p. 202 | Porto Rico by A. J. Haysmer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1902

Porto Rico

By A. J. Haysmer

MAYAGUEZ.— February 20 I arrived in St. Thomas, having been absent for over seven weeks, visiting different islands. I remained at home about five days, attending to my mail, and giving Mrs. Haysmer a little rest from the services. I then went to the island of St. Kitts, to look after some matters pertaining to the work, and to assist Brother S. A. Wellman in a series of meetings which he had begun some time before, at Sandy Point. When we had the work well begun, I received a cablegram from Porto Rico, stating that Brother Fischer was very low, and desired me to come to him if possible. The royal mail steamer was due the next day for St. Thomas, where I arrived Thursday, at 4 P. M. I supposed that the French steamer for Porto Rico had gone, as she was booked to leave two days before, but on entering the harbor I saw that she was still there. Mrs. Haysmer met me, and told me that the French steamer had been delayed, but would leave at six o'clock. As she had secured the passport and ticket, I went for a few minutes, and looked after some work that needed immediate attention. I arrived at Porto Rico, Friday afternoon. I was not detained long at the customs, and was soon at the home of Brother and Sister Fischer. I found the house under strict quarantine, the yellow flag floating to the breeze in front of the house, and a policeman guarding the door. I had no trouble to get in, but have now been here ten days, and have not been out. I found Brother Fischer very low with typhoid fever. The doctor whom they had called gave me no hope of his recovery. But we determined to do all in our power, and leave his case in the hands of the Great Physician. The hemorrhages were soon checked, and the pulse and temperature became more normal, and the doctor was surprised day by day as he made his calls. Brother Fischer is still improving slowly, and although very low, we hope that he will soon be out of danger. On my arrival I learned that Sister Fischer had been alone with him for days. She had not had time to prepare herself food nor to obtain sufficient rest, and was about tired out. She has not been well for some time, and needed rest and treatment herself. The Lord surely has sustained and strengthened her for this great strain.

I am glad to be here to assist what I can. I thank the Lord for the experience I obtained during the years I spent at the Sanitarium. All our workers, especially those who go to foreign countries, should learn how to care for the sick. Some of the missionaries, the associate judge, the British vice consul, and some of the neighbors have been very kind, but as Brother and Sister Fischer were under quarantine, very little could be done. The British vice consul took their little Ina to care for. This has been a great help. Although the people here have not had the light that many have enjoyed, and have been held down by Romanism, yet they have some noble traits of character, and above all, they are the purchase of the blood of Christ. Brother and Sister Fischer have worked hard under adverse circumstances. While acquiring knowledge of the language, they have been learning how to help the people. They need a club of our Spanish paper, and also a club of the health journal to use in their work. If they had five dollars' worth of each to distribute, many souls might be saved eternally as the result. Would not some of our people in the States like to invest that much in this people? If so, they may send the money to Elder W. A. Spicer, Battle Creek, Mich., stating what it is for, and he will order the papers sent. A. J. HAYSMER.

March 16, 1902.