i882.] 
On the Way to the Zambesi. 
17 
with his brother, but the old chief Sekhome preferred to take 
up his abode in a village on the borders of his former territory. 
Much spiritual blessing has accompanied the work of Mr. 
Hepburn, the resident missionary at Shoshong, and the native 
converts have carried the gospel to villages and tribes far and 
near. 
THE natives' prayer FOR RAIN. 
A bright testimony to the power of prayer was witnessed here. 
Some time after Kama became chief there was a terrible year of 
drought, threatening the loss of all the crops. The enemies 
of Christ sneered at the helplessness of the Christians, and 
wondered what they would do without rain-doctors — important 
persons in Africa. As the knowledge of the true God had 
increased, they had been discarded. Kama now appointed a 
day of prayer to God, and all his people were invited to be 
present. The Christians at Shoshong sent messengers to the 
village of the Makalaka close by, calling them to come to this 
all-day prayer-meeting. The Makalaka heathen, however, sneer- 
ingly retorted that they were not going to turn away their own 
rain-doctors, and refused to come. The Christians spent the 
day in humiliation and prayer, and towards evening heavy clouds 
arose, and a prolonged drenching shower of rain passed over 
the town. The gardens of the Shoshong Christians lay alongside 
those of the Makalaka in a plain in front of the town, and in 
the morning it was found that all the fields belonging to the 
people of Shoshong were well soaked with water, but those of 
the Makalaka were as dry and parched as on the day before. 
The news of this wonderful answer to the prayers of Kama and 
his people spread widely, and traders and others came to see for 
themselves. 
March 23^^. — Since my a,rrival Kama has been very friendly 
with me. His country extends close up to the Zambesi, and he 
has promised to help me on my journey thither with guides and 
servants whenever I am ready to go. 
Mr. Hepburn gives me a daily lesson in Sechuana, and I 
teach his two boys English. 
On Sunday morning I had a meeting with the white residents 
(traders and their wives) ; twelve in all were present. 
You speak of the journey from Natal to this place as a perilous 
c 
