China by Ida E. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 16, 1904

China

By Ida E. Thompson

HONGKONG.—I am now giving my time to the language almost exclusively. I have finished reading St. John's Gospel, and am reading St. Mark's. It seems so good to be able to talk a little to the natives. My teacher is much interested, and says he will help us teach after one more year. I am teaching a little boy in the afternoons. A few weeks ago when the time came for his class, I had fever above one hundred and four degrees. His father came into the room, and asked if he might pray for me. I told him yes. It touched me greatly to see him so earnest, and I sincerely pray that I may be able to help this family to see the Saviour as he is.

I spent a few hours as I was able last May, taking orders for fruits, nuts, and health foods, in connection with my studies and the school work. Mrs. Anderson came down from Canton, and in ten days' time we had the orders wrapped and nearly all delivered. As a result of less than one month's work, we realized a profit of more than one hundred and fifty dollars gold. Brother La Rue had his regular customers, so it requires but little time now to secure their orders.

There are many things one can do that brings him in contact with the people, and it seems a pity we have not more laborers here. I am bound to be a Chinese after a few months. It is a real pleasure to me to learn this strange language; and the more I study it, the better I like it.

I have just been interrupted in my writing by a poor woman whom I have known as a faithful working woman for several months. She came in, and sat down, and soon I heard her sobbing. I asked her why she was crying. She said she was the mother of three children. The father was dead, and she could not earn enough to feed and clothe her family. She had left two of the little ones in the country with relatives, and brought her eldest, a son of twelve years, with her to Hongkong, where she was working to put him in school. I gave her some clothes, and it was worth a great deal to see her countenance change. She gets ten dollars, a little less than half as much gold, a month, and from this must feed herself and children, besides buying clothing. It is a fair price for her services, but is very little for four, I am sure. I told her to send for her little girl to come and live with me while it was cold; I would keep her two months free. The poor soul was so rejoiced, and has gone to her room a happy woman.

It is surprising how little goes to waste in some of these homes. I saw one undercoat made of pieces I would have put into the rags at home. But the cloth was thick and warm, and so must not go to waste. It is enough to break one's heart sometimes to see how these poor people manage. Our first servant boy used to save the scrapings from our rice kettle, and give them to the poor people. He said they were real glad to get them.

We have one more Sabbath-keeper—a man from the British navy, formerly a Roman Catholic. He seems very earnest. One more in our little Sabbath-school is appreciated. We are very thankful that six were added to the company in Honan. I am sure, that China, so long neglected, will now receive help. How generous our people are! I am sure their hearts are in this work. The message will surely triumph, and that gloriously, and all who are true-hearted will triumph with it.

As we have studied the Sabbath-school lessons the past quarter, the work has seemed so sacred. We can see that God's purposes are not to be hindered by man's unfaithfulness, but finally the earth will be filled with a pure-hearted people, and Jesus will be the recognized King.

I often think of the statement that was made before we left America, that those who go to the foreign lands are not to be pitied, but those who remain at home and desire to go. I am sure I would feel very sad, indeed, to return home. Although it is lonely sometimes, I believe that before long there will be more laborers here. I wish that some young ladies who want to teach would join in the work in this place. I do not mean teach a regular school, but have a class, and go into the homes and teach the women and children. We have access to some very nice homes. It is not like giving Bible readings in America. These poor souls do not even know who God is. It is a perfect mist to them. After you think you have at last said something that they begin to comprehend, their next question is as apt to be, “Did you make that dress?” or, “How much did it cost?” as anything else. But there are some who have become Christians, and are sincere, so I know there is hopes for them. They are so childlike, after their confidence has once been gained, that one can but love them.

We pray daily for the success of the work at home, and feel sure we share in your petitions. IDA E. THOMPSON.