Our New Station by Ida Pilquist

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1905

Our New Station

By Ida Pilquist

IDA PILQUIST

After seven months’ stay in Sin-tsai Hsien, our mission station here in Honan, we decided to move farther south, and make Lo-shan, one of the outstations, our future home. Early in May Mr. Pilquist started by mule cart on a two-days’ journey, to secure a house in that place. On Friday afternoon he reached the town; and on Sabbath he had a much-needed rest, and met with a few inquirers and a number of people who had heard of his arrival, and had come to see him.

The day after, he started out to find a suitable house; and by the loving providence of the Lord, that same day, before sunset, premises containing six houses and four big courtyards were secured both cheaply and satisfactorily.

In Inland China, and especially in this province so newly opened to Christianity, it was indeed remarkable that he was able to rent in such a short time. “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” The Heavenly Father saw our great need, and his ever-present help favored our move to this place.

During the fortnight’s absence, Mr. Pilquist went to Hankow, bought some lumber, etc., and returned again to look after a number of workers who were repairing the houses. A few days more, and he was again in Sin-tsai Hsien, helping me with the packing.

Looking back to my short stay in Sin-tsai Hsien, I must say that most of the time has been spent in weakness. But the supernatural power and strength from on high have proved a wonderful blessing during the months past. No wonder, then, that my strong feelings caused the tears to flow when I cast a last look into the room where sickness, sorrow, and utter helplessness had met with the almighty and sympathizing Jesus, “a very present help in trouble.” And there once more I knelt down in thankful remembrance of his life-giving power which restored me to health that memorable day in January. Here, in this very room, the heavenly host ministered unto me. Here the ever-compassionate Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were with me in lonely hours, and their mighty presence changed the death-bed and spread heavenly light and comfort all around.

It was indeed heaven on earth. And how I long for the perfect experience when we shall behold the King of kings in his beauty! “I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

As I look back, I am tempted to ask myself, Was my stay of any profit? Did I accomplish anything? It is not for me to answer these questions; the final day of harvest will surely give the best answer. But so far as human eyes may see, I believe that my feeble efforts, put forth in His name, were not in vain. Certainly our hearts ache to see so little fruit come out from the hard-worked soil in China. But, praise the Lord, it is not altogether fruitless, although it seems so.

Had you seen the poorly clothed women and children flocking in to visit me for the last time, and heard their friendly talks and expressions of sorrow to part from one who had just become their friend, I am sure your heart would have thrilled with hope. I used to gather them around me in a humble room in their neighborhood every other day, and in a simple way tell them the “old, old story.” These ignorant, neglected, and ill-treated women had begun to understand a little, and, “Now you are going to leave us,” were their solemn words. Yes, I was going to leave them, and make room for the new workers. Our friendly conversation in the courtyard under the blue sky came to a close, and we separated to finish our daily duty. Then a last farewell, and I saw them no more.

Among these women were a few who regularly attended both the Sabbath and the weekly meetings. Another was my trained Bible woman, Mrs. Chen, who was converted after my healing. Her husband is one of our earnest converts from Sin Iang Cheo, our first mission station in this province. I felt the separation from her more than I can tell, but it was not my privilege to have her future help in my lonely work among the women of China. May the Lord make her a blessing in that place.

We heartily enjoyed the tour down river to this place, and when the houseboat was exchanged for bamboo rafts, our children’s delight was beyond expression. It was interesting to see how they enjoyed running barefoot in the refreshing water along the river bank, sometimes helping to pull the rafts forward in the shallow water.

After about eight days’ slow progress, we reached our destination safely, for which we feel thankful.

Lo-shan, Honan, China.