A Word of Explanation by D. C. Babcock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 24, 1906

A Word of Explanation

By D. C. Babcock

SINCE the publication of my letter in the REVIEW, which gave a hint of my state of health, letters of inquiry have come to us asking concerning my real condition. Further, I have received many letters—yet unanswered—during the last six months. I have always refrained from saying anything about sickness, or have said as little as possible, either through the REVIEW or to our friends.

Mrs. Babcock and I have both been very sick, but I believe the crisis is past. The last of October I was taken sick with the West African fever. At first I had fever every day for two weeks, then every other day for about three weeks, and after that time every third day. At no time did it fail to appear at the stated time. It seemed to me at times that if I were in America, where there are plenty of workers, I would gladly lie down in death. But this needy field pressed its wants before us, and we remembered that God who always hears prayer. It has been a rich experience. I was sick four months and two weeks.

The next day after my fever broke, Mrs. Babcock was taken very sick, and for three days I had but little hope of her recovery. But the Great Physician came near, and she was restored.

During my sickness, the Mission Board kindly sent us money to build a mission house in the healthiest locality we could find. The Lord soon pointed out a good location.

I went to work at once, being carried in a hammock to and from my work—one mile and a half—by four men. I gradually gained strength, and have not lost a day since work was begun on the building. We are now putting the roof on, and hope to occupy our new home before the rainy season begins.

We need a good bath-tub for our bath-room, and hope some brother or sister will kindly donate one to the West African Mission, and prepay freight on the same. Any one who feels it a privilege to do so, may write to our Mission Board, at Takoma Park, D. C.

I hope this will explain fully why letters have not been answered, and why more has not been said about the work in this dark land.

We are not discouraged. We have no desire to return home. We came to push the battle to the gate. We need your prayers. D. C. BABCOCK.