Again in Porto Rico by Mrs. Ida M. Fischer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1902

Again in Porto Rico

By Mrs. Ida M. Fischer

MRS. IDA M. FISCHER

In company with my little daughter, I left the port of St. Thomas, Sunday, May 4, at 8:30 P. M. Monday morning at half-past seven our steamer anchored at Ponce, Porto Rico. We remained there only two hours, and at 4 P. M. we entered the harbor of Mayaguez. The first familiar faces we saw were those of Dr. Mellorit and his two boys. He came aboard to examine the passengers, and greeted us very cordially indeed, inquiring particularly after our health, and if we planned to make Mayaguez our home. He invited us to call on his family, with whom we are personally acquainted.

On landing we were beset on every side by coachmen and cartmen who could not understand one word of English, and who thought me an American who knew nothing of their business dealings. Learning that I had been in Porto Rico before, and was somewhat accustomed to their ways, they began to lower their prices; then I began to talk business. My goods were stored in the customhouse until the next day. Before night we found rooms with an American family, and in a few days were settled.

Friends seem glad to have us with them again. I have made a few calls, looking up those who seemed interested, and have introduced health foods into several homes.

The interest has increased. The Christian influence of my companion, and our faith and confidence in God during his sickness and death, have left an indelible impression upon the minds of the people. Homes and hearts are opened to us where we could not enter before. The wealthy are constantly sending us invitations to call on them. I have a regular appointment for Bible readings with a family that speak both English and Spanish. Just before my husband's death a call was made for a mission Sunday school in their neighborhood. Much disappointment was expressed by both parents and children when they heard of Mr. Fischer's death. I have investigated the matter since returning, and find them just as anxious as ever for the school, so plans are being laid to open a Sunday school in that neighborhood. We hope by this means to introduce a Sabbath school.

We plan to push the book work, and sow the island with our Spanish literature. The work is not dead in Porto Rico by any means. God may see best to lay his workers to rest, but the third angel's message moves on. I am glad I am able to take up my work again. Although my usefulness has been crippled by the fearful inroads the fever made upon my health, I am glad we remained here. The fever has left me entirely, and I am daily improving in health. God has strengthened me, and I have the assurance from his Word that angels will constantly go hither with me in my work for this people.

The work is great, the field is a hard one. We have to use different means by which to meet the people, but I am indeed thankful that there will be a people saved in the kingdom of God who have lived and accepted the message in Porto Rico.

Remember the work here in your prayers. We need workers who are not afraid to sacrifice their lives if necessary for the advancement of the work here. Those who come need not expect an easy time. It is much more pleasant to remain in the home field, but God says: “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.”