the accident had not occurred +forty or fifty miles out, beyond the reach of +help. We too felt deeply thankful that it had been +no worse, and in a short time we were made to +rejoice that there had been an accident; for it was +soon evident that it was a blessing in disguise, and +God had permitted it for a purpose. There were +two roads to Kalomo, and neither was much traveled +at the time. We learned that the one on which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +our guide was taking us was not well supplied with +water, was infested with many savage beasts and +the tsetse fly, which kills oxen, so that it was altogether +unsafe for the journey.</p> + +<p>While we were waiting at Livingstone this second +time, a great deal of information was gleaned in +reference to the people and country north of Kalomo, +called the Mapanza Sub-district. We learned +that the people there were quiet and peaceable and +that there were no missionaries in that section of +the country. We also met a gentleman from Kalomo, +who proved of assistance when we at last +reached that place. Again information was received +that a number of wagons under Mr. King were +proceeding north to within a short distance of Kalomo, +and if we could travel in their company, all +difficulties in regard to the route, the finding of +water for the oxen, and dangers along the way +would be at an end. A driver accustomed to the +country was also secured to take the wagon as far +as Kalomo. Thus equipped we again started. As +we left Livingstone, Mr. Sykes exclaimed, "I feel +more in favor now of your going on than I did the +first time."</p> + +<p>On the first day out our wagon came up with Mr. +King's company, which consisted of five large wagons, +all heavily laden with goods and each drawn by +eighteen oxen. They were traveling north to within +twenty-five miles of Kalomo, and thence west and +north to Tanganyika. We might have delayed a +year and not have found so good an opportunity of +traveling by wagon to Kalomo. We followed this +train of wagons and had no anxious thought in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +reference to the journey. Traveling by ox-wagons +is done chiefly at night, or from very early morning +until 9 A. M. Then the oxen are outspanned and +allowed to graze and rest during the heat of the day, +while the travelers cook, eat, and rest. Late in the +afternoon the oxen are again inspanned and they +travel until about 9 or 10 P. M., when they stop for +the night. One or two large fires of logs are built +at each wagon and kept burning through the night +to ward off wild beasts from the oxen. Animals are +afraid of the fire; especially do lions love darkness +rather than light, their favorite nights for prowling +being the dark, rainy ones. This king of beasts, although +the strongest, is by no means the bravest. +He does his loudest roaring in the midst of his native +haunts, far away from harm, and when near his +prey, human or otherwise, his tread is most stealthy +and catlike.</p> + +<p>Before retiring for the night the natives, especially, +cook and eat. They often do with a small portion +of food during the day, but before retiring they +like an abundance of good porridge and meat. They +then retire to rest, their favorite place being around +the huge campfires. Sister Engle and I were very +comfortably situated in the tent of the wagon. Two +other difficulties likely to meet travelers in this +part of the country are scarcity of water and the +tsetse fly. If the latter is met with it is necessary to +make the journey through the infested district entirely +by night. Since the uninitiated are not familiar +with the location of these districts, the oxen +are often bitten without their knowledge, and death +is certain, for as yet no remedy for the bite has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> +been discovered. As for water, that is one of the +great difficulties on these African plateaus, and at +one time we were obliged to travel seventeen miles +without seeing any. Since oxen, with heavily-laden +wagons, travel slowly, this required the oxen to be +inspanned three times before water was reached. +Mr. King rode a horse and went in advance to look +for water and camping places, and also for game, +which generally furnishes a large proportion of the +food, both for white people and black ones on such +trips. We ourselves would be favored with a piece +of delicious venison after such excursions. Water +in casks was carried along from one watering place +to another for cooking and drinking purposes, but +it is never drunk without being boiled or made into +tea, and even then it is often very muddy-looking.</p> + +<p>Mr. King was familiar with the country, and had +formerly traded with the people in the vicinity of +Macha, north of Kalomo, so that he could furnish +all necessary information about the Mapanza district, +to which we desired to go. This was the first +time we heard the name of the place which was +destined to be the future mission station. The information +received from him proved invaluable later +on, when the question of location was being considered. +As the way thus opened, step by step, we +were continually made to feel that the Lord was +guiding and causing all things to work together for +good toward the opening of the work, and our +hearts were filled with gratitude for His many favors.</p> + +<p>The last forty miles of the journey were made +alone, as we did not care to travel on Sunday, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +the other wagons were soon to leave and proceed +westward. We reached Kalomo August 1, after a +journey of nine days. This place, although the chief +seat of government, could not be designated a town. +It was rather a scattered camp, containing two small +stores, a postoffice, and the dwellings and offices of +the government officials. The railway station was +about three miles distant. Here the fate of the undertaking +was to be decided, as to whether we +should be permitted to proceed or be turned back. +That morning in worship the Lord gave us Isaiah +41: 10 for a promise, which greatly encouraged our +trembling hearts. We had now been absent from +Bulawayo four weeks and had received no mail, as +it had been ordered sent to this place; so the first +journey was to the postoffice. I went for the mail +alone, and inquired first for myself. The clerk exclaimed, +"And Miss Engle, too?" and handed out +a bundle of letters, all carefully laid together in a +place by themselves. Evidently we were expected, +and visitors were not common, especially women.</p> + +<p>It was necessary first to meet the secretary of +the Lands' Department, so in the afternoon Sister +Engle and I proceeded to his office. He had heard +of our coming and absolutely refused a place in +Mapanza district on which we might locate. His +reasons were more or less plausible, and we were +not wholly unprepared for his answer. We learned +afterwards that we were not the only persons who +had failed to receive encouragement from this +gentleman. He added, however, that they could not +hinder our proceeding farther if we felt so inclined. +He suggested our going to Broken Hill, the terminus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> +of the railroad, 280 miles northeast, as there +were some white inhabitants there. That no doubt +would have been a good opening for a mission station, +as there were no missionaries there at this +time, and only one between Kalomo and that place. +It did not, however, seem to be the Lord's will for +us to proceed that far, and since there would be a +new set of officials there to deal with, our reception +might not be any better. After sending our letter +of introduction to the Administrator, we turned toward +the wagon to consider and pray over the affair, +realizing that a more perplexing problem than a +broken wagon was facing us.</p> + +<p>We had not proceeded far when a gentleman came +to inform us that the Administrator, who is the +highest official in the country, requested an interview. +We were kindly received by the honorable +gentleman and given an opportunity of explaining +in what part of the country we desired to open a +mission station, and the condition of the natives in +that section. He said that he saw no serious difficulty +in the way, and that he was in favor of allowing +us to proceed and select a mission site. He +affirmed, however, that the unhealthfulness of the +climate was the most serious obstacle; and, since it +was late in the season for us to put up a mosquito-proof +dwelling before the rainy and unhealthy season +came, he thought it best for us to select a place +and then go south until the rains were over. Otherwise +we might be stricken with fever, a deadly type +of which, known as black water fever, is common +in this section of the country. We promised to consider +seriously his advice, if a proper dwelling could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> +not be secured before the rains came. He then directed +us to the civil commissioner of that district, +who especially encouraged the undertaking, expressing +his belief that we would encounter no difficulty +among the natives, since he was familiar with +and had jurisdiction of Mapanza district. He said, +"The field is before you, and as there are no other +missionaries there, it is yours to occupy." He also +gave a letter to the magistrate at Mapanza and a +native messenger to show us the way.</p> + +<p>It was with thankfulness too deep for words that +we returned to the wagon. God was again verifying +His wonderful promises. Praise His Holy Name! +Part of our freight had been sent to Kalomo by +train, so after procuring that from the station, we +proceeded north about sixty miles through Macha +and other places to the camp of the official at Mapanza. +When about half the distance was traversed +we unexpectedly came upon a Dutch family living +there all alone in the wilds. They had not been +there long and were not permanent settlers, but we +managed to purchase from them some fine imported +chickens and some banana sprouts, all of which +have proved to be a most useful addition to our +mission property.</p> + +<p>The natives were much scattered in a portion of +the country through which we passed until we approached +the vicinity of Macha. Here they were +much more thickly settled, and also from this on +to the camp at Mapanza. At the latter place the +official was not at home. While waiting for him we +concluded to visit some of the natives and went to +the village of one of the most prominent chiefs of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> +this district, Mapanza by name. There were thirty-five +huts in the village. In the center of this was a +large cattle pen, and around it and the outside of +the palisade the huts were built in a circle, all opening +toward the center. As we entered this enclosure +we were greeted with clapping of hands on all sides. +This is the native way of saluting their king and +government officials and sometimes other white +people. In this instance the uniformed government +messenger accompanied us, and no doubt gave +prestige to our visit. The people of the village received +us in a friendly manner, but since their language +was unintelligible to us we soon returned to +the wagon.</p> + +<p>The time of the official's return was uncertain and +we preferred not to locate in the immediate vicinity +of the camp, so it was thought advisable to return a +short distance and select a mission site. Some of +the rivers through which we had safely come proved +more difficult on the return journey. Gomo had +been driving since we left Kalomo and did excellent +work; but he found the Myeki River here at +the camp very difficult to cross. There are long, +steep hills on either side of the river, and in addition +to this the bed of the bridgeless stream is quite deep. +Our oxen had done splendid work on the long journey +from Livingstone, but in recrossing this river +they seemed unequal to the effort. After struggling +awhile one finally lay down and refused to move. +This was a new experience for us, but perhaps not +for the boys. Gomo used every inducement to make +it rise, but to no avail. To our amusement he finally, +as a last resort, bit its tail. It was up in an instant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> +and the wagon moved on. We have since learned +that oxen are often more stubborn than that one, +especially new ones. They sometimes lie down and +nothing will induce them to move. They will endure +fire and even death itself.</p> + +<p>We drove back and carefully looked over the various +locations, and after asking the Lord for direction, +we finally decided upon our present site on the +bank of the Macha River, or rather on the hill above +it. The tent was removed from the wagon and +placed on poles and prepared for occupancy. This +place is about fourteen miles from the camp at +Mapanza, and was reached August 17, a little over +six weeks from the time we left Matopo Mission. +We had traveled in all about 485 miles, about 170 of +which was by ox-wagon. Our journal of the time +records:</p> + +<p>"In all the Lord has wonderfully given us health +and strength, and no harm of wild beasts or wilder +men has befallen us. The journey had been far +more successful in every way than we had anticipated, +and we praise the Lord that at last we are +settled."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIIPART2" id="CHAPTER_IIIPART2">CHAPTER THREE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Opening of the Work at Macha</h3> + + +<p>In selecting a location for the mission, the desire +was to secure a place sufficiently high so as to +be at a distance from the low swamps, breeding +malaria and other deadly diseases, and yet near +enough to the river so as to have access to water. +We desired also to have land in the vicinity suitable +for agriculture and industrial purposes in general, +and for the growing of fruit and vegetables. Then +again, in addition to the above requirements, the +object of our coming to the country was not to be +lost sight of; <i>i. e.</i>, the natives themselves. We desired +to have easy access to them so that they might +receive the Gospel. All of these requirements were +prayerfully considered and we believe met in the +location of Macha. As eight years have passed +since then, our convictions have only been strengthened +that it was the Lord's choice for the work.</p> + +<p>As near as can be estimated the location is about +16½° south latitude and 27° east longitude, and is +about 4,500 feet above sea level, so that, although it +is within the tropics, the altitude causes the climate +to be pleasant the greater portion of the year and +as healthful a site as can be secured in that section +of the country. Along one side of the 3,000-acre +mission farm is a small river, which gives name to +the locality, and the tent was pitched over half a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> +mile from this river. The place afforded excellent +facilities for agriculture and fruit growing. Especially +can bananas and citrus trees be grown without +irrigation. The country is rolling and there are +numerous rich valleys capable of supporting many +natives. There are wagon roads which have been +made by traders who go through the country and +buy grain of the natives in exchange for cloth, +ornaments, blankets, and clothing. There were no +surveyed farms in this vicinity, and the only farmers +near lived over twenty miles from Macha, but +numerous villages of natives are within walking +distance and wagon road.</p> + +<p>At the opening of Macha Mission there was a +station of Primitive Methodists northwest at a distance +of at least sixty miles, and the one of the Seventh +Day Adventist Mission at about the same distance +northeast. With the exception of these two +places one might go a hundred miles in any other +direction and not find a mission station, so that we +could certainly feel that we were not intruding into +the territory of any other missionaries. The natives +in this part of the country had heard absolutely +nothing of Christ, and they knew not what missionaries +were or how they differed from other people.</p> + +<p>Our little tent, 6 x 13 feet, was sufficiently commodious +for eating and sleeping, but all the work +had to be performed on the outside in the shade of +a large tree, near which the tent had been placed. +Beneath this tree also our supplies were piled off +the ground and away from the destructive white +ants, of which the ground was everywhere full. We +had no cookstove then, and all our cooking was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> +done over an open fire, while bread was baked in a +large, flat-bottomed iron pot with long legs. This +was placed over a bed of live coals, while coals were +also placed on the iron cover. Some very good +yeast bread came from that iron pot, novel perhaps +to Americans, but familiar to Africanders. Many +people traveling through the country made use of +the ant hills as bake-ovens.</p> + +<p>The Christian boys who accompanied us, as well +as some younger ones who came for work, camped +at a short distance from the tent, and at night +slept around the fire until huts could be built +for them. Before the mission site had been +agreed upon two young boys came and asked +for work. We took them, and one of these +has been one of our most faithful helpers. As +grain was plentiful in the neighborhood there was +no difficulty in securing food for the natives. Many +of the older people, men and women, came to see +and welcome us. Every effort was put forth toward +erecting buildings before the rains came on, but as +fires had swept over the country and destroyed most +of the grass, it was evident that our chief difficulty +would be in procuring thatching grass. This difficulty +was obviated by a man at Mapanza, who was +erecting a house for the commissioner, offering us +for a small sum a lot of grass that he had on hand. +Some time later our journal is as follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p>These have been busy days; much work has been crowded +into them. Building and making furniture have occupied +the attention of all of us, and everything has had +to be done with native material and few tools, which have +increased the amount of labor. The poles had to be hauled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> +five or six miles and some of the grass for thatching was +brought fourteen miles. Ndhlalambi has been a faithful +and excellent workman. He is not as quick as some, but +few natives would have succeeded in making better buildings, +as he is careful and painstaking in all he does. +Gomo is just the opposite; he is just as willing, but is no +builder. He has, however, been very useful in hauling +poles and grass, and mud for plastering, and he performed +a splendid service in venturing among the Baila (a warlike +tribe north of us) and purchasing for us two cows. Sister +Engle and I have been bending all our energies toward +helping with the building in the more technical parts, so +that the work might be accomplished as soon as possible, +and we have been spending some of our time in making +furniture. There has been no difficulty in securing natives +to work for us, and they have all worked faithfully +under Ndhlalambi's supervision.</p> + +<p>There seems to be nothing to mar the work and location +thus far, except the savage beasts, which prowl +around at night, a terror to the domestic animals and to +ourselves. When we pray, "Keep us from harm and +danger," it is a more genuine prayer than formerly. Many +nights the howls of the wolves and hyenas are to be +heard, and one night some of the boys awoke to see in +the firelight the eyes of a hyena glaring at them. Some +of the natives built a high, strong pen for our cattle, and +the first night they were enclosed in it a lion tried to force +its way in, as indicated by the spoors the next morning. +Leopards have also been seen. These evidences, as well +as the stories told by others, convince us that there are +wild beasts in the neighborhood, yet the Lord is able to +keep and has thus far kept us from harm.</p></blockquote> + +<p>The 91st Psalm was very precious in those days.</p> + +<p>These first buildings were constructed in a manner +very similar to those at Matopo Mission, except +that it was thought advisable to build the main part +of the house all in one, so as to obviate the necessity +of going outside in passing from one room to another—a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> +very important consideration in such a +wild country. The scarcity of grass limited the size +of the house to a certain extent. It was 26 x 14 feet, +with a veranda around three sides to protect from +the sun and rain, and was divided into three small +compartments opening into one another, the small +doorways being closed by curtains. As there was no +seasoned lumber to be had, there was only one +outside door, and this was made from one of the +boxes in which the goods had been packed. A +table was manufactured from another box, and the +bedsteads, as well as nearly all the rest of the furniture, +were manufactured from native unseasoned +timber and draped with calico. A muslin ceiling +was a necessity to prevent the sawdust from falling +from the rafters.</p> + +<p>On the inside of the house the walls were carefully +plastered up against the thatched roof, and the +openings for windows were closed by fine wire +gauze netting to exclude mosquitoes. An important +question was how to make a screen door for the +only outside door of the building, as unseasoned +timber would not answer the purpose. The pole +of the wagon had been broken soon after our arrival +at Macha, and one from the forest put in its place; +and since this broken piece of timber was of hardwood +and sufficiently long for a door frame, we decided +to make use of it for that purpose. It was +sawed and with considerable labor made into a +frame and proved quite satisfactory. Sister Engle, +who was always patient and painstaking in her +work and full of resources, deserves much credit for +this and many other things with which the house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> +was equipped. That screen door is still doing excellent +service after a lapse of eight years. After it +was finished it was found that to fit it into the door +frame so as to make it mosquito proof was no small +task. The door frame had been manufactured from +unseasoned native timber and was greatly warped. +After much chiseling and shaping even this feat was +accomplished, and the result was a mosquito-proof +house, for that season at least. Mosquito nets for +the beds had also been brought along.</p> + +<p>A small kitchen was also built and a hut for the +native brethren before the rains came. The grass, +stumps, and underbrush were cleared off all around +the buildings and at some distance from them. This +is customary in this part of the country, and it is +done for the purpose of removing the hiding places +of mosquitoes, snakes, and the like. Although more +natives were employed the first few months at +Macha than at Matopo, we experienced no difficulty +in dealing with them; perhaps because we were +more familiar with their character, and our native +Christians too were quite capable of understanding +them.</p> + +<p>During the progress of the work, the advice of +the Administrator had not been forgotten, as it was +our earnest desire to do that which was best, and +we looked to the Lord for guidance. It seemed advisable +to remain. Contrary to his expectations, a +mosquito-proof dwelling-house had been constructed, +and the work which was started would certainly +have suffered if we had gone away. The boys who +had accompanied us were in every respect proving +themselves capable and reliant; the natives were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +quiet and respectful; and not the least difficulty in +the way of our return was the long, dangerous trip +to Kalomo to reach the railroad. We had safely +come that way once, yet we dreaded the long trip +back, perhaps because we did not believe that it +was the Lord's will for us to make it. The post was +brought to our door by the government messenger +as he passed on his way to Mapanza, and a trader +near offered to bring out from Kalomo any needed +supplies.</p> + +<p>All our needs thus far were abundantly supplied +by a loving Father. All praise to Him Who "is able +to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or +think." Even in our most sanguine expectations +before coming to the country we had not thought to +be so well provided for. He in His infinite wisdom +and forethought had gone before and prepared every +step of the way; He had opened every door and +enabled the mission to be thus planted in raw heathendom +where Christ had not been named. The location +proven by years of trial could not have been +improved, for He makes no mistakes. The call and +the desire for the extension of His Kingdom, which +He had put into our hearts before ever Africa was +reached, was thus being fulfilled. He had done and +was doing His part; what more could we ask? Yea, +we were weighted down and humbled by the multitude +of favors which He was showering upon us. +The only thing to mar our peace at this time was +the consciousness that our friends and some of the +government officials were uneasy on our account. +We saw no cause for fear, and were conscious that +the continued prayers ascending in behalf of ourselves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span> +and the work were availing before God, and +that we were at the place where He desired us to +be.</p> + +<p>After the buildings were completed and the rains +came the boys put forth every effort to dig some of +the ground and plant grain and vegetables. This +had to be done by hand, as the plow had not yet +arrived.</p> + +<p>In the many duties incident to starting a new +station, the spiritual part of the work was not neglected. +A little visiting among the people was done +both by Sister Engle and myself and by the native +brethren. An attempt was also made each Sunday to +instill into the minds of the people something of +the sacredness of the day. Since a number of natives +came daily to work at the mission, they were +informed that we did not work on Sunday, but worshiped +God instead. It was thus not difficult to +assemble twenty-five or thirty on Sunday for services. +These were always married people, with the +exception of the few boys who were staying at the +mission to work. The younger people, and especially +the girls and children, were conspicuous only by +their absence. It was the same at the village; none +except men and women were to be seen, so that at +first we all concluded that there were no children in +the neighborhood. Later it was learned that these +and all the unmarried girls ran and hid when we +approached a village.</p> + +<p>We could invite the people on Sunday, or we +could go to see them in their homes, but to speak +to them was a more difficult affair. There was the +same difficulty in the language as at Matopo, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +with a difference. There we had a translation of +the Bible, dictionaries and grammars, and could at +least read the Word to them. Here we were among +the Batonga, and their language, although belonging +to the same great Bantu family of languages, +was quite distinct from that of Southern Rhodesia. +There were no translations, no dictionaries, at the +time the mission opened, so that the task of acquiring +it was no small one. We soon realized that we +had not sufficiently appreciated our blessings in +Southern Rhodesia. Here it was necessary to have +notebook and pencil continually on hand and write +down the words as they fell from the lips of the +natives; nor was it an easy task to decide upon the +spelling of the words; especially was there difficulty +in distinguishing the letters <i>l</i> and <i>r</i>. The +same word as it fell from the lips of one native +would seem to have an <i>l</i>, and as spoken by another +it would be <i>r</i>. Of course there were many similar +difficulties.</p> + +<p>One of our first aims was to secure the expression +for "What is that?" "<i>Chi nzi echo?</i>" and with +that as a basis the names at least of many things +could be learned. Then too it is not so difficult to +learn to use expressions common in everyday duties +and the material things about one; but to secure a +suitable vocabulary for instruction in the Gospel is +generally a difficult task, and missionaries differ +widely in reference to terms for spiritual things.</p> + +<p>The native vocabulary is by no means meager, +and one is often surprised that people living such +seemingly narrow lives as they do have in constant +use such a copious vocabulary. Their thoughts as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> +a rule can be expressed in fewer words than in English. +For instance, they will say bona, to see; +<i>bonwa</i>, to be seen; <i>bwene</i>, to have seen; <i>bonana</i>, to +see each other; <i>boneka</i>, to be visible; <i>bonela</i>, to see +for; and <i>bonesha</i>, to see clearly, and some verbs +have additional forms. Again, in the use of verbs, +such as <i>go</i>, they will have different words to express +various phases of it: <i>Ya</i>, to go; <i>benda</i>, to go stooping, +as after game; <i>fwamba</i>, to go quickly; <i>endenda</i>, +to go for a walk; <i>ambuka</i>, to go aside, or astray; +and so on for eighteen different words.</p> + +<p>The especial difficulty of the missionary is to +secure the proper words to convey spiritual conceptions +not generally met with in their comprehension; +such as, <i>faith</i>, <i>holy</i>, <i>save</i>, <i>cross</i>, <i>heaven</i>, and +even in the word for God there is often a difference +of opinion among missionaries as to the word to be +used. Among all tribes there seems to be a word +for God, but the conception upon which it is based +is so degrading that one often hesitates to make use +of it in referring to the Holy and Omnipotent One +Whom we have learned to revere. Two opinions +are prevalent among missionaries in reference to +some of the words. One is to make use of the words +already found in a language and to seek to build up +upon those words a new conception altogether foreign +to the native line of thought. Others think +that it is better to introduce a new word and attach +the desired meaning to it. I think it is safe to say +that the former is the method generally employed +among translators, but whether it is in all instances +the best method is open to question.</p> + +<p>Natives very quickly learn the language of other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> +tribes, and so it was in this instance. Our native +Christians soon acquired this language. A few of +those working for us could after a manner speak +that "Esperanto of South Africa," "Kitchen Kafir," +and this enabled them from the first to understand +one another, in a slight degree at least, and gave +them a common basis from which to pass to the +Tonga language proper, spoken by the people about +us. As Ndhlalambi, who took the name of David, +had felt the call definitely to give the Gospel to these +people, and had had experience in evangelistic work, +both at Mapani and at Matopo Mission, he was +able in a comparatively short time to give the Gospel +intelligently to the people, and also to assist us in +acquiring the language. Of course this was by no +means accomplished in a few months, or even in a +year, for it was often difficult for even him to secure +the proper words in spiritual language. These helpers +too had their difficulties in the work, and had +their misunderstandings with the natives. One day +one of them was quite discouraged in an attempt to +make some natives understand properly, and he +exclaimed, "I have a great deal more sympathy with +the white man now in his endeavors to make the +people understand, and to teach them how to work. +These people seem so dull to me, and I know why +our masters became so out of patience with us."</p> + +<p>There was at first no attempt at opening school; +but stencils and cardboard had been brought along, +and with these charts were printed in the syllables +and sentences of the language as nearly as we understood +it. Sister Engle made use of these charts +in teaching, by the light of the campfire in the evenings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> +the young boys who had come to work for +us. Our two native helpers also continued their +studies and were instructed whenever there was +time for it after the buildings were completed.</p> + +<p>As the first Christmas drew near, a query arose +as to how it should be observed, and whether services +should be held, since no one could yet speak +very well the language. David and Gomo were +eager for services, saying that they would put forth +every effort to speak to the people about Christ. +We longed to give the people something on that +day as an expression of our good will, but could not +see the way open to do so. At Matopo Mission +salt was always given, but in this part of the country +salt was very expensive and there was only a +little on hand, and we were not prepared to give +them meat, as we had little opportunity of procuring +game for ourselves. Services, however, were +announced for the day, and early in the morning +some natives began to arrive, curious to know what +the day was like.</p> + +<p>In the morning Sister Engle and I were sitting +at the table on the veranda, eating our breakfast, +speaking of the plans for the day, and expressing +a wish that there was some food to set before the +people. While speaking, we heard a goat bleat, +and presently two natives, one of whom was carrying +a goat on his shoulders, came toward us. They +put the goat down on the ground before us, saying +as they did so, "The Chief, Macha, sent you this as +a present." Here was the answer to our wish and +unuttered prayer. Another native headman a short +time previously had also presented a goat, and we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> +had bought one, and these three would be sufficient +for the dinner. Our praises ascended simultaneously, +and we realized that the promise was +again verified, "Before they call, I will answer; +and while they are yet speaking I will hear."</p> + +<p>The native brethren entered heartily into the +preparations, and with the assistance of the others, +they soon had the animals killed and dressed, and +in the cooking kettles. Fortunately there was cornmeal +on hand which also furnished sufficient porridge. +We rejoiced as we saw the people coming +that there was food to set before them, even though +the Gospel messenger could not be given satisfactorily; +but there was still a greater and more blessed +surprise in store.</p> + +<p>There were ninety-six grown people assembled, +chiefly fathers and mothers, heads of families, and +these were all seated along the veranda and in the +shade of the tent. David took up the subject of +Christmas and its origin by first reading it from the +Zulu Testament, which, of course, they did not +understand. Before he had read much the Lord +sent a first-class interpreter, in the person of a +Mutonga native who had worked for some time in +Bulawayo, and there learned to read and speak the +Zulu language and to understand the Gospel. He +was not, however, a Christian, as we learned, but +he proved a most ready and excellent interpreter +for the day; and as the message was given in Zulu, +he as readily interpreted it into the vernacular of +the people.</p> + +<p>The Lord especially anointed our brother David +for the message that day, and he most ably and feelingly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +presented the wonderful story of the birth and +life of our Savior and His great mission in the redemption +of the world. Perhaps the unique opportunity +had some effect upon my feelings, but it +seemed to me that I never at any other time heard +the subject so well handled before a congregation +of natives as it was on that day. The native men, +especially, listened most attentively throughout that +long discourse. Tears came into my eyes as I +looked upon those seamed faces before me, those +middle-aged and elderly men who, for the first time +in their lives, had an opportunity of hearing of Him +Who had come to earth nineteen hundred years +before to redeem them. How much of the <i>makani +mabotu</i> (glad tidings) they grasped at the time it is +difficult to ascertain.</p> + +<p>At the close of the discourse some of the rest of +us spoke for a short time on the same theme, and +also explained the cause of our being among them. +Then after a hymn and prayer they were given their +food. A bountiful dinner had also been prepared +for ourselves, a portion of which we handed over to +the two helpers who had so faithfully labored to +make the day a success. It is needless to say that +they too thoroughly enjoyed their dinner. In every +way this first Christmas was one long to be remembered, +with nothing to mar the perfect harmony of +the occasion.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IVPART2" id="CHAPTER_IVPART2">CHAPTER FOUR</a></h2> + +<h3>School Work. Reinforcements</h3> + + +<p>Up to this time nothing had been said about +school, except that a few boys had been +taught in the evenings. There was no word +for it in their language, and learning had no meaning +or attraction for them. They only desired to +work and earn money.</p> + +<p>The first herdboy came before the mission was +located, and to him we gave the name "Jim," as +we did not fancy his native name. He remained +with us three months and then returned home and +his cousin Tom came to herd. Both of these boys +manifested a great interest in what they heard, and +Tom was the first one to express a desire to be a +Christian. Another little boy ran off from home +one day and begged permission to remain at the +mission. His mother immediately followed him and +told him to go home. He refused, and sitting down +by a tree he put his arms around it and clung to it; +but the mother tore the poor little fellow from the +tree and dragged him away. Aside from these, very +few children made their appearance during the first +five or six months of the mission, and no girls came +for a much longer period of time. The older people +were friendly from the first, but we often felt that +some of them inspired their children with a certain +amount of fear of the newcomers.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> + +<p>January 1, 1907, the people were informed that we +wished to open a school and that they should come +to learn. By this we had in mind a day-school, +where the pupils would come in the morning and +return home at the close of the session. It had been +impossible to build a schoolhouse, since nearly all +the grass had been burnt off before our appearance +on the scene. We, however, set up the little tent +and built a straw shed at one end of it for a temporary +schoolhouse.</p> + +<p>As school and its advantages had no meaning to +the people, no one came. Then too it was the busiest +season of the year. One, two, three weeks +passed, and still no one desired to learn. January +passed and half of February; still no scholars. This +was a new experience. At Matopo the children +could scarcely wait until school opened, and they +were the pioneers there and gradually drew the older +people to take an interest. Here it was quite the +reverse; the children were afraid of us, and would +run away, screaming, to hide in the tall grass when +we approached their villages. What was to be +done? As usual we began to look to the Source +that never fails.</p> + +<p>The middle of February it was thought advisable +to have a week of prayer. All work was laid aside +and the time was spent by the Christians in interceding +at a Throne of Grace, for we felt that perhaps +we had been too much occupied in temporal affairs. +In the midst of this week of prayer, on February +19, Macha, the chief, came, bringing his little boy, +about twelve years of age, and said, "Here is my +son. I should like to have him stay with the missionaries<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> +and learn to read and to work." Here then +was a direct answer to prayer. The chief of the +district had set an example to his people by thus +bringing his child. This was a signal for others, +Apuleni, another boy of about the same age, came +the next week, and Mafulo and Kajiga followed; +also others. Jim and Tom came to remain and +attend school, and by the end of the year there were +seventeen boys in all staying at the mission.</p> + +<p>These were nearly all boys from ten to sixteen +years of age; a few were older. None who applied +were refused if they were willing to abide by the +regulations; and industrial work was at once inaugurated +in connection with the school. They +were to be taught in school three and one-half hours, +and work early morning and afternoon, receiving, +in addition to their food and instruction, some +clothing, and blankets for the night. They were to +remain at least a year before they could take the +clothing home with them. This stipulation was +made to teach them stability and prevent them from +coming sufficiently long to secure clothing and then +leaving before they had properly earned it. The +arrangement proved very satisfactory. The few +taxpayers who entered the industrial school were +given a small sum of money, provided they completed +the time agreed upon. They always had +Saturday afternoon as a half holiday, when they +were to wash and mend their clothing and have the +remainder of the time for recreation.</p> + +<p>It was always our aim to make them understand +that they were expected to earn what they +received by giving labor in return. We had no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> +sympathy with pupils who desired to learn and lie +about and be idle the rest of the time. Several who +desired to bring their food and remain at the mission +without working were not allowed to do so, as +we thought it would prove detrimental, both to +themselves and to the rest. We preferred a dozen +industrious and stable boys to many times that +number who were lazy and indifferent. It is true +some of the smallest could scarcely be said to earn +their way at first, but they were at least taught +habits of industry. In their homes many of them +spent their time in an indolent fashion, their muscles +being flabby and unused to exercise; and often, +when they came to us, they were too lazy even to +play at recess. Gradually they brightened up and +took hold of the tasks assigned them. One day one +of the mothers came and inquired about her son, a +boy about thirteen years of age, and she was told +that he was digging in the garden.