South India by M. Belle Shryock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 31, 1910

South India

By M. Belle Shryock

NAZARETH.—I love India and her people, and am so glad I came here. The heat has not bothered me at all, so far. We are only a few miles from the sea, and have a nice sea-breeze every day, so I presume that is why the heat does not seem intense.

I am getting so I can speak quite a little Tamil in the dispensary. One native woman said, “Missie Ammal speaks much dispensary Tamil, but very little house Tamil.” I think these people here are about the nicest in India. They seem ahead of the natives of north India.

Not long ago a Hindu came with a very bad sore. After we had treated it, I offered him some tracts, but he refused them, saying, “I am a Hindu, and do not want your religion.” Day after day he came for treatment. After he had been coming three weeks, I said to the native boy who works in the dispensary, “That man’s sore is almost well. Ask him if he is thankful.” He did so, and the man replied, “I am very thankful.” Then he said, “I have been to three hospitals, and they did not help me, and I came here, and my sore is well.” I then told him it was the Lord who had blessed with healing as we gave treatments. I then spoke of the God of love, the only true God, and he replied, “Yes; I am already beginning to believe in your God.” I offered him tracts, and he gladly accepted them. While I treat the body, God’s Spirit treats the heart. These experiences cheer the lonely missionaries from time to time, and make them feel like pressing on and doing with their might what their hands find to do.

M. BELLE SHRYOCK.