"Annual Report for the Year 1885 for the Station of Anum Written by David Asante"

Personnel of the Anum Mission District: David Asante Teacher H. Amanin at Anum Teacher Chr. Asiedu at Boso Monitor R. Dapa at Boso Teacher J. Okanta at Palime. There seem to have been no journeys into Nkonya-Buem - at any rate Asante's main preaching journey (of 57 days) was into Fante land, and involved the selling of books as well. The Anum community increased by 15 in the course of the year - 5 heathen adults baptised, 2 heathen children baptised, 5 people moved to Anum who were already Christians. 1 was re-accepted, and 2 children were born to Christians. On the other hand 4 members had to be excluded, and 3 moved away. There are now 13 houses on the mission land. The progress of the community is discussed only in general terms - there are no family prayers, but they attend prayers conducted by the teacher. They are less mistrustful of the missionary than heretofore. Some members of the community feel a missionary urge towards their own people - sadly these are all illiterate. One woman especially is cited for her busy advising of newly declared Christians. In family life the main criticism is the blind partiality which parents show to their children instead of exercising discipline. They use Luther's little Catechism for instructing their catechumens. Around Anum street preaching has gone on regularly in the villages of Onyano and Toseng, where however, they have made little impact. Also in Dodi and Pekwakubew. In Bosone 1 person had to be excluded from the community, and 4 Christians moved away. The community increased on the other hand by through the baptism of 4 heathen adults and 3 heathen children. 3 children were born to Christians, and 3 Christians moved to Bose from elsewhere. Hostility on the part of the heathen declined towards the end of the year – partly because the costly gifts received from ex-Gold Coast missionaries in Europe (a Communion set, and a steel bell) impressed the chief considerably. They are digging as well in Boso. In Kpalime the community consists only of the teacher's family, and the family of the first converts. They and the catechumens want to live away from the heathens, and ask the Basel Committee to help with the purchase of the land for this.

18.01.1886

18.01.1886

Text