THE following letter has been received by the Rev. John R. Mackay, M.A., Inverness :—
C/O NATIVE COMMISSIONER, BEMBESI,
MATABELELAND, 5th September, 1907.
MY DEAR MR. MACKAY,
I am very glad to have this opportunity of writing to you again. I have not heard from you for some time, and I hope you are keeping well. I know you are often very busy, and have not much time to write, but I shall always be very glad to hear from you whenever you can find time to drop me a line.
As I have never been home yet, I wish you to ask the Synod when it meets in November, if I could get permission to visit my parents in December, if we are all spared. It was not possible for me to have asked before this, as I could not have had anyone to take my place during my absence, but it has pleased the Lord to give us some helpers, which is a matter to be thankful for, who will be able to fill up my place during my absence. If I get the permission, I would be visiting home with Mrs. Radasi. . . .
I find it necessary to have another hut built on our Mission: you might ask permission from the Synod if I could build it. I can get a man that can build it for three pounds. I was very glad and encouraged to find so many Psalms in the Presbyterian Hymn Book. I am sure you will also be glad to hear that Shorter Catechisms are printed in Kaffir, and can be got in the Cape Colony. I cannot tell you how glad I was when I saw them advertised in a Kaffir newspaper.
I got Mr. Cameron’s long and most interesting letter, which strengthened and encouraged me very much. You might tell him I shall be answering it soon. Pray for us that the Lord may give us grace and strength to be faithful to His cause, as without His grace and Spirit we can do nothing aright, as we have such deceitful hearts.
Kindly remember me to your people at home, and to the friends in Inverness. Mrs. Radasi also wishes to be remembered to you as I am always speaking to her about you all.—Your sincere friend,
JOHN B. RADASI.