</p> + +<p>"Kanyama digging?" she asked, in great surprise. +"Why, he does not know how to work."</p> + +<p>The first rainy season was quite pleasant, and it +passed with very little sickness among our workers. +It gave us an opportunity also of learning something +of the fertility of the soil on the mission farm. +Much of the land, and especially that in the valleys, +was unusually productive, and the grass grew to the +height of ten feet. Our aim was to make use of the +rainy season to instruct the boys in agriculture and +horticulture and to raise sufficient grain and other +food at least for their consumption; and more than +that, if possible, so that the expense of keeping a +number of boys would not rest so heavily on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> +mission. This first season very little food was +grown, because there had been no land ready for +sowing, but the plow came in January, and Gomo +was enabled to break two large gardens ready for +sowing the following year.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus282.png" width="600" height="315" alt="Macha Mission Huts, 1907." title="Macha Mission Huts, 1907." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Mission Huts, 1907.</span> +</div> + +<p>As soon as the rainy season was at an end, building +was again undertaken by David and Gomo, together +with the assistance of the native men and +schoolboys. Thatch grass had to be cut and poles +hauled and seasoned. The Matabele women were +always eager to work for cloth, salt, or money, but +the Batonga women were not. It was impossible +to make satisfactory arrangements with them, either +to cut grass or plaster, so that the men and boys +were obliged to do this also in connection with the +rest of the building, and they performed the work +very satisfactorily.</p> + +<p>As there was only one small hut for the schoolboys, +the first building this second year was a hut,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> +13 x 16 feet, for their occupancy. Then a building +answering for church and school purposes was +erected. This was 16 x 30 feet, with a large veranda +in front, and was an excellent building of the kind. +The seats were made of bricks, built up in rows and +plastered over, and the floor was made of earth, +pounded hard and plastered. Another building, +14 x 20 feet, of poles and mud was also built, and +was divided into two rooms. It had a veranda all +around it. We were expecting missionaries out +from America, and this last hut was for their accommodation. +These three buildings were all respectable-looking +ones and required a great deal of time +and labor, so that David and Gomo were very busy +and deserved much credit for their efficiency and +perseverance. In addition to the outside work the +schoolboys were instructed in sewing, and two of +them in housework.</p> + +<p>The school at first was very poorly equipped, as +we had nothing but the homemade charts and a +few slates, and knew not where our books were to +come from, since we did not know the language sufficiently +to make any. Some of our needs in this respect +were also supplied later. In the latter part of +1907 Rev. E. W. Smith, a missionary at Nanzela, +published an excellent "Handbook of the Ila Language." +This was a grammar and dictionary combined, +and the language was closely allied to that +of the Tonga. We secured this book about a year +after we had reached Macha and found it very helpful +in acquiring the language, since the grammar +and many of the words of the two languages were +similar. He also published in that language an excellent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +first reader and a book of over one hundred +pages of Bible stories. This latter book is a very +faithful account of Genesis and Exodus, and contains +some of the more interesting parts of later Old +Testament history. Not long after, there was also +published a book of questions containing the essentials +of Christian belief, and also many quotations +from the Scriptures. With the exception of the +mode of baptism this was so essentially like our own +faith that it could be used to excellent advantage in +Inquirers' Classes.</p> + +<p>All of these books proved of inestimable value to +us in school and church work. The pupils in the +school proved bright and studious, and before the +end of this year some had started in the service of +the Lord.</p> + +<p>It was almost impossible for us to spend much +time out among the natives during the rainy season, +since the rivers were often swollen and difficult to +cross, and the grass was high, rendering walking +difficult and even dangerous on account of savage +beasts lurking about. It is true we seldom saw +any of these animals, but that they were in the +vicinity we had no reason to doubt. Once when +David was on top of the church, putting on the +rafters, a native from a neighboring kraal called to +say that three leopards were after his sheep. Our +boys all ran to hunt with spears and clubs, and some +of them had a glimpse of the animals as they disappeared +in the tall grass. Another morning some +of the men on coming to work reported that they +saw four lions crossing one of our plowed fields. +Occasionally we would hear a lion roaring on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +opposite side of the river, so that there was no +reason to doubt the presence of danger.</p> + +<p>Northwestern Rhodesia, where we found ourselves, +is essentially the home of wild and savage +beasts and game of all kinds. In addition to smaller +animals there are the duiker, reedbuck, hartebeest, +sable antelope, eland, kudu, and many other varieties +of game. The forests are full of apes and +baboons, and the gnu, the zebra, and the buffalo are +to be found. The mammoth elephant roams at will +in herds or singly, the rivers are full of crocodiles, +and the larger ones abound in the ungainly hippopotamuses. +It is the paradise of hunters, and many +avail themselves of the opportunity for sport thus +afforded; others for the gain to be had from ivory +and hides.</p> + +<p>The fact that there was not only game, but that +there were also dangerous animals lurking about, +may have been the chief reason why we never succeeded +in starting a day-school at Macha. It was +scarcely safe for children to go alone back and +forth to school. Even men seldom traveled far +alone, and they always went armed. A native +would carry three or four assegais, and many were +supplied with guns. It is surprising how much +game they managed to kill with those old blunderbusses.</p> + +<p>As stated previously, the presence of animals had +much to do with the amount of kraal visiting carried +on. Sister Engle and I went, however, quite +frequently after the grass was burnt off in June, +accompanied by some of the schoolboys. As we +neared a village, our approach was always heralded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> +by the barking of dogs and the screaming of children +as they ran away to be out of reach of the +<i>mukua</i> (white person). Every village is supplied +with its quota of dogs. One day I counted twenty-four +in one small village. Nor is their presence +unnecessary in this animal-ridden country, as they +often succeed in driving off ferocious animals from +the herds, and they help supply their master with +game. They are, however, generally so lean and +starved looking that one would like to see a "Society +for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" +among the natives.</p> + +<p>It was a long time before we could get a sight of +the girls in the kraals around us. Once, in company +with Apuleni, we went to his home, and here as +everywhere we were warmly welcomed by the older +people and given an opportunity of telling them of +the Savior, as well as our limited vocabulary would +allow. While we were sitting there talking to some +of the older people, Sister Engle said she thought +there were some girls in a hut near by. I arose to +investigate. The older people saw the move and +laughingly told the girls of my approach; but it was +too late for them to escape. As I reached the door +I saw five girls in the hut, some of whom were +nearly grown. Some began to scream and hide their +faces, and others sat trembling, not daring to look +up. They appeared as if they were afraid of being +torn from their home by violence. Two of these +were sisters of the boy who accompanied us. It +required much tact and patience to finally gain the +confidence of these wild children surrounding us,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> +and to help them realize that we would do them no +harm, but we at last won the day.</p> + +<p>During this dry season of 1907 word was also received +of a threatened native uprising. Our first +information of this condition of affairs was received +from some officers who had come from the Transvaal +and were passing through on their way north +on a hunting expedition. They said that they did +not know how serious the difficulty was, except that +some of the Europeans northeast had been ordered +into the government camp. The natives around us +were quiet and law-abiding and gave no indication +that they were dissatisfied. They themselves were +not of a warlike nature, and they had in the past +been harrowed and many of them ruthlessly killed +by the Matabele, the Barotse, and the Baila, each in +their turn, and they were now enjoying peace and +quiet under the beneficent rule of the English. They +knew that they would gain nothing by rebelling +against the English, and the only condition that +would cause them to rise would be fear of their +powerful neighbors. For this reason we could see +no cause for fear. They were, however, not ignorant +of the trouble in the country, and confided to +David that Lewanika wanted to fight. The powerful +tribe north of us, the Baila, were probably as +dissatisfied as any. David at first did not tell us +what he had heard, for fear of alarming us, and we +too said nothing to him at once. Later, however, +he told us and we gave him our information. The +danger at that time seemed past, and we would +have allowed the affair to rest; but it was learned +that our fellow missionaries were uneasy on our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> +account. So we wrote to an official at Kalomo to +inquire if they anticipated a native uprising. He +wrote, assuring us that whatever danger there +might have been, there was no more serious cause +for alarm.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus288.png" width="600" height="295" alt="Macha Boys and Schoolhouse." title="Macha Boys and Schoolhouse." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Boys and Schoolhouse.</span> +</div> + +<p>In September of this year a young man from +Cape Town came to assist in the work. He was a +nephew of our friend and benefactress, Mrs. Lewis, +and had been impressed with the importance of +pressing on the work into the interior; hence his +presence at Macha. He suffered so much with fever, +however, that he concluded it was best to return +south after a stay of only a few weeks at the mission.</p> + +<p>On November 10 our long-looked-for colaborer, +Mr. Myron Taylor, reached Macha. This was a +welcome and much-needed addition to our number. +The new building was ready for occupancy, and +Brother Taylor entered enthusiastically into the +work before him. He came just at the opening of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> +the rainy season, and perhaps entered on the work +with too much vigor; for in the latter part of December +he was laid low with the dread African +fever, and for a time his life was despaired of; but +the Lord raised him up. During that, his first rainy +season, he had frequent relapses of the fever and +saw very few well days until the season was at an +end. He was not, however, discouraged, but continued +at the work whenever his health permitted.</p> + +<p>The boys who came to attend school remained, +and others also applied for admission, so that by the +end of this second year there were thirty-two staying +with us, and they were becoming quite useful +in the work, and best of all were going on to know +the Lord, and were formed into an Inquirers' Class.</p> + +<p>This second rainy season was in some respects a +repetition of the first, except that there was more +land under cultivation, and we ourselves were better +supplied with fresh vegetables and more nourishing +food, and Brother Taylor with his rifle could +furnish us with game. We were at this time becoming +more familiar with the pests with which +we had to contend in this tropical Africa. We +thought we had learned something of the ravages of +the white ants, or termites, while at Matopo, but the +experience there was nothing compared to that at +Macha. This is not in any sense intended as a +scientific treatise; yet even from a missionary point +of view one needs to know something of the difficulties +in the way. One cannot be long in America +without realizing that the ordinary reader is woefully +ignorant of some of the most common experiences +of the Africander, and in nothing is this more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> +noticeable than in the ravages produced by the +white ants. The species to be found in Africa is +unlike that found elsewhere and is much more destructive. +A knowledge of the presence of these +pests also seems to help solve some of the characteristics +of the natives in this section of the country.</p> + +<p>These white ants are of various kinds and sizes, +but they are similar, in that they build great nests +of clay which extend above the ground from one +or two to twenty or more feet. These nests are +known as ant hills, and in this part of the country +some of them are not unlike hillocks. They are all +honeycombed within and down deep into the earth, +and are the homes of the various members of the +community, consisting of the large, bulky, wormlike +white queen, an inch or two in length, the savage, +warlike soldiers, and the small, inoffensive-looking +workers. There are also winged ones which leave +the earth in great numbers at the opening of the +season after the ground has been softened by the +rain. These soon lose their wings and again enter +the ground at various places to form new colonies.</p> + +<p>The white ants can work only under cover, and +exposure to light and the sun is generally fatal to +them, so they build small clay tunnels underneath +the ground or on top where they desire to work, and +through these they pass to and fro, carrying particles +of food to store it away. They prefer dry +food, such as wood, leather, paper, clothing, straw, +and vegetation as it is becoming dry, although if +these articles are not to be had they have no objections +to attacking growing trees or plants. Many +trees in our young orchard have been destroyed by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> +their ravages. These ants are to be found all over +South Africa, but as one approaches the equator +they are more numerous and destructive and the +hills are larger.</p> + +<p>At Macha, boxes, shoes, clothing, everything had +to be kept off the ground floor. If this precaution +was not observed, perhaps in a single night a clay +coating would be formed around the sole of a shoe +and it would be greatly damaged. Sometimes they +would find their way up the leg of a box and begin +destroying the clothing or articles within. As I +came out of my room one morning, the noise of the +sentinels of the ants gave signal to the workers of +the approach of danger. This led to an examination +of some bookshelves which were supposed to +be safe out of the reach of the pests. Wet clay was +found to be all along the end of the bookcase, and +the end books on each shelf were partly eaten, +all the work of one night. Our bedposts had to +be put on zinc or into old tin cans to keep the +ants from making their way to the top and soiling +the bedclothes. Several times they started to build +an ant hill on the floor of the hut, and one morning +a small hill of wet clay nearly a foot in height was +to be seen, the result of one night's labors.</p> + +<p>Nor did they confine their ravages to the floor +and the articles placed on the floor; walls and +grass roof were full of them. No article could be +hung on the wall with safety. There was a ceiling +of muslin in the house, yet one day Sister Engle, +on going into her room, found an army of white +ants marching around on the counterpane of her +bed, having fallen from a broken clay tunnel in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> +roof. In addition to these pests, we were greatly +annoyed by insects boring into the soft wood which +formed the rafters. During this season the sound +made in the quiet hours of the night by these insects +sawing caused one to think the entire hut was +alive. The ants would carry their clay tunnels into +the opening made by the borers and complete the +work of destruction. For a time the ceiling became +so heavy with falling sawdust and clay, that it was +necessary to open it about every two weeks and +remove the dust, which almost filled a small tub +each time. Many more incidents might be cited. +We were forced to admit that, at least during the +rainy season, a large portion of our time was occupied +in protecting our huts and goods from the +ravages of the ants.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus292.png" width="500" height="274" alt="The Last Invitation." title="The Last Invitation." /> +<span class="caption">The Last Invitation.</span> +</div> + +<p>Their work did not stop with the house. We +would think that the grain and meal were placed +high and secure out of their reach, only to find that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> +they had formed a channel and destroyed a lot of +grain. At first when some boys came for school +there was no suitable place prepared for their accommodation, +and they were obliged to lie on the +floor. They would occasionally come and show +where the cuticle had been removed from some +portion of the body during the night. In the garden +there was also difficulty in protecting the growing +crops. The cornstalk would be eaten off and fall +to the ground, where the ants would complete the +work of destruction; so that from the time corn +began to be filled until it was ripe, it was generally +necessary to keep several boys most of the time +gathering the fallen corn. Continual vigilance was +needful, or in an unguarded moment something +about the place would be destroyed.</p> + +<p>The varieties of ants in the country are many +and diverse, but we will mention only one other +kind, to which we were introduced during the early +days of the mission. One night some of the boys +said they could not sleep on account of ants coming +into their hut. We supposed they referred to large +black ants, which often came in armies and made a +raid on white ants to carry them off for food. These +black ones are very troublesome when disturbed, +and the boys were told to occupy another hut for +the remainder of the night. Again the boys spoke +of being disturbed and showed some small, reddish +ants with vicious-looking heads, which were marching +in a straight line through the yard. But these +looked innocent and little attention was paid to +the matter. Then one morning a hen and two +young guinea fowls, confined in a pen, were found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> +to be dead and covered with these insects. We concluded +that they had died and the ants were eating +the carcass, but the boys assured us that the ants +had killed them. The pen was immediately burnt, +together with as many of the ants as possible. Another +night the sheep began to bleat most piteously. +The lantern was lighted and the boys called to see +what was the difficulty, and while waiting for the +boys I approached the pen. Almost instantly +needles seemed to penetrate my body in various +places. I gave the lantern to the boys to let out the +sheep, while Sister Engle and I hastened to the +house, where she helped to remove the vicious little +insects. After that experience there was no further +question in my mind as to whether those ants could +kill fowls or other animals.</p> + +<p>These are called the army ants. Once it required +two days for an army of them continually on the +march to pass through our yard. Fortunately we +have not been troubled much with this variety since +that time, but in some parts of Africa they are very +numerous. Human bodies are sometimes thrown +to them, and even live ones, as a punishment in +supposed witchcraft.</p> + +<p>We had been in correspondence with some of the +Primitive Methodist missionaries at Nanzela, from +whom we had purchased books for the school and +ourselves; and we were eager to visit them and learn +something of their work. About the 1st of May we +arranged to make the journey of sixty miles and +pay them a visit. Brother Taylor was here to take +charge of the journey, so we took the wagon with +the ten oxen and a number of schoolboys, as well as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> +David, leaving Gomo in charge of the mission during +our absence. This was a new and untried road +in a northwesternly direction, and required four +day of hard traveling to make it. On the way we +occasionally had an opportunity of preaching Christ +to the natives.</p> + +<p>The kindly welcome received from Rev. and Mrs. +Price, who were then at Nanzela, more than repaid +us for the tediousness of the journey. We spent a +most delightful four days at their mission and +learned to know something of our neighbors and +of the work being accomplished at this oldest station +in this part of the country. They were working +among the Baila, and also some Barotse who +were living in that section of the country. The +trip, however, proved a most unfortunate one for +us, as we were informed that we had passed through +a small district of the tsetse fly on the way. The +result of this will be given in another chapter.</p> + +<p>On account of the presence of these pests, as well +as for other reasons, a very common method of +travel and transportation in this part of the country +is by native carriers. A native will carry fifty +pounds of goods, so that it requires forty persons to +transport a ton of goods. This means is employed +by officials, and it is somewhat more expeditious +than by wagon. It is often not very satisfactory, +however, and it is difficult to secure natives who +are willing to carry, unless they are almost forced +into service. The wages too, eight cents a day, is +small, but where the tsetse fly abounds this is the +only safe method of transportation.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VPART2" id="CHAPTER_VPART2">CHAPTER FIVE</a></h2> + +<h3>Additional Reinforcements. Preparing to +Build</h3> + + +<p>In June, 1908, we were pleased to receive additional +reinforcements in the persons of Mr. +and Mrs. Jesse Wenger, who had lately arrived +from America and felt called to the work at Macha. +Accompanying them were Elder and Mrs. Steigerwald, +who came to pay us a visit and to see about +the work.</p> + +<p>There was now a strong force of missionaries at +the place, and it was thought that better and more +permanent buildings should be erected. The mission +had been in progress nearly two years, and +David and Gomo had been active both dry seasons +in erecting buildings—and they were good buildings +of their kind. From what has already been +given, however, of the ravages of the white ants, it +can easily be seen that such buildings were very +unsatisfactory and of short duration. To make +others of the same kind would require the missionaries +to be continually building.</p> + +<p>My opinion in reference to missionaries' houses +and surroundings had gradually and materially +undergone a change since I first entered the +mission field. My firm conviction on entering had +been that missionaries should be as approachable +as possible, and that they should endeavor to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> +get on a level with their people; not in their +dirt and filth, not in their ignorance and degradation, +but, leaving out these essentially objectionable +features, they should seek to imitate as +much as possible Him Who had no certain dwelling-place +and went about doing good. He became +one with the people wherever He went, "Made +Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the +form of a servant." He of course is the Great +Exemplar, after Whom the missionaries, His messengers, +are to pattern. The true missionary should +and does esteem it a privilege to endure any necessary +privation and hardship in the cause of the +Master Whom he loves and seeks to imitate. Otherwise +it would be impossible to carry the Gospel +to the heathen. But our God is a wise God, and +has promised wisdom to His children and to His +messengers, which He expects them to use on the +mission field as well as elsewhere; so that they may +adapt themselves to their surroundings and do that +which will best advance His Kingdom.</p> + +<p>The missionary goes to his field of labor. He +builds himself huts of poles, mud, and grass. He +does this carefully, that he may protect himself from +the weather, the wild animals, and from the mosquitoes +which bring fever. He provides his hut +with furniture, manufactured by his own hand, so +that it looks quite cozy and comfortable, and the +poor natives as they look inside may conclude that +if heaven is no better than this, it is at least worth +striving for. The missionary himself for the time +feels quite satisfied and happy in his surroundings<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> +and concludes that the place is good enough for +anyone.</p> + +<p>He opens his door and invites his dear dark +friends to enter and sit and talk with him—a privilege +which they greatly appreciate and the missionary +also enjoys. Are not these the people for whom +Christ died? Are not these the poor people to +whom he is bringing the privileges of the Gospel? +He loves to embrace every opportunity of getting +into their hearts, and he feels keenly everything +which separates and tends to form a barrier between +them.</p> + +<p>Time passes, and the rainy season comes. Perhaps +the huts become damp and even mouldy in +places, and gradually, as the ants continue their +ravages, the walls crack and other difficulties arise. +He is forced to be continually on his guard to protect +himself. Mosquitoes enter, and he is incapacitated +for work, by fever and other sickness. His +health becomes undermined and his appetite gives +way. The coarse food of the natives, if he has been +using it, becomes distasteful and hurtful. Perhaps, +if there is no way out of the difficulty, his life pays +the penalty and his work on earth for God and the +natives is stopped. This is no fancy picture. It +has been repeated over and over again in this +great "White Man's Graveyard."</p> + +<p>Suppose, however, that by taking plenty of quinine +and having considerable vitality to start with, +he survives and continues successfully to combat +disease; he soon finds that he must build a separate +hut in which to meet the natives, or his house will +be overrun with vermin and he cannot live in it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> +His hut, too, soon becomes a hiding place for snakes, +rats, and lizards. He may pick up a piece of furniture +and find a cobra lying beneath it, or go into +the little kitchen and find a deadly puff adder beneath +the cooking kettle. Even if he has in building +kept as near to the natives as possible, they are in +no haste to get rid of their filth and improve their +manner of living. They have not yet seen the advantages +of exerting themselves to that extent, +unless they are members of the mission family and +compelled to wash. Even then they may have +conscientious scruples in reference to the matter, +as one of our best boys at Matopo did. He was +frequently remonstrated with for not keeping his +clothing clean. He said that clean clothing made +him feel proud.</p> + +<p>Again, the missionary soon sees that his hut is +going to pieces, and he must go over the laborious +task every two or three years of building another, +and at the same time constantly fight the ants, +so that his life is one of long struggle with disease, +pests, and building. When and how is he to give +the Gospel? He concludes that he must make +brick, build a house, and put on an iron roof, that it +may be better protected from the mosquitoes and +furnish good rain water. He makes a tank, so +that he may have good drinking water instead of +the muddy, disease-laden stuff which comes from +the river. It will make more work for a time, but +when completed he sees some result of his labor.</p> + +<p>These reasons, any or all of them, are sufficient in +the eyes of the missionary for building a good, +substantial house, but there are other reasons, quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> +as patent to him, but they may not be to one who +has never been in his place. The natives like to +see their missionary build good dwellings, for then +they think he has come to stay, and because he has +come to stay and is willing to work and to train the +natives, he sometimes has a better house than some +of his white neighbors. And we are loath to think, +as some affirm, that it is a reproach to be better +housed, if he himself builds it.</p> + +<p>There is another and more subtle reason for a +good house, and one which the writer could not enter +into until the last few years. If one has access +to a town he has an opportunity to see other +civilized places and has a change of scenery and +companionship, which is both interesting and beneficial. +Especially is this so to one who is continually +surrounded with uncouth barbarism in its many +forms. When, however, one is far removed from +all civilized associations and sees nothing that is +beautiful and uplifting, week after week, month +after month, year after year; when all this time +only dirt and squalor meet the eye as he steps off +his own premises, his range of vision becomes so +narrowed, his brain so benumbed by the monotony, +that he feels he can endure it no longer. He is not +tired of his services for the Master; he is not tired +of the dark faces surrounding him; but his spiritual +vision has become so befogged that, as he rises before +the people to give them the message, he feels that +he cannot give what he longs to. He cannot even +take hold of God by faith in prayer as he did, and +he must get away for a change.</p> + +<p>But what has this to do with a good house?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> +Just this: If one has a good home and pleasant +surroundings, good and helpful literature and a few +of the things which minister to the æsthetic as well +as to the spiritual part of his nature, he has a +change, at least, in his own home, and when he can +snatch time, from the many duties which continually +confront him, for a little quiet, the surroundings are +pleasing and restful. He is then just that much +better fitted to cope with the opposite conditions, +and he can cope with them for a longer time and +do better work for the Master. On the other hand, +missionaries are human and make many mistakes, +and we in the mission field need also to guard +against the other extreme of spending too much +time in beautifying our surroundings and making +ourselves comfortable, to the neglect of that God-given +message.</p> + +<p>Even under the best of surroundings, physically, +the missionary has enough to contend with. Circumstances +over which he has no control, difficulties +which far outweigh any already mentioned, +meet him on every hand. As Rev. Stewart, of +China, says, "'Agonia,' that word so often on St. +Paul's lips—what did it mean? Did it not just +mean the thousand wearinesses, and deeper, the +stirrings, the travailings, the bitter disappointments, +the deaths oft of a missionary's life?"</p> + +<p>The natives often are so indifferent, so disinclined +to exert themselves, that, after months and +years of weary, persistent labor among them, the +missionary often feels that little is accomplished. +He dare build hopes on none but God, and must +accept seeming success or defeat as alike from Him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> +This continual drain on his system is quite sufficient, +without having to combat with poor dwellings, +poor food, and unhealthful surroundings.</p> + +<p>After the Brethren came, they concluded to start +at once to make the preparations for building. +Elder Steigerwald had had experience in this line +of work, so he generously offered to start the rest +in brickmaking. After a few weeks' visit he and +Sister Steigerwald returned home and Sister Engle +decided to accompany them for a change. David +and Gomo also had been absent from their people +for two years and wished to return, the former for +a visit and the latter, perhaps permanently. We +were very sorry to see all these leave at once, even +for a few months, and especially David, whose assistance +in the language and in interpretation was +greatly needed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus303a.png" width="600" height="407" alt="Making Brick at Macha." title="Making Brick at Macha." /> +<span class="caption">Making Brick at Macha.</span> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a> +<img src="images/illus303b.png" width="600" height="424" alt="Brick Kiln. Mr. Jesse Wenger and Helpers." title="Brick Kiln." /> +<span class="caption">Brick Kiln. Mr. Jesse Wenger and Helpers.</span> +</div> + +<p>The Brethren Taylor and Wenger, with the assistance +of the schoolboys and some other natives, +moulded and burnt a large kiln of brick. Brother +Taylor attended to the moulding and Brother +Wenger to building the kiln. This gave the boys +training in another line of industrial work, and at +the end of about six weeks a lot of excellent brick +were ready for building. Unfortunately there was +no money on hand to build a house, for the Board +had not been informed of our needs in this respect, +since brickmaking had been undertaken rather suddenly. +It was therefore necessary to postpone +building a house until the next dry season. Brother +Wenger, however, erected two small brick buildings, +with thatched roofs. One was for grinding and storing +grain, and the other a two-roomed cottage. In +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span>the latter a room was fitted up for the occupancy of +himself and wife, so that we were prepared for another +rainy season.</p> + +<p>One thing which was a serious handicap in the +building and work that season was the condition of +the oxen. After our return from Nanzela, in May, +the oxen gave no indication of being bitten by the +tsetse fly. Nearly a month later they were driven +to Kalomo, a distance of about forty-five miles, and +brought out a heavy load of goods on the arrival of +our colaborers. They were also made use of in +hauling sand for brickmaking; and in July, when +Brother Steigerwalds returned home, they were +again driven to the station. This time they made +use of a new road and went east to Choma Station, +a distance of only about thirty-six miles. By this +time the oxen were showing signs of being bitten, +and as there was no cure for them, they gradually +became weaker and died, one by one, until we had +lost nine, the last ones not dying until about six +months after they were bitten. The fly injects a +parasite into the blood, which gradually absorbs the +red corpuscles, hence the lingering death.</p> + +<p>It was a serious loss to the mission at the time, as +they had been in use almost constantly in farming, +hauling, and bringing out supplies. In the Syracuse +plow it was necessary to use all ten of the oxen in +this heavy clay soil, and also in hauling the wagon.</p> + +<p>We still had a few, but there was not +sufficient money on hand to purchase others at +once. With eight ill-matched oxen, Brother Taylor +undertook to go to Choma in November for the +purpose of bringing out a six months' supply of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> +goods and provisions, which had been sent up from +Bulawayo. He took along five of the largest schoolboys +to assist in carrying the goods across the +bridgeless rivers. To add to the difficulty of the +trip, grass was scarce at that season of the year, +so that there was little food for the oxen. A little +rain also fell while he was away and made the road +muddy.</p> + +<p>On returning with the load he was able to get +within twelve miles of home when the oxen could +go no farther. He sent four of the boys each with a +load of goods to the mission, and a call for help. +Several native men and about twenty schoolboys +were sent to his assistance, and after they reached +the wagon, Brother Taylor concluded to endeavor +to come a little nearer home before resting for the +night. Each of the natives carried a load, and he +himself carried one hundred pounds of flour and +drove the oxen. They came about two and one-half +miles farther and then camped for the night. A +fire was kindled, but as the night was dark and +misty the fire burned low. The boys lay around +this and Brother Taylor on the open wagon. He +was aroused several times during the night by a +disturbance among the oxen. Thinking it was +caused by one of the new oxen which had given him +some trouble, he arose at three different times during +the latter part of the night to quiet them, but +the darkness was too great for him to see what was +the trouble. The last time it was dawning a little +in the east, and he thought he discerned the form +of an animal moving toward an ant hill in the +vicinity. The boys were aroused and soon had a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span> +fire; and as the morning came they discovered by +the spoors that two lions had passed along within +a few feet of where the boys lay and had gored one +of the oxen during the night. These were what +Brother Taylor had been trying to chase. The +reader can imagine the thankfulness of all of them, +as well as of ourselves, when it was discovered how +wonderfully the Lord had preserved them all from +harm. We rejoiced when the goods as well as +Brother Taylor and the boys were all safely at +home, but the heavy wagon had to remain for a +time on the veldt before it could be brought to the +mission.</p> + +<p>When the news of the misfortune to the oxen +reached America the Lord inspired some of His +children to send special donations for the purchase +of others, and even before an account of the trouble +had reached there some had heard of the need by +way of the Throne and had sent money.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIPART2" id="CHAPTER_VIPART2">CHAPTER SIX</a></h2> + +<h3>Evangelistic and Other Labors</h3> + + +<p>During this dry season the spiritual part of +the work, together with school and kraal-visiting, +was not neglected, even though +most of those who could speak the language were +away.</p> + +<p>There were thirty-two boys in school, and they +were doing good work. A translation of the Gospel +of St. Mark had been printed by Rev. Smith, and +an Ila hymn book by Rev. Chapman, of the same +mission, and these were both very useful in our +work. After our boys had finished the Ila books, +we concluded to allow them to continue the Scriptures +in the Zulu Testament, as it is always easier +for the natives to pass from one native language +into another than from English into their language. +We found later that this use of the Zulu Testament +proved very satisfactory, both to ourselves and the +boys. Since we were familiar with that language, +and they readily acquired it, their knowledge was +of great assistance to us in translating portions of +the Scripture into their tongue, and they were soon +capable of interpreting for Elder Steigerwald and +others who came to us from Southern Rhodesia. +Here, as at Matopo, every day and all the day were +the Scriptures studied and Christ held up, and +morning, noon, and night we met in worship and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> +explanation of the Bible. The great aim, both in +school and out, was to produce sincere and ripe +Christians, who should become teachers and evangelists +of their people.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus308.png" width="600" height="394" alt="Macha Mission Dwelling House." title="Macha Mission Dwelling House." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Mission Dwelling House.</span> +</div> + +<p>Other studies were gradually introduced. Arithmetic +seems to be always a difficult study for most +of them, but some of them compared very favorably +in that branch with others whom we had instructed. +They had their own peculiar way at first of announcing +whether their problems were correct or +not. If they were correct the pupils would answer +"<i>Wa pona</i>" (it is alive), and if incorrect they +would say "<i>Wa fwa</i>" (it is dead). Although they +sat side by side in the schoolroom and could easily +look on the slates of their neighbors, they were +generally very honest and independent in their work +and did not attempt to copy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p> + +<p>English also was introduced after they could +read understandingly their own language. The +opportunity of learning English is a privilege which +all natives covet, as it seems to be more important +in their eyes and more European. In some respects +this <i>importance</i> is one of the objectionable features +about teaching it. Then too the native often is dull +in learning it, but we need interpreters, and the +value intellectually of this and arithmetic and kindred +studies is not to be despised. English often +aids the native in securing better positions with +better pay when he goes to work among the Europeans; +for go, at least for a while, he will. Some +Europeans prefer natives who can speak and understand +a little English. On the other hand, some +white men, who have themselves a little knowledge +of the native tongue, prefer, for their own purpose, +that natives do not understand English. They +want the native to understand only enough to go +at their bidding and "keep his place," which is +somewhat similar in their eyes with the lower order +of animals. This class is forever a foe to the missionary +and to the education and christianization of +the natives. If one who has to some extent been +educated, goes out into the centers of civilization +and there, swallowed in the maelstrom of vice +which surrounds him, imitates his new white teachers, +they will point to him and say, "Yes, there is +one of your mission boys. That is what missionary +work does." Many a well-meaning native, who +was making a fair progress toward Christian life, +can trace his downfall to such teachers. If that +class of Europeans would remain at the centers of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> +civilization, it would still be more tolerable for the +missionary, but often the towns are too moral for +them, and they seek to go into the region of raw +natives. As one glibly remarked, "When it becomes +too civilized for me here, I'll go farther inland."