"Report for the Kibi Station in the Year 1872 (written by Lodholz)"

During the year a new catechist was posted to the station - William Adow. The Kromers left at the beginning of the year because of health difficulties - Haas was able to marry in November. Both the Lodholz, and Missionary Haas, experienced severe illness during the course of the year. Travelling was at a minimum in the course of the year due to illness and convalescence periods in Akwapim, and the demands of building work (repairs) on the station itself. Haas made a long journey (14 days) through Asiaman, Osianase, and Kwabam in the second quarter, though was not able to reach Begoro. Though Catechist Date was released for preaching journeys by the arrival of Adow he too was hindered by sickness including that of his wife whose foot, after all possible means of healing (European and local) had been exhausted, still remained ill enough to be sent to her home town (Aburi) in a hammock in the hope that the change would do her good. The community was increased by 10 in the course of the year, 8 youths and boys and 1 newly-born baptised, and one previous member returning to Kibi. Lodholz was also more at peace with the atmosphere, and though individual members of the community had to be disciplined and encouraged at times, this is only to be expected. Attendance at morning and evening prayers was not satisfactory, especially among members of the community living in Kibi town, but Lodholz is confident that the members of the community pray night and morning, and that not through prayers learned off by heart, but by prayer from the heart. Members are often to be found reading their bibles when they are visited. There are usually a few heathens at services, but seldom many. It has remained very difficult to get boys for the school - Date was very conscientious about this but a change has occurred in Apapam and Dade-Ntem, where the chief and elders are friendlier disposed to them than before, and from where 3 boys have of their own accord into the school. One, having been taken back by his master, refused to eat until he was allowed to return to the school. Of the 9 catechumens, 5 are servants of the missionaries, one a wife of one of the Christians, and three young men from Kibi who have only recently announced themselves. More detail on travelling - Asiakwa was only visited 3 times. Otherwise they worked as much as possible in Apapam, Apedwa, and Tete.

13.01.1873

13.01.1873

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