The Revered Eland

A strong back and gentle nature

Cathy is seen in this photograph petting a thousand pound bovine that is common in Africa. It is the largest and most ox like antelope on the dark continent.

This wild and free roaming male frequented the home of our missionary friends at Amathunzi. I had attracted him to the fence with fresh apples. But I always kept a barrier between us such as a fence. He would take them out of my hand and welcome us into his world. I nicknamed him Fred! Each time we visited Amathunzi he seemed to know that we were around. Fred would come looking for another apple.

The San people were considered the first people of Africa. The ancient bush people consider the Eland sacred and played a crucial role in saving the Earth Mother from the underworld. Each step an Eland would take produced a clicking sound as he lifted each hoof. It could be heard a good distance away. The San Khoi people incorporated similar clicks in their language. It is even used to this day.

The gentle Bushmen seemed to be comfortable moving among wild animals, specifically lions, with ease. Bushmen studied the behavior patterns of all the animals. They slept in the middle of the open fields. Maybe that is the manner of animals and man in the Garden of Eden. Consider the behavior and eating habits of man before the flood of Noah.

What a joy it was to be pals with such a stately animal. Enjoy the animals in your world and experience some of the creativity of our God.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
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