</p> + +<p>Mr. Naylor, who has had an opportunity of +studying at first hand the work all over Africa, +says, "In Africa conscienceless trade, social vice, +race hatred, and religious intolerance have freer +scope because so far removed from the restraining +influence of Christian public sentiment."</p> + +<p>This seeming digression from the subject can be +excused only on the ground that it is one of the +most difficult and perplexing problems the missionary +has to face, and every one coming into the +country in such a capacity is certain to meet it in +one form or another. We are pleased to add, however, +that the missionary also finds Europeans who +are generous and helpful and favorable to the work; +and the number of this class is increasing, as the +aim of the missionary and the results of his efforts +are more clearly understood.</p> + +<p>The attendance at church services was constantly +increasing, and those present on Sunday sometimes +reached 140 in number. Kraal-visiting also +was carried on as opportunity afforded. Before +Sister Engle left we had made a visit to Mianda, +the home of Tom and Jim and of several other of +our boys. This was about seven miles from Macha +and too far for some of the older people to walk to +services. As the boys were still with us, those in +the kraal had not yet received any light. They appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> +to be much pleased to see us, but when we +attempted to point them to the Savior they seemed +so dark and so unable to grasp spiritual things. +This was especially true of Tom's mother, who sat +in a little dark hut and was afflicted with a very +sore eye. She had such a hopeless expression on +her face, that the picture haunted us for many days +afterwards.</p> + +<p>When Tom, who had accepted the Light as far as +he knew, had been at the mission fifteen months, +he desired to return home, and did so. A few +months after he had returned to his home, one +day, in company with two of the schoolboys, I +went about four miles from the mission to visit +some of the people. Quite unexpectedly we came +upon Tom's mother in one of the huts. She was +there visiting some of her friends. As usual, I +began telling her of Jesus, and her face brightened +immediately as she exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes! Siwesi [Tom] told me that. He said +we should not worship the spirits any more; we +should only worship God above [pointing upward]. +He reads from his Book and sings and prays. I +enjoy hearing of those things." This woman had +never been at the mission, and this was the first +indication, apart from the boys staying with us, +that we had of Light entering the home. Her eagerness +and evident sincerity showed plainly that she +believed and was accepting the truth, and that the +Light was coming through one of the schoolboys. +The contrast between this picture and the first sight +of this woman was so marked, and the joy of realizing +that a ray of Light was entering one home at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span> +least, was so great, that as I retraced my steps +homeward I kept saying to myself, "It pays, it +pays."</p> + +<p>Brother Taylor felt especially called to spend his +time in evangelistic work among the villages, and +whenever he could snatch time from other duties +pressing upon him he went out among the people, +and in this manner a number of villages were visited.</p> + +<p>Many of the people at this time were destitute +of food, as the previous season had not produced +good crops. Many of them were living on fruits, +roots, and plants, and much sickness was the result. +With our large family, and only a moderate +supply of grain, we were unable to give them much +assistance, but we did what we could. Had they +been willing to bring their small children to us we +would have cared for them until other food was +grown. One mother did bring her little boy, Halikumba, +who was four or five years of age and nearly +starved. He enjoyed his new home so much, and +the abundance of food it supplied, that he would +run and hide if he saw his mother come for fear +she would take him away. He was such a little +mite of humanity that we were afraid of placing +him in the huts with the other boys, and for a time +cared for him in the house.</p> + +<p>David returned to Macha in January, 1909, ready +to enter again with enthusiasm into the work, and +Brother Taylor concluded that the way was now +opened for him to spend additional time in evangelistic +labor, so he decided to take several boys +and spend some time among the Baila north of us.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> +This is a bold and warlike tribe, living in large +villages, and much addicted to drink, dancing, and +carousals. Rows, and even murders, are not infrequent +among them, and it required some courage +to venture into their territory. The Lord gave the +Brother open doors, however, and some attentive +listeners, and we believe seed was sown that will +bear fruit in eternity.</p> + +<p>He had some difficulties to encounter, which were +not so pleasant. It is a low, flat country; and as +he was there in the midst of the rainy season, heavy +rains flooded the country on all sides, so that he +was frequently obliged to wade the water in going +from one village to another. After two months of +arduous labor, his health gave way and he was +carried back sick to the mission. It required some +time before he fully recovered from the exposure +and hardships of the trip.</p> + +<p>These experiences are not pleasant, but they are +incidental to the country, and every missionary +feels that he should be ready at all times to endure +for Christ's sake and the salvation of souls what +men are going through every day for money or a +home.</p> + +<p>Brother Wenger also had been suffering greatly +in health while at the mission, both from nervous +disorders and from fever. Notwithstanding this, he +decided to begin building a house, since the rains +were about over and funds had been received for +this purpose. David also was ready to help in the +work. With the assistance of the boys they brought +together stones and began the foundation. Near +the mission there were very few building stones,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> +but this need had been supplied in a rather unexpected +manner. The brethren had undertaken to +dig a well the previous season, but on coming into +contact with a great deal of stone, which necessitated +blasting, they went down only forty-five feet +and finally concluded the task was useless. The +only beneficial result of their labors was the stones +which had been taken out of the well, and which +furnished a large part of the material for the foundation +of the house.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus314.png" width="500" height="253" alt="Eld. Steigerwald and Mr. Doner with Carriers +on Their Trip North of Macha." title="With Carriers +on Their Trip North" /> +<span class="caption">Eld. Steigerwald and Mr. Doner with Carriers +on Their Trip North of Macha.</span> +</div> + +<p>Brother Wenger laid the foundation of a house +41 x 16 feet, with a wing 18 x 10 feet, and began +work on the brick. Unfortunately, while this was +in progress, his health gave way repeatedly, and he +and Sister Wenger concluded that it was advisable +for them to leave for Bulawayo and finally for +America, and David continued to work at the house. +Brother Taylor had sufficiently recovered from his +illness by this time to be able to take the Wengers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> +to the station. He then waited there a few days +for the train from the south, and brought back with +him Elder Steigerwald, Mr. Doner, Miss Engle, and +Gomo, all of whom we were expecting.</p> + +<p>He was absent from the mission eight days, and +during that time I had an attack of fever and was +obliged to be in bed for a week. This was my first +attack, and as it was quite severe, it enabled me to +sympathize better with those who had been sick +so much. We were very glad to welcome Sister +Engle and the rest back to work. The two brethren +from Bulawayo were on a tour of exploration north, +but they generously decided to stay and assist +Brother Taylor to finish the brick work of the new +house. This timely assistance was greatly appreciated +by us all, and that part of the building was +completed in two weeks, after which they proceeded +north.</p> + +<p>The special object of their trip was to look at a +location north of the Kafue River, where a missionary +had died not long before. This missionary had +started a work in this unhealthy region, and his life +had paid the penalty. Some friends of his, notably +Mrs. Lewis, of Cape Town, had desired our people +to examine the place, and, if thought advisable, to +continue the work, and Brother Doner was willing +to do this if they concluded that the opening was a +good one.</p> + +<p>They made the journey on foot, accompanied by +Matshuba and native carriers from the vicinity of +Macha. They passed through the very heart of +the territory occupied by the wild Baila, and visited +the new station at Kasenga, which had just been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> +opened by Rev. Smith. He and his heroic wife had +started this station in the heart of the Baila country +and in an unhealthful locality, not considering +their lives dear unto themselves, only that they +might take the Gospel to these people and continue +the translation of the New Testament, which +Mr. Smith had already begun.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 507px;"> +<img src="images/illus316.png" width="507" height="274" alt="Crossing the Kafue River in a Native Dugout." title="Crossing the Kafue River." /> +<span class="caption">Crossing the Kafue River in a Native Dugout.</span> +</div> + +<p>Near this place the brethren crossed the broad +Kafue River and proceeded in a northwesternly direction +toward the railroad. They found the mission +station and the place where the missionary had +died, and heard some of the children sing a hymn +which the missionary had taught them. They were +not very well satisfied, however, with the location, +and returned to Macha by a different route. They +traveled on foot a distance of perhaps 250 miles, +and were absent from Macha a month. They could +not understand the language and had some trying +experiences from wild animals and wilder men, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> +the Lord graciously preserved them from all harm. +They then returned to Bulawayo to continue their +labors.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Brother Taylor, with the aid of +the native brethren, was progressing very satisfactorily +with the house. It contained four fair-sized +rooms and a pantry, and had a broad veranda +on three sides to protect the walls from deterioration +by sun and rain. These walls were twelve feet +high, with a drop-ceiling of muslin two feet below +the eaves, to serve as a protection from the fierce +rays of the sun and to furnish an air chamber. On +top of the foundation and underneath the brick walls +were placed strips of zinc, soldered together, to +prevent the white ants from forcing their way +through into the walls and thence onto the timbers +of the roof. The floors were of earth, pounded hard +and well tarred to keep out the ants. The large +glass windows were quite a relief from the small +holes in the old house. Later the windows and the +greater part of the veranda were screened. The +house was in every way most satisfactory, except +that it was not quite proof against the white ants. +Cement floors and steel ceilings would have been +preferable, but the cost was prohibitive.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317"></a> +<img src="images/illus318.png" width="600" height="346" alt="Batonga Chiefs and Headmen." title="Batonga Chiefs and Headmen." /> +<span class="caption">Batonga Chiefs and Headmen.</span> +</div> + +<p>Sister Engle's return gave us an opportunity of +continuing the kraal-visiting, and we made use of +it in gaining an entrance into other homes. At Kabanzi +village, about nine miles away, services had +been held more or less regularly ever since the +establishment of the mission, and Sister Engle and +I decided to take the tent and spend a week at this +place and hold some Gospel services. Gomo and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> +number of the boys accompanied us and built a hut +for the use of those coming here to conduct services. +This week spent among the people was a +most delightful one, and beneficial physically, especially +to myself, since I was feeling the effects of +my three years' stay in this climate. The people +attended the services well, and seemed greatly interested +as they sat around the campfire and listened +to the Message.</p> + +<p>In other homes too there was beginning to be a +change, for the girls were coming out of their seclusion +and listening to the old, old Story, and some +were even venturing to the mission on Sunday. +Some of the older people also appeared interested, +and made a show at least of desiring to be Christians.</p> + +<p>This does not imply that the kraals around us +were fast accepting the Gospel as a result of the +three years' labor among them. No, the devil was +plying his trade at our very doors. Almost nightly +one could hear the tomtoms beaten in connection +with their worship, or as an accompaniment in their +immoral dances; for none of their worship was +omitted by the older ones, at least in their homes. +The missionary work was just begun, and perhaps +none of the present workers would live to see the +day when these things would cease in the villages. +The false religions and customs which have been +so deeply imbedded for centuries would require +patient, consecrated labor for years, and even generations, +to uproot. One must be willing to go on, +day by day, although he may see little or no fruit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> +of his labors, knowing that the Great Husbandman +will care for the seed sown.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus320.png" width="500" height="394" alt="First Baptismal Scene at Macha. Native +Congregation Not Visible." title="First Baptismal Scene at Macha." /> +<span class="caption">First Baptismal Scene at Macha. Native +Congregation Not Visible.</span> +</div> + +<p>The work thus far, however, had not been without +its visible fruits, as the stability of some of our +boys gave ample testimony. The number staying +at the mission had now grown to forty. These were +some of the called-out ones from the various kraals +about us. Each had sent its quota, and although +some had come and gone, the great majority stayed +on from year to year. As the Light came to them +they came and confessed their sins, forsook their +old life and accepted Christ as their Savior, showing +by their lives that they were His. Some of +these were about grown; others were still quite +young, but we hoped to see the day when some of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> +them would become teachers and evangelists of +their people.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus321.png" width="500" height="386" alt="Wedding Dinner at Macha." title="Wedding Dinner at Macha." /> +<span class="caption">Wedding Dinner at Macha.</span> +</div> + +<p>Word had been received that Elders J. N. Engle +and J. Sheets were to be sent out by the Mission +Board to visit the various stations and report on +the progress of the work. In November, 1909, just +after we had moved into the new house, they, together +with Elder Steigerwald, came to pay us the +long-looked-for visit. Their visit was greatly enjoyed +and we believe was a blessing to the work of +the Lord. To Brother Sheets the boys gave the +name "Happy," no doubt because he frequently +used the word and also showed it in his manner. +Two important events occurred during their stay, +which deserve special mention.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p> + +<p>The first was the marriage, on November 4, of +Mr. Taylor and Miss Adda Engle. The natives +were invited to this ceremony, and about 350 accepted +the invitation. Several chiefs came with +their people and arranged themselves in groups, +eager to see what a Christian wedding was like. +The marriage ceremony was performed by Bishop +Engle, who was a son of the first bishop to Matopo +Mission, and also a cousin of the bride. Bishop +Steigerwald delivered an excellent and instructive +discourse to the natives on the importance of the +occasion and the tenets of Christian marriage. This +was interpreted into the vernacular by David and +was listened to most attentively by the natives present. +It was their first opportunity of learning this +phase of Christianity, and it was an important event +from a missionary standpoint. Christian marriage +and the principles it stands for generally require a +long time for inculcation into the hearts and lives +of at least the older natives, but many of the younger +ones very readily accept it, as the many Christian +marriages performed at our older stations testify.</p> + +<p>At the close of the ceremony, and after the missionaries +and boys had offered their congratulations, +the rest of the natives congratulated in their own +way, which was by the clapping of hands. Some +also began cheering with the mouth, but this demonstration +was checked. Brother Taylor had arranged +to give them a feast of beef and porridge, +and this they greatly enjoyed, as it is to some the +great aim of life; namely, to have plenty to eat.</p> + +<p>The second important event was the occasion of +the first baptism at Macha, in which ten of our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span> +boys were baptized by Brother Steigerwald in the +Macha River, and received into Church fellowship, +thus showing to their heathen neighbors that they +had forsaken their old lives. A beautiful feature +of this was that some of the parents and older ones +met them as they came out of the water and seemed +to rejoice with them in their new life. There were +others who were eager to take the step, but it was +thought they had not yet sufficiently counted the +cost.</p> + +<p>We then had the privilege of surrounding the +table of the Lord together with these who had been +so lately snatched from heathen darkness. These +were the first fruits of Macha and reminded one of +Professor Drummond's experience in Nyassaland. +He says: "I cherish no more sacred memory of +my life than that of a communion service in the +little Bandawe Church, when the sacramental cup +was handed to me by the bare black arm of a native +communicant—a communicant whose life, tested +afterwards in many an hour of trial with me on the +Tanganyika Plateau, gave him perhaps a better +right to be there than any of us."</p> + +<p>The missionary too is often made to feel, as he +sees some of these humble, black followers of the +Lord, and thinks how far they have come, and how +steadfast the lives of many of them prove to be, +that He Who sees and tests all hearts may, with +Mr. Drummond, conclude that they have a better +right to sit around the table of the Lord than any +of us.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIPART2" id="CHAPTER_VIIPART2">CHAPTER SEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Other Missionary Experiences</h3> + + +<p>The experiences of a missionary are so many +and so diverse that nothing should surprise +him. To give these experiences, with too +distinct a line of demarcation, would not place the +work in its proper setting, for they often come piling +one upon the other and cannot be separated.</p> + +<p>I had now been north of the Zambezi nearly three +and one-half years, and was in need of a change, so +when the delegation from America left I also went +along to the station. Brother and Sister Taylor accompanied +us to Choma Station on a little wedding +trip, and then returned to carry on the work at +Macha, while David took charge of the school. +Elders Engle and Steigerwald went north on an +exploring trip as far as Broken Hill. Brother +Sheets went to Bulawayo and I to Natal.</p> + +<p>On the way south an accident occurred which +was quite unusual, even for this animal-ridden +country. After the train had passed the Zambezi +River and Wankie Coal Fields, in the evening about +eight o'clock there was a lunge in the train and a +lady in the same compartment with myself exclaimed, +"There must be an accident of some kind." +The train soon came to a sudden stop, and it was +evident that something had happened. People began +running about in the darkness, a large bonfire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> +was soon built near the front of the train, a bulky +form was visible, and word came back that we had +struck an elephant. Great excitement prevailed. +Gomo also was on the train, returning to his home, +and he came back to our compartment and said, +"Come and see the elephant. I'll take care of you."</p> + +<p>I went forward with him and found a huge elephant +lying beside the train. Its two hind feet were +crushed, as the engine, tender, and service car had +passed over them; otherwise it was unhurt, and at +times made violent efforts to stand upon its front +feet. At such times the crowd of people would +suddenly take flight, to be out of harm's way, and a +box-car near by was in danger of being demolished. +No one on the train was supplied with a large rifle, +suitable for elephant hunting, but small ones kept +up a lively fire, until perhaps three dozen were +emptied into the huge bulk before it succumbed.</p> + +<p>The engine had been derailed by the violence of +the shock, and it would require some time before +we could proceed. Judging from the spoor it was +evident that the elephant was one of those large +ones that roam the forests alone, and it had run +quite a distance on the track before the engine +struck it. It was an immense animal, and the large +ears resembled a cape lying back over the shoulders.</p> + +<p>There were a number of natives on the train, who +were going down to work in the mines about Bulawayo, +and they wished to begin at once on the feast +of meat before them, but the authorities thought it +best to put them at working the large jacks used in +moving the engine back on the rails. All night long +bright fires of logs were kept burning to light up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> +the scene and work. The engine finally was in +place, and the natives eagerly hastened to cut out +large pieces of elephant meat and to roast it over +the great beds of coal left from the campfires of +the night. Soon, however, the train began to move, +just twelve hours from the time of stopping, and +the natives, with their raw or half-cooked meat, hastened +to enter their car, and we moved on, having +had a share in one of the most exciting railroad +trips of the season. The tusks of this elephant finally +found their way into the Bulawayo Museum.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus326.png" width="500" height="386" alt="The Elephant That Derailed the Train." title="The Elephant That Derailed the Train." /> +<span class="caption">The Elephant That Derailed the Train.</span> +</div> + +<p>The tusks of the African elephant often are quite +large and heavy. I once saw in a European home +three pairs of tusks from elephants lately killed by +a young farmer. Of one pair of tusks each was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> +five feet long, eighteen inches in diameter; one +weighed one hundred pounds and the other five +pounds less. We are informed, however, that some +have tusks still much larger than these.</p> + +<p>It is unnecessary to give the details of this, our +second trip south to Natal and Johannesburg, and +my visit to our mission stations in the Matopos have +already been mentioned. I was absent six months +and felt thoroughly rested and ready for the work +again. On my return to Bulawayo, however, I +learned the sad news that the native who had come +south on the train at the same time as myself had, +since he was at home, fallen into sin. We were all +deeply grieved over this, and he confessed and +wept over his condition, but appeared discouraged +and unable to take hold of the Lord by faith for +pardon and cleansing. There were several others in +his home who had once confessed Christ and had +backslidden, and they no doubt had their influence +over him. The Lord is still able to redeem him, +and may he have our prayers. Such are some of +the heavy burdens the missionaries have to bear.</p> + +<p>On my return in June, 1910, Misses Mary Heisey +and Elizabeth Engle accompanied me to Macha to +pay a visit to that place. Brother Taylor met us at +the station and conveyed us to the mission, where +we were greeted by a crowd of boys and five girls, +who had joined the mission family, with the clapping +of hands and the firing of a rifle. We rejoiced +that we could again return to our field of labor.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327"></a> +<img src="images/illus328.png" width="600" height="340" alt="Macha Mission School, Boarders, 1910." title="Macha Mission School, Boarders, 1910." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Mission School, Boarders, 1910.</span> +</div> + +<p>In the new house and improved surroundings every +one had been well and the work had been moving +forward in all its departments under the efficient<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span> +management of Brother and Sister Taylor. +Not only had these girls come to stay at the mission, +but David had prevailed upon a number to attend +day-school, at least part of the time. Sister Taylor, +in addition to her many other duties, had formed all +these girls into a sewing-class and was endeavoring +to teach them to make garments for themselves. +This was the first opportunity that had been given +of instructing girls in sewing, and she had made +remarkable progress also in instructing them in +their work about the house.</p> + +<p>Naturally they do not know what cleanliness is, +either about their person or in their homes. They +seldom wash, they go half-clad, and smear their +bodies with paint and grease, and often let the dogs +lick clean the few dishes or pots which they possess. +If their hands are wet or dirty, the posts of the +veranda, blocks of wood, or floors are used as towels +to wipe on. They see no reason for continually +washing a lot of dishes, sweeping floors, and keeping +the house in order; and they open their eyes in +astonishment to see white sheets and tablecloths +put into the water to be washed. The few articles +of clothing to be seen in their homes are generally +so thickly coated with grease and dirt as often to +render it impossible to distinguish the color. Many +times they do not have any soap, and even if they +do have, they object to washing their clothing for +fear it will wear out. And yet these young girls, +reared in such homes had, in these few months, +made rapid progress and were becoming quite proficient +in assisting with some of the work of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> +kitchen. Sister Taylor's great patience in teaching +them was bearing fruit.</p> + +<p>Brother Taylor had, in connection with his other +duties, made a large galvanized iron tank to hold +rain water. This was large enough for 1,700 gallons +of water, and was greatly needed, as the river +water which we were obliged to use was very muddy +part of the year. He had always maintained that +he was no mechanic, but another missionary, Rev. +Kerswell, who had had experience in mechanical +work, said on seeing this tank, "Mr. Taylor, you +say that you are no mechanic; but if you made this, +you are one; for no one but a mechanic could perform +such a piece of work."</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330"></a> +<img src="images/illus331.png" width="600" height="352" alt="Macha Wagon and Oxen Near an Ant Hill." title="Macha Wagon and Oxen" /> +<span class="caption">Macha Wagon and Oxen Near an Ant Hill.</span> +</div> + +<p>While the sisters were with us Brother Taylor +and wife arranged to take them on a trip north, so +that they might have an opportunity of seeing something +of the country and the natives. For this purpose +the wagon was again fitted up with the tent +and camping outfit and the ten oxen inspanned. A +number of the schoolboys were permitted to accompany +them for a holiday, but the regular driver for +the wagon did not go along. They spent some time +at the two large villages of Kabanzi and Simeoba, +holding services and conversing with the natives, +and then proceeded toward a village farther north. +The grass was long, the road new, and darkness +was coming on when they approached the village. +As frequently happens near a village, there was a +large opening in the ground from which clay had +been taken to plaster the huts. This was partly +hidden by the long grass, and had not been noticed +in the gathering darkness. Brother Taylor had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> +gone in advance to look out a place for camping, +and some of the boys were driving. The wheels of +one side of the wagon went down suddenly into the +excavation and the wagon was overturned, the tent +being under the heavy wagon. The accident might +have been very serious for the women, but fortunately +there were two large boxes in the wagon and +these prevented the weight of the wagon from resting +on them and they escaped without any serious +injury, but the tent was of course ruined. Brother +Taylor said that, as he hastened to the wagon, he +heard a boy on the rear end of the wagon yelling +lustily; so he felt satisfied that that one was not +dead, and he turned his first attention to those who +were making no noise.</p> + +<p>When the sisters returned to their fields of labor, +David again returned home, this time to be married +and bring back a wife from Mapani Station.</p> + +<p>The spiritual condition of the pupils continued +excellent. There was a spirit of inquiry among +them and a searching after God at times, as the Spirit +was poured out upon them. Some prayed through +to victory and a definite knowledge of sins forgiven. +Those who had been with us longer were instrumental +in bringing the newer ones to seek pardon. +The spirit among them was such that any one who +did not care to be a Christian generally did not remain +long at the mission. At this time also we were +favored with special donations and enabled to equip +the school better and give more attention toward +the training of teachers.</p> + +<p>It will be remembered that one of the special +needs was a translation of the Scriptures into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> +language of the people. The books already in use, +prepared by Rev. Smith, were in the Ila language. +This was sufficiently allied to the Tonga for use at +Macha; and it is always an advantage in the mission +field to unify the languages as much as possible, so +as to reduce rather than increase the number of +languages.</p> + +<p>St. Mark was already in print, and Mr. Smith, +together with some of his colleagues, was putting +forth great efforts to translate the entire New Testament +into Ila. At their urgent request I consented to +be on the revision committee, for they desired to +make the translation as intelligible as possible to the +Batonga, so that it could be used all over Northwestern +Rhodesia, with the exception of among the +Barotse, where the Suto language was in use. Matthew +was soon in print, and the entire New Testament +is at present in the hands of the publishers. +The translators deserve much praise for their laborious +task and the creditable manner in which they +have performed the much-needed translation. The +Word cannot be properly disseminated among the +people unless the pupils have it in their own language +as they go out among the villages to teach.</p> + +<p>Placing native teachers in their homes seems to +be the best method of reaching the majority of the +people, and especially the girls; and some of the +pupils were sufficiently advanced to begin teaching, +yet they were somewhat young to go out into their +dark, dark homes and stand alone for God. Notwithstanding +this, before the end of 1910 several +schools were opened in the nearest villages, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> +teachers boarded at the mission and went back and +forth to teach.</p> + +<p>On Christmas week of this year a sad and unfortunate +affair occurred, which threw a gloom over +the community. My readers will remember the +Chief Macha, who sent a goat the first Christmas, +and who was the first to bring his little boy as a +pupil in school. To all appearances he was a friend +of the work from the beginning, and he was nearly +always to be found in his place at the services on +Sunday. He had even expressed a desire several +times to be a Christian. We knew his life had not +changed, but he had evidently lost faith in some +of the old pagan beliefs, and his influence was worth +much. He was a man of importance in the neighborhood +and the owner of a herd of cattle, which +was quite large from a native standpoint.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334"></a> +<img src="images/illus335.png" width="600" height="351" alt="Simeboa's Village, Viewing the Strangers, Misses E. Engle and Mary Helsey." title="Simeboa's Village, Viewing the Strangers," /> +<span class="caption">Simeboa's Village, Viewing the Strangers, Misses E. Engle and Mary Helsey.</span> +</div> + +<p>On the day before Christmas word came that he +had gone to the hills and could not be found; again +that he was found dead, killed by a lion. His son +at once went home, and I, together with some of +the girls, soon followed. On the way to the village +we met a native woman, who informed us that he +was already buried, and on our arrival at the place +we found that those who buried him had gone to +the river to wash. While we were sitting there +several of the people came to speak to us, and we noticed +that some of the men spoke together in a low +tone. Their answers to some of our questions were +somewhat vague; but as there was no suspicion of +foul play, we thought no more of the matter and +asked no further questions.</p> + +<p>After the people returned from the river, the wailing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[335]</a></span> +began by about thirty or thirty-five men walking +back and forth; brandishing their assegais and +guns and crying "<i>Mawe!</i>" At the same time the +women stood about the grave, wailing and calling +upon the dead. The sight was somewhat fearful +and might have alarmed a stranger, but since the +majority of these were from the adjacent kraals and +were acquainted with us we feared no violence. In +the evening Brother Taylor and the boys went over +to show their sympathy, and the next day services +were held there. All this time nothing further was +learned except that the chief was killed by a lion. +The English official from Kalomo, who, with his +messengers, happened to be in the neighborhood at +the time, received the same version of the cause of +the death as we did. According to native custom, +the brother of the deceased assumed his title and +appropriated his cattle, and the affair, as far as it +concerned ourselves, was dropped.</p> + +<p>About three weeks later Lupata, another chief, +who lived near, together with one of his men, and +Kaiba, a nephew of the deceased, came to inform us +that Macha had been murdered. They said that he +had been murdered while out on the veldt, and an +attempt made to hide the body. A number of natives +went to search for him, Lupata among the +number, and when they discovered the body they +saw at once that a murder had been committed. The +brother of the murdered man enjoined the rest to +secrecy and promised to give Lupata some cattle if +he would not tell the missionaries or officials of the +crime. Lupata, although very fond of cattle, of +which he had only a few, did not jump at the bribe.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[336]</a></span> +He said that he and Kaiba desired to inform me on +the day of the funeral that the chief had been murdered, +but the brother said, "Do not talk about it to +the white people," and they had been silent for fear +of offending him; as natives never like to gain the +ill will of their fellows.</p> + +<p>We might have heard nothing further about it, +at least for a time; but the brother was afraid the +crime might leak out, and he still hoped to silence +the affair by giving the other chief some cattle. To +do this he was not willing to take of his own cattle, +which he had taken from the murdered man, but +tried to take those of Kaiba, who was a good, unassuming +native. Kaiba greatly resented this disposition +of his property, and wanted to take the +matter to the magistrate at Kalomo. He and Lupata +came to inform us of the murder and wished +us to inform the magistrate by letter. Lupata said, +"I do not want his cattle and I think you should +write and tell the <i>Mwami</i> [magistrate] of the murder." +Both refused to state who they thought was +the murderer.</p> + +<p>Brother Taylor wrote an explanation of the affair +and Kaiba carried the letter to the magistrate, the +brother and two other natives accompanying. This +was the first intimation the magistrate had of foul +play, and when he put the question to them they +readily acknowledged that the man had been murdered. +The brother, however, who had always been +opposed to everything good, and had a very evil +countenance, showed the cunning of his master; +and he and one of the men accompanying put the +blame on the third. This one acknowledged his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[337]</a></span> +guilt, saying that he and the other had killed the +chief and the brother had sent them. We were informed +later that the brother sent them three times +before they became willing to perform the deed. +Of course all three were put behind the bars.</p> + +<p>It was a case of alleged witchcraft. Several children +had died in the kraal under peculiar circumstances, +and the blame had been laid by the brother, +who was a witch doctor, on the chief. We prefer to +think, from what we know of the two, that the +brother was the guilty one in each instance, and +was desirous of the chief's property and position.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus338.png" width="600" height="297" alt="Sisters Engle Crossing the Tuli River in the Matopo +Hills." title="Sisters Engle Crossing the Tuli River." /> +<span class="caption">Sisters Engle Crossing the Tuli River in the Matopo +Hills.</span> +</div> + +<p>During this rainy season it was thought advisable +for Brother and Sister Taylor to go to Bulawayo +and Matopo Mission for a much-needed rest. +She went in November and he followed in January, +1911. At the same time David returned with his +wife, Mankunku. Mankunku is one of the converts +from Mapani Mission. She is a sincere Christian<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[338]</a></span> +girl, and has proved a great help and blessing among +the women and girls at Macha ever since she came. +These two, with myself, prosecuted the work at +Macha for the next five months alone.</p> + +<p>There were at this time forty-six boys and four +girls staying at the mission, and it was necessary, +not only to teach them in school, but to keep them +profitably employed during work hours and out on +the farm. Quite a fair amount of land was under +cultivation, and Brother Taylor had planted grain, +fruit, and vegetables before he left, the care of which +gave the boys plenty of work to do during the +rainy season. As soon as that was over David made +use of them in getting grass and poles together for +building, and as permanent buildings were to be +erected they tried to secure hardwood rafters.</p> + +<p>Although there were so many boys together, yet +all manifested a nice Christian spirit. They were +not quarrelsome, and they were obedient and faithful +in their work. The chief difficulty with natives +is that they are inclined to keep their eyes fixed on +the missionary too constantly and do not learn to +depend on God for their own spiritual needs. The +missionary, as he realizes the responsibility resting +upon him, often feels like exclaiming, "Who is sufficient +for these things?" to lead all in the right +way. He may rejoice, however, that he can continually +say, "My sufficiency is of God." He must +also by every means in his power get their eyes off +of himself and fix them on God. Otherwise they +will do what is right at the mission and fall when +those props are removed.