(1) English translation (excerpts)
1.1 Mayer (Gaffat, June 10, 1862)
Published in Mittheilungen 1862, p. 11-13.
[…] [p. 11] The question of how to successfully start a mission among the heathen [Oromo] (south of Abyssinia) has occupied me for several years. Unfortunately, the same obstacles still stand in the way of its solution today as they did years ago: The blocking of the way (via Godsham [Gojjam] or Shoah [Shewa]) by rebels, and the great difficulty of obtaining permission from the King to travel there. […]
Missionary friends rightly call Abyssinia the key to Central Africa, but up to now it has only served to lock the door. The king [Tewodros II] has, however, put a further bolt in the works, in that his cruelty against the Muslim [Oromo] has made the already unattractive Christian name of the Abyssinians even smellier this year. […]
As for learning the [Oromo] language, I have compiled a small dictionary, with the help of which it should no longer be difficult for me to move among the [Oromo] and to learn their language in a short time. […]
[p. 12] For several months now, I have also begun to preach the Gospel more publicly than before. I went on the feast days of the various churches in these regions (for each church celebrates the feasts of the saint to whom it is dedicated) and preached the Gospel to the people gathered there, priests and people. To my joy, I noticed that they enjoyed hearing it. Everywhere they invited me to visit them quite often, especially on Sundays […].
During these church visits, I do it like this: I read, or have someone read, a passage from the New Testament. Then I talk about it and explain the test, particularly urging the necessity of conversion. They then ask me questions, and I in turn ask them questions. Where necessary, I read the proofs from Scripture to them and then offer my explanatory remarks. In this way, the people gain some knowledge of the Scriptures. Afterward, they discuss what they have heard further among themselves. […]
A key question among the Abyssinians is fasting. They believe their ceremonial fasting heals the wounds of sin and makes them righteous before God. I answered the question like this: Man is called to sanctification. His body should be a temple of the Holy Spirit. Now, fasting certainly offers a means to this end. But true fasting is abstaining from sin and fighting one’s desires. Food consumed in moderation does not defile, but sin does. […]
[p. 13] During this rainy season, I have been translating the Württemberg children’s doctrine and confirmation booklet into Amharic, with the youth in mind. If it could be printed, it would be very good.
I have one more question to answer: Is a lot of land cultivated? Is the soil suitable for growing cotton? Is it possible to obtain land for this purpose? – Relatively little is cultivated; sometimes more, sometimes less. One can assume that out of five parts of the arable land, about two parts are cultivated. The soil in the lower-lying areas is suitable for cotton cultivation, where a small amount is already being cultivated. Obtaining land is impossible for a foreigner under this king’s reign. The king, as he has already made clear, will never allow a foreigner to own land. Brother Waldmeier had to relinquish his wife’s hereditary property.
1.2 Bender & Mayer (Journal, December 1868 to February 1869)
Published in Mittheilungen 1869, p. 13-15.
[…] [p. 14] We had found many acquaintances and friends in Massowah [Massawa]. We met our old friend Debtera Saneb [Zännäb, …] here, as if waiting for us. The English wanted to take him to England with the Abyssinian prince, but by the time they reached Suez, they had changed their minds and sent him back to Massowah against his will. This only strengthened him all the more in his resolve to live entirely for the Lord from then on and to contribute to the expansion of his kingdom to the best of his ability. He was therefore very happy to see us again. We asked him to join us and help with the missionary work in Abyssinia, which he recognized as God’s will and accepted with joy. During his stay in Massowah, he had the opportunity to get to know and test Catholicism. However, he found nothing for his heart in it, but many things that had no basis in the Bible.
1.3 Mayer & Bender (Journal, February to July, 1869)
Published in Mittheilungen 1869, p. 21-27.
[…] [p. 21] With our arrival in Adoa [Adwa], I began regular devotions with the people who are with me, where we read a chapter together in the morning and evening, which I try to explain thoroughly and edifyingly, and try to teach the people, especially Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] (whom some of our friends know from before), a thorough knowledge of salvation and the whole Word of God. Through various mutual questions, interest is kept lively, and each individual is made aware. This has resulted in regular morning meetings, which are often well attended, especially on Sundays. – On Sunday afternoons, I hold a kind of “children’s teaching” [confirmation class], as it is called in Württemberg, which is also attended in large numbers. […]
[p. 22] [April] 4. Two [Oromo] came to see me today.
- Mayer appears to refer to Waaree and Gäbrä Mika’el
(see letter I.4).
They are two well-known eunuchs who love the Word of God, who can read, and who taught several royal women in Magdala. They came to me with the request that I teach them the whole Word of God and that, God willing, they would teach the Gospel to their fellow countrymen who were still pagans. These two young people are helping Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] to translate the New Testament into the [Oromo] language, so they are there almost all day, reading and seeking to enrich themselves in the Word of God.
