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 H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle. H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle. SOUTH AND SOUTH CENTRAL AFRICA A RECORD OF FIFTEEN YEARS' MISSIONARY LABORS AMONG [Pg 1] PRIMITIVE PEOPLES BY H. FRANCES DAVIDSON (WITH PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE MISSIONARIES) PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE ELGIN, ILL. 1915 Copyrighted by H. FRANCES DAVIDSON 1915 Books may be obtained through H. R. DAVIDSON Auburn, Ind. Route 3 or M. L. HOFFMAN Abilene, Kans. DEDICATED TO MY FATHER'S LIFELONG FRIEND DR. W. O. BAKER And to All Others, Who, Like Him, Are Deeply Interested in the Evangelization of the Dark Continent INTRODUCTION 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. 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. 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 [2] [3] [4] [5] the story of this strange people. 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. Her heroism and unfaltering faith in Jehovah is 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. 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. 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. We all love to read the truthful words that drop from the pen of such fearless, devoted, and consecrated souls. The book is written in a clear, graphic, and condensed manner, just the thing for this busy, rushing generation. We bespeak for it a precious harvest of lasting fruitage. Yours in the hope of the Gospel, J. R. ZOOK, Chairman of the Missionary Board of the Brethren in Christ's Church. PREFACE 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. We desire to express our thanks to Mrs. Myron Taylor, formerly Miss Adda Engle, for the majority of the photographs [6] [7] [8] 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 and Mtshabezi Missions, but have failed in securing good ones. 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. H. FRANCES DAVIDSON. Auburn, Ind. CONTENTS PART I Matopo Mission CHAPTER I. Early Missionary Labors—Origin of Foreign Missionary Work, 1894—After Two Years—An Appeal—My Call—First Missionaries—Preparing to Sail, 1897, 19 CHAPTER II. On the Deep—England—Bound for Cape Town— Matabeleland Chosen—Landing at Cape Town, 29 CHAPTER III. Cape Town—Elder Engle's Interview with Mr. Rhodes —Zulu Language—Mrs. Lewis' Kindness—Journey to Bulawayo, 38 CHAPTER IV. Matabeleland—Wars with the Natives—Hide in the Matopo Hills—Bulawayo—Selection of a Mission Site, 45 CHAPTER V. Trekking to the Hills, 1898—Chief and His People— First View of the Mission Site—Building Huts— Misunderstandings with the Natives—Missionaries Working, 53 CHAPTER VI. Opening of School—Its Equipments and Work— Sunday Services—Learning the Language—Kraal- visiting— Matshuba—Sunday-school, 66 CHAPTER VII. Reinforcements and Supplies—Mr. and Mrs. Cress, Mr. I. O. Lehman, 1899—Clothing for the People— Building—Old Queen—First Baptisms—Boer War, 83 [9] [10] [11] [12] CHAPTER VIII. 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 CHAPTER IX. Resuming the Work—Boys' Confession—Hluganisa and School—Kraal-visiting—Locusts—Ndhlalambi— Sickness of the Lehmans—Trouble in Reference to Mission Farm, 107 CHAPTER X. 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 CHAPTER XI. Death of Mr. Rhodes, 1903—Of Fusi—Furlough and South Africa—The Compound's Missions—Native Bee—Appearance of Congregation, 140 CHAPTER XII. 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 Africa with Mr. and Mrs. Frey and Misses Adda Engle and Abbie Bert, 1905—Mtshabezi Mission, 1906, 155 CHAPTER XIII. Religion of Matabele—Ideas of God—Umlimo Oracle —Rainmaker—Witchcraft—Transmigration of Souls —Spiritualism, 173 CHAPTER XIV. 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 CHAPTER XV. 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 PART II Macha Mission [13] CHAPTER I. Early Missionary Labors—Railroad Building—Starting for the Zambezi, 1906—Victoria Falls—David Livingstone—Barotseland and Other Missions, 237 CHAPTER II. Preparing to Advance—Broken Wagon—Journey to Kalomo—Interviewing Officials—Difficulties in the Way—Permission to Proceed—Macha, 252 CHAPTER III. Why Selected—Living on the Veldt—First Huts— Spiritual Duties—Learning an Unwritten Language— First Christmas, 263 CHAPTER IV. 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 CHAPTER V. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Wenger Arrive, 1908—Need of Good Houses—Making Brick—Tsetse Fly—Brother Taylor's Encounter with Lions, 295 CHAPTER VI. 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 CHAPTER VII. 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 CHAPTER VIII. Baby Ruth—Building Church—Training Natives—The Year's Work—Brother Taylor Itinerating—Elder Steigerwald's Visit, 343 CHAPTER IX. New Books—Native Problems—Studying the Native Character—Child Life—Natives Resourceful—Dark Side of Native Character, 355 CHAPTER X. Are They Lazy?—Three Natives—Home Training— Charlie—Are They Provident?—Naturalists— Attitude Toward Whites—Generosity of Some— Kraal-visiting, 372 [14] [15] CHAPTER XI. Ideas of God—Native Prophetesses—Rainmakers— Death and Burial—Digging a Grave—Sacrifice of Animals—Beer-wailings—Evil Spirits, 387 CHAPTER XII. Tribal Mark—Decorating the Body—Kinship— Betrothal and Marriage—The Bride—Hindrances to Mission Work—Compared to the Matabele— Salutations, 402 CHAPTER XIII. 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 CHAPTER XIV. Two Objects Paramount—Need of Native Evangelists —Visit to Out-schools—Mianda—Impongo— Kabanzi—Kabwe—Myeki—Chilumbwe, 440 CHAPTER XV. 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 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS H. Frances Davidson and Adda G. Engle, Frontispiece Hut Built by H. Frances Davidson and Alice Heise at Matopo, 58 Matopo Mission, March, 1899, 63 Matopo Mission Church in 1899. Built by Elder Jesse Engle, 87 Mrs. Cress Giving a Lesson in Cleanliness, 91 Elder Engle and Donkey Team at Matopo Mission, 99 Matopo Cemetery, 103 Matopo Mission House. Front View, 131 "Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes," 149 Matopo Mission Church. Built by Elder Steigerwald in 1905, 159 Back View of Matopo Mission House, Showing Granite Hill Beyond, 161 In the Matopo Hills, 163 Mapani Mission, 1907, 168 Kwidine Taking His Aunt to Church. Matopo M. Hospital, 170 Christian Wedding Reception Near Matopo, 171 Matabele Kraal, Near Matopo Mission, 196 Matabele Women Stamping Grain, 201 [16] Matabele Women Digging, 207 Building the Boys' House at Matopo, M. S., 215 Boys' Brick House at Matopo Mission, 215 A Native Christian's Home. Matshuba's, 217 Mtshabezi Church and School, 221 Mtshabezi Mission in 1910, 221 Mtshabezi. Baptismal Scene, 224 Girls at Mtshabezi Mission, 230 Victoria Falls Bridge, 241 Main