</p> + +<p>June 16 I wrote somewhat as follows:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[339]</a></span></p> + +<blockquote><p>Last Monday the wagon went to the Myeki River +(about five miles distant) to get some thatching grass +which the boys had cut there the week before. I thought +it an excellent opportunity to visit Semani, who has been +sick for some time and not likely to recover. I took +along three girls and the two six-year-old boys and +thoroughly dismissed from my mind home cares. We +had a delightful ride over and a nice walk back, but best +of all was the visit with Semani. He had accepted Christ +while here at the mission and had often accompanied +David in his kraal-visiting. He became sick, however, +and we seemed unable to help him, so he desired to return +home until he was well. He was always hoping +he would recover and return to us.</p> + +<p>He has pleurisy and is continually growing worse, and +it is evident that the end is not far off. He greeted me +with a smile as I entered, and while we were speaking, +I inquired "Is Jesus here?" The reply, with a bright +smile was, "Yes, He is here." We continued to speak +of the things of the other world and what the Lord has +in store for His children, and through it all he seemed +so ready both to talk and to listen. His old heathen +mother sat there in sort of a dazed wonder to hear us +speaking thus familiarly and without fear of death and +transition. For her sake I then asked him if he were +afraid to die. He quickly replied, "Oh, no, I am not at +all afraid to die; I am ready."</p> + +<p>Later, when we bowed in prayer, he prayed, "I thank +Thee, God, for Thy help and blessing. I have come +through some hard places, but Thou hast given me victory. +And, Jesus, if my time has come and You want to +take me, it is all right. I'll gladly go with You."</p> + +<p>How we could rejoice that here was one who, only +two or three years ago, was a raw heathen boy, now so +happy in the Lord, and so ready to meet Him. If one +soul is worth more than the whole world then our coming +to Macha has not been in vain. His people had been +wanting to "throw bones" and "smell out" the one who, +according to their ideas, had bewitched him, but he steadfastly +refused, for he has no faith in those things.</p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[340]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 285px;"> +<img src="images/illus341.png" width="285" height="500" alt="The Bottle Palm." title="The Bottle Palm." /> +<span class="caption">The Bottle Palm.</span> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[341]</a></span></p> + +<p>Later it was my privilege to again visit him, together +with Mankunku. We had made a trip to a +village beyond, where we remained for the night, +and stopped with Semani, both going and returning. +He was much weaker at this time and it was evident +the end was near, and his friends had gathered +and were ready for the wailing. We found him, +although in great pain and with great difficulty in +breathing, yet rejoicing and happy in the thought +that he was soon going home. He could not lie +down, but was supported in the arms of his mother, +who was doing all in her power to help him bear +his suffering. He was, however, able to take a little +of the nourishment which we brought him. On our +return the day following, he was still weaker. In +the night his friends thought he was dying, when +he suddenly roused and sang "<i>Jesu udi tu fwine</i>" +("Jesus loves me"). These heathen friends in +speaking to one another the next day said, "His +heart is white toward God, and that is the reason he +can sing when dying."</p> + +<p>Before we departed he requested Christian burial, +so we left word for them to inform us at once of +his death. Word came that same evening. Brother +Taylor was at home by this time, and he and +David, together with a number of the schoolboys, +went at once to the burial, although it was night. +They found the body prepared for burial and the +people digging the grave. Brother Taylor said everything +was carried on most quietly until services +were over and the body had been buried; then the +heathen part of the wailing began in earnest. His +brother, while wailing, continued to cry out, "Semani,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[342]</a></span> +where has he gone? He has gone to the +light. Oh! where has he gone?" It was the wail +of gross darkness seeing a faint glimmer of light, +but knowing not how to reach it.</p> + +<p>The deathbed of our friends, surrounded with all +the comforts this life can afford—soft beds, willing, +low-voiced nurses, dainty food, helpful and spiritual +ministrations—is often trying enough; here, however, +was one deprived of all these comforts, with +the exception of the occasional visits of his missionaries, +lying or sitting on the hard floor, with only a +mat for a bed, without even the ordinary decencies +of life, much less its comforts, in a village and home +wholly pagan; and yet he goes, rejoicing in his +Savior's love, carried out of this dark hovel to behold +things "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, +neither have entered into the heart of man the +things which God hath prepared," but He had already +revealed them unto him by His Spirit.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[343]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIIPART2" id="CHAPTER_VIIIPART2">CHAPTER EIGHT</a></h2> + +<h3>Further Improvements and Industrial Work</h3> + + +<p>Industrial work had from the first progressed +very favorably at the mission. The +majority of boys, as they came, stayed on from +year to year and exhibited more tenacity of purpose +than is generally to be found among the natives. +Some of them had assisted in making brick for the +house and in the building; others had learned to +handle the oxen in the wagon and on the farm in +plowing, harrowing, and cultivating, while a number +were engaged in gardening, hoeing, and the +general work of the farm. Even the youngest were +not idle, although their labors did not equal the +expense of their keeping. We were, however, growing +sufficient grain and food to supply our large +family so that they could be kept from year to year +under Christian training without their proving a +heavy burden on the mission financially.</p> + +<p>In June we were pleased to receive Brother and +Sister Taylor back from Bulawayo, and with them +a blessing to the mission in the person of a little +baby, Ruth Taylor. I use the term <i>blessing</i> advisedly, +for this dainty little Ruth was indeed such to all +connected with the work. These people had not +seen a white child, and this one was an ever-increasing +source of wonder and interest to the black faces +around us. They would stand near her noting every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[344]</a></span> +move and commenting on everything they saw. Her +soft white skin and spotless garments soon gave her +a name. "U swezhiwa" ("she is clean or pure") +the girls called her, and thus she undoubtedly +looked by contrast. Her presence often attracted +to the services people, especially the women, who +otherwise would have remained at home; for in the +eyes of some, all other interests paled besides this +mite of humanity, and it warmed their hearts toward +the entire work. When we went to the village she +was again a center of attraction, and when we went +alone the natives would always inquire about U +swezhiwa and her mother. When prayer was offered +by the boys for the missionaries, the child was +never forgotten.</p> + +<p>After Brother Taylor's return the preparation for +building went forward with accelerated speed. This +dry season of 1911 was an unusually busy one at +Macha. A church was greatly needed, for the one +which David had erected four years previously, and +which appeared to be so well-built, was rapidly +showing signs of decay. It was still standing, but +the ants had riddled the roof to such an extent that +some of the timbers were falling, piece by piece, +sometimes to the danger and great annoyance of +those within. On this account we decided that it +was best to vacate it even before the new one was +finished. The boys' huts also were decaying, and +we found it difficult to house the large number of +boys staying at the mission. These thatched roofs +are very heavy, and if some part of the wall becomes +weak the huts may become dangerous to life.</p> + +<p>One evening the boys of one of the huts came to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[345]</a></span> +say that the roof of their hut was breaking. We +told them to take their blankets and clothing and go +into another hut. They did so, and in the morning +their own building was found leveled to the ground. +As we viewed the sudden ruin we breathed a prayer +of thanksgiving that no one was hurt. There had +been about fifteen boys sleeping in that hut, and +had they been inside some would have been killed +or seriously injured. This enabled us to realize how +dangerous huts were when partly eaten, and the +need of better buildings.</p> + +<p>On account of building it was fortunate that there +was such a large number of boys staying at the +mission, and that the majority were large enough to +be of service, so that there was no need of employing +outside labor. Brother Taylor was excellent in +training boys along industrial lines, a quality which +is especially useful and helpful on the mission field, +both in the interests of the work and of the natives +themselves. Some people are glad to use native +helpers when they are trained ready to order, but +they soon become discouraged when time and patience +are required.</p> + +<p>The native learns by doing, and often learns by +his many mistakes. Again, he may be careless and +consider accuracy unnecessary. He is nature's +child, and everything he does for himself is in +curves. His hut is round, his baskets are round, his +paths are meandering, like the stream, for he, like it, +goes in the path of least resistance. Straight lines +and right angles are unintelligible to him, and he +does not readily grasp such things, nor does he easily +learn to make them. Patience, which is always a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[346]</a></span> +virtue, is, in industrial work among the natives, an +absolute necessity. One who will not take time and +teach them will accomplish nothing praiseworthy in +this respect.</p> + +<p>We said the native learns by doing; so he does, +but it is generally by doing not once or twice but +repeatedly. One of my first lessons along this line +was when visiting in the home of an official. The +lady had always lived in South Africa and had been +accustomed to deal with the natives all her life. +Noticing a basket of snowy-white clothes I inquired, +"Who does your washing?"</p> + +<p>She replied, "The boys; I send them to the river +to wash."</p> + +<p>"But how can you teach them to do their work so +well?"</p> + +<p>"If they do not do it properly," she replied, "I +send them back to repeat it until it suits me."</p> + +<p>This is the keynote of the situation. In addition +to showing them how to perform a task, one must +insist on their doing it just as they have been told. +If they become careless or learn with difficulty, one +should not become discouraged and go and finish +the work—for this frequently is easier than to teach +the natives—but should insist on their repeating the +task until it is properly done. Some natives with +very little instruction become experts at certain +kinds of work. And sometimes even raw ones readily +adapt themselves to housework with very little +training. A lady in Bulawayo, who was a very +careful housekeeper, had a native boy as servant, +who was giving excellent satisfaction, yet she supposed +that on her own exertions depended the work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[347]</a></span> +of keeping the rooms in order. Finally he concluded +to leave her service, and she said she did +not know until after he left how much work he had +really done. He had been in the habit, early in the +morning, before his master and mistress arose, of +going over the house, cleaning and polishing mirrors +and furniture.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/illus348.png" width="500" height="365" alt="Macha Mission Church and Boys' House Built +by Mr. Myron Taylor." title="Macha Mission Church and Boys' House." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Mission Church and Boys' House Built +by Mr. Myron Taylor.</span> +</div> + +<p>Another native, whose name has been frequently +mentioned in these pages, was exceedingly cleanly +and careful in his personal appearance. His clothes +were always well washed and mended, and he went +on the principle that a stitch in time saves nine. He +learned to do things by seeing others perform them +and was able to do them well. Although coming +from a raw heathen home he was called an exceptional<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[348]</a></span> +native, even by those who had had long experience +with civilized natives.</p> + +<p>As a rule those who are careful and painstaking +are generally slow, and many who are quick often +do not perform their work properly. Some never +seem to respond to careful teaching, and with others, +many both trying and ludicrous blunders often +occur. In the early days of Macha Mission we had +a half-grown boy, by the name of Hamambile, helping +in the kitchen. He was a good boy and seemed +to be performing his work properly. One day several +of the boys, who had been working on the farm +and had soiled their hands, came into the kitchen. +Hamambile was washing the dishes, so he generously +stepped aside and invited the boys to wash their +hands in the water where the dishes were being +washed, and this they were vigorously doing when +Sister Engle stepped in at the door. Nor did her +presence in the least abash the boys, for they saw +no impropriety in the act.</p> + +<p>Again, during the last year some new girls had +joined the mission family and were being initiated +into the mysteries of housekeeping. They seemed +to learn well and were doing their work properly, +but one day Sister Doner, on looking out of the +window, was shocked to see a girl out in the yard +with the dishpan, washing her feet. She too failed +to see anything out of place in her act when she +was first spoken to. She said she was just making +use of some of the nice soapsuds on the water, for +she thought it was too nice to throw away. It can +easily be seen that one needs to be continually +watchful while teaching some of them. On the other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[349]</a></span> +hand, there is no doubt that the raw native considers +the white man or woman very cranky and +extreme when he insists on cleanliness and order +about the work.</p> + +<p>On account of the great need it was necessary to +build both a church and boys' house in the one dry +season. There was erected a substantial church, +42 x 21 feet, with a wide veranda in front, which +was also partly walled up, and a boys' house, 55 x 16 +feet, of five rooms, with a veranda all along the +front. These were both of burnt brick with thatched +roofs. All the hardwood timber for rafters and +plates, and also the large amount of thatching grass, +were procured by the boys the same season, beginning +in March and April. The bricks too were made +and both buildings were under cover by the 1st of +December. This was all done with the aid of the +school boys under the supervision of Brother Taylor, +assisted by David. Part of the time the work +was in progress during school hours, the boys who +assisted at such times receiving full wages, as they +are all eager to earn a little extra money. During +the month of brickmaking, the boys donated their +time as an offering to the Church.</p> + +<p>After they had made the bricks, Brother Taylor +started on the foundation of the church, and then +trained several of the Batonga boys in bricklaying. +Together with himself and David they laid the walls +of the church, all the larger boys having a share in +some part of the work. The walls of the building +are high, are fourteen inches in thickness and well +laid. When this was completed Brother Taylor left +David, assisted by some of the boys, to put on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[350]</a></span> +thatched roof, which too is an excellent piece of +work, while he turned his attention to the boys' +house. Nearly all the brick work of this building +was done by the boys under his supervision, and at +the same time he was directing some in sawing by +hand and making door and window frames out of +the native hardwood timber. Later some of the +boys were instructed in thatching it.</p> + +<p>When this boys' house, fifty-five feet long, was +completed in January, the only thing in its construction +that had been bought for the purpose was the +zinc under the walls to exclude the ants. The doors +were made of the boards of packing cases in which +a wagon had been sent from America; the thatching +was tied on with strips of animal hides procured +from the natives. The bedsteads were made of poles +procured in the forests and reeds from the river. +These were tied with bark string, and over the top +were placed animal hides also bought from the natives. +Later the rooms were whitewashed and they, +with the long veranda in front, made an excellent +and clean-looking home for the boys. The church +had imported doors and windows, as well as zinc +and thatching twine. Otherwise the material was +almost native.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351"></a> +<img src="images/illus352.png" width="600" height="337" alt="Ruth Taylor and Her Mother. A White Child in the Midst." title="Ruth Taylor and Her Mother." /> +<span class="caption">Ruth Taylor and Her Mother. A White Child in the Midst.</span> +</div> + +<p>It was a creditable year's work and Brother Taylor +deserved much praise for the ability with which +it was all managed and the boys trained. No doubt +some, on reading these lines, might say, "I could +never be a missionary if I had to build like that!" +"Where there is a will there is a way," is just as +applicable on the mission field as elsewhere. It is +surprising what one can accomplish if he is willing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[352]</a></span> +to be used. Every one of the men on the mission +field has done excellent work along these lines, as +the well-built brick houses and churches on the six +mission stations at the present day testify. Some at +first declared that they could not build, but, doubtless, +today they look with surprise and satisfaction +on the work of their own hands. In addition to this +they have every reason to be thankful for the great +amount of missionary work they were able to accomplish +in the building by training and fitting the +boys to a higher plane of living.</p> + +<p>After the buildings were under roof, Brother Taylor, +who had always desired to devote more time to +evangelistic work among the villages, felt that his +way was opened to attend almost exclusively to that +line of work. Previous to this he had held services +at many of the villages, such as Mapanza, Simeoba, +Kabanzi, Kabwe, and at almost all the important +villages near as well as north among the Baila; but +during the year following he went out with his tent +and sometimes spent two, three, and even four +weeks at one place, so that he might have an opportunity +of giving the people a fair conception of the +Gospel. He spent a month at Chungu, near a large +village, over twenty miles from the mission.</p> + +<p>He had visited the place before, but the people +were not eager to listen. At this time he pitched his +tent a short distance from the village and informed +the people that he had come to teach them, and that +those desiring to hear should come to the tent at +such a time as best suited them. About 8 A. M. +every day a fair-sized congregation gathered at the +tent and heard the Gospel expounded to them. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[353]</a></span> +had some very good meetings at that place, and the +people became interested sufficiently to request a +school.</p> + +<p>During the year he found many open doors and +gave the Gospel to a large number of people who +had never heard of a Savior, and there were urgent +calls to start new stations in the needy places. How +one longs to see some one step in at the opportune +time and plant lights in the midst of the darkness!</p> + +<p>While this work was progressing David devoted +his time to finishing the new buildings and overseeing +the boys at work. A dear Christian lady had +sent out money for seats in the new church, and he +began to make them, and accomplished this task +well, and the building was furnished with good, +comfortable seats. Some of the boys, in writing to +their friends who were away at work, said, "We +have nice seats in the church and we do not become +tired when we sit on them a long time." A good +solid floor was also put in, and this was tarred and +sanded.</p> + +<p>In November, 1911, we again had the privilege of +welcoming Elder Steigerwald to Macha. He had +lately returned from a furlough to America, and his +visit was like getting a glimpse of the outside world. +The Mission Board had sent out with him for +Macha a large two-seated spring wagon with canvas +top, something just suited for this country and +climate. It was a most welcome and useful addition +to our outfit. Especially since there are roads all +over the country to the principal villages, this was +helpful in evangelistic work and in visiting the out-schools, +which were on the increase. The old days<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[354]</a></span> +of laborious tramp were more or less in the past, and +a new era seemed ushered in. Brother Steigerwald +put the wagon together and added a long, useful +box in front. Four oxen were then inspanned and +we tested it. It is indeed a most satisfactory and +comfortable conveyance and adds much to the enjoyment +of the work.</p> + +<p>While the bishop was with us eleven more boys +were baptized and received into church fellowship. +The first ten were all standing true, so that our +number had now increased to twenty-one. There +were as yet no girls or women ready for baptism, +but some were beginning to accept Christ as their +Savior.</p> + +<p>As the new church was nearly completed at the +time of his visit, it was thought advisable to dedicate +this also before his return. He gave a most excellent +sermon on the occasion, and we were all +strengthened by his visit among us.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[355]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IXPART2" id="CHAPTER_IXPART2">CHAPTER NINE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Native</h3> + +<blockquote><p>The most interesting thing in Africa is the native himself; +the more I see him and study him the more I respect +him.—Bishop J. C. Hartzell.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>I most heartily voice the sentiment expressed +above. The study of the native is a most interesting +one and worthy of the best minds of the +age. The latent power and ability lying back of +some of those crude exteriors is often marvelous, +and the transformation often wrought by a few +years of careful, sympathetic training far more than +repays for all the labor expended.</p> + +<p>From what has already been given in the preceding +pages, some idea of the native character may +be gleaned, and yet it is impossible to give in such a +book an adequate conception of the nature of the +natives. In fact, the only way to know them is to +live among them, and then one can not be sure that +he has the correct idea. The subject is so many-sided, +so elusive, and above all so changing that it is +doubtful if any one can tell all there might be given.</p> + +<p>This twentieth century has produced three large +volumes on the African native, which, in the estimation +of the general public, seem to occupy a preeminent +position among the many books continually +written. I refer to "Thinking Black," by Daniel +Crawford; "White and Black in South Africa," by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[356]</a></span> +M. S. Evans; and "The Essential Kaffir," by Dudley +Kidd. The first is the work of a missionary who +has spent twenty-two unbroken years in the heart +of the African Continent. The second is the work +of a politician who has studied the native problem +deeply and sympathetically from a governmental +standpoint and has given his opinions and conclusions +in a clear and convincing manner. The third +work might be said to have been written from an +independent standpoint, and is by many Europeans +in South Africa considered the best thing written on +the native. One who has lived long in Africa might +be inclined to differ with any one or all of these +writers in some points, but they are all excellent +and well worthy of careful study.</p> + +<p>I was once speaking with an official who had had +long experience in dealing with native problems, and +whose opinions along these lines were sought after +by others. I asked him, "Wherein do you think lies +the chief difficulty in dealing with the native?" He +replied somewhat as follows:</p> + +<p>"I think it lies in this: that the native so readily +responds to civilization and improvement, that he +comes up to our highest expectation along some +lines; and then we, forgetting the generations of +barbarism back of him, think he should measure up +to our expectations along all lines. When he fails +us at some particular point we become disgusted +and do not give him credit for the advancement he +has made."</p> + +<p>There seems to be much truth in the above statement +and it has often been a help to me in dealing +with natives. There is something else also which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[357]</a></span> +must not be lost sight of, and that is that as much +as possible they should be dealt with as individuals. +Too often the white man thinks the natives are all +made over the same mould, and that the characteristics +of one are the characteristics of all. He will +often not take the trouble to study their individuality, +and perhaps he thinks they do not have any. +This is not surprising. Europeans often visit New +York, remain a short time and then return home, +thinking they know Americans, and can be found +prating of how Americans do. If people come to +such superficial conclusions about such a heterogeneous +mass of humanity as exists in the United +States of America, it is not surprising that one or +two natives in the eyes of many white people stand +as a type of all Africans.</p> + +<p>The writer has had an opportunity of studying +the natives of four or five tribes and has come into +contact in various ways with several other tribes, +yet she feels that her knowledge of the native character +is in many respects superficial and unsatisfactory. +It has this to recommend it, however, that +it is gleaned at first hand from many years' residence +among the raw and semi-civilized Africans.</p> + +<p>We have tried to show that the natives differ +greatly in their ability to learn in school and out of +it, in their habits of cleanliness, and in their readiness +to receive the Gospel. As there was a large +number of boys about us day by day, we found that +they also greatly differed in disposition, as much so +as white people, and it was necessary to study the +characteristic of each in dealing with them. They +soon understand if the missionary respects and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[358]</a></span> +trusts them; and they readily respond to such treatment +and show by their conduct that such confidence +is not misplaced. On the other hand, if they +are censured for a fault, especially if they think the +censure is unjust, they soon become careless and +discouraged. On account of their secluded and +simple life they, even the grown ones, are much +like children when they first come into contact with +white people, and they fail to understand why two +persons should treat them differently—why two +missionaries or two masters should not have the +same way of doing things, the same generosity and +the same dispositions.</p> + +<p>Child-life of these dark-skinned Africans is in +some respects not so different from that of their +white neighbors, unless it is in its greater freedom. +Until it learns to walk, the child spends much of its +time on its mother's or older sister's back, tied by a +skin with its face toward the mother. In the early +days at Matopo, Matshuba once inquired how our +mother carried us when we were children. We said +she carried us on her arms. He nodded his head +sagely and exclaimed, "That explains it. That is +why your noses are long and straight and ours are +flat."</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359"></a> +<img src="images/illus360.png" width="600" height="346" alt="Little Nurses. Mianda Village." title="Little Nurses." /> +<span class="caption">Little Nurses. Mianda Village.</span> +</div> + +<p>On the mother's back the child sleeps and coos +and observes what goes on about it. Here it bobs +up and down as the mother handles the hoe, stamps +or grinds the meal, or goes about her cooking. Here +it takes rides as the mother goes after wood or water, +or on long journeys to visit her friends. Occasionally +she removes it from her back, straightens +out its cramped limbs, feeds it, and then places it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[360]</a></span> +on the ground to play. It has no garments to impede +its progress, and so it soon learns to help itself, +crawls about and picks up earth or whatever +comes in its way and eats it, no one objecting.</p> + +<p>As it becomes older the freedom is still greater, +especially if it is a boy. There is no school to confine +him, no hard lessons, no table manners, no daily +washings, oftentimes. He runs, he hunts, he fishes, +he plays often the long day through, together with +the other little ones of the village. He has no clock +to tell him the time of the day, except the great orb +above him, and this he learns to read with surprising +accuracy. As it sinks in the west, he comes +with his assegais and faithful dogs, and with a rabbit +or some birds, carried on a stick across his shoulders, +proudly displaying his prowess in hunting. He +makes bows and arrows, popguns, plays hockey and +other games, makes clay animals, wagons, and many +other things. In fact, some native boys are genuine +artists, and it is a pleasure to watch them deftly +mould animals of various kinds.</p> + +<p>His sister will have her doll, made from a stick +of wood, a corncob, or the like, and tie it on her +back, like her mamma does. She plays at housekeeping, +grinding, cooking, and imitating her elders, +the same as her white sisters do. She is also expected +to help take care of the baby and younger members +of the family, as her brother is often expected +to herd the cattle or sheep, for there are no fences +to confine them. All of these children, however, +often suffer from hunger, cold, and nakedness, and +worst of all they generally indulge in many evils +which cling to them and greatly retard their progress<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[361]</a></span> +when light comes to them. They also become +quite cruel and unfeeling about giving pain to animals +and birds. Every accessible bird's nest is +robbed and the young birds, partly plucked, are +thrown, often while still alive, on the live coals to +roast and furnish them a dainty morsel. When a +bird is secured there is not the least compunction +about plucking off all the feathers without killing +the bird. Once, when I was lying sick in bed, the +four girls staying at the mission came in laughing +and carrying the fledgling of a secretary bird. It +was about the size of a half-grown chicken, and had +all the feathers plucked from it while it was alive, +and in this condition it was still blinking with its +big, solemn-looking eyes. The brother of one had +brought it in this condition, and to them it was a +good joke to see it thus.</p> + +<p>As one enters the raw African's village and sees +the native in the midst of his filthy and uncouth +surroundings, lacking seemingly the very necessities +of life, he readily concludes that the African is +lazy, shiftless, lacking in resources, and exceedingly +dull or he would have advanced further in civilization +even before the advent of the white man. To +a certain extent this is true, for even the native, +after he is somewhat civilized and looks back to +where he came from, has been heard to exclaim, +"We must be the dullest people on earth. Others +could read and write and knew something of civilization, +but we Africans knew nothing." We need, +however, but to look back to our own Celtic and +Teutonic ancestry to see barbarism and illiteracy.</p> + +<p>The African pagan cannot be said to be lacking in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[362]</a></span> +resources, however. He wishes fire and he goes and +selects two suitable twigs of wood. Into one he +cuts a notch and the other he points. Placing the +first on the ground, he inserts the point of the other +into the notch and twirls it rapidly between his +hands until it strikes fire. At the same time he has +on hand some inflammable substance upon which he +places the fire and soon has a blaze. He can thus +roast his fish or meat. He wishes cooking vessels; +and the woman goes to the river and procures the +proper kind of clay, which she mixes with water +and works until it is the required consistency. She +then takes a piece, and with deft fingers moulds it +into a circle, and places it on a stone or piece of +broken crockery. She adds more and more clay, +carefully shaping it with her hands as she proceeds +upward until the top is finished. Then she puts it +aside for a while until the clay sets and becomes +slightly dried, after which she carefully removes +and turns it and moulds the bottom, and when dried +she burns it. In this way she makes earthen pots of +many kinds and sizes, from the dainty small ones, +which are often nicely glazed and artistically +marked, to the large, heavy beer pots, holding ten or +twelve gallons.</p> + +<p>Weapons for war, hunting, and domestic purposes +are needed. The man goes to the hills and digs until +he finds the iron ore. He smelts it and with the +iron thus obtained makes axes, assegais, hoes, and +other useful implements. He burns wood and makes +charcoal for his forge. His bellows are made from the +skins of animals and the pipes are clay tile; and the +anvil and hammers are also pieces of the iron he has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[363]</a></span> +obtained. He moulds, welds, shapes, and performs +all the work of the ordinary blacksmith. If his hoe +wears out he will take the iron that is left and shape +it into an assegai bristling with points. With three +or four of these and a shield made of hide, he will +go out to fight his neighbor, or perhaps he will have +bow and steel-tipped arrows, which he dips in a +poisonous substance to ensure their deadly work.</p> + +<p>Or, if it is in time of peace, he makes use of his +assegais and his faithful dog and supplies his household +with meat. If he has been fortunate enough to +secure an old blunderbuss of a gun, he tinkers at it +till it works. He may not be able by law to buy any +ammunition from the white man, or even lead to +make bullets; but he will manage in some way to +obtain some ammunition. Perhaps the chance possession +of a nail, or solder melted from a tin can, +will, by a laborious process, be turned into bullets, +for time is no object to him when working for himself. +In the same way he will secure some gunpowder +or the ingredients for it, either by barter +with his neighbors, who have been to town, or elsewhere.</p> + +<p>He wishes fish, and he will spear or catch them +with hooks, or his wife will, with willowlike twigs +and bark strings, make a long troughlike net, and +as the water subsides she will supply her household +with fish. Both fish and meat are dried and preserved +for future consumption.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364"></a> +<img src="images/illus365.png" width="600" height="350" alt="Batonga Fisher Women." title="Batonga Fisher Women." /> +<span class="caption">Batonga Fisher Women.</span> +</div> + +<p>The native wishes a hut to live in. He goes to +the forest and with the axe cuts down poles and +carries them home, and with his hoe digs a trench +into which he places them. With some forked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[365]</a></span> +sticks he makes a neat doorframe. Thin, willowy +poles are also brought and split through the center, +and one piece is placed on the outside and one inside +of the poles of the hut, and with bark strings he +firmly ties these together and thus secures the poles +in their places. They are also fastened at the top +in a similar manner, so that the walls of the hut +are firmly fastened together, for of course his hut is +round. With his method of building he is wise in +making it round, as it is more easily done and +stronger when completed. The slender, straight +poles for the roof are fastened together in the same +way. These are often extended beyond the walls so +as to form a veranda, which may or may not be enclosed. +The wife takes her hoe or assegai and cuts +grass to thatch the hut. She also takes some of the +beautiful long grass, and with bark string makes a +large mat to form a partition to separate the bed-room +from the living-room. They need a bed and +the man will procure forked sticks and fasten them +firmly in the ground as bedposts, and on this with +poles, reeds, bark string, and animal hides he makes +a bed. Skins may also be used for blankets, and if +they should be lacking in these they build a fire or +place a pan of coals underneath or near the bed. +Some Africans weave blankets and some make them +out of the inner bark of the trees; others purchase +from traders.</p> + +<p>The native needs a chair, so he goes to the forest +and, selecting a certain kind of tree, he cuts a suitable +block of wood. With his little axe he hews and +cuts until from a solid block of wood he makes a +very respectable-looking chair, or stool, varying in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[366]</a></span> +height from six to fourteen inches. In the same +way he makes spoons, stamping blocks, dishes, and +other household articles. These he carefully oils to +prevent cracking, and often colors and ornaments +them. The natives along the large rivers make their +own dugout canoes. A large gourd or earthen jar +answers for a water bucket, one with a long handle +for a dipper, a very large one with woven top is +used for a churn, a long one as a butter receptacle, +and a very small one for a snuffbox. A small piece +of iron, nicely shaped and beaten thin, is snuff spoon +and handkerchief.</p> + +<p>A large flat stone, built in a clay receptacle with +an earthen jar at the end, is the mill, and on this +another stone is used to grind. The wife needs +baskets. She procures palm leaves, bark string, +reeds, and willows and makes baskets of various +kinds: a flat one for a sieve, dainty little ones for +plates for their stiff porridge, larger ones for grain, +and still larger ones for reaping. She also makes +mats of various kinds. Skins of animals do for +clothing. They are so confident that this is the +native invention, that one of the boys, in reading of +the garments of our first parents, declared they +must have been black because they wore skins. The +girls' loincloth is made of bark string. Their clay +pipes are often quite artistically made, and so hard +that it is difficult to distinguish them from metal.</p> + +<p>In all of these things just mentioned the native is +in no way dependent upon the European; they are +of his own invention and manufacture, except the +rifle. It is not to be supposed that any one native +makes all the various articles. There are blacksmiths,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[367]</a></span> +potters, basketmakers, and workers in wood, +and the rest barter for or buy the things they need.</p> + +<p>Given various colored beads, some fine and some +heavy wire, a few buttons, shells, and ivory rings, +and they are adept at adorning the body, at least +according to the native's idea of beauty. In some +respects the barbarous African's idea of ornamentation +does not differ materially from that of her white +sisters, the difference being one of degree rather +than of kind. The American beauty thinks one or +two strings of beads around her neck are quite the +proper thing, and add to her charm. The African +beauty will tell you that if one or two are nice, four +or five are nicer. It is the same with the bracelets; +the American belle is pleased with one or two on +her wrists. The African is likewise, but she is better +pleased with a dozen, only she adds utility to +beauty and thinks that a lot of heavy rings around +her wrists or ankles add to their strength and give +her corresponding value in the eyes of the opposite +sex. Then too she will tell you that her god told +her to adorn herself thus, which is doubtless true.</p> + +<p>What has been said of inventive ability applies +more or less to all pagan Africans, although in different +sections of the country they differ somewhat +in their work. The Batonga, by whom we are surrounded, +do not at present remove the iron from the +ore, but there are many blacksmiths among them, +and according to some of the old natives they were +accustomed to smelt the ore. There are certainly +evidences of iron workings in this part of the country. +Brother Taylor made inquiry of an old native +in reference to these workings. He said that many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[368]</a></span> +years ago the Batonga used to work them and thus +obtain their own iron. Then their Barotse conquerors +came and killed all the iron workers and told +them to come to the Barotse and purchase their iron. +No doubt this was done to weaken them in battle. +(See 1 Samuel 13: 19-22.) In this instance the +smiths remained, but they go to the Barotse to purchase +hoes and pig iron. Since the old ones were +killed, the younger generation were afraid to smelt +the ore.</p> + +<p>All the Africans brew their own beer. They also +grow tobacco, which they both smoke and snuff, +and they grow a kind of hemp which they smoke. +Of course they raise their own food, and before the +arrival of the white man some even procured their +own salt.