Porto Rico by MRS. MARY A. FITCH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 16, 1915

Porto Rico

By MRS. MARY A. FITCH

MRS. MARY A. FITCH

The superintendent of the field and five of our faithful canvassers came to Santurce, Sabbath, July 24, because of the colporteurs’ institute and the general meeting of the workers on the island during the visit of Brother N. Z. Town. The time of the Spanish service in the morning and of the English in the afternoon was given to these brethren. I wish words could be made to convey a proper conception of the earnestness and consecration that were expressed by their faces and remarks as they spoke of their experiences in traveling over land and sea, mountain and valley, to place the message-filled literature in the homes of the people.

One brother spoke of the famine for the Word of God that he knew was just before us, as an inspiration to him to sow beside all waters.

One told of approaching a druggist to obtain a subscription for one of our periodicals. Before leaving he obtained the subscription of a passer-by whom the druggist had called in, and to whom he explained the significance of the present war. In Porto Rico the drug store is a place for men to congregate in the evening. Our worker had occasion to pass this place again in the evening, and was halted by the druggist, who announced to the men that this man could tell them all about the present war, what it meant and what was going to take place in the future. You may be sure he improved the opportunity. This same worker spoke of spending three hours in getting a three-dollar order, and immediately afterwards secured nineteen dollars’ worth in fifteen minutes.

Another told of an interesting experience with a Catholic priest, who, after examining the prospectus and accusing the colporteur of trying to evade him, threatened to have him arrested.

One who is canvassing in the rural sections, traveling on horseback, referred to his difficulty in getting a desirable place to spend the Sabbath. On one occasion, after repeated failures to find a place where he and his horse could be cared for, he came to a place where only the son was at home, and he about to leave. The colporteur was given permission, however, to remain as long as he wished. He was greatly rejoiced to find upon the man’s table a recent copy of the REVIEW Extra. With this he spent the Sabbath quietly, reading the articles several times.

Our workers out in the hills and mountains of these remote districts appreciate more than they can express some of our good papers, which are as welcome as a letter from home. Will not some of our people who are using these for waste paper, or in other ways allowing them to do no good, send them to a field where they will be appreciated and read with delight?

It is a great privilege and inspiration to be coworkers with this faithful band of colporteurs. The seeds of truth sown by them are already springing up and bearing fruit, and eternity alone will reveal and reward their untiring devotion. Let us remember them daily in our prayers.