View of Victoria Falls, 1¼ Miles Wide, 246 Macha Mission Huts, 1907, 281 Macha Boys and Schoolhouse, 287 The Last Invitation, 291 Making Brick at Macha, 302 Brick Kiln. Mr. Jesse Wenger and Helpers, 302 Macha Mission Dwelling House, 307 Elder Steigerwald and Mr. Doner on Their Trip North of Macha, 313 Crossing the Kafue River in a Native Dugout, 315 Batonga Chiefs and Headmen, 317 First Baptismal Scene at Macha. Native Congregation Not Visible, 319 Wedding Dinner at Macha, 320 The Elephant That Derailed the Train, 325 Macha Mission School, Boarders, 1910, 327 Macha Wagon and Oxen Near an Ant Hill, 330 Simeoba's Village, Viewing the Strangers, 334 Sisters Engle Crossing the Tuli River in the Matopo Hills, 337 The Bottle Palm, 340 Macha Mission Church and Boys' House, 347 Ruth Taylor and Her Mother. A White Child in the Midst, 351 Little Nurses. Mianda Village, 359 Batonga Fisher Women, 364 Batonga Village with the Cattle Pens in the Foreground, 404 Cattle Pen of the Batonga, 406 A Batonga Family Traveling, 408 Native Women—Widows, 410 Kabanzi Chief with His First Wife, 412 Giving the Gospel in Macha Village, 414 Macha Mission, 1913, 419 Ruth Taylor, 423 First Christian Marriages at Macha, 426 David Moyo and His Wife and Child, 429 Rev. and Mrs. Kerswell with Native Carriers on a Visit to Macha, 431 Batonga Chiefs, Near Macha Mission, 435 School at Kabanzi Village, 446 Sikaluwa, 456 Brethren in Christ Cottage and Chapel at Johannesburg, 469 Mr. and Mrs. Isaac O. Lehman and Family, 474 Boxburg Mission Station. Built by Mr. Jesse Eyster, 479 PART ONE MATOPO MISSION "Go ye therefore and teach all nations" —Matt. 28: 19 SOUTH AND SOUTH CENTRAL AFRICA CHAPTER ONE The Beginning of Missionary Effort It was at the General Conference held in May, 1894, that the Foreign Missionary Work of the Church of the Brethren in Christ originated. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] 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. 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 country, no particular country being designated. 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. Just what was done in the interim I cannot say, but on January 15, 1897, there appeared in the Evangelical Visitor the following: AN APPEAL 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? 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. 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. If the Lord lays it upon your heart to give because you can not go yourself, please send your donations to Elder 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? SAMUEL ZOOK. 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. The day that "The Appeal" appeared in the Visitor, 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. 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. 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. 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, [22] [23] [24] 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 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. 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." 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 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. 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. At the General Conference in May, 1897, at Valley Chapel, Ohio, the following report was given and adopted: Report of the amount of money in the hands of the Treasurer of Foreign Mission to date, $693.46. 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. 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. 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 to fill the vacancy (provided Brother Engle should go); all of which is respectfully submitted. HENRY DAVIDSON, Chairman. SAMUEL ZOOK, Treasurer. 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. 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. On November 21 a general farewell and ordination meeting for all was held in the Messiah Home Chapel, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where the five 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 [25] [26] [27] [28] call. After the ordination of all had taken place, we commemorated the death and sufferings of our Savior. 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. CHAPTER TWO The Voyage and Landing 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. 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. 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. 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 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 Majestic 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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 [29] [30] [31] [32] 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. 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. I said to her, "Now you need not trouble yourself about your baggage until you reach your destination." "So they tell me," she replied. "It will seem so strange to travel without having to look after one's luggage." 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. 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 Pembroke Castle, of the Union Castle Line, for a three weeks' voyage to Cape Town. The associations on the Majestic 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 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. 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. In a short time the steamer was again on its way; but where was it taking the little band of missionaries? 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. 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. 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. This having been decided upon, the next question was as to how long they were to remain at Cape Town before [33] [34] [35] [36] 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? 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. 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 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 . CHAPTER THREE Preparation and Progress 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. 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. Cape Town was laid out by the Dutch, and the substantial, antiquated-looking houses in the older 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. 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 [37] [38] [39] [40] the British Charter Company, of Rhodesia, with the recommendation that we be given 3,000 acres of land in the Matopo Hills for a mission station. He added that "missionaries are better than policemen and cheaper." 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. 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. 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 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...