</p> + +<p>As to the general character of the raw natives—for +it is of them we are writing—we hesitate sometimes +to tell what we do know. But the missionary, +however much he may think of the Africans and +enjoy his work among them, cannot, dare not, be +blind to their faults. It has been said of them that +they are naturally liars, thieves, and harlots; a hard +saying, truly, but there is a measure of truth in it. +As a people there is little or no reliance to be placed +on their word, especially when they desire to shield +themselves, their relatives, or even their tribes. +Possibly a native may tell an untruth for the mere +pleasure of it. This habit is so inbred that it is difficult +to overcome it; and yet by careful religious +training, and the power of the Holy Spirit, one is +frequently surprised at the progress they make in +speaking the truth under very trying conditions—that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[369]</a></span> +is, when they are led to see the evil of the opposite +course.</p> + +<p>Thieving is probably not so prominent, but it +exists, not only, as some affirm, among the half-civilized, +but also among the raw heathen. Every +missionary, who has seen heathen accepting the +Light and confessing their past, can testify to the +truthfulness of this statement. Many instances of +stealing among them can be cited. I was told by a +farmer, who was living in the midst of pagan Africans, +untouched by civilization or the Gospel, that +one year he employed about 100 women to gather +his corn. He suspected them of stealing, but said +nothing until one evening, just as they were starting +for home, he suddenly rode in among them and +frightened them. The corn which they had carefully +concealed about them was scattered in all directions.</p> + +<p>Stealing, however, is not as common as lying; for +while there does not seem to be a strong public +sentiment against the latter, there is against the former, +for the protection of their property. Those +who flagrantly disregard this are branded as thieves +and are sometimes punished. I know one native +who was required by his heathen neighbors to pay +ten hoes for visiting their grain bins. Generally, +however, grain, either in the gardens or in the granaries, +is not disturbed by others, and one may allow +property to remain exposed year after year and it +not be disturbed. The white man's law against +thieving greatly assists the native in the enforcement +of his law. We have found some very trustworthy +natives, and none who have been with us<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[370]</a></span> +any length of time have proven dishonest, and they +are frequently sent to carry sums of money without +in any way tampering with it.</p> + +<p>As to other forms of vice what shall one say? One +European has been heard to exclaim that "their +morals are as black as their faces." That they are +dark no one can deny, for from childhood up vice +in many forms is common. It could scarcely be +otherwise when one considers the filth and degradation +of their surroundings, where a number are +crowded like so many animals into a filthy hut, overrun +with vermin and parasites of all kinds. Some +will tell you that there are none pure. It is true that +the lives they lead give little opportunity for anything +elevating. Then too their lives are open to +the general gaze; nothing is hid.</p> + +<p>But take the modern city; dig it up from the foundation; +open all its cesspools of infamy, crime, and +debauchery, and such a stench will ascend to heaven +that everyone beholding will cry out, "Babylon, the +mother of harlots and abominations of the earth!" +And yet this is the boasted twentieth-century civilization. +Shall we, then, say that there are no Christians +in that city, or that there are none living good +moral lives who do not profess Christ? God forbid! +All honor to the noble band of men and women in +our cities who, in the midst of fearful odds, are living +upright lives and helping their fellow-men.</p> + +<p>I believe I can safely say, from what I have seen +and learned of the inner life of the native, that in +dark, heathen Africa, even before the light of the +Gospel penetrates, there are those who are moral +and pure, although the number is small. Then take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[371]</a></span> +the Christian natives; the life of many a one is a +living rebuke to some who decry mission work, and +it is too often because they are a living rebuke, that +they are so fiercely hated by some Europeans. People +usually find what they are looking for, and in +Africa is no exception.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[372]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XPART2" id="CHAPTER_XPART2">CHAPTER TEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Native—Continued</h3> + + +<p>Beggars the Africans naturally are, and +when the white man comes among them +they are always eager to obtain all they can +for nothing. They beg of one another; then why +should they not beg of the white man, whose pockets +are supposed to be full of money? Then too +some of them think the white man does not need +money to buy food, clothing, and other goods from +the store. They will say, "You do not need money +to buy things. You just write something on a piece +of paper and send it to Bulawayo and the goods +come." Experience has taught us that the greatest +good one can do the native is to make him work or +pay for everything he receives, unless it should be +during a case of sickness or helplessness.</p> + +<p>It is a common expression that the African is +lazy; and yet even this must be accepted with a reserve +and an understanding of his surroundings. +Aside from the effect of the climate, much of their +indolence and indifference is due to their smoking +of hemp, a narcotic drug, similar to the <i>hashish</i> of +eastern countries. This they grow, and it is a common +practice for the older, and for even young boys, +to smoke it. It seems to sap their very life and take +away all the ambition to better their condition. Yet +the native can and does work even in his home,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[373]</a></span> +when occasion demands. During the digging and +growing season they are found out in their gardens, +which are generally at a distance from the villages, +from early morning until late at night, hoeing and +watching their crops to protect them from the ravages +of the animals and birds. During the hottest +part of the day they generally stop for a time to +rest and cook. It is useless to attempt much evangelistic +work during this season of the year, except +at night, for the villages are about deserted during +the day.</p> + +<p>They may, during the dry season, work for Europeans, +but with some a short time of such work suffices, +as their wants are few. As one fellow expressed +it: "I have now sufficient money to pay my +taxes. I only want to work long enough to earn +money to buy a blanket and then my needs are all +supplied." If they have food on hand, that is the +extent of the ambition of some natives. They feel +that then, during the dry season, or winter, they are +entitled to rest, hunt, smoke, drink beer and palaver.</p> + +<p>Frequently, however, they must build in the dry +season, for one of their huts in this ant-ridden country +lasts only a short time—perhaps two or three +years—and then another must be built. This is no +small task, but it is usually postponed until near the +rainy season. In order to build, the native is obliged +to make frequent trips to the forest to procure suitable +poles and bark strings, all of which he must carry +on his shoulders. His wife too is inclined to +postpone cutting the thatch grass until it is nearly +all burnt, and then it requires much more labor to +find enough thatch than if she had done the work<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[374]</a></span> +at the proper time. The rain usually is threatening, +or even the first has fallen before the man begins +the actual building, and then he and his neighbors +hurry and put up the huts after a fashion. When +asked why he does not build earlier in the season he +naively exclaims, "Oh! I leave it until the rains +come, so I must hurry and build it." In other words, +he puts it off until he is forced to do it, willy-nilly.</p> + +<p>As a rule the native is never in a hurry; he always +performs his work deliberately. That is characteristic +of the country, or climate, rather than of the +individual, because no one in Africa seems to be in +a hurry. We had our first lesson in this on the +threshold of the continent. Just after we had +reached Cape Town and had rented rooms, some +groceries were bought and ordered to be sent to +the house. They were very slow in coming, and we +mentioned the fact to an American lady who had +resided at Cape Town five years. She replied, "We +are all slow in Africa, and in a few years you will +become slow too." I cannot say that this has become +true of all our missionaries, but this is the general +effect of the country. The atmosphere, the heat, +and the diseases, all have much influence on a person. +To hurry and violently exert the body in order +to complete a piece of work often brings on an +attack of fever. Horses, mules, oxen, and donkeys +are not as hardy as in temperate climates, and it requires +several times the number to do the same +amount of work, so that it need not surprise one +that the natives, who, as far back as they know, +have lived amid such surroundings, should be slow +and indolent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[375]</a></span></p> + +<p>There are three natives in our nearest village, all +able-bodied men of about 40 or 45 years of age. +Two of them have four wives and one has three. +Since the hut tax is ten shillings a hut, that means +that one must pay thirty shillings (nearly $7.50) tax +per year, and the other two forty shillings (nearly +$10). They are all intelligent-looking natives. Two +of them have been government messengers and +know something of European life. Now they are +at home year after year, for they seldom go away +to work, because they are too lazy. How they secure +their hut tax is often a query, and about the +only solution that seems possible is that they beg +some here and some there of natives who go away +to work, and they may occasionally have a little +grain to sell. Often they are short of food for themselves +and their families. One of them at least has +had his family out on the veldt, living on fruit and +roots and what game he could procure, for two +months at a time. These are extreme cases, and one +must feel sorry for the women and children when +crops fail, for they at least cannot go among the +Europeans for work.</p> + +<p>The natives differ greatly among themselves in +diligence and training as well as in character and +morality. While there are always some improvident +ones, who live on the charity of their neighbors, +yet some are exceedingly industrious the entire +year. After their grain has been cared for they go +to the towns to work and earn money, buy cattle +and sheep, and in general enrich themselves. Workers +in wood are always busy making articles to sell +to their neighbors, and other artizans do likewise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[376]</a></span> +The women also show the same difference of character. +Some are always busy and forehanded with +their gardens, their grass cutting, and cutting and +carrying firewood to stow it away before the rains +come. The same difference is to be found in the +training of families.</p> + +<p>In some of the homes the children are well trained +along industrial lines, according to the native idea +of training. The parents require them to work and +bear a certain amount of responsibility in providing +for the family and in caring for the herds. For instance, +a number of our best boys came from a village +called Mianda. They proved very helpful and +skillful in work and became some of our best builders +and teachers. Their parents were generally considerate +when we had dealings with them. Sometimes +we had as many as ten boys at once from that +one small village, and the father of some would even +help to see about his herds so that his children +might attend school. If a boy was needed at home +to help build or herd, the father would tell for just +how long he was needed, and we might be sure that +he would send the boy back at the expiration of that +time. The children of this village were required +to be obedient and work while at home, otherwise +they were denied food. There were other similar +homes. In the villages, even before Christianity enters, +the natives look upon some of the customs of +their tribes in various ways. Where there are large +villages and many people, dances and carousals are +frequent occurrences and much immorality results. +Some of the parents forbid their children frequenting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[377]</a></span> +these places of amusement on account of the +immorality.</p> + +<p>Again, from some villages boys would come to +the mission, stay only a few days and then leave, +because they were obliged to perform a certain +amount of work daily. We did not try to coax them +to remain, for we preferred to keep only those who +were willing to work—the others seldom amount to +anything. Go into the houses of some such boys, +and one would see them lying about, not willing to +herd, much less dig. Perhaps the father will say, +"Go and see about those sheep." The boy pays no +attention to the command. The mother comes and +scolds him and seeks to make him work, but with no +better result; yet when food is prepared he is the +first one to be around the pot and no one forbids +him. From these instances it can be readily seen +that African family training does not differ materially +from European or American.</p> + +<p>In many of the villages there are always some +who desire to improve themselves and better their +conditions. They have their gardens, but, work as +they may with their primitive little hoes, they cannot +make much headway; or there may be a drought +and famine is the result. They go away and work +for a time, and come home with a supply of clothing +and some money. They come to their dirty homes +and filthy surroundings, and their friends and relatives +try to get as much of their clothing and money +as possible. They gradually become more and more +sordid in appearance, their clothing disappears, and +we become disgusted with them for so soon leaving +behind the outward marks of civilization. But how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[378]</a></span> +many months could we live their home life and be +presentable in appearance?</p> + +<p>Let us take Charlie as an example. He, with a +number of other boys, went to Southern Rhodesia +to work on a farm. He remained a year and received +fifteen shillings ($3.60) per month, and he +had to pay his way down and back on the train. He +came home at the end of the year with a nice supply +of new clothing and some money, and he looked as +clean and well-dressed as a European when he came +to Church on Sunday. He is a Christian boy and is +trying to do what is right. Soon after his return +home, his father, who is one of the three lazy men I +mentioned, and extremely filthy in appearance, began +wearing Charlie's clothes. First it was a shirt +and a piece of calico; then another garment; then his +nice grey coat. Charlie gave his little naked brother +one of his shirts. He wished to marry, and this took +all of his money. In a few months he presented +quite a different appearance from what he did on his +return home from Bulawayo, and we began to +blame him, at least in our minds, and say that he +should not allow himself to degenerate in this way. +But most of his clothing is gone and his money is +gone; he does not even have sufficient with which to +purchase soap, so that he may wash the remaining +clothing.</p> + +<p>Says one, "He should keep at work and not come +and sit down in his home." The work takes him away +from home, and his wages are low, so that he must +keep at it continually in order to maintain appearances. +May he not have any home life at all? It is +a perplexing problem, and were we forced to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[379]</a></span> +his place we would no doubt conclude that the boy +does remarkably well under the circumstances. +While at home he works in his gardens and does +what he can find to do for the white men near his +home; then, as his needs increase, he again goes to +Bulawayo to begin again. This is an actual occurrence +and typical of many others. He may conclude +to have no home life, but keep up the semblance of +civilization, hang about the towns, and imitate many +evils surrounding him, and in the end prove a greater +menace to society and to the country than if he +would, at least part of the time, live in his own home +in a more primitive manner. Again, if he depends +too much on the stores of the traders, he ceases to +manufacture articles for himself, so that if he does +finally settle down for himself, tired of the struggle, +he is often more helpless than at first, because he +cannot make the articles which his father made.</p> + +<p>Is the native provident? or does he live from hand +to mouth? Yes and no. I heard a man who traded +with the natives say that in one year he bought +about 1,000 bags of grain from them, giving in exchange +goods from his store. Before the next crop +was harvested, he had sold about all the grain back +to them, at of course quite an advance in price. I +have seen, near our own doors, natives sell to European +traders grain, either for money or goods, from +$1.25 to $2.50 for a two-hundred-pound bag and buy +it back later in the same season for from $6 to $7 +per bag. But these are extreme cases. In the latter +instance a year of plenty was followed by a year of +drought, and the natives were far from markets and +at the mercy of local traders. Many of the natives<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[380]</a></span> +had put in their granaries what would have tided +them over an ordinary season, but the prolonged +drought led them to want. Others had a comparatively +poor crop the previous year and this caused a +scarcity. Some did not need to buy at all, as they +always look in advance for such emergencies and +do not sell their surplus until certain of a new crop. +Such natives, when they do sell, often sell to their +native neighbors or exchange their grain for cattle. +Such are generally very thrifty, while there are always +some who are in want. In this too it may be +seen that they are not unlike other people.</p> + +<p>In fact, the Batonga taught their missionaries +some lessons in caring for grain. We found that +they store their corn in the grain bins without removing +all the husks, and they shell it as they need +it or near the end of the season. With the Kafir +corn they do the same way, cutting off the heads +and putting it away without threshing it. This was +so different from the thrifty Matabele, who carefully +shelled and threshed their grain, that the first +time we visited one of the villages and saw their +method we thought, "How lazy! We must teach +them how to do their work properly." We soon +discovered that in this hot climate the shelled corn +was soon weevil-eaten, and that the shelled Kafir +corn was almost ground to meal before the year +ended. Now we are inclined to imitate the natives +in this respect rather than they us. It shows too +that the native adapts himself to the country and +climatic conditions.</p> + +<p>The African is a genuine lover of nature. He enjoys +being out in the open air; he loves the bright<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[381]</a></span> +rays of the sun. Everything around him is pregnant +with meaning. Nature is his school, and he +knows the habits of every beast, bird, or insect. In +a measure he appreciates and loves the beautiful, +even though at first he may smile at the white man's +love for flowers. One day I inquired of an old +heathen woman, who never came to Church, why +they moved their kraal from the rock-bound place +in which it had been, to the open plain. Her withered +face brightened up, as with a sweep of her arm +she took in the magnificent scene before her and +exclaimed, "Is not that beautiful?" The native too +shows good taste in the selection of clothing after +he has become accustomed to civilized ways. We +are inclined to think of them as being especially +partial to bright colors. A few are, but my experience +is that the majority are not. Many of the +boys especially soon discard the native stores, where +cheap apparel is sold, and frequent the stores for +Europeans.</p> + +<p>They love music and have several crude musical +instruments. Their songs are generally of war, love, +marriage, and the chase. They also have some +songs suitable to their work. They of course have +good voices for singing, and can be easily trained to +sing well. They have their legends, their poetry, +proverbs, and animal stories.</p> + +<p>Natives, although very generous among themselves, +are not inclined to be so to white people; +perhaps because white people have not as a rule +treated them so generously. If the native wishes to +sell anything and is greatly in need of the money or +clothing, he will often consent to sell for almost any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[382]</a></span> +price. It is the same with work; he will work very +cheaply if he is eager to work.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, if the need is on the part of +the buyer, he will ask a very high price for grain or +other articles and absolutely refuse to give for less, +especially if the buyer is an European. With work +it is the same. Even boys, after they have received +a certain amount of education and religious training, +are very slow to accept the idea that they should +do anything for the white man from a sense of duty. +There are doubtless some very good reasons for this. +They, however, respect a master who is kind but +firm, and it is best not to coax them. If they find +that we are not dependent upon them, and can get +along without them, they are more likely to conclude +that they cannot get along without us.</p> + +<p>The native is said to be lacking in gratitude to his +benefactor, and there is some truth in this. One often +spends much time and labor to train him along +certain lines, with the hope that he will be of genuine +service in the future. Perhaps about the time +he is able to take the place for which he is fitted, he +will often turn and, rejecting his benefactor, give +the benefit of his training to some one who can remunerate +him better. Naturally the missionary, or +master, whichever it may be, feels grieved at this +lack of gratitude. Too often, perhaps, the fault is +on both sides, and we do not give him credit for the +help he has been to us. Then too it is difficult to +put ourselves in his place and see matters from his +point of view. He has no idea of the value of our +time or training and we sometimes spoil him in the +beginning. Would not the best and safest way for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[383]</a></span> +the good of the native be to require him to earn his +way as he goes? Let him always work sufficiently, +if possible, to pay for the trouble it takes to teach +him, whether in school or in industrial work, or in +work pay him small wages at first and increase as +he becomes more and more proficient. It may require +a little of his time, but it has not spoiled him, +and if he should conclude to go at any time, he has +altogether or nearly paid his way in kind and one is +none the loser.</p> + +<p>The native, however, can, and many of them do, +improve greatly along this line after they have become +Christians. While naturally they are not inclined +to be disinterested and generous to the white +people, yet many of them become so and display a +remarkable spirit of self-sacrifice in the Lord's service. +Many teach year after year at a far lower salary +than they could obtain elsewhere; and, not only +in teaching but in other lines of labor requiring +skill, they will work for the Lord for a much lower +wage than they could procure elsewhere, as all of +our missionaries can testify. Then too many of +them often give largely of their penury for the advancement +of the cause of Christ.</p> + +<p>I was one day touched by the spirit manifested by +a big fellow. He had come to the missionaries destitute +of clothing, but anxious for an education. He +was a hard-headed chap, both in school and out, and +ran up against many hard places before he became +pliable. He received, like the rest, a little money at +the end of each term, but since he was in school +three and one-half hours each day, his time for work +was limited and his pay necessarily small. He, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[384]</a></span> +stayed at the mission and gradually obtained +some clothing and money to pay his taxes. He also +began to accept Christ as his Savior and from being +a proud, obstinate fellow, he became more and more +docile. At one time the amount coming to him was +ten shillings ($2.40). His wardrobe was still scanty, +but he took out for himself one shilling of the money +received and brought the remaining nine shillings +and said, "Here, I want to give this to the Lord."</p> + +<p>Giving the Gospel to the natives in their villages, +while it is generally a pleasure to the missionary, is +not always an easy task. They soon learn to be +very quiet and respectful in the church, enter quietly, +take their places and go through all the outward +forms of service, and also leave without being noisy +or talking, perhaps because they are requested to +do so. But when one goes out into their villages, +even to the best of them, there are many side issues. +The chief, if he is present and worthy the name, +will aid in keeping order, and even if he is not present, +the majority may sit quietly and seem to be +listening; but perhaps the cattle get at the granaries +and must be driven away, or the chickens go into +the huts and eat the meal and must be watched; +perhaps new ones are continually coming and must +be noticed and greeted, if they are allowed to do so. +Then the babies are so interesting to their mothers +or those near them, or perhaps there is a mother +with an older child at her side, and she does not +wish to lose any time; so, during her enforced leisure, +she is sedulously examining the child's head +or ornaments for parasites. Perhaps over there, +outside the hut door, is a man who has not had time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[385]</a></span> +to make his morning toilet, so he concludes to +spend the time in dressing the long locks of hair +around the top of his head.</p> + +<p>One does not like to stop and reprove them, because +the rest seem attentive and perhaps those are +also listening, for the work they are engaged in is +such a common one! Again, all may seem attentive +and the missionary rejoices that the seed is +falling into well-prepared soil, and he continues +eager to drive the truth home to their hearts. He +pauses to let it sink in—when lo! some one will +make a remark wholly irrelevant to the subject he +seeks to impress upon their minds; it may be in +reference to some article of clothing he is wearing, +or some of their own needs. His enthusiasm cools, +for he perceives that some, and perhaps many, have +paid little attention to the message.</p> + +<p>Again, one may be speaking, and the chief or +headman repeats what has been said, or he may ask +a pertinent question, the answer to which brings +out other questions, which serve to elucidate the +subject. The other natives are led to listen; and +while the discourse turns to be almost a conversation +between the speaker and this one, yet the missionary +goes away feeling that they have at least +understood and perhaps have received some light. +Sometimes, again, one may have only a few listeners +and go away thinking nothing has been accomplished, +but God has taken care of the seed sown.</p> + +<p>I remember being out once with one of the Christian +boys. We came to a garden where a woman +and her daughter were working, and we sat and +talked with them about Christ our Savior. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[386]</a></span> +was the first time they had had an opportunity to +hear. Years passed and the incident was about forgotten +by both the Christian native and myself. +That girl later, out of much tribulation found her +way into the Kingdom. Her father was a hardened +old heathen, and had sold her to an old man. He +was going to force her to marry the old man, but +she escaped and fled to Matopo Mission where, with +Elder Steigerwald's help, she was set free. She returned +home, and later an European offered oxen +and wagon to her father for her. She steadfastly +refused and kept herself pure. Today she is the +wife of a native evangelist and one of our most +valued helpers. She says her first knowledge of +Christ was at that little meeting in the garden, +where she and her mother were working, and her +present husband and I stopped to speak with them.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[387]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIPART2" id="CHAPTER_XIPART2">CHAPTER ELEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Some of Their Religious Ideas</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in +that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and +fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.—Acts +14: 17.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>The above quotation may apply to the African's +idea of God in general, but it seems +especially applicable to the Batonga and +kindred tribes. Among these the word for God and +rain are one and the same, <i>Leza</i>. This does not +necessarily imply that they have no conception of +God apart from the Rainmaker, but that conception +is closely allied to rain and kindred elements in +nature. They understand the name <i>Mubumbi</i> +(Moulder or Creator) and <i>Chilenga</i> (Originator of +Customs), but when speaking of the earth and vegetation, +they will say, "Leza [God] made these +things, because when leza [rain] comes, grass and +vegetation spring up and grow, so Leza made +them."</p> + +<p>Of course their conception of Him, like that of +all Africans, is very remote. He is their Creator, +but to approach unto Him is like reaching out in the +dark, in a vague sort of way, after something more +powerful than themselves, something or some one +they know not what. In times of great trouble, as +in famine, fear, or when there is an earthquake or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[388]</a></span> +an eclipse, they will worship God, not necessarily +by word of mouth, but by clapping their hands in +reverence. They generally, however, like the Matabele, +feel that they cannot approach God. He is too +great and terrible, so they approach Him through +mediators, such as departed spirits, prophets, and +prophetesses.</p> + +<p>Mr. Eddy, in "India Awakening," says: "Joined +with these is the worship of dead parents, where +spirits are dependent on their survivors for comforts, +and who will avenge neglect or any deviation +from custom. This belief is (1) a religion of fear, +since most spirits are malicious; (2) a religion divorced +from ethics, since spirits have no regard for +moral ideas; (3) a religion of custom, since the worship +rests on tradition and the spirits are apt to +punish all departure from custom." This statement +in reference to India can be as truthfully said of the +pagan African.</p> + +<p>The Batonga, many of them, build roofs or small +huts over the graves of their dead. In them they +will place skulls of animals and some of the property +of the deceased. Their descendants come to this +place, bringing beer and even water, and pour it out +upon the grave in worship. If one has been considered +powerful while alive, has been a great rainmaker, +many people will gather around his grave +in time of drought and pray for rain.</p> + +<p>They have also their living prophetesses and +prophets, to whom they turn in times of need. These +claim that the soul of some powerful deceased one +has entered them and bequeathed to them its power. +In times of drought these prophetesses—for they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[389]</a></span> +are generally women—multiply rapidly. In a village +of about thirty-five huts, near us, there were +said to be ten prophetesses during the drought two +years ago. The prophetic term of some of them is +often very short, much depending on their seeming +success as rainmakers. Sometimes the prophetess +will make no claim for herself, but her friends will +make it for her. The prophetesses are very often +immoral characters.</p> + +<p>Day after day people will come to the prophetess, +as the time for planting draws near, bringing their +presents of grain or money and their seed, that she +may bless it and insure good crops. They come, +sit down, reverentially clapping their hands and beseeching +her aid. The hunter brings his gun, to +receive medicine which will insure him prowess in +hunting; a man comes asking for medicine for his +sick wife, who is bewitched, and this medicine is to +ward off the witchery. There comes from afar an +old woman, who claims to have the power of making +their grain last a long time by putting a certain +medicine into it when cooking. She is believed and +the medicine is bought and put into the food, and +she rejoices in her pay. These heathens are always +very gullible and readily purchase anything which +appears conducive to their own interests.</p> + +<p>One day I saw a number of natives going to a +village to worship a rainmaker, so I concluded to +go also and see what they did, for it was a village +near the mission where the Gospel had often been +proclaimed. As I reached the place the prophetess +was in her hut, but a number of women and girls +were outside, clapping their hands in worship. Their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[390]</a></span> +faces were familiar to me, and I could not avoid +feeling sad to see how little influence the Gospel +had thus far had on their lives. Finally the prophetess +came out of her hut and was received with +more clapping of the hands. She was a large, +powerful-looking woman and gave orders like a +queen, nor was she unqueenly in appearance. +The worshipers were seated around a large hole or +excavation in the earth, and had several dishes of +grain which they had brought. They were told to +sort the grain, selecting only the best and whitest; +and I am informed that some of the grain, together +with incantations, is dropped into the opening in +the earth, but this I did not see. She came and +greeted me and spoke a few words and then entered +her hut. A man came to her for medicine for his +sick wife, who was bewitched, and others went to +consult with her. Finally I went to the door of her +hut and spoke with her, inquiring why these people +were worshiping. She said:</p> + +<p>"They want rain. The spirit of a rainmaker who +died a long, long time ago entered into me and they +come for me to make it rain."</p> + +<p>Knowing them so well, and being jealous for Him +Whose ambassador I was, I asked, "Do you really +mean to say that you can cause rain?"</p> + +<p>Regarding me quite earnestly for a time she finally +said, "No, I cannot cause rain."</p> + +<p>"Why then are you deceiving the people and pretending +that you can? God only can produce rain."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied, "He alone can make it rain."</p> + +<p>"Then come and tell the people that He only can +cause it to rain and that they should worship Him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[391]</a></span></p> + +<p>She willingly complied, and coming out of her +hut, she spoke to them very earnestly, telling them +to worship God, as He alone could cause rain. As +she claimed to be only an intercessor, and no doubt +did this to please me, it did not necessarily interfere +with her role as rainmaker. Even the most +pagan among them acknowledge Leza (God) as +the Rainmaker, and these only as His messengers. +Since the people so readily transfer their worship +from one to another, they also freely come to the +missionaries to have them pray for rain. They +have done this at Macha, and the Lord has graciously +answered the prayers of His servants. This, +however, does not seem to bring the native any +nearer to repentance and God, and one feels loath +to heed their request, except in the case of Christian +natives.</p> + +<p>With the Batonga, wailing for the dead seems to +be essentially a religious requirement, and it is most +religiously observed, so we venture to include it as +a part of their religion. When the news of a death +reaches a village, the people begin to wail at once, +especially if they be relatives, and continue to do so +while they are moving about, putting away their +grain, baskets, and the few utensils they own, for +a stay of several days. They may be heard wailing +as they pass on their way out of their village to go +to that of the dead. In a short time perhaps the +entire village is deserted. We were once camping +near a village of fifty huts, and news came that a +relative had died at a mine near Bulawayo. In a +few minutes nearly all the inhabitants were on their +way to the house of mourning; for, although the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[392]</a></span> +body was buried about four hundred miles distant, +they firmly believed that his spirit returned to his +home and took cognizance of all they did. If a native +is traveling along a path, and word comes to +him of the death of a relative, he will begin wailing +at once, and turning around proceed to the place of +mourning.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the reader will more fully understand +what an African funeral is if he in mind accompanies +us to one. Apuleni's father had been working +in a mine in Southern Rhodesia. He became +quite sick there and was brought home to die. We +visited his home, and found that they had taken +him to a temporary hut at some distance from the +village. It is a very common practice for them to +do this, especially if one is near death's door. His +wife and daughters are near him, doing all they can +to relieve his sufferings. His lungs are diseased and +it is likely to prove fatal.</p> + +<p>One evening word comes to the boy that his father +has died. He immediately goes home, while +Sister Engle and I conclude to go and see him +buried. We have seen the wailings, but not the +interment. It is already dark when the word comes, +so we take the lantern and together with several +schoolboys start for the village. We all go single +file along the path for nearly three-fourths of a mile, +down the hill, across the river, which is dry at this +season. The night is quite dark and only lighted up +by the flame of the lantern. Up the hill we go, on +the opposite side, for over a fourth of a mile to the +village. All along the path the sound of wailing +comes to our ears. Sometimes it subsides and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[393]</a></span> +becomes more violent than ever. Before death the +deceased has been brought back to his hut, and as +we enter the village the men are sitting around in +groups outside and are quiet. We proceed to the hut +of mourning, which is crowded with women and is +dark, save for the light of the fire in the center, the +flickering flames of which ever and anon light up +the weird scene.</p> + +<p>We stoop down and enter the low door. It is so +crowded and hot that farther progress seems impossible, +and yet we manage to work our way +among the crowd, seated or standing and keeping +up their doleful wail. Our object is twofold: We +wish to see, and also to show our sympathy for the +boy who has been with us so long and is a Christian, +and we desire to see the sorrowing wife and +daughters, for we know them well and believe that +they will appreciate our presence and words of condolence. +We finally reach the partition which extends +over halfway across the hut. Near this lies a +bundle about four or five feet long. It is a somewhat +shapeless mass, wrapped with a number of +layers of blankets and carefully tied. In the fitful +light one might easily mistake it for a bundle of +clothes, but we know without asking that this is the +body of the deceased; for around it are seated the +wife and daughters weeping bitterly, and lovingly +patting the wrapping of the body. The rest of the +women are mingling their tears with those of the +relatives. We stoop and speak a few words of comfort +to the wife, but it is little we can give; he had +frequently heard of Christ, but refused to accept +Him. As the fire flames up we can see Apuleni<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[394]</a></span> +standing in the shadow, and he too is weeping bitterly, +but more quietly. The boys who came with +us make their way through the throng and going to +him mingle their tears with his, and our own eyes +overflow at the sight.</p> + +<p>But this crowded hut, without windows or means +of ventilation and with a hot fire, is unbearable, so +we go outside, the boys following. Everyone on +the outside is quiet or speaking in low tones. Sister +Engle and I are given blocks of wood for chairs. +From one of the groups of men the chief, Lupata, +rises and takes his little hoe, and after he has made +some measurements, he marks off the grave a few +feet from the door of the hut of mourning. In the +meantime wood and logs have been brought and +several fires kindled, as night is nearly always cool. +Around these fires the men sit in groups, but the +fires do not make sufficient light, and some grass +is brought from the roof of the hut and burnt near +the grave for light, so the chief may see to do his +work in digging out the first part of the grave. He +then hands the hoe to another, who continues the +work. The ground is very hard and the work proceeds +slowly, and since they have difficulty in seeing, +we place our lantern on a stamping block near +them. This is gratefully acknowledged by the little +group, and the digging continues.