They want to return to their country, but would prefer to do so with a teacher. They say that their people, “Nonno,” would certainly gladly accept the gospel if it were preached to them. I gave them hope that as soon as the way was opened, teachers from our country would go to the [Oromo] country. At this, they bowed to the earth and said joyfully, “God grant that it may soon come true. That is our only wish.” – I invited them to attend the lessons in the Word of God every morning from 7 a.m., to which they agreed with joy and have been regular and attentive participants ever since. They are hopeful young people.
[April] 5. In the afternoon, a young Debtera Wolda Georgis came and said he had been Dr. Krapf’s servant [in 1855?] and wanted to be taught the faith of his master. I told him that Dr. Krapf’s faith was the Bible and that he should learn it. There were lessons here every morning, and if he wanted to attend, I would invite him. He happily accepted and came several times until he left. He always brought a few other young people with him. […]
[p. 23] [April] 8. Today, we received a little letter from some friends who read the Word of God in Magdala and are all in favor of making it known to the people. They are in the camp in Seraul and write the following:
“This letter, sent by Malaka Ganet Afa Work, Alaka Wolda Maskal, and Mrs. Jawabatsch, may come to Mr. Bender, Mr. Mayer, and their families. First of all, we ask: How are you? Has the country (or the city) taken you in? The Father of Jesus Christ may keep you and protect you! Just as God allowed the holy apostles Peter and Paul to succeed in their apostleship, may He also allow you to carry out and succeed in the mission He has given you! If God has mercy on this people, He will fulfill your heart’s desire and allow you to help our brothers who are sitting in darkness to the light of the gospel. Amen.”
1.4 Mayer & Bender (Adwa, August 1870)
Published in Mittheilungen 1870, p. 23-24
[p. 23] So far, we have not been further hindered in distributing the Bible; the previous ban never came into effect. Prince Kasa [later Emperor Yohannes IV] silently allows our work to continue, although he has not yet accepted a Bible for himself. […]
On July 30 [1870], our messenger arrived from Massowah [Massawa] with letters giving me permission from the Committee [Board] to accept the invitation of King Menelek of Shoah [Menelik of Shewa] and undertake a colportage trip to him. […]
In the daily morning Bible studies, I finished reading the New Testament for the second time. There are always different visits. Aleka Wolde Michael came to me and shared his experiences in the camp. He said: “During my stay, I read to the people, and they listened with great pleasure. In the prince’s house, I have two students, both of whom are high-ranking officials. One of them is particularly convinced of the truth and loves the Word of God very much. The prince learned that I read to the people and gave me the nickname “The Teacher.” Otherwise, he leaves me alone.” […]
[p. 24] Wari [Waaree], the [Oromo] eunuch who translated the New Testament with Alaka Saneb, is still ill with limb disease. Aleka Saneb is a light to many through teaching and life. The other [Oromo], Gebra Michael [Gäbrä Mika’el], continues to teach some children and is strengthening himself in the truth to be of use to his compatriots.
1.5 Mayer (Wodäk, April 18, 1872)
Publ. in Mittheilungen 1872, p. 25-27
[ Preface (prob. by Mission Inspector C.H. Rappard) in December 1872 ]
[p. 25] Dear friends!
As can be seen from the following letter, Brother Joh. Mayer has reached the goal of his journey after many difficult experiences. King Menelek [Menelik], who had already asked for missionaries last year, has permitted a mission among the pagan [Oromo] tribes. After much prayer, we have come to the conviction that the Lord of the harvest is leading us once again into this field, which was already dedicated to the pilgrim mission during the lifetime of Blessed Father Spittler. On the second Sunday of Advent, our brothers J. Greiner, who has already worked as a missionary in Egypt, and J. [Jakob] Mayer from the 1st class for the mission among the [Oromo] will be sent off at St. Chrischona. On December 11 [1872], they will begin their journey via Genoa, Alexandria, and Aden. We sincerely ask the friends of the Kingdom of God to remember this critical undertaking before the Lord in prayer. The task is to bring the saving gospel to 8 million [Oromo] pagans!
- Jakob Mayer is not a family member of experienced missionary Johannes Mayer. Jakob Mayer had to return to Europe after a few years in Ankober due to emotional / health problems.
[ Mayer’s letter ]
Wodäk [i.e., Weldiya ?],
April 18, 1872
[…] When the officer [in Wodäk, the camp and city of the ruler of Yejju, Ras Ali Birru] saw that this accusation was untenable, he said: “You are accused of stealing slaves; the accuser wants to prove it to you. Until the Ras decides on this matter, we will confiscate your luggage; hand it over to us, counted.” […]
On March 30 [1872], Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] was sent away along with the messenger of the king [Menelik]. Towards evening, I had an audience with Ras Ali, the first and last. […]
[p. 26]
Tomale in Wora Ilu in the camp of King Menelek,
June 15, 1872
[…] On April 25, 1872, I received a letter from Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] informing me of his safe arrival at the camp in Wora Ilu [Warra Illuu]. The king heard my situation with great concern and sent a messenger to Ras Ali, asking him to release me. […]
After long fear and hardship, God heard my plea and guided the robber’s heart so that on May 23, he gave his consent to my departure […]
[p. 27] June 3. […] In the camp, I was warmly received by Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] and some officials and received plenty of provisions; the king had a house built for me […]
June 19, 1872
Postscript: Today I had my first audience with King [Menelik]. He received me warmly, and I presented a small gift that I still had left. Although I couldn’t talk much, the purpose of my visit has been fully achieved. He gave full permission for an [Oromo] mission and would be pleased if all [Oromo] were taught the Gospel.
