Sept 17, 1903 Kijabe.                                                                                                           Index

        You see this is almost three weeks since I have begun this letter but such glorious weeks. I dont think I was ever so happy in my life. This is actually the finest country I have ever seen. The reason why I did not send this letter sooner is because our regular annual conference was held here over last Sunday and we were so busy building houses that I had time for nothing else. Now that the conference is over we have time to stop and take a breath. Our conference was a fine one. Thirteen of the missionaries were present. What do you think they have done. They have elected me field Treasurer of the Africa Inland Mission. It almost makes me tremble to think of it since hereafter I will be obliged to handle and keep account of all money coming to the field. This also makes me a member of the Field Council which Council manages all the affairs on the field. I hope this is as the Lord would have it for it is only by asking his aid that I can hope to accomplish the work.

        Thinking that perhaps you are still considering the matter as to whether you ought to join me or not I have a matter I wish to present to you. God only knows how my heart is longing to see his whole will carried out. Should he blast my every hope, destroy my every pleasure or utterly break me up I should still be very happy knowing it is his will. Against his will there can be absolutely no joy so I present this to you that together we may wrestle in prayer for his guidance. There can be no doubt now that God has thrust me forth especially to take up work among the Masai people. Mr Hurlburt says he is confident that I am come in direct answer to prayer. All things seem to lead up beautifully to give me all my time for the work. It is almost decided that Mr. and Mrs. Atwood come here, Mrs. to take care of the orphan children and Mr. Atwood to do what I was to do among the Kikuyu and to keep a large garden to supply me with food as I travel, also for the other people here. Thus it seems the Lord has arranged everything nicely. Now if this is to be my work, my life will necessarily be a roving one, since the Masai live in tents and keep cattle. They move as often as they need new pasture Mr. Hurlburt says it will be almost impossible for a married man to do this work, since it would be a life, almost unbearable to a woman. He thinks however that it is possible for a plucky woman to go with a man in the work. Of course I have told them nothing of our plans. In fact no one knows anything about it here. Now since it seems clear that the Lord would have me begin this work, I have put the matter entirely into his hands and shall wait with confidence knowing he will lead aright. As I have said so many times before I say again. Put your whole trust in him for guidance. If He wants you to come here and your trust is in Him he will surely bring you out whether you are to join me or not. I think in my last letter I urged you to decide at once. I urge you again. Not however to decide to join me but rather to reach the field. It may be that the Lord would use you here separately from me. It could be just possible that He caused me to ask you to follow, simply as a means to get you to the right place. I say this may be, still I feel confident that some day you and I shall be permitted to live together. At least if you feel that the Lord has chosen this field for you, come on, and ask him to permit you to come quickly other matters will then take care of themselves. It seems that now and only now is the opportune time to reach this people. Already Mohammedan literature is flooding the country so that we hardly dare to teach these people to read. God gives us the opportunity. It will soon pass away unless used. Shall we then be responsible for a lost continent. God forbid. Ask him to permit you to come quickly under any conditions. What are our plans compared with the possibility to reach this people. Lets set aside all matters and ask only his glory and I am confident the other things will take care of themselves. I wish I had time to tell you many other things that come into my mind but I shall be obliged to write them later. Trust God and all will be well:

        Yours Faithfully John.