</p> + +<p>It is an uncanny scene: The steady, dull thud +of the hoe as it digs into the hard earth; the various +campfires lighting up the dusky, grave faces of the +men in their heathen garb; the steady wail of +mourning in the hut near by—all leave an impression +not soon obliterated. Thus perhaps an hour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[395]</a></span> +passes and several men have taken part in digging, +the loose earth being removed by means of a basket; +but the picking of the hoe has taken on a metallic +ring, for the earth is stony. The chief asks for +kafir corn, and a daughter comes and shells some +and places a pan of it near the open grave. Frequently +some of this grain is dropped into the opening, +"to soften and appease the earth," they say, +and the digging continues, though but little progress +is made. Then the chief calls to the mourners, +"Be quiet and do not make so much noise. Don't +you know that the ground is hard and stony?" The +noise subsides and the digging goes on. Soon the +friends again begin their loud wailing, and since the +ground is still hard and stony, the chief finally goes +to the door of the hut and berates them soundly. +"Be quiet! Do you not know that you are making +our work difficult by your lamentations? The earth +refuses to receive the dead" (because you are loath +to give it). They become quiet and the work continues. +They think the very elements are arrayed +against them, and the friends must propitiate the +earth by a willing surrender of their loved one to +its cold embrace.</p> + +<p>It is now midnight, and from the progress made +we conclude that it will take all night to finish the +stony grave. We speak to the chief and he says, +"Yes, the interment will not likely be before early +dawn." We conclude to return home and have +some rest. At an early hour we are awakened and +reach the village just at dawn. The grave has been +dug so that those inside can stand to their armpits. +Then near the bottom a further excavation is made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[396]</a></span> +in the side of the grave, sufficiently large to receive +the body. Two men remain standing in the grave +while the body is carried out amid the lamentations +of the mourners. It is gently lowered into the open +grave and placed in the excavation in the side. +Earth is handed down in baskets, and this is carefully +packed around the body. Then comes the +filling of the main part of the opening. As the +ground is lowered the two men stamp it down with +their feet, for of course they are not standing on +the body. When it is nearly full, the men emerge +and several with sticks carefully pound the earth as +it is put in until the grave is full.</p> + +<p>All this time the friends have been standing +around weeping. When the grave is filled and all +the rest of the earth removed, the head one calls +loudly, "Water!" This is brought in a gourd and +all the relatives and those taking part in the burial +rush together; and as the water is poured out on +the grave, they wash their hands in the falling water. +The surface of the grave is by this time quite +wet. The friends throw themselves on the muddy +grave with their entire force, so that one would +think bones might be broken. Some throw themselves +repeatedly, and by the time they have finished, +their bodies are quite muddy, but the top of +the grave is pounded down as smooth as the surrounding +earth, and by the time it is dry the uninitiated +could not tell the place of burial.</p> + +<p>Those participating then go to the river to wash, +and the chief mourners paint part of their bodies +with an ash-colored soil. Word has been sent to +the friends and neighbors and the wailing proper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[397]</a></span> +begins. Men with assegais, axes, or guns walk back +and forth crying "Mawe"; the women surround +the grave, wailing and uttering various lamentations, +such as "My friend." "The father of Apuleni." +A wife will have on her head the deceased's hat; +another will be carrying his assegai with the point +bent; another his stool. All this time the son remained +quietly weeping, taking no part in the heathen +demonstrations.</p> + +<p>An important part of the Batonga funeral is the +sacrifice of animals, cattle, sheep, and goats. They +think these have souls and accompany the deceased. +The number killed depends upon the rank and +the wealth of the one who died, although not all +the animals sacrificed are his property. Relatives +often bring of their own herds for the purpose. +Some of the poorer class may have only one animal +and small children none. At the grave of the murdered +chief they sacrificed eight head of cattle; at +that of another chief, a little farther away, there +were twenty-two killed. The meat of these animals +is eaten by the mourners. At the funeral which we +have just described the man was poor. One of the +relatives slew a goat, and an ox of the deceased also +was killed. Later in the day, as the people began +to assemble for the general mourning, several young +men came leading an ox for sacrifice. They were +decked out in a most fantastic manner, with pieces +of bright-colored cloth and various colored paper +cut in ribbons. As they arrived near the scene they +made a rush for the grave, brandishing their weapons +fiercely and seeming to fight the very powers of +darkness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[398]</a></span></p> + +<p>One day Sister Taylor and I were present at the +funeral of the daughter of a chief. She was already +buried when we reached the place and two oxen +had been killed. We had no sooner spoken to her +parents and sat down than a number of cattle were +driven into the enclosure, between the huts. An +old native raised his spear and aimed at one of the +cattle. The rest were at once driven out while that +one staggered and fell. A woman stepped to the +grave and loudly called to the dead that the animal +was slain and its spirit was coming. It was a sickening +sight. The wailing continued, and some of +the people would run around the huts in a wild, +scared manner, as if they were fighting something. +The air is to them peopled with malevolent spirits, +seeking to do them harm, and they must ward them +off. If one is dying they often beat their tomtoms +in a furious manner to ward off danger. Heathen +death and burial is a sad thing. It must be seen to +know how terrible it really is. The warlike Baila +were accustomed formerly to sacrifice any one +of another tribe who happened to be in the neighborhood +at the death of a chief, for all strangers +were enemies, and Gomo said he saw four or five +human skulls on a tree as he approached one of +their huts. The wailing is kept up for several days, +especially at night, for it would seem that darkness +adds to their terror of the evil spirits.</p> + +<p>We have often endeavored to show them the +folly of some of their beliefs, and of course the +Christians take no part with them. Even many of +the older people are losing faith in some of these +things, but are continuing to keep up appearances<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[399]</a></span> +for fear of the rest. The chief near us says he is +not going to sacrifice any more cattle; he will keep +them and train them for oxen.</p> + +<p>Some are very eager to have white cloth in connection +with burial, and one old man at some distance +north of us, who has a son in Bulawayo, desired +us to write to the son, telling him to bring +him a white shroud for burial. Whether this idea +has come in through the white man I am unable to +say, but it has probably come through some natives +who have been to the towns to work and there +learned something of Christian burial. Among +some half-civilized natives in some parts of Africa, +the idea prevails that if one is put in a coffin, and +has a Christian burial, he will go to heaven.</p> + +<p>There is also a second and sometimes a third +wailing, consisting of a beer drink and a dance. +This too is generally held at night. The friends +and relatives come together and the half-intoxicated +mourners engage in singing and dancing. The actions +are most lewd and disgusting, for these are +often genuine carousals of the basest sort; but they +are most religiously engaged in, and people who +believe that the departed spirits have such power +over the living, are loath to ignore any established +worship of such spirits.</p> + +<p><i>Shikazwa</i> is the messenger of witches and is supposed +to bring harm, sickness, or death to its enemies. +This class of spirits they say never dwells +in a human body. They are always disembodied +spirits and mediums. The belief in witchcraft and +transmigration of souls is similar to that of the +Matabele and need not be repeated. The native,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[400]</a></span> +too, has firm belief in the efficacy of charms to ward +off sickness or accidents and to bring good fortune, +and the dispensers of these articles do a thriving +business.</p> + +<p>There are various other beliefs in the possession +of spirits, which are not very well understood, and +some of them seem to be comparatively new, even +among the natives themselves. While I was in +Natal, in 1910, a missionary was telling me of a difficulty +they were encountering among the native +girls. They became possessed with an affliction not +unlike hysterics, and when it was started in a neighborhood +it spread rapidly even among half-civilized +natives. I say hysterics, because this lady was enabled +to check its advance by punishing the first +one who was afflicted in that way in her school. I +had never witnessed anything of the sort among natives +until my return to Macha in that same year. +One day, while out kraal-visiting, I was surprised +to see something of the same nature. They tried to +keep the actions of the young woman, who was afflicted, +from my notice, and hurriedly attempted to +quiet her by silly remedies. When I inquired what +was the matter, they quickly replied, "Nothing." +The boy accompanying me said it was demon possession. +This has spread over the country among +the girls and young women. The natives called it +<i>Masabi</i>. The older people do not care to mention +it or, if they do, it is in sort of an apologetic manner. +They claim that the spirit of some bird or other animal +enters the person and causes her to act so +strangely. The usual remedy resorted to is to beat +the tomtoms to drive away the spirit. They claim<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[401]</a></span> +that the so-called possession is comparatively new +in the country, and that it came from a tribe northeast +of Macha.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[402]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIPART2" id="CHAPTER_XIIPART2">CHAPTER TWELVE</a></h2> + +<h3>A Few of Their Customs</h3> + + +<p>The Batonga are very dark in color, although +not always black. Their features are regular +and well formed, and the people are intelligent +looking. Some of them are large, but as a tribe +they are not as powerfully built as the Matabele. +Their tribal mark amounts to almost a deformity. +When a boy (or girl) is about fourteen years of +age, he is taken to the native dentist. The head is +put on the ground and held in place while the dentist +with a blunt instrument knocks out the front +upper teeth, usually four, sometimes six in number. +The gums and lips become much swollen and inflamed +by this barbarous procedure; but in time +they heal, and the child is a Mutonga or Mwila, and +this deformity proclaims his tribe wherever he goes.</p> + +<p>The natives never care to have the process repeated. +Other natives often go to their missionaries +to have teeth extracted, but the Batonga seldom or +never do. They prefer the suffering which comes +from neuralgia or toothache. This barbarous custom, +like many others, has nearly had its day, and +many of the boys have already rebelled since they +have come into contact with other natives or Europeans. +It will require more time for the girls to +break away from it, as they live more secluded lives, +and have developed less independence of character<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[403]</a></span> +than their brothers. A mother will tell her daughter +that it is a shame for a woman to have upper front +teeth. She should be like the cow.</p> + +<p>They are all very fond of grease for their bodies, +either animal fat or butter; and in this hot, dry +climate this is not so objectionable, if they use it in +moderation, by simply oiling the body to prevent +the skin from cracking. Many of the women, however, +use the grease to excess. They grind red ochre +and, mixing it with the grease, paint their bodies, +including their hair, red, which is their idea of beauty. +In this perhaps they are more excusable than +some others. Clay often is used in dressing their +hair, and buttons, beads, and shell are sewed to +their hair, as ornaments.</p> + +<p>The men too take great pride in dressing their +hair, and in this respect generally surpass the women. +They shave part of the head and let the hair +about the crown and back of the head grow long. +This they straighten out, and it looks not unlike +strings hanging from the back of the head. This is +carried to extremes among the Baila. There the +dude lets his hair grow and then goes to the hair-dresser +who, with grease, hair, and other materials, +builds it up into a chignon on the top of his head. +With some, this chignon is only five or six inches +long, but in the interior of the tribe it is said to be +sometimes three feet in length. Brother Steigerwald +on his trip north saw some of these long ones. +Of course the head cannot help lying uneasy with +such a weight.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404"></a> +<img src="images/illus405.png" width="600" height="354" alt="Batonga Village with the Cattle Pens in the Foreground." title="Batonga Village with the Cattle Pens." /> +<span class="caption">Batonga Village with the Cattle Pens in the Foreground.</span> +</div> + +<p>Among these people the clan, or perhaps I should +say the kinsfolk, forms the unit. They all are closely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[405]</a></span> +bound together and each one more or less responsible +for the others of his relatives. In marriage, +death, sickness, or trouble, all are concerned +in the affair. When difficulty arises the heads of +each clan listen to the affair and settle the dispute. +Perhaps the persons most interested may have no +opportunity of expressing an opinion, especially if +they be younger and unimportant members of the +families.</p> + +<p>An unfortunate accident occurred among some +boys and one lost an eye. The one who caused the +loss was not more to blame than the one who suffered +the loss. It was purely accidental and without +malice, and all who were spectators so regarded it. +The one who suffered the loss desired that no attention +be paid to the affair, but the father and elder +relatives thought differently. They called a meeting +of the heads of the two clans and discussed the +affair with great deliberation, and in a most dignified +and respectful manner. The boys were not consulted +and there was nothing said in reference to its +being an accident. An eye was lost and it must be +paid for, and their custom is to require the one +causing the loss to give all his property. In this +instance the boy considered at fault was young and +his father was dead, and all his property was three +head of cattle and a sheep. His relatives said these +animals would be given; but the other boy's father +said, "No, that is not sufficient. I will accept them, +but the affair will not be settled. When he acquires +more property, I will take that also." This was +what the deliberations hinged on. The faulty one +would be unable to secure any more property; it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[406]</a></span> +would all be taken away from him, so his elders were +willing to give what the boy had, only on condition +that that would end the matter. It could not be +settled that day, but later the other party agreed to +take that and consider the affair settled.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus407.png" width="600" height="466" alt="Cattle Pen of the Batonga." title="Cattle Pen of the Batonga." /> +<span class="caption">Cattle Pen of the Batonga.</span> +</div> + +<p>A little fire often kindles a great conflagration +among them. Once a murderer was taken through +our premises on his way to the magistrate. He had +come from a distance and the difficulty was something +like this: A native had a needle, and his +neighbor borrowed it and lost it. The owner of the +needle demanded and received an ox in pay. Some +time afterward the borrower found the needle, and +bringing it back to the owner wanted his ox back,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[407]</a></span> +but the ox was dead. The trouble finally resulted in +murder.</p> + +<p>In marriage the question of kinship also is prominent. +Marriage is not merely the union of two +people, or even two immediate families, but of two +clans, and the prominent members of both must be +consulted. If a man sees a girl whom he wishes to +make his wife, he first consults his parents, and if +there is any objection among his relatives the matter +is dropped. If, however, they are satisfied, his +mother goes to the mother of the girl and asks for +her daughter. If the immediate relatives of the +girl object a negative answer is given. If they look +with favor on the proposed alliance, they consult +the other prominent relatives, which may require +considerable time. Some one may object because a +relative of the proposed groom quarreled a great +deal with his wife, or some one may affirm that he +is lazy. Trouble that has arisen between the clans +in the past, such as that relating to the boy's eye, +may be a formidable obstacle, although the parties +concerned may have had nothing to do with the accident +or the settlement of it. If all are agreed, well +and good. All this time the bride has had no voice +in the affair and generally does not know what is +transpiring.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus409.png" width="600" height="449" alt="A Batonga Family Traveling." title="A Batonga Family Traveling." /> +<span class="caption">A Batonga Family Traveling.</span> +</div> + +<p>Betrothal among these people may take place +when the girl is quite young, but generally not until +the girl is from 14 to 18 years of age, and then it is +of short duration, as marriage follows soon after it +is found that all the relatives agree. The old +people, especially the mothers, take the affair in +hand, the interested parties merely following their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[408]</a></span> +instructions. The groom is told to be ready. Perhaps +he has been looking forward and gathering together +the <i>kukwa</i> (pay or dowry) for the occasion. +He has been buying hoes, from ten to twenty of +them, for these are always a necessary part of the +pay, probably because they are all farmers and the +native-made hoes always command a good price. +In addition to these, he procures a lot of cloth, +beads, money, and some assegais. He freely calls +on his relatives and friends to assist him in procuring +the needed pay, for they have had some choice +in the affair. The day is appointed for the wedding, +but before this arrives the girl is informed who is +to be her husband. She may or may not be pleased; +her choice in the matter is wholly ignored. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[409]</a></span> +has been trained all her life to obey, to keep herself +hid, and has very little freedom until after marriage. +Should she even be pleased with the choice, she is +expected for modesty's sake to protest and cry out +and struggle and declare she will not submit.</p> + +<p>The mother of the bridegroom takes the pay and +goes to the house of the bride, the groom and his +best man following. They put up a booth near the +kraal of the bride for the groom to occupy. We enter +the village and find the relatives of the bride, +from far and near, assembled for the wedding, for +all these expect to receive some of the pay. The +women and the girls gather and begin to sing the +marriage song, the tune of which is always the +same, but the words are improvised for the occasion. +One of the older ones will lead off and say, +"This girl is going to be married," and the rest will +assent by singing in unison, again, "We shall receive +some hoes, so that we may dig our gardens," and +again the response. All this is done in a monotonous +but not altogether unmusical manner. Another +will take up the lead, and a day or two will be consumed +in this way until everything that can be +thought of in reference to marriage, good, bad, and +indifferent, is repeated in song. The bride, however, +is not among the singers. We pass through the village +and a young woman beckons us to enter a hut. +The other women greet us, but our guide with a +smile mysteriously leads us into an inner chamber. +Here is a young woman, greased from head to foot, +so much so that the grease drips from her body. A +blanket is thrown around her and over her head, and +she keeps her eyes down in a miserable-looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[410]</a></span> +fashion, as if she were crying or pouting, and never +by the least sign acknowledges our presence. We +are new to the situation, but it suddenly dawns upon +us that this is the bride. We inquire, "What is the +trouble? Does she not wish to be married?" "Oh, +yes," is the answer, "but she must be sad because +she is a bride."</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus411.png" width="600" height="369" alt="Native Women—Widows." title="Native Women—Widows." /> +<span class="caption">Native Women—Widows.</span> +</div> + +<p>In the afternoon the relatives gather around the +hut of the groom to receive their presents, and each +makes a choice. Of course they are expected to be +reasonable in their demands, because sometimes +there are forty persons to receive presents. The +father or men nearly related to the bride may take +more liberty; one or two sometimes demand ten +shillings. While the best man is trying to satisfy +all these demands, the groom is often berated soundly +by some, and even at times suffers bodily violence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[411]</a></span> +If his supply of goods is reasonable in +amount, so that nearly all are satisfied, the bride is +given to him at once. If very few presents are on +hand the proceedings may stop and he or his best +man be obliged to go among his relatives and secure +more money or goods. If he is slow in this, difficulties +may arise between him and the girl's relatives +until it come to blows. Not long ago a groom, about +four miles from Macha, was so violently attacked +that he died from the blows given. This is unusual +at the present day, but it may have been more common +formerly. Even if the wedding has passed off +all right the girl does not at once go to cook for +her husband; it may be several months or a year +before they fit her out with earthen pots, baskets, +and the like and she goes to housekeeping. In the +meantime she is supposed to be so modest that she +will not speak to her husband or lift her eyes in his +presence. The modesty of the Batonga girls is in +striking contrast with the behavior of many other +African girls, and immorality does not seem as prevalent +among the unmarried as in some other places. +Even the Baila girls are much bolder, both in looks +and actions. If a girl is bold, and goes about alone, +she may generally be conceded to be of an immoral +character. When the bride is finally taken to the +house of her husband, the father may demand a cow +or two as additional pay. If the girl refuses to go, +she often is carried by force. Sometimes the mother +may refuse to have the girl leave home, and then +the husband is obliged to live at the kraal of his +parents-in-law. If he has two wives he often thus +has two homes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[412]</a></span></p> + +<p>The groom must always show great respect for +the wife's parents, and especially for her mother. +When she appears on the scene, he must leave, if +escape is possible; otherwise he must sit quietly, +not lifting his eyes in the august presence of her +who gave birth to his wife, so that the life of the +native who lives in the same kraal with his mother-in-law +is not a very pleasant one. When he meets +his father-in-law he salutes him by clapping his +hands, and the salutation is returned by the father-in-law +tapping his chest with his right hand. The +husband may never call his wife by her maiden +name, but he gives her a new one of his own.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus413.png" width="600" height="388" alt="Kabanzi Chief with His First Wife." title="Kabanzi Chief with His First Wife." /> +<span class="caption">Kabanzi Chief with His First Wife.</span> +</div> + +<p>The fact that the marriage is the concern of so +many, and is so rigidly controlled by the elders, +places many obstacles in the way of the missionaries. +It is difficult for Christian boys many times<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[413]</a></span> +to gain the hand of Christian girls, and for Christian +girls to be given to Christian boys, as many of the +older people object to their daughters entering the +Christian clan. At present the missionary is not +allowed to interfere in these native customs, and +the girl has no recourse. Custom says she must +obey her parents and relatives, and the law upholds +custom. Being under such close supervision all +her life, she has no opportunity of developing independence +of thought and action like her brother. +The missionaries are looking for better times, however, +and ask that all who read these lines pray that +the day may speedily come when the girls and boys +may have more right of choice. We have reason to +think that the day is dawning when this form of +slavery will also be in the past.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414"></a> +<img src="images/illus415.png" width="600" height="353" alt="Giving the Gospel in Macha Village." title="" /> +<span class="caption">Giving the Gospel in Macha Village.</span> +</div> + +<p>Again, the fact that kinship has such a hold upon +the people, and each one is in a measure responsible +for or dependent upon the rest, renders freedom of +thought and action difficult among all. It tends to +retard development of character and makes evangelization +difficult among them. It does not interfere +to the extent that caste does in India, but it is +by no means a negligible quantity. This and blind +custom form pretty strong bands, for the native +does not like to stand alone or be odd from his fellows. +When the Gospel is given to the people they +may appear to listen attentively and outwardly accept +what is said, but try to press home the question +to individual hearts and the leader will answer for +all, "Yes, we are all Christians. We accept what +you say. Our hearts are white toward God." One +who understands the native character cannot avoid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[415]</a></span> +being skeptical when he hears of entire tribes turning +to the Lord. They may in outward form, for +what is popular with the leaders is popular with the +crowd. It is easy for them to put on the form of +Christianity and go through all the ceremonies of +it, but with how many there is a change of heart +remains to be seen by the lives they lead.</p> + +<p>The Batonga do not build as good huts as the +Matabele, nor do they put in a polished floor; perhaps, +because the ants are so numerous in this part +of the country, the hut soon falls to pieces and must +be rebuilt, even though they may have built it carefully +at first. Their presence also may account for +the Batonga making bedsteads and chairs, whereas +the Matabele do not. Their huts too are not only +the home of the people, but at night, goats, a calf +or two, dogs, and sometimes chickens are housed +in the same hut, so that it would not be easy to +keep a respectable-looking place. As their flocks increase +they build separate huts for them, as everything +must be well housed on account of wild animals.</p> + +<p>In many other ways they differ from the Matabele. +They do not have digging-bees like the Matabele; +in fact, they do not call their neighbors together +for any kind of work, except that the men +assist one another in building. If they have a beer-drink +it is a sociable gathering or a wailing. The +beer is brought and always tasted first by the giver, +to show that there is no poison in the cup. Each +woman digs her own little garden alone, or with +her children. When we entered the country the +Matabele would not touch fish, the dislike being so +great that it almost amounted to a taboo. Among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[416]</a></span> +these people fish is the staple article of diet. The +only reason that seems plausible is that here there +are many large rivers and fish are abundant, while +in the other country there are none. These people +do not kill twins, but they do the children that cut +the upper teeth first. Eggs are tabooed to unmarried +boys and girls, and a superstitious reason is +given and strongly believed in by them; but back +of it the object of the elders in enforcing the taboo +seems to have been to prevent young Africans from +robbing the nests and lessening the supply of chicks. +There are many other taboos among the tribes +which are strictly adhered to, the origin of which +could easily be traced to expediency.</p> + +<p>The Batonga will tell you that the assegai is the +weapon of the man and the hoe of the woman. As +one sees the men always armed with assegais, so +the women generally carry a hoe; nor is it always +just an ordinary hoe for digging. Her husband +sometimes procures for her a dainty little hoe, having +the handle beautifully ornamented with fine +woven wire. This has no other use than to be carried +with her as she goes on a journey or to a wailing, +and she is very proud of it and nothing will induce +her to part with it.</p> + +<p>They have many forms of salutation, more than +any other tribe of natives that I have met, some +general and others special, for morning, noon, or +night, and they are very punctilious about saluting, +but never in a hurry. They greet not only the one +they meet, but also inquire about his wife and children, +especially the baby, and about what he eats, +as well as other questions in general. If a number<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[417]</a></span> +of persons are sitting down and another group approach, +they too will be seated and perhaps a few +general remarks may be made; then the salutation +begins. Every one in the first group must individually +greet everyone in the second group and ask +about his health and receive an answer to the same. +There is no confusion, no hurry. The native does +not shake hands except as he has learned it from +the white man; he greets only by word of mouth, +or on special occasion by embracing.</p> + +<p>A very pleasing incident in reference to one of the +salutations, <i>lumela</i> (rejoice), is given by Rev. Chapman, +one of the pioneers of the Primitive Methodist +Mission, and I give it in detail:</p> + +<p>"One of these old men could still remember Dr. +Livingstone's visit to Sekeletu, about 1855. The +doctor was known among the Makololo as Monare. +When I showed the old man a photo of Dr. Livingstone +he was greatly excited.</p> + +<p>"'Yes,' said he, 'really and truly that is Monare's +likeness. He wore a moustache just like that; it is +indeed Monare.'</p> + +<p>"'Can you really remember Monare?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'Of course I can,' said he. 'Why, it was Monare +who brought us the salutation we generally +use. Before Monare came we used to say, when we +met a friend on the path, "<i>Utshohile</i>" ["You have +got up"]. But when Monare came he said, "<i>Lumela</i>" +["Rejoice"], and we replied, "<i>E Lumela ntate</i>" +["Yes, rejoice, my father"]. Why, it was +he who told the Makololo to live in peace, and rule +their people well. See how white my beard is? Of +course I can remember Monare.'"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[418]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIIPART2" id="CHAPTER_XIIIPART2">CHAPTER THIRTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Later Years</h3> + + +<p>The work at Macha continued to develop +slowly but steadily. There are many daily +duties which always fall to the lot of the +missionary and which might be classed under the +head of drudgery, which do not seem to count, and +yet they are as necessary for the advancement of +the work as the more noticeable ones, and the year +1912 was no exception to this rule.</p> + +<p>During the rainy season there was also a very +anxious time, as Baby Ruth became very sick with +infantile remittent fever. For over a month she was +very ill and we were afraid that we might lose her. +Day after day she lay with her face almost as white +as the pillow, except for a bright spot on either +cheek. The nearest doctor was one hundred and +fifty miles away, and the station through which two +trains weekly ran was thirty-six miles distant, so +that medical aid seemed impossible, save that given +by her parents, who anxiously and tenderly ministered +unto her; but many prayers ascended in her +behalf and the Lord had compassion on us and restored +her to health. This climate is treacherous +for grown people, but especially so for children.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419"></a> +<img src="images/illus420.png" width="600" height="351" alt="Macha Mission, 1913." title="Macha Mission, 1913." /> +<span class="caption">Macha Mission, 1913.</span> +</div> + +<p>We have as yet mentioned nothing in reference to +the medical part of the work. This was not a prominent +feature, yet from the first all who came for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[420]</a></span> +help received attention and many were cured or +permanently helped. All kinds of diseases are to be +met with in this climate, in addition to fever. Skin +diseases seem especially prevalent in many forms, +some of them the most loathsome imaginable; and +nearly every village also has its quota of from two +to four lepers. These lepers freely mingle with the +rest of the people, no effort whatever being made to +segregate them. The native will affirm that leprosy +is not contagious, it is hereditary, and there is reason +for this view of the case. It makes the heart +ache to see women without toes and sometimes +without fingers, and full of sores, nursing beautiful, +innocent babies, when we think what a life is before +these little ones.</p> + +<p>These people also have their own remedies. When +one is suffering with pain in any part of the body, +a very common remedy is to resort to cupping. For +this purpose they use the horns of animals, usually +of goats. I once watched one woman cupping another. +With a knife or piece of sharp tin, she made +two incisions in the flesh where the pain was. She +then placed the large end of the horn on this, and +with her mouth on the small end she removed all +the air from the horn, which soon became filled, or +nearly so, with blood. Leaving this horn on the +place, she in a similar manner applied another horn, +until three or four had been applied at various +places. She then carefully removed them, one at a +time. Since the object had been to extract the +blood, it had certainly been successful, and in some +respects the natives are only half a century behind—that +is all.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[421]</a></span></p> + +<p>In some diseases they very readily come to us, +and sometimes fifteen or twenty are present at once, +awaiting their turn. At other times we are called +to the villages to minister to them. Once some +natives came from the nearest village to say that a +woman was dying. Her husband at the time was +one of the carriers for the brethren on their trip +north. We hastened over and found her in a little +dark hut, where we could see nothing, so they were +told to carry her out into the light, that we might +see her. The livid spots, spongy gums, and extreme +debility all helped to indicate a bad case of scurvy. +She was seemingly in the last stages, and we were +fearful that the call for help had come too late. It +was a year of great scarcity of food among the natives, +and from the report she must have been living +chiefly on a sort of greens, with no salt even to +season it. It was now about dark, and they said +that if something was not done at once she could +scarcely live until morning. We looked to the Lord +for direction and then hastened home to procure the +needed food, which in this instance was quite simple, +salt water, and boiled-down grape juice, with a little +vinegar. These were used carefully during the +night, and in the morning she had improved sufficiently +to eat other food. In a few days she was +able to be up, and her husband, on the way home, +was informed that she had been raised from the +dead.</p> + +<p>As the work advanced, we arranged to use one of +the huts for a hospital, where those who desired +might remain and be treated, and a number availed +themselves of the opportunity. Both Mr. and Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[422]</a></span> +Taylor were quite successful in medical work, and +some difficult cases came for treatment. In this +year Brother Taylor treated some very severe +wounds, ulcers, cancer, a boy with his hands blown +to pieces by gunpowder, a native badly lacerated by +a leopard, and an European who had accidentally +shot himself, in addition to other cases. We have +also had opportunity at other times of ministering +to white people.</p> + +<p>Whether or not the missionaries have had training +in such work in civilized countries, the exigencies +of their surroundings, far from doctors and +medical help, necessitate their devoting time and +study to the cases continually brought before them. +Many of them become quite proficient in treating +diseases; and perhaps some, in time, become by +practice more skilled in treating diseases of tropical +climates than some physicians of temperate +zones would be, who were unused to tropical diseases, +even though they might display their sheep-skin +to show a theoretical knowledge of the science. +The safest and best course, however, would be to +acquire some of the theoretical knowledge before +coming to Africa, and then be ready for the practice.</p> + +<p>It is needless to state that the missionary's practice +among the natives is not a lucrative one. Medicines +are very expensive, and a physician must have +a diploma from an English medical college before +he may charge for his professional services in an +English colony. Even then his heathen patients are +not prepared to pay much should he feel to charge—which +he generally does not. The missionary's +labor is one of love, and he rejoices that he has the +privilege, in a small degree, of being a follower of +the Great Physician. Aid for the body of the natives +is one of the best ways of reaching their hearts +and souls.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[423]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 379px;"> +<img src="images/illus424.png" width="379" height="450" alt="Ruth Taylor." title="Ruth Taylor." /> +<span class="caption">Ruth Taylor.</span> +</div> + +<p>During the two weeks' vacation in July some of +us concluded to spend the time in evangelistic work +among the villages. We knew the change to outdoor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[424]</a></span> +life also would be beneficial to ourselves. There +was one village, Kabwe, composed chiefly of Baila +people, where an interest was being manifested, and +several there had been attending school. This was +distant about fourteen miles by wagon road, and we +decided to go there, David and his wife and the +dear little baby, who had come to bless their home, +accompanying. Word was sent ahead that the people +should erect a temporary straw hut for them, +while I occupied the tent wagon. When we reached +the place we found everything prepared and in +readiness for us, and the people also. We received +a royal welcome from all and were soon comfortably +situated. There were fifty huts in this village, and +every evening after the people had finished their +day's work and had eaten their suppers, about fifty +or sixty of them would come to us, sit around our +bright log fire, and listen most attentively, while +the Word was being expounded, and then quietly +kneel in prayer, and mingle their voices with ours in +song. In the morning again, before they went to +their gardens to dig, they would assemble for services. +On Sunday we gathered on the side of an +ant hill, in the shade of some trees, and here a +much larger number came for services. Generally +during the day David would go to the surrounding +villages and proclaim Christ.</p> + +<p>There were several in this village who occasionally +came to Macha on Saturday and stayed for +Sunday services. One Saturday evening at Macha, +after the rest of the natives had passed out of the +evening worship, two women from this place remained +for inquiry and prayer. They very humbly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425">[425]</a></span> +confessed their past life and said they wished to be +Christians. We knelt in prayer, and I think I never +before heard raw natives pour out their hearts in +such intelligent and heartfelt petitions as they did, +and their prayers for pardon were heard. We were +pleased to learn, while we were at Kabwe, that these +women were standing true and being a light to the +rest.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426"></a> +<img src="images/illus427.png" width="600" height="402" alt="First Christian Marriages at Macha." title="First Christian Marriages at Macha." /> +<span class="caption">First Christian Marriages at Macha.