p. 17 | Through Trials in West India

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 21, 1911

Through Trials in West India

We take the following extract from a personal letter from Elder George F. Enoch, working on the Bombay side of India:—

“You have doubtless heard of our great loss in the death of our little Gerald. We went down to Panwel about the first of the year. The only house available was in a large mango orchard. The house was very good; but alas! in the treacherous, but pleasant shade of the mango-trees, deadly malaria was lurking.

“We all got through the heat of May fairly well, but were rather thin. Bertha had an attack of malaria in June, but a short change to the near-by hills set her right again. For months we looked forward to our trip to Mussoorie the first of September, and spent many happy hours in our plans. But only three days before we were to leave, both children were taken very ill with malaria. I telegraphed to the nurses at Bombay, who were able to render us splendid assistance; but in spite of all we could do, our little boy died August 27, the very day we were to start for the mountains.

“We took him to Bombay, and with broken hearts laid him away in the beautiful Sewri Cemetery. The experience came as a bolt from the sky, and we can not understand it. However, we bow the knee to Him who is above all, and pledge our lives anew to his service. Were it not for the ‘blessed hope’ we would not know what to do; but in its light we renew our consecration to Jesus for the hastening of the glad reunion day. Our hearts are now bound more firmly to India, and our only desire is to labor and toil here until our work is done.

“We are glad for the great effort that is being put forth for obtaining evangelists for English work. The situation in Calcutta is critical. It seems absolutely imperative to make a good, strong effort there this year. We hope we shall not be disappointed, even though these workers may be a little late.”