Rev and Mrs D. B. MacLeod have arrived back to a warm welcome in Edinburgh, after Mr MacLeod’s period of deputation work in Kenya and Malawi. No doubt an official report will be given by Mr MacLeod, but it has been interesting to hear of the first impressions made on Mr Donald MacDonald, our new missionary, as they flew towards Kenya. I quote the following:—
“Our flight was long and tiring, but rather exciting. I looked out of the window as tea was being served, and realised that we were passing over the Sahara Desert. Through the clouds I could see the orange colour of the sand a great distance below. I had left a wet East Kilbride that morning and I was now passing over that huge expanse of parched desert that we have all heard so much about. Even at the speed we were doing it took hours to pass over it. That was my first glimpse of Africa and I cannot tell you how exciting it was, and my thoughts began to turn to the people I was going to see and to work amongst.
The plane was packed with tourists, businessmen, and the biggest collection of missionaries I have ever seen. There were all types there: Presbyterians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Mennonites, and of course, large numbers of Roman Catholics: Americans, French, German, Dutch, English and among them all three Free Presbyterians from Scotland. Sadly, although there were so many, it was hard to believe that the majority were going out with the true Gospel, although I am sure some were, and many were going out with the false doctrines of Rome. In the face of this, how pressing is the need for true believers to go forth into all the world with the good news of salvation, not by works which so many preach, but by free and sovereign grace.
I would ask for the prayers of all the friends in all parts of the world, that our efforts would be blessed, and that the Lord would pave the way for us, as our God and guide, and that He would be pleased to send forth His Spirit to work mightily here, and in all the world. Pray also for labourers sent by Himself, for the fields are already white to harvest. Many souls are dying every day in all countries, going out into darkness, into eternal night, never having heard of a Saviour who came to seek and to save the lost. This should move us to do what we can for those who are still on Mercy’s ground.”
While the Rev. and Mrs D. B. MacLeod and Donald MacDonald went on to Malawi after completing their work in Kenya the Rev. A. B. Ndebele, who had been with them in Kenya, returned to Zimbabwe. We sympathise with Rev. and Mrs Ndebele in the loss they have suffered in the recent death of a daughter.
The Theological Conference took place in Bulawayo during August. There was not as many teachers present as usual, as they were gathering statistics for the Census, by Government orders, but there was quite a large contingent from New Canaan for the first time, and everyone was pleased. The following papers were read:— “Repentance unto Life” by the Rev. P. Mzamo; “Discipline” by the Rev. A. B. Ndebele; “Singing in the Church” by Mr Neil Murray; “Christian Reading” by Mr James Mpofu, Technical Teacher at the John Tallach School; “It is a Matter of Opinion” Discussion. It proved to be an interesting and successful Conference.
In a letter from Miss Marion Graham she says there is food to be had for which all are thankful, but prices have soared. A bag of maize which cost 20 dollars last September costs 99 dollars at present. A loaf of bread which previously cost 60 cents now costs one dollar 63 cents. People used to grow all they required in the way of food, with the exception of tea and sugar, but now they have to buy everything. School fees have naturally had to be raised, which makes another problem for anxious parents.
With regard to the boarding school Miss Graham says they do not really know how much water they have, but they will ration strictly and pray that the Lord will provide enough until the pupils go home and the time for the rains comes.
Mrs Neil Murray has arrived in Edinburgh to spend some time with her mother, Mrs Turner who has been ill. Miss Etta MacLennan hopes to come to Scotland for three months that is, from October until January. We look forward to seeing her, DV. J.N.