</span> +</div> + +<p>One evening during the meetings at this place an +unusual number of natives were gathered around +the fire, and the Word was preached by our native +evangelist with unusual power. A hymn had been +sung and prayer offered, and the people were told +that they could go home. Still they sat there without +a word being spoken, and they were evidently +in deep thought. Finally a girl arose, and coming +forward weeping said, "I want to be a Christian. +Will you pray for me?" Before we knelt, a general +invitation was given to others who desired to accept +Christ to come forward. This evidently was +what they wanted, and at once men, women, and +girls began to press forward and kneel, and we had +a most blessed season with them as one after another +began to open their hearts to the Lord in +prayer. It was a melting and breaking-up time. +Among the number who came was the chief of the +village and several other elderly men and women. +The next morning they again came together. David +had gone to other villages for the day, but his wife +and I held the service. This time, as soon as opportunity +offered the people began to confess their +sins and say that they wished to leave their past +lives and follow Christ. Nor do we have any reason<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427">[427]</a></span> +to doubt their sincerity. The world about them, +peopled with malevolent spirits, seeking to do them +harm, and their own accusing conscience would naturally +drive them to a Savior Who can give them +rest and peace. Praise God! He can give even +these older ones freedom from the chains of darkness.</p> + +<p>Since we find the younger ones more easily persuaded, +I believe we too soon become discouraged +with the older ones and expect too much of them, +or too sudden a transformation in their lives. I +was pleased by a few sentences in Brother Frey's +letter under date of April 4, 1914. He says:</p> + +<p>"Last Sunday there was a goodly number of the +old men present. We have sent out word that +Brother Steigerwald will have a special message +for the old on next Sunday, and we are giving a +special invitation to all the old men to come.... A +number of these old men have been coming more +or less regularly for some time. Will you not join +with us that they might be saved?"</p> + +<p>That is the right spirit, and what Brother Frey +is seeking to do at Mtyabezi we can all do. The old +want to feel that we have a special interest in their +salvation, and that we are not going to leave them +to themselves in the struggle; but let us help them +to know that there is One Who can and will set +them free if they will only come. In this little +meeting at Kabwe even some of the older ones who +started are still striving to get on the Rock. One +middle-aged man and his wife, who came forward +that night, have finally moved near the mission and +built them a hut there, so that they might learn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428">[428]</a></span> +more about Jesus. The chief very strongly urged +our starting a school at that place, which we did +not long afterwards.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 383px;"> +<img src="images/illus430.png" width="383" height="500" alt="David Moyo and His Wife and Child." title="David Moyo and His Wife and Child." /> +<span class="caption">David Moyo and His Wife and Child.</span> +</div> + +<p>We remained at this place nine days and then +moved to Simeoba's village. Although some of the +other missionaries had visited this village, I had never +had the privilege previous to this. It is larger than +the rest and is made up of three different tribes of +people, Batonga, Barotse, and Baila, but the language +of all is more or less similar. They were stranger +and more shy than those at Kabwe, and as soon +as we reached the place, Mankunku and I went +through the village to meet and learn to know the +people. Everywhere we were kindly received. +They were greatly surprised to see a white woman +who could speak their language; and as the word +was passed along, one after another would come and +join the number who were conversing. About all +were in ordinary native garb, but there were two +or three who evidently had been down to Bulawayo +to work, and they prided themselves on their European +clothes; especially did one of these step about +as if lord of the place. Some of the sick asked for +help and were ministered unto, and we were pleased +to learn that some were helped. All were invited +to assemble around our fire in the evening for services, +and as soon as their suppers were over they +began to gather, about one hundred in number, +around the bright, blazing fire, the shy ones keeping +in the background where they could not be seen. +Many of them no doubt had never been at a service +before, while a few who had been at school at +Macha could help sing. One or two of those more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429">[429]</a></span> +pretentiously dressed than the rest evidently had +attended meeting elsewhere, and were at this meeting +self-appointed law-and-order men. With such +a raw crowd as most of these were, we always try +to sing easy hymns in which there is a great deal of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430">[430]</a></span> +repetition; we also line the hymns before singing +and have them repeat after us, so that it was not +long before nearly all joined in the singing. Kneeling +in prayer is so new an experience that some of +the uninitiated sometimes consider it amusing and +begin to laugh. In this instance two or three girls +caused some disturbance while we were in prayer; +and we were scarcely on our feet when one of the +self-constituted policemen jumped over some of the +others and soundly berated the offenders. Order +was then restored and the service proceeded without +any further interruption, after which the meeting +closed.</p> + +<p>The next morning I was awakened by a woman +outside my tent clapping her hands and thanking +me, saying, "You are my healer." She had been afflicted +with neuralgia the day before; and on asking +for medicine, she had been given a cup of very +strong hot lemonade, which had cured her.</p> + +<p>This day was Sunday, and as the people were +again invited to assemble, about one hundred and +twenty came, and we had an interesting service, to +an attentive congregation. We then turned our +faces homeward, stopping on the way at Kabanzi, +one of our regular preaching places, and holding +a service. We reached home that night, ready for +school, which was to open the next day, and feeling +greatly benefited by our outing.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431"></a> +<img src="images/illus432.png" width="600" height="349" alt="Rev. and Mrs. Kerswell with Native Carriers on a Visit to Macha." title="Rev. and Mrs. Kerswell with Native Carriers." /> +<span class="caption">Rev. and Mrs. Kerswell with Native Carriers on a Visit to Macha.</span> +</div> + +<p>We were all at this time well housed, but there +still was need of a good store building, as the old +ones which had been used for this purpose were +about all tumbling down. David had already made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432">[432]</a></span> +some brick, so after our return he began on the +building, with the assistance of some of the boys. +He erected a very good building 33 x 16 feet, containing +two small rooms and one large one, with a +veranda around it. It was a good piece of work +and was finished in about two months. The large +room was for his wife and child.</p> + +<p>David had never been satisfied with his education +and was still anxious to attend school, especially +an English school. He had some opportunity for +private instruction at Macha, and also taught part +of the time, but generally there were so many duties +and responsibilities, both temporal and spiritual, +resting upon him that he had very little time for +study, and he felt that he must get away where +school work would be his first work. We greatly +preferred that he remain and continue his labors at +Macha, but he no doubt realized that the pupils too +were progressing, and he needed more knowledge if +he was to continue as teacher. The latter part of +September he started for Natal to attend school. We +receive a good report of him from his teachers. He +is said to exert a good influence over the other boys +in the school, and he is also frequently called upon +to do evangelistic work among them. Will you not +join with us that he may be kept humble and not +get away from his call to give the Gospel beyond +the Zambezi?</p> + +<p>His wife remains with us to help in the capacity +of Bible woman. Their little girl is a dear, bright, +intelligent child as she grows up amid civilized surroundings, +and is a good example of what a better +environment will do for these people.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433">[433]</a></span></p> + +<p>Sister Taylor had now been away from America +nearly eight years and had not been to the seashore +for a change of climate since coming to Interior +Africa. She had enjoyed good health nearly all that +time and had been diligent in season and out of season +in the Master's business. She was a most useful +and resourceful missionary always, but the time +had come when she was in sore need of a furlough +to the homeland. Brother Taylor too had not been +to the seashore, and it was necessary for both of +them to leave. They were greatly needed in the +work at Macha, and we could not see how we could +get along without them, but too many missionaries +on the field have, under the pressure of work and +the needs about them, remained longer than was +expedient, and paid the penalty with their lives. In +February, 1913, they left Macha for their homeward +journey.</p> + +<p>About two months previous to this Mr. and Mrs. +Jesse Wenger had returned to Africa, and came to +Macha to take the place of the Taylors. Unfortunately, +however, both of them were stricken down +with fever about two weeks after reaching the mission +station. They remained seven months, and +during that time there was almost one continual +combat with fever, especially on the part of Brother +Wenger. United with this was great nervous disorder +and prostration, so that it seemed impossible +for him to stand the climate. They greatly desired +to remain and continue the work, but since it seemed +impossible for him to endure the climate, he wrote +to Elder Steigerwald, who finally arranged for them +to try Johannesburg. We felt sorry, both on Brother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434">[434]</a></span> +Wenger's account and for the sake of the work, +that they were unable to remain on the field.</p> + +<p>During the time of these seemingly necessary +changes among the missionaries at Macha, the work +continued to grow and develop. There was no increase +in the number of boys, but some of those +who had been with us were proving helpful as +teachers and evangelists among the people. The +work had been branching out and six schools were +started; in some of which men, women, boys, and +girls were attending. In the early years the converts +were of those staying at the mission; but since +the opening of the out-schools the work was spreading +much more rapidly, and some of the married +people, as well as the girls, had accepted Christ and +were living exemplary lives in their homes. These +also attended the Inquirers' Class and church services +at Macha on Sunday.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 366px;"><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435"></a> +<img src="images/illus436.png" width="366" height="600" alt="Batonga Chiefs, Near Macha Mission." title="Batonga Chiefs." /> +<span class="caption">Batonga Chiefs, Near Macha Mission.</span> +</div> + +<p>There are several services held each week at the +mission. Besides the daily worship, there is on +Sunday morning an Inquirers' Class and a Members' +Class, both held at the same hour but in different +rooms. These are held on this day because so +many have far to come. Then comes the general +church service, followed by Sunday-school, for +which all remain. In the evening there is a song +and Scripture service for those staying at the mission. +Thursday morning early is a midweek service +and testimony meeting; and on Friday night the +Christian natives have their prayer meeting, presided +over by one of their number, while the missionaries +have a prayer meeting in English. In +addition to these there is a monthly prayer day, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436">[436]</a></span> +first Friday of each month, on which day all our +out-schools are closed and teachers and many of the +pupils meet with us.</p> + +<p>These were often times of great blessing to all +of us, one of which especially might be mentioned, +the first Friday in May, 1913. On this day there +were nearly one hundred natives present, consisting +of members and class members; and eight of our +boys who had been south to work for a year had +just returned home and were present. On such +days many of the Christians were accustomed to +spend the early morning hours out alone in secret +prayer, before the opening of the meeting. On the +above date, as we stepped into the church in the +morning, we realized that there was unusual manifestation +of the Spirit's presence among us. Several +of the boys took part in the opening seasons of +prayer in a very impressive manner. We read a +Scripture lesson and for a short time spoke on +cleansing and consecration and the infilling of the +Spirit, and they were unusually attentive, which always +helps the speaker. Expectation of some kind +seemed in the air. The testimony meeting opened +with heartfelt testimonies. Then one's testimony +became a prayer for greater outpouring of the Spirit. +Again we knelt and he continued in prayer. +Suddenly the very house seemed shaken, and with +one accord all were prostrate before the Lord. Some +were smitten with a spirit of conviction; others began +a service of praise, and still others lay low, letting +the Lord talk to them and fill them with His +own Holy Spirit. The united prayers continued for +two or more hours, and while there was noise of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437">[437]</a></span> +prayer and praise there could not be said to be any +disorder, as all but one or two remained at their +places. Many received a deeper understanding and +experience of Divine things that day. Once Brother +and Sister Wenger and myself began to sing, but +they continued in prayer and we stopped singing. +There were some present who probably received no +benefit. In Africa, as in America, there are some +at such times who follow the rest outwardly at +least, but do not seem to be benefited in heart.</p> + +<p>The latter part of June Elder Steigerwald came +to see about the work at Macha. It had been one +and one-half years since his last visit, and we were +glad for the privilege of again welcoming him. +With him was Miss Elizabeth Engle, who had for +six years been a most valued worker at Mtyabezi +Mission; also Mr. L. B. Steckley, who had two +years ago come out from Canada as a missionary +and was helping in the work at Matopo. These two +were to take up the work at Macha, while Mr. and +Mrs. Wenger proceeded to the Transvaal, to occupy +the station at Boxburg, thus enabling Mr. and Mrs. +Jesse Eyster to return home on furlough.</p> + +<p>While Elder Steigerwald was with us at this time, +eighteen native Christians were baptized and received +into the Church. Among them were several +married men, three women, and four girls. Some +of these were the first fruits of the out-schools. We +rejoiced that at last we enjoyed the privilege of +partaking of the Lord's supper with some dark-skinned +sisters of the Batonga tribe. It was now +nearly seven years since the mission had opened in this +place, and these were the first native women to join<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438">[438]</a></span> +with us. The women had also been slow to desire +civilized clothing, for our desire had been to impress +upon them more the inner than the outer +adornment. They were, however, becoming anxious +to be clothed, and as many of the boys who +had now grown to manhood had adopted European +clothing, our congregations were quite different in +appearance from the old days. At this time also +two couples were united in Christian marriage. +These were the first native Christian marriages at +Macha. Since natives are so often inclined to extremes +on the dress question, in marriage, we made +it a special point to say nothing about new clothing +for the occasion.</p> + +<p>A number of others made application for baptism, +but it was thought best for some to wait awhile, so +six months later Elder Steigerwald came to Macha +again. This time he was accompanied by his wife +and Sister Doner. Ten more natives were baptized +and there were several candidates who could +not meet with us at this time. There were also +three more couples united in Christian marriage. +There have been fifty-nine baptized at this place, +but three or four were not as true as we could +have desired. One of those who had backslidden +was the first boy brought to the mission, the son of +Macha. He had never been very zealous in the +Master's service, and yet his life had seemed consistent. +The Lord may find a way into his heart +again.</p> + +<p>It frequently happens on the mission field that +young boys will come to the station, learn, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439">[439]</a></span> +leave without any special manifestation that the +Gospel has entered their hearts, yet an impression +has been made on their plastic minds, and it often +follows and convicts them later in life. So the missionary +need not be discouraged if the first or second +invitation fails to bring the native to the foot of +the Cross.</p> + +<p>We greatly enjoyed the visit of Brother and Sister +Steigerwald, and were eager for them to see +some of the out-schools. We started out for this +purpose, but were all taken with fever, one after +another, and the visits had to be abandoned. Sister +Doner had come to assist in the work at Macha and +take charge of the school. She and Brother Freys +had just returned from a furlough to America, and +as I had now been in the work nearly nine years +and needed a change, she, together, with Sister Engle +and Brother Steckley, was to take charge here +during my furlough. The latter two had been at +the place some months and were beginning to know +and understand the people and surroundings. Sister +Engle in her capacity as nurse was having ample +opportunity to care for the sick, who were always +glad for help. She is always a most capable and +willing worker wherever needed. Brother Steckley +too is a consecrated soldier of the Cross and ready +for whatever comes to him.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440">[440]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIVPART2" id="CHAPTER_XIVPART2">CHAPTER FOURTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Out-Stations</h3> + +<blockquote><p>Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, +that I have given unto you.—Joshua 1: 3.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>Just as the Lord told Joshua to rise up and +take possession of the land of Canaan for God +and His people, so we believe He is saying to +all missionaries whom He sends out into the midst +of the enemy's country, that He has given the people +unto them and they should rise and take possession +in God's name. We often live beneath our +privileges in this, and our faith so soon becomes +weak and wavering. God also says to us, "Be +strong and of good courage."</p> + +<p>There are two objects which seem paramount on +the mission field, and about which everything else +revolves. These are, (1) the salvation of souls, and +(2) the preparation of natives to become teachers +and evangelists of their people. Dispense with +these fundamental objects and one might as well +remain at home. Missionaries may differ in regard +to the best methods of carrying out these purposes, +and some may even object to the statement just +made. With some missionaries, education and civilization +hold a very prominent place, and with a +few missionary work spells education and civilization, +and we are sorry to say that the number who +take this view is increasing. The great body of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441">[441]</a></span> +missionaries, however, of whatever name, are such +from love of souls. The aim should be to get the +native really saved and on the Rock, Christ Jesus, +so that he may become a light in his home. At the +same time we should seek to train him to become a +soul-winner among his people, so that a knowledge +of God may be spread over the country. In this +way only can the Great Commission be successfully +carried out.</p> + +<p>In Africa, especially, are teachers needed on the +mission field, for before the missionary comes there +is no written language, much less any who can +read. To teach the people to read the Word is not +only desirable, but it is an absolute necessity if it +is to be a Light unto their feet in that dark land. +We do not claim that a native cannot be a Christian +unless he can read, for some of the older ones live +exemplary Christian lives, although unable to read +the Word; but among the younger generation they +very seldom become established Christians if they +are not willing to apply themselves sufficiently to +study so that they are at least able to read the +Word of God understandingly. Then too the spread +of the Gospel cannot continue unless some are able +to read.</p> + +<p>I call to mind two able and Spirit-filled missionaries +who spent two years in self-sacrificing labors +among the natives of Africa. They went about from +place to place, giving the Gospel to the people, and +they were liked by the people and frequently had +many attentive listeners. Several years after they +returned home one of them wrote, "We spent two +years in giving the Gospel to the Africans, and yet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442">[442]</a></span> +we cannot point to one soul whom we definitely +helped." We believe they underestimated the value +of their work, for they always aimed to labor in +harmony with other missionaries on the field and +would advise natives to go to the nearest mission +station. Yet the fact remains that unless the younger +Christian natives attend school and learn to read +the Word, and have it instilled into their minds +from day to day, they are apt to forget and wander +away.</p> + +<p>I have dwelt thus at length on the educational +feature of the work, because there are many good +Christians who fail to understand why so much of +a missionary's time is occupied in teaching the natives. +It is simply for the reason that that is the +only means they have of learning to read the Word +of God. Among the natives of Africa there are no +schools but the mission schools, and the chief purpose +of these is to teach the natives to read the +Word understandingly, so that they may "be able +to teach others also." On the other hand, since +schools are such an essential part of the work, +there are not wanting those who confuse the education +thus obtained with religion itself, and think +all who become able to read are Christians. That +is a consummation devoutly to be wished by every +missionary, but it is no more true in Africa than it +is in England or America. The fact that it is not +true in those civilized countries may have much to +do with the fact that it is not true in Africa.</p> + +<p>Since the day-school at Macha never assumed +large proportions, and there were many children all +around us, especially girls, who were not in school,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443">[443]</a></span> +it had been the aim from the beginning to train +teachers who might be placed in the various villages +to teach and give the Gospel to the people in their +homes, and thus multiply the work done by the missionaries +manyfold. A number of schools had been +started in this way. In this work it is always necessary +to use great care in the selection of teachers, +that they may be teachers of righteousness as well +as teachers of books. A boy may be quite apt as a +scholar, and so far as is known be a moral person, +but if he has not yielded himself to Christ as his +Savior and has not a love for souls in his heart, he +often does more harm than good as a teacher. In +other words, he must be a missionary as well as a +teacher, and lift up Christ among them. We often +send a boy, who is prepared, back to his own village +as teacher, if we have such a one. Mr. Worthington, +Secretary for Native Affairs, when informed of +this said, "I greatly approve of your custom of sending +natives back to their own home to teach their +people. I think it will obviate many difficulties in +the way of native teachers."</p> + +<p>The out-schools are superintended by the missionaries, +who if possible visit them once a month +and advise the teachers in reference to the work. If +the schools are too far away for the pupils to attend +church services at the mission, arrangements are +made for services to be held more or less frequently +at the schools. The native teachers also hold +daily worship and Scripture reading with their +schools, and all others who desire to attend.</p> + +<p>In order that my readers may gain some information +in reference to the out-schools connected with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444">[444]</a></span> +Macha Mission, you are invited to accompany me +on a visit to them, such as I made shortly before returning +to America. Miss E. Engle will accompany +me, as she has charge of them during my absence. +Two of the boys are also going as leader +and driver. While we are absent on this trip, Apuleni +will have charge of the school at Macha. He +was the second boy to come to the mission, nearly +seven years before, and has been with us ever since, +except for nearly eighteen months, when he, with +other boys, went away to Salisbury to work. He has +made good in school, and has accepted Christ as his +Savior. He says his chief desire is to know the will +of God and do it. He is well versed in the Scriptures, +is a good teacher and helper in Sunday-school, and +reads, not only his own Tonga language, but also +Zulu quite readily, and English, and acts as an interpreter +from these two languages into his own. +He is also prepared in the other branches taught. +As he is our assistant teacher all the time, we know +the school will not suffer in his hands.</p> + +<p>We are going in the large two-seated spring wagon +with a white canvas top, sent out by the Board +two years ago. One of the seats is removed, and in +the back part of the wagon is placed a box containing +food, dishes, and the like equipments for our +meals. There is also put in a large five-gallon can +of good drinking water, two folding canvas bedsteads, +a bundle containing bedding, and a mosquito +net, and underneath the wagon in a framework is a +tent which we have lately acquired. There is also a +small bag of cornmeal, a tin of ground peanuts, some +dried greens for the boys, and some whole peanuts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445">[445]</a></span> +for all of us. Where the dashboard was originally +is now a long box in which are placed kettles +and cooking utensils. And we do not forget to stow +away in the box of the seat a quantity of bananas +and lemons, of which the mission has an abundance; +also some fresh vegetables. A small canvas bag, in +which the drinking water is cooled, hangs on the +side of the wagon. Four oxen are inspanned and +one boy takes hold of the strap in front to lead the +oxen, and another, with a long, slender pole, to +which is tied a long, slender leathern lash, drives. +He sometimes sits on the box in front and sometimes +runs along the side.</p> + +<p>We remember the times, not so very long ago, +when we were not so comfortably equipped for traveling +as we are at present. We walked many weary +miles to see the people, and thoroughly enjoyed it +too, even though the hard earth at times was our +bed and the open canopy of heaven our tent, and native +food in part supplied our needs. Then it was +not possible to visit as many places in a day as now, +and frequently when we arrived we were too tired +to do justice to the Word. Then also we failed to +reach many villages, because of the distance. Now +it seems almost too good to be true that we are so +well supplied, for the Lord has again wonderfully +verified His precious promise, "to do exceeding +abundantly above all that we ask or think." Praise +His Holy Name! Yet we would not, if we could, +do away with those early days and the blessings +attending them, and we are better able to appreciate +present favors by contrast.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446"></a> +<img src="images/illus447.png" width="600" height="348" alt="School at Kabanzi Village." title="School at Kabanzi Village." /> +<span class="caption">School at Kabanzi Village.</span> +</div> + +<p>Usually we endeavor to start not later than sunrise,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447">[447]</a></span> +so that we may travel in the cool of the morning; +for the sun becomes quite hot in the middle of +the day, and it is advisable then to be under shelter. +At this time, November, however, the morning is +cloudy, so that we may have rain; but the clouds +make traveling pleasant and we start. We go north +and a little east. Where the roads are good the +oxen trot off briskly; but in many places there are +deep ruts, caused by the heavy rains of previous +years, which make progress slow. In some places +the ruts are a foot or two in depth, and it is necessary +to make a new road along the side, for there +are no government-built roads in the country.</p> + +<p>The grass of the previous year's growth was burnt +off in June or July; and ever since, as far as the eye +could reach, nothing could be seen except the great +stretch of undulating reddish-brown earth, destitute +of everything, save here and there little patches of +dried grass, which had escaped the scorching fires, +and scattered trees, almost destitute of leaves. There +has been no rain for six or seven months; yet spring +is approaching, and already in the rich valleys may +be seen tender blades of grass springing up. On the +bare brown hills here and there are flowers of various +kinds, which gladden the eye and relieve the +monotony of the scene. Where the moisture comes +from at this season of the year to produce such delicate +blossoms is a cause of conjecture. Then too, +already many of the trees and shrubs are putting +forth their tender, beautiful green leaves, some of +which look as delicate and shining as wax; and occasionally +one sees a tree or shrub with white, yellow, +or red blossoms preparatory to putting forth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448">[448]</a></span> +leaves. All these changes we note with pleasure as +we ride along in the cool, bracing air of the early +morning.</p> + +<p>At one place is to be seen Chikuni stump, which +seems almost like a stone, and has been a landmark +within the memory of the oldest inhabitant. The +majority of trees which are to be seen on this road +are hardwood, but very crooked and scrubby looking, +no doubt owing to the yearly fierce onslaught +of fire and also the nature of the soil. Along the +road is one solitary mahogany; a large, spreading +tree this is, but not a very good sample of its kind. +There is also a large tree known as the sausage tree; +its immense bean pods, one to two feet in length and +a foot and over in circumference, reminding one of +a great piece of sausage. Numerous acacia are to +be seen, and as we approach the river, five miles +from home, we see six large, fine-looking fig trees, +their rich, dark-green foliage furnishing beautiful +shade. Although this is the Myeki River, there is +no water where we cross, yet the deep, bridgeless +ravine makes crossing for heavily-laden wagons difficult +at all seasons, and almost impassable during +the rainy seasons. Here is a large village, but we +proceed two miles further and come to Mianda +School, where Charlie Sichamba teaches.</p> + +<p>This is not a large village, but it is the home of a +number of some of our best boys; those who have +been of greatest assistance in teaching and in industrial +work. The village has been lately moved, +and huts are not yet all completed, nor is the schoolhouse +finished. We drive near and are met by a +number of the pupils, for we are always certain of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449">[449]</a></span> +welcome at this place. The rain, which has been +threatening, begins to come down, and one of the +new huts is given to us. Wood is brought and a +fire is kindled in the center, that we may have +breakfast. A mat is placed on the nicely-swept +floor, and on this the tablecloth is spread and the +breakfast placed after it is cooked. This consists of +corn porridge, with milk, bread, butter, eggs, fruit, +and coffee if we desire it. Muguwe sends us milk, +for he always sees that we are furnished with fresh +milk when we come here. The boys are given another +hut in which to cook their food. The meal +being over, we hand the dishes to one of the boys to +be washed, while we turn our attention to the school +and work for which we came.</p> + +<p>By this time the rain is beginning to abate, and +the pupils, about twenty in number, assemble in +another hut for school. Today there are not quite +as many as usual, because there is a wedding in +progress. Here is Muguwe, a tall, odd-looking native, +over thirty years of age, and a Christian, and +so far as we can learn he is consistent in his life. +Learning is difficult for him, but he is making progress +and is quite persevering. His wife for a long +time was opposed to his serving the Lord, but she +is changing, and we trust that she too may accept +Christ as her Savior. The stepdaughter is also in +school and is making progress in Divine life. There +are several other women and some girls and boys. +Some of them seem very slow in accepting Christ, +but there has manifestly been a change in the lives +of some, and a number of the old women are believers. +During the last year of drought, when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450">[450]</a></span> +people of nearly every village were so zealous in +their heathen worship for rain, this was one of the +two who stood true. After school is over, the older +ones are summoned to join with us in worship, and +we take the occasion once more to give them a +Gospel message, to which they listen attentively. +Here are Tom's mother, Jim's mother, and Chikaile's +mother, all of whom seem to believe as far as they +have grasped the Truth.</p> + +<p>We are especially grieved today, however, because +of the wedding which is progressing, for we +knew nothing about it until we were on the journey. +The bride is a Christian girl and has had a good +experience, although she is not yet baptized. She is +only about fifteen years old, or perhaps a little older, +and has been given to an unsaved boy, who, however, +has no other wife. We inquired of one of the +boys if she wished to marry him. He looked at us +in sort of a pitying manner, as if to say, "You +should know better than to ask such a question," +and replied, "They did not ask her." After the +service we go up to the hut of the bride, and find +her not feigning to cry, as some of the brides do, but +in reality weeping most bitterly. At the sight of us +her sobs break forth afresh. We try to comfort her, +but what can or what dare we say? We speak to +the mother, who also has confessed Christ, but she +is the first wife in a line of five. She frankly acknowledges +that she preferred to give her daughter +to a Christian, but was overruled. The brothers too, +who are Christians, could do nothing, the older relatives +having arranged the affair. Her father is +chief of the village and an influential man. He has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451">[451]</a></span> +always been a friend of the mission, but he feels +that he can manage his own affairs best, and his +children are taught implicit obedience. We know +that remonstrance is useless, and from his conversation +it is evident that he thinks he has provided +wisely for his child, because the groom is son of the +chief at Kabanzi, where one of our schools is located, +and the young fellow had even attended +school for a few days. The affair might be more +serious, and we hope and pray that in time both may +be Christians.</p> + +<p>The next school is four miles farther on this road, +at Impongo, and the teacher there is Singuzu, whose +home is at Mianda. He is not so far advanced in +learning, so he recites to Charlie. He is, however, +a conscientious and Spirit-filled Christian. He accompanies +us to his place of teaching. This is a +new school, has been in session only about three +months, and is held out in the open air in the shade +of a tree; but they are gathering poles to build a +hut. The people had asked several times for a school, +and we finally concluded to give them one. The +teacher is doing his work faithfully, and progress is +being made by the pupils in learning to read; but +there are some things in connection with this school +which are making the work very unsatisfactory, +and both the teacher and ourselves think best to +discontinue it. After the recitations are finished a +service is held with them and they seem interested. +When the late dinner is over it is decided to go +about six miles west, to Kabanzi, the next school.</p> + +<p>By this time it is somewhat late in the day, but it +is hoped that our destination may be reached before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452">[452]</a></span> +dark. Singuzu, who is a better driver than the one +accompanying us, is asked to go along and drive. +This road is very little traveled and a white man +might not be able to find it; but the natives accustomed +to these trackless wilds do not soon become +lost. Nearly the entire distance is through the +brush, consisting of both large trees and short underbrush, +so that the journey is more or less impeded. +We travel along at a fair speed for oxen, as +the driver is accustomed to dodging trees and +shrubs; but darkness overtakes us before the village +is reached. Progress is now slow, since the veldt +from this to the village is full of the stumps of trees +cut off, native fashion, two or three feet above +ground, and we are fearful of running into these and +breaking the wagon. Finally the wagon does become +fast and the oxen must be unhitched until it is +extricated. We again enter the wagon and move +on. The welcome sight of the village fires shining +out amid the darkness indicates that the end of the +journey is near at hand. As we approach, a pack +of dogs greet us with their loud barking, and light +after light shines out through the open doors of the +huts, or from the courtyard where the men, in the +shelter of a semicircle of reeds, sit and palaver. +There is no more pleasing sight to travelers through +African wilds than the bright and cheerful blaze of +the indispensable campfire, which answers for light +and heat, for preparing the evening meal and warding +off the wild animals.</p> + +<p>As we reach the village, a number of natives +emerge from their huts in order to ascertain who +these intruders are, coming along the back of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453">[453]</a></span> +village. On seeing their missionaries they gladly offer +their services to conduct the wagon through the +trees and stumps to the schoolhouse and teacher's +hut. Sister Engle and I conclude not to have the +tent pitched for the night, but to have our beds +placed in the large, roomy schoolhouse, which +boasts of a good plank door. We have had a busy +day, for we have visited two schools, held two services, +prepared our food, and traveled seventeen +miles, so we are soon resting on our comfortable +stretchers.</p> + +<p>In the morning breakfast is prepared early, for +the school is to begin earlier than usual so that we +may continue our journey. We, however, take time +to go over to the village and have a chat with some +of the older people. This is Kabanzi village, and it +has our oldest and best school. Before the opening +of school services were held here frequently, and +some were interested, but no one gave indications +of wanting to follow the Lord until after school +opened. Several boys from this place were converted +while attending school at Macha. The teacher +is Jamu, a careful, painstaking and faithful +Christian. He is greatly interested in the spiritual +as well as the intellectual advancement of his pupils. +He carefully reads and explains the Word to +them day by day, and he is a good evangelist. While +in school at Macha he was always one of our best +workmen in laying brick, sawing and thatching. +There are generally about fifty pupils enrolled in +this school and about thirty-five in daily attendance. +Twelve have been baptized and nearly all the rest +are in the Inquirers' Class.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454">[454]</a></span></p> + +<p>We enter the schoolroom and the pupils march +around the building, then enter and take their places +on the logs extending across the room. All kneel +and repeat the Lord's prayer, and then teaching begins. +A few are reading the charts, some are in the +first book, a number in the "Bible Stories," while a +few are reading the Gospels of St. Mark and St. +Matthew. A number of pupils are married men and +women. The women bring their babies, and yet +with the interruption caused by these, they have +learned to read well and are in the "Bible Stories." +They exhibit remarkable perseverance, for they not +only attend school, but dig in their gardens, carry +wood and water, grind their meal, and prepare their +food. On Sunday they walk nine miles to Macha to +church, for they, together with their husbands, are +Christians, or seeking to be such. The teacher says +that they started to school first; then their husbands +followed. The husbands also work in the gardens, +build huts, hunt game for food, and part of the time +work for the white man in order to obtain money +for taxes and clothes. They have also lately been +buying cloth to make dresses for their wives, and +one day I came upon one of the men carefully washing +his wife's dress. The Gospel is making them +better husbands and more careful and considerate +of their wives. The heathen worship, with its attendant +evils, together with vice, beer, tobacco, and +kindred habits, is being banished from these few +homes at least. When other villages were worshiping +their rainmakers, these too were daily worshiping, +but it was the Lord of lords Whom they worshiped. +When the older ones desired to resort to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455">[455]</a></span> +their heathen worship, the Christians said, "No; if +you do we shall build a kraal of our own." This +means that there are many in the village who are +not Christians, and some of them stoutly oppose the +school; but the chief is favorable, as some of his +children are Christians. There are also several old +women in addition to the pupils who are breaking +away from their old worship and accepting Christ. +There is one <i>old</i> woman here who has come out very +bright in her Christian experience. She meets with +much opposition, but she does not waver.