My advice now is that two brothers should come in January 1873, at least one of them ordained. They should bring a large number of books, i.e., Bibles and Testaments in Amharic and those printed in the [Oromo] language. Take the route via Aden and Taguri [Tadjoura].
The king wants to open his country to all Europeans and would greatly appreciate it if teachers and artists [artisans?] would come. So far, there are no Europeans except a few Catholic priests in the [Oromo] lands.
In the future, letters must be sent via Aden and Tadjoura to King Menelik of Shewa. The king wants to establish more frequent communication. […]
It seems to me that the Lord is now opening the [Oromo] lands to his gospel. May it happen soon, and may these people also be given to Him as His possession and the reward of His suffering. May His hour have come.
1.6 Bender (Adwa, December 1872)
Published in Mittheilungen 1873, p. 11.
[…] The Word that I spread among the people and explain to them is always a strength for me on the path I must take. This year, I have been able to distribute 1,200 Gospels, scriptures, and other Christian books. I have heard from various sources that people have started selling the books among themselves. This gives me hope that they will gain more respect for them. […]
On St. Michael’s Day in November, I went to Axum with two boys carrying my books. These were so well received by the pilgrims that a large number of them came to me in Adoa and asked for more books. I allowed the Swedish brothers in Ailat and Belessa to use the books still in stock in Massawa and asked them to report to me how they used them.
1.7 Mayer (Ankober, December 31, 1872)
Published in Mittheilungen 1873, p. 15-16.
[p. 15] In my first report, which runs until the end of October [1872], I already informed you that King Menelek ordered me to go to Ankober and await further developments there. […]
On November 2nd, the king marched from Wora Ilu [Warra Illuu]. I accompanied him for a short time. As he left, he commended himself to my prayers. Alaka Saneb [Zännäb] remains with the king. […]
[p. 16] Aito Manaje [Ato Manaye], my friend from Gaffat, now an official in charge of the ironworkers, visited me and brought all kinds of provisions as a welcome gift.
On November 26th, I visited Ato Manaye and his brothers, saw their work and facilities. I was particularly pleased that he had set up a kind of private chapel, had his people taught to read, and read and loved the Word of God himself. […]
At Ato Manaye, I met some [Oromo] compatriots who brought him tribute, as he was the governor of their land. To see if they could understand me, I sat down with them, read from the Gospel of Luke, and then asked if they understood. At first, they answered “no” because they were only looking at me and not listening. To test the language, one of my friends called a girl who grew up in Oromo country but speaks Amharic very well. She translated everything quite accurately. Little by little, we helped people understand something. Their fear of the book didn’t stop them from paying attention. They thought the book was a spell and would teach them something.
1.8 Mayer (Ankober, February 16, 1875)
Published in Mittheilungen 1875, p. 9-10.
[p.9] […] At our next meeting, I showed the king [Menelik] the sample scripts that Brother Greiner had the pupils write in German, Amharic, and [Oromo]. The king and the great men present were very surprised that [Oromo] boys could learn so much in such a short time. On this occasion, I presented our case and asked for transportation to a suitable place in the [Oromo] country where we could continue teaching. The king replied: “My [Oromo] governor is coming these days. I will then consult with him and have you taken to a suitable place.”
1.9 Mayer (Ankober, June 1876)
Published in Jahresbericht _ _ _ (1876): 39:
Here in Shoah, by God’s grace, I have spread much light and understanding about the Bible through conversation. Some honest people soon realize that the Word of God is good and that one should live by it. Many also admit that they are not true Christians and have many false beliefs. But what is lacking is a complete breakthrough to the bright evangelical light, i.e., a spiritual movement that leads to conversions. May this happen soon.
A soldier who is always defeated, despite all his efforts and bravery, becomes discouraged; however, a victor always becomes more courageous. This is my experience. On days when I can talk to people properly, i.e., when I find listening ears, my inner joy grows and everything becomes much easier for me. However, if I then have to talk to closed ears again and only with argumentative people, where I can’t get through to their hearts, that discourages me again. Anyhow, there is not a complete lack of fruit.
(2) German text
Mittheilungen aus der Correspondenz der Pilgermission, zunächst für deren auswärtige Brüder bestimmt (1862 ff)
Source: Library of the Theol. Seminary St. Chrischona