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/illus457.png" width="450" height="347" alt="Sikaluwa." title="Sikaluwa." /> +<span class="caption">Sikaluwa.</span> +</div> + +<p>After we have remained one session of school, +some of the older people are called and we have a +service for very interested listeners. The boys then +inspan the oxen and we proceed west to Kabwe +School, about five or six miles distant. These are +the people with whom we held a week's service over +a year before. At this place our tent is pitched and +we prepare to spend the night. This is a Baila village, +and at first Sikaluwa had charge of the school, +as he was brought up among that tribe and is a good +Christian boy. He did good work for nearly a year, +but he did not wish to continue. We were in doubt +as to whom we should send to teach them; and +after praying over the matter we concluded to consult +the Christians in Members' Meeting, and inquire +if anyone felt led of the Lord to take up the +work there. At the close of the meeting we were +surprised to have Chikaile come and say that he was +willing to undertake the work, the Lord helping. +He had been at the mission for some years and was +quite capable of teaching. He is also one of the +most cheerful and willing workers, but he is so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456">[456]</a></span> +young, perhaps only seventeen years of age. Because +he is such an earnest and conscientious Christian, +however, he was given the privilege, and has +succeeded beyond our highest expectations. The +kraal had just been moved and divided, so that he +was obliged to build a new hut for himself. This +he speedily did, and then began a schoolhouse which, +with a little assistance from the villagers, was soon +under roof. There is nothing lazy about the boy, +and the school, as well as the work of the Lord, is +progressing in his hands. He soon learned to know +the people and the kind of lives they are leading, +and is fearless in exposing sin, although he is always +mild and humble in his demeanor. With him, +as well as with other teachers who do not teach in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457">[457]</a></span> +their homes, a boy is sent, so that he need not be +alone.</p> + +<p>In this school we find twenty-four pupils in attendance, +among them two elderly women. One of +these, the mother of another Christian woman, has +made a good confession. She entered school and we +smiled somewhat incredulously, thinking that she +was too old to learn; but our next visit to the school +revealed the fact that she was making decided progress, +and it seemed evident that she would soon be +able to read the Gospel. After school was over, +services were held and the people invited back for +night meeting. We then prepared our food. During +these visits to the villages the people sometimes +bring a present of a chicken, a dish of peanuts, some +milk, or whatever they think we might relish. Occasionally, +on a hot day, it is a cup of ibwantu. This +is a gruel made of the meal of native grain into +which has been placed crushed root with an acid +flavor. It is usually made in the evening and consumed +the next day. It is not alcoholic, and has a +very cooling and refreshing taste. It will be brought +in a large cup, and as is their custom, the donor +usually takes a sip first to show there is no poison +in it.</p> + +<p>When this village was moved and divided into +three parts, we about gave up the thought of opening +school again, but the chief was not satisfied, and +promised that if school was reopened he would see +that the children came together to learn; so we +agreed to send a teacher. Six very nice young girls +came from Kabwe to stay at Macha and attend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458">[458]</a></span> +school; but others entered to fill up the ranks and +the work continues.</p> + +<p>Early the next morning we start on our homeward +way. The road takes us back past Kabanzi, +and there we turn south toward Macha. On the +way we come to a place which at first sight might +be taken for an old deserted native village; but a +closer inspection reveals the fact that the huts were +never finished. Here is the framework of twelve +large, nice-looking huts. Some have just been rightly +started; of some the walls are finished, and on +others the builders had begun to put on the roof. +Poles are scattered all around, and some poles are +at a distance from the huts, but near the road, and +look as if those who were carrying them had +dropped them hastily. The whole has the appearance +as if a number of people were busily engaged +in building a village and were surprised by an enemy +in the midst of their labors and slain, their work +unfinished. What does it mean? This question we +asked ourselves on first seeing it. The answer was +this: They were indeed surprised by an enemy, +but that enemy was death. The headman sickened +and died; his son followed. Concluding that the +place was bewitched, the rest at once abandoned it +and went elsewhere, leaving all those fine, straight +poles to rot.</p> + +<p>On the journey homeward we again come to Myeki +River, for this is a very winding stream, and this +crossing is several miles farther west. At this place +there is another school. We stop near the village, +where Mafuta the teacher lives, and he, with some +of the rest, comes out to meet us. We have driven<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459">[459]</a></span> +about ten miles this morning and now hastily prepare +breakfast and eat. Some tall, beautiful bottle +palms grow in this vicinity, and while we are eating, +the teacher brings us the fruit of one, a part of which +is eaten with relish. We then start off on foot for +the school, which is about two miles distant, near +another village. We leave the lead boy to herd the +oxen, while the little herdboys of this village drive +their cattle ahead, so that they may learn in school +and at the same time watch the cattle.</p> + +<p>As we walk along the path, through this somewhat +dense forest, let me tell you something of this +teacher, Mafuta. He is older than the most of our +boys and was already grown when we reached Macha, +seven years ago. He at that time worked for us +a few months. For over three years, however, he +showed no inclination to want to learn or be a Christian, +and seldom came to Church. He was just like +the other natives in the village and indulged in +their sinful and lazy ways. Finally he informed one +of the boys that he was coming to school until he +had sufficient money to take a wife. We were quite +skeptical when we heard it; for we did not expect +that he would remain long, and then too school was +not a money-making place. He came and applied +himself to school work. He was slow and dull, but +he was diligent and made progress.</p> + +<p>He entered the Inquirers' Class and the Lord +found a way into his heart. One day in the class, +when a number came forward for special prayer, he +became in earnest and found what he sought—pardon +for his dark past, and peace in his soul. As he +took his seat his face wore a look of new-found joy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460">[460]</a></span> +and he arose and testified as to what the Lord had +done for him. In work also he was faithful, and he +soon learned to handle the oxen in plowing and in +the wagon, and thus he received higher wages. By +close economy he gradually was able to get a little +money ahead. In time he was baptized. He gained +one of the nicest girls in the neighborhood as his +wife, is married by Christian marriage, and is now +teaching this school. He is not as quick at learning +as some, but he is faithful and painstaking and is a +living Christian among them. When we look at +him and think how little faith we had in the early +days, we are reminded of the words, "The Lord +seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward +appearance, but God looketh on the heart."</p> + +<p>We visit the school and find twenty-four scholars +assembled, the teacher's wife among the number. +It is a new school, but the pupils are making advancement. +After services we retrace our steps to +the waiting wagon, and then return to the mission, +which is only about four and one-half miles distant. +We have spent three days out, have visited five +schools and have traveled thirty-six miles in somewhat +of a circle. We have enjoyed the trip and the +change from the routine of the mission station, but +a person is glad to reach home, after a few days +spent on the veldt.</p> + +<p>Again we desire to visit Chilumbwe School, which +is about seven miles northeast. Here the natives +were asking for some time for a school. We had +come to the conclusion, however, that no more +schools would be opened until the people of the village +erect some sort of a schoolhouse. They are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461">[461]</a></span> +always ready to promise that they will build, but if +a teacher is provided before the house is built they +generally are slow in carrying out their promise. +Then too it is not best to make the work too easy +for them. They appreciate most that which has +cost them something. The work among them is +new, and as the schools are especially for children, +and money is always scarce, we dare not expect too +much at present. If they are eager for a teacher +they can at least build a schoolhut, feed their teacher, +buy their own books, and these they are expected +to do. Even the poorest buy their books, and if they +cannot bring money they often bring a chicken or +grain in pay. The people at Chilumbwe finally managed +to build their hut and school began a month +ago.</p> + +<p>We again take the wagon and go north as before, +but soon turn off toward the east. We pass through +Chikuni, where formerly there was a large village, +and over under that large, spreading fig tree Sikaluwa +taught school. But sickness entered the village; +the chiefs wife died, a child followed, and then a +young man, all in the same village. All these died +in a similar manner which, from the description given +afterwards, must have been <i>spinal meningitis</i>. +They thought it was witchcraft and became afraid +of one another. So they separated, some going one +way, some the other. We pass several kraals on the +way and finally reach Chilumbwe.</p> + +<p>The chief of this village is rich in cattle and is an +unusually intelligent and well-bred native. Jim is +the teacher. Yes, he is that short, well-dressed native +with the colored glasses on. He is the one who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462">[462]</a></span> +lost his eye and is very sensitive on account of the +defect; but he is a splendid fellow, faithful, humble, +and an excellent workman. He is moreover a sincere +Christian, anxious to know and do the will of +his Heavenly Father.</p> + +<p>As the wagon approaches the schoolhouse we are +greeted by the chief and a number of the pupils, for +they are expecting the visit. It is decided to have +services first so that the older ones need not remain. +The pupils, together with some men and women +from the village, gather around a large shade tree, +the chief taking a prominent position. All the pupils +join lustily in the singing, seemingly anxious to +impress upon their missionaries that they are progressing +in that at least. A service is then held, +after which the pupils gather in the little schoolhouse +for school. There are about fifty pupils already +enrolled in this school, some being from neighboring +kraals, and there are over thirty in attendance +today. They are starting out well, but how +many will continue remains to be seen. The pupils +are all young men and boys, and the teacher informs +us that they will not allow the women and +girls to attend school. We cannot force them to let +the girls come, nor is it wise to attempt it, so we +just look to the Lord and wait until He can find a +way into their hearts. At all the other out-schools +the girls generally outnumber the boys. This being +a new school, nearly all read on the charts; only two +or three have passed that stage, but we have two +beginning books along and they are bought. There +are no Christians at this place, and the one that +seems most interested in the Gospel is the chief's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463">[463]</a></span> +son. He was badly mauled by a leopard a few +months ago, and the chief brought him to the mission +to be treated. Sister Engle very successfully +treated his wounds; and while he was with us he +came under the influence of the Gospel, and we believe +he is reaching out for more knowledge of his +Savior.</p> + +<p>All the schools have now been visited. There is +a call for a school southwest about six miles, and +there is a teacher for it; but the people have not yet +erected a schoolhouse. The villages near have asked +for schools and have had them; but many have opposed +the Gospel and the work has not proved a +success among them. There are a few in each village +who are Christians, and some of them are with +us and others coming to day-school. We are not +yet discouraged with these at our doors who have +been hardening their hearts against the truth. God +has yet among them some who will come out strong +for Him, for we know that His Spirit is striving with +them and with some it will not strive in vain. It can +be seen that a knowledge of God is slowly spreading +over the country and real miracles are being performed +in the hearts of some of these erstwhile +heathen; miracles greater than the raising of Lazarus +from the dead. Souls are being raised to walk in +newness of life and are living witnesses to those +around them of Christ's power to save to the uttermost. +<i>God's love</i> has bridged the immense chasm +in the lives of some between the densest, darkest +paganism and the glorious Light of the children of +men. But we must be patient with the slow ones, +for it is not always those who are the most ready<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464">[464]</a></span> +to accept who are the most stable. Some delay +long years and finally come out strong and vigorous +for Christ. Where only rude, coarse heathen songs +were heard, anthems of praise to God now arise, and +daily prayer ascends.</p> + +<p>It may be seen that the natives are governed by +a number of petty chiefs, and that they frequently +change the location of their villages. This makes +the work among the out-schools more difficult; but +others are calling for schools, and already the past +year over 200 children were enrolled in the out-schools, +in addition to those at Macha; and this +where only a few years ago the names <i>school</i> and +<i>God</i> were not known. We are touching only a +small spot thus far and see a great wall of darkness +just beyond; a darkness which we occasionally seek +to penetrate. Other bodies of missionaries also are +laboring in some sections of the country, but there +is much land ahead yet to be possessed, and many +natives still in darkness who can say, "No man careth +for my soul."</p> + +<p>The salvation of Africa rests largely upon the native +converts, and we rejoice for the manner in +which some are coming to the help of the Lord's +cause, and we trust they may ever have the prayers +of all who are interested in the evangelization of +this vast continent. Natives, however, cannot do +the work alone. There always is need of white +workers to oversee and direct the work, or it will +not advance satisfactorily. We believe the Lord desires +us to ask largely these latter days, but in this +instance we shall be modest in our request, and that +is, that the way be open to start at least one more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465">[465]</a></span> +station of white workers in Northern Rhodesia. We +believe the Lord is speaking to some hearts to open +such a work. Is He not speaking to others to give +of their prayers and money for the work? Many of +God's children could pay $200 or $300 a year toward +the support of a white worker, and others $40 to $50 +for a native evangelist, and not need to deny themselves +any of the comforts of life in the doing of it. +May God help us to see and appreciate our privileges +in Christ Jesus.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466">[466]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVPART2" id="CHAPTER_XVPART2">CHAPTER FIFTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Conclusion</h3> + +<blockquote><p>I desire to protest against the unholy thirst for statistics; +it is perfectly impossible to put into statistics the results +of mission work.—Lord Selborne, Late High Commissioner +for South Africa.</p></blockquote> + + +<p>In the preceding pages it has been the aim to +present some of the work done, as it has been +our privilege to see it. Much more might be +written about the progress of the work at Matopo, +Mapani, and Mtyabezi Stations, for they have a +number of excellent out-stations, manned by experienced +and Spirit-filled natives, and are doing encouraging +work; but that would be beyond the +scope of this little volume. We must leave that for +the able and efficient missionaries at those places +and content ourselves with a summary of the work.</p> + +<p>But first we desire to refer to the work at Johannesburg, +for during the last few years some of our +missionaries there have been laboring in connection +with our Mission Board. Over four years ago Mr. +and Mrs. Isaac Lehman severed their connection +with the other missionary bodies and began building +up a separate work, and a little later began laboring +under the auspices of the Church. They began +the new work under difficulties, but they are +persevering and hard workers, both in temporal and +spiritual lines, and the work shows excellent results<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467">[467]</a></span> +from their consecrated labors. Brother Lehman +has worked hard to put up suitable buildings, +and their station is now equipped with a good house +and church. As I have not had the privilege of visiting +that place since the opening of their new work, +they were asked to give a statement of what is being +done. This they did under date of August, 1914, as +follows:</p> + +<blockquote><p>Our main or central station is at the City Deep Mine, +where we reside. The Compound only a short distance +from the mission at this place has over 4,000 native laborers +in it at one time. This is a very promising mine, and +has just lately been opened, and has an apparently long +life before it under normal conditions. It will in time +employ many more men as it keeps enlarging. We have +open doors to this vast multitude of men coming from +all parts of South Africa. There are many tribes represented +and we can preach the Gospel to them; and we +praise the Lord that some have been saved and are seeking +to know more of the Lord Jesus Christ.</p> + +<p>We have four other mission stations besides this central +station. One is Florida Mission, where there is a nice number +of baptized members and we believe a good work is +being done. At the Goch Station the Lord has given +some blessings and some souls have been added to the +Church. At that place the mine has given us permission +to apply to the government for a mission site, and the +native brethren have already contributed a nice sum of +money to put up a suitable church building. Praise the +Lord! At the consolidated Langlaagte there is a good +work going on; a number have been saved and united with +the Church. We have had some blessed seasons at this +place owned of God. The Bantjes has had its share of +tests, but we praise God that souls have also, at this place, +been added to the Church, and the work is progressing.</p> + +<p>From all the stations, one main and four out-stations, +fifty-seven souls have been baptized. We praise God for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468">[468]</a></span> +all these, and for a number who have heard God's call to +them to give themselves to Jesus to work for Him and +labor for the salvation of their own people through Jesus' +precious blood. Thank God there is power in the blood to +save any and all who will come. There are a goodly number +who are soon ready for baptism, and we are trying to do +all we can to get them fully established in the deep truth +of the Bible, a full and complete salvation, pardon cleansing, +and the filling of the Holy Ghost. Some have taken +a very bold stand for God, and are now preparing themselves +for the Lord's work. Our desire and prayer is +that we get a band of really consecrated, sanctified, +Spirit-filled ones, who are willing to suffer the loss of all +things for Jesus, and be made a living power to go out +among their own people and help win them for Jesus.</p> + +<p>Dear reader, will you pray with us for all these who are +yet without the True Light, that they will soon have the +privilege of hearing the glad news which is to all and for +all? We have very good meetings in the large hospitals, +where are many afflicted and dying. This is a good opportunity +to give them the Word of God.</p> + +<div class="signature">Isaac and Alice Lehman.</div> + +</blockquote> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469"></a> +<img src="images/illus470.png" width="600" height="348" alt="Brethren in Christ Cottage and Chapel at Johannesburg." title="Brethren in Christ Cottage and Chapel at Johannesburg." /> +<span class="caption">Brethren in Christ Cottage and Chapel at Johannesburg.</span> +</div> + +<p>Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Eyster have also been laboring +in Johannesburg and have been valiant and consecrated +messengers of the Cross. For several years +they had charge of the Training School for Native +Evangelists near Johannesburg, in connection with +the Compound's Mission under Mr. A. W. Baker. +They have always been members of the Brethren's +Church and several years ago concluded to sever +their connection with the other mission and also labor +in connection with our Mission Board. They +secured a good opening at Boxburg, and with much +self-sacrificing labor built house and church and +opened an encouraging work. Souls were saved and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470">[470]</a></span> +some added to the Church. Then the labor troubles +in Johannesburg caused the mines in the vicinity to +close down and the work was checked. We trust, +however, that it is only a temporary check and that +the work may move on under the blessing of God.</p> + +<p>Nothing has yet been written about the last station +opened, and this would be incomplete without +reference being made to it. I refer to the one at +Mandamabge, near Selukwe, Southern Rhodesia. +Mr. and Mrs. Levi Doner had been stationed for +several years at Mapani Mission and had done most +excellent work there in the Master's cause. They, +however, thought that that station was near enough +to Matopo and Mtyabezi Missions and it could be +left in charge of the native teacher, Nyamazana, so +that they might be free to open another work in new +territory. For this purpose Brother Doner, accompanied +by Brother Frey, made an extensive tour +among the natives, and he finally decided to locate +at the above-named place, over 200 miles by wagon +road from Matopo Mission.</p> + +<p>In the latter part of August, 1911, Brother and +Sister Doner, together with Brother Steckley and +Sister Book, started for this place, and opened a +work with every prospect of success. There were +many natives surrounding them, who at once +showed an interest in the work. They were there +only about two months, however, before Brother +Doner became sick and was called to lay down his +life in the undertaking. From the time he had set +foot on African soil, over ten years before, he had +entered heart and soul into the work of the Lord +and had labored continually with the exception of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471">[471]</a></span> +over a year's furlough in America. No labor was +too arduous, no distance too great, no hardship +feared, if thereby he might carry the Gospel to the +people. Many long journeys he made by foot, by +bicycle, by wagon, in exploring the country and in +preaching the Gospel. Perhaps he was overzealous +in the work at times, and if he had spared his +strength more he might be still with us. Who +knows? He gave the Gospel to many natives and +helped many into the light. He certainly laid down +his life in behalf of the Africans. While his body +rests out in the wilds, far from other white people, +we believe he is already enjoying some of the fruit +of his labors.</p> + +<p>Sister Sallie Doner, his wife, was obliged at that +time to return to America on furlough. On account +of some difficulty arising in reference to the location +of the mission, it was finally decided to abandon +the place. Sister Doner and Brother Steckley +are now ably laboring in the interests of the work at +Macha, and Sister Book at Mtyabezi.</p> + +<p>There are now in connection with the African +work twenty-one white missionaries, including those +who are home on furlough, and thirty native teachers +and evangelists. There have been over 300 natives +baptized, and there are more than that number +in the Inquirers' Classes. As the various out-schools +are just being properly launched, the work may be +expected to bear fruitage in geometrical ratio. Take +for instance last year, 1913; there were 109 additions +to the Church at the various missions. These figures +are not large, and they indicate only a small +proportion of the work really accomplished by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472">[472]</a></span> +missionaries. As Brother Steigerwald says: "Now +that the leaven has been put into the meal no one +can stop it from expanding." Praise God for that!</p> + +<p>We desire to express our appreciation of the English +Government in aiding mission work and in +making it possible for missionaries to labor unmolested +in their colonies; also in suppressing many +customs harmful to the natives, and which hinder +the progress of the work. We rejoice also to know +that the government, as well as the better class of +the general public, as they become more familiar +with the work and aims of the missionary are realizing +the benefit to the country and are showing +their appreciation of the same.</p> + +<p>The Church has come up nobly to the help of the +Lord's work, both by their prayers and means, so +that all have been generously supported and all the +stations of white workers have good, substantial +brick houses and churches, and the workers have +been well cared for. May the Lord abundantly reward +the donors and the Foreign Mission Board, +who have given the work their undivided support.</p> + +<p>We rejoice that a beginning has been made, but it +is only a beginning. Only a very small portion of +the great continent of Africa is covered by these +pages, and that only imperfectly covered. The Lord +has condescended to bless the work ever since its +inception. It has never gone by leaps and bounds, +but what was done has been solid and we hope lasting. +We rejoice that we have been permitted to see +natives emerge from the dense darkness of heathendom—how +dark that is none but those who have +lived among them can realize—and become beacon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473">[473]</a></span> +lights in their neighborhood, living witnesses of the +truth that the Gospel of Christ "is the power of +God unto salvation to every one that believeth," to +the pagan African as well as to the enlightened European +or American.</p> + +<p>Many a time people have said to me, "The people +in Africa are more eager to become Christians +than those in America, are they not?" It seems to +me that there is little difference in the people; if +there is any difference in the results it is because of +the difference in the methods employed. The missionary, +as he goes to his field of labor, is after +souls. That is his business; it is not a side issue. +It is his business and he makes a business of it and +uses business methods. He must begin at the bottom +and learn to know his people and enter as far as +he is able into their surroundings and their lives. +He makes a study of them. He knows from experience +that the salvation of these precious ones has +meant much travail of soul and deaths oft. He +knows that some one has "filled up that which is +behind of the afflictions of Christ," in behalf of this +part of the body of Christ. He knows they have +been followed with anxious, solicitous eyes from the +very first when they were infants in Christ, puny +perhaps, and his heart was made glad, but with exceeding +trembling lest the many pitfalls should entrap +them before their eyes were really open to see +or understand the danger. He knows some one has +shed many bitter tears over the stumbling of some +of these babies. He may now rejoice to see some +grown to manhood, as it were, in Christ and being +divinely used of Him in saving others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474">[474]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus475.png" width="600" height="438" alt="Mr. and Mrs. Isaac O. Lehman and Family and Some of Our Workers, Members +and Enquirers. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Are Satisfactorily Engaged in +Work and in Preparation for the Work as Evangelists." title="Some of Our Workers, Members +and Enquirer." /> +<span class="caption">Mr. and Mrs. Isaac O. Lehman and Family and Some of Our Workers, Members +and Enquirers. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Are Satisfactorily Engaged in +Work and in Preparation for the Work as Evangelists.</span> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_475" id="Page_475">[475]</a></span></p> + +<p>The true missionary keeps at it. It is his central +thought day after day as he teaches these dirty, careless +ones about him to become cleanly and do their +work properly, how he can lead them on to desire +a clean life and seek for it. His last thought and +prayer at night, as he lays his head on the pillow, is +for guidance as to how to win these precious souls, +and sometimes he is led, like his Master, to spend +much of the night in prayer.</p> + +<p>Some people, looking on from a distance, think +there is a great deal of romance connected with +mission work; that it is full of striking incidents and +delightful adventures, and that it is a grand opportunity +to see something of the world. On my first +furlough home, ten years ago, a little niece gave a +glowing account of a friend of her mother, and of +the countries that friend had visited. In conclusion +the child naively added, "She has traveled almost +as much as a missionary." This child unwittingly +voiced the opinion of many a grownup; for to some +would-be missionaries the prospect of foreign travel +occupies a large space in their field of vision, but to +the genuine missionary foreign travel is but incidental +to mission life; it is the bridge over which he +passes to some obscure corner of the earth where he +is hid away from the world's gaze and surrounded +by an entirely different class of people, of strange +language and uncouth ways, often repulsive to the +natural eye and to refined tastes. For months he +may never see a white face, save those of his colleagues. +He does not go with the expectation of +finding a house already made to order and everything +else he needs, but he is ready to go into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_476" id="Page_476">[476]</a></span> +wilds, if needs be, and make a home for himself. +He does not go just because he is willing to do certain +things in the mission field; but he is willing +and ready to do whatever he finds to do, and to go +wherever the Lord tells him to go, and to stay as +long as the Lord bids him stay.</p> + +<p>There is, however, a fascination about mission +work, as every one who is in the field will testify. +Furloughs are taken because it is an absolute necessity +for the missionary to go away for a time from +the unhealthy climate and from the absorbing labors +which sap the very vitality. But, when he is in +his native land, the missionary feels that he is out +of his element. He is out of touch with the business +and interests which seem to engross the heart and +soul of every one about him; and he is homesick to +be back again to his field of labor and to see those +dear dark faces. He feels that there is only one +thing worth living for, and that is to lift up Christ +among the heathen so that He may draw all men +unto Himself. He feels that the time is short and +that the "King's business requires haste," and that +our Lord's return is imminent.</p> + +<p>Again, as long as a person thinks he is making a +<i>great sacrifice</i> in leaving home, friends, and his business, +and going as the Lord's messenger among the +benighted of earth, he would better remain at home. +If he is really God-called, the day will come when +he will realize something of the inestimable privilege +of being His ambassador to nations in darkness +without any knowledge of the Light of Life. All +earthly things will be lost sight of and his heart will +burn within him to lift up Christ among the heathen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_477" id="Page_477">[477]</a></span> +He will gladly go through anything, that the blessed +Gospel may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.</p> + +<p>Some one may inquire, "What should I study to +prepare me for the mission field?" A careful study +of these pages will, we think, answer that question. +But to sum it up we would say, anything, everything +you can, both in school and out; one never knows +until he reaches the field what he may meet with. +The Bible of course, first, last, and always, and all +the knowledge with it one can acquire; then too +temporal work of various kinds, medicine, nursing, +hygiene, farming, building, teaching, housekeeping, +and mission methods. If one has acquired a fair +knowledge of these and thinks he is well prepared, +then let him be humble enough to acknowledge that +he knows only the A B C's of mission work; and +that when he has reached his field of labor, the Lord, +and perhaps some of His messengers already in the +field, will help him to put together into words the +letters he has learned, and he may add to it day by +day as the occasion may require. If one has this +humility and willingness to adapt himself to the +work, after reaching the field, it will supply much +of his lack of knowledge along some lines.</p> + +<p>My object in writing thus plainly is not to frighten +any one of God's children from the work of the +Lord; but rather to help each one carefully to count +the cost, and to disabuse anyone's mind of false +notions of mission work. Judging from the stability +and perseverance of those already connected +with the work, we have reasons to believe that all +did count the cost; but the work is only begun, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_478" id="Page_478">[478]</a></span> +we trust many more will come to swell the ranks +and push on the work into the darker regions.</p> + +<p>It has been a little over a century since the first +missionaries began their work along the coast of +South Africa; but it is only within the last half +century that there has been much visible fruit of +the work done. Even then the missionary labors +have been chiefly along the coast of the continent +and along the navigable rivers which are the natural +highways into the interior. Much of Central Africa +is still unpossessed. In the report of the last +Great Missionary Conference it was estimated that +there are ninety millions of the population of Africa +as yet untouched by the Gospel. Stupendous figures, +indeed, to say nothing of the many millions +whose knowledge of the Gospel is as yet very superficial!</p> + +<p>We have already mentioned some of the difficulties +in the way of reaching the people; the great expanse +of country to be traversed, the deadliness of +the climate, and the high cost of living, which in +Africa exceeds that of any other country. Again, +the many languages and dialects, 823 in number, together +with the illiteracy of the people, are a serious +handicap; but with God "all things are possible."</p> + +<p>The present generation is beholding wonderful +strides in opening the vast continent to commerce +and civilization, and above all to Christianity. Railroads +are rapidly being built all over the country, +uniting the interior with the coast. At the present +rate it probably will be a matter of only a very few +years until Cape Town will be connected to Cairo +by steam through the center of the continent. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_479" id="Page_479">[479]</a></span> +central railway is soon to be linked with Benguella, +on the west coast, which will form a more direct +route into the interior. Twenty years ago Rhodesia +had no railroads; in fact, it can scarcely be said +there was a Rhodesia; for it was only in its formative +period. Now it has 1,466 miles of railway owned +and operated by the government, with an additional +204 miles extending to the seaport, Beira, on the +east coast. These are only a portion of what has +been built in the country. North, south, east, and +west other lines have been built.</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/illus480.png" width="600" height="475" alt="Boxburg Mission Station. Built by Mr. Jesse Eyster." title="Boxburg Mission Station." /> +<span class="caption">Boxburg Mission Station. Built by Mr. Jesse Eyster.</span> +</div> + +<p>When one considers the vast amount of labor required, +and the all-but insurmountable difficulties to +be overcome in railroad building in Africa, the +work already accomplished is little less than miraculous.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_480" id="Page_480">[480]</a></span> +The Lord raised up men of large hearts as +well as large means, to finance much of this. All +the building material has to be carried long distances, +and many of the ties and telegraph poles are +of iron on account of the destructive white ants. +The traveler can now take the train at Cape Town +and travel to the border of Congo State, a distance +by rail of 2,140 miles, for $75, second class. He can +have a comfortable compartment, furnished with all +modern conveniences, and obtain his meals on the +train at a very moderate cost. Freight rates are +still high on account of the immense distance to be +traversed and the small amount of goods required to +supply Central Africa.</p> + +<p>The railroads are fast changing conditions, helping +to solve the question of gaining access to the +people, and providing good homes and wholesome +food for the missionaries. There are, however, many +millions yet outside the railroad belt who are in +need of the Gospel; but even these can be reached +with much less difficulty than formerly.</p> + +<p>The language question too is rapidly being solved, +and great praise is due the noble army of men and +women who have labored long and hard to reduce +to writing the seemingly meaningless jargon which +first greets their ears in going among the natives. +Many languages have been reduced to writing by +the missionaries, and the Scriptures have been translated +into them. Grammars, dictionaries, and textbooks +of various kinds have been written. This +work, together with the various schools and the +united labors of the missionaries, is aiding in reducing +the number of languages. There are, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_481" id="Page_481">[481]</a></span> +many tribes which are yet without missionaries and +without the Gospel in their language, and they are +waiting for some one to say, "Here am I, send me." +This is a task worthy of the greatest minds of the +age; to reduce to writing an African language and +to translate into it the Gospel which tells of <span class="smcap">God's +love through Jesus Christ</span>, to those downtrodden, +hag-ridden, demon-worshiping souls.</p> + +<p>The time is opportune for spreading the Gospel in +Africa; and if every child of God were willing to do +his part or her part in the work, the present generation +could see it carried to all tribes.</p> + +<p>None of the difficulties in the way are insurmountable. +When, the "Great Commission" was given it +was backed up by the indisputable assertion, "<span class="smcap">All +power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. +Go ye therefore, ... lo, I am with you alway, +even unto the end of the world. Amen.</span>"</p> + +<div class="figcenter bord" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/map020.png" width="600" height="494" alt="Map" title="Map" /> +<span class="caption">Map</span> +</div> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> +<p>Punctuation has been normalized. Obvious printer errors have been corrected. + Both spellings of gray/grey appear.</p> <p>Some illustrations were originally + located in the middle of paragraphs. These have been adjusted to not interrupt + the flow of reading. In some cases this means that the page number that the + illustration was originally on is not visible. </p></div> + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of South and South Central Africa, by +H. 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