From Canada to California: Missionary Travels and Health
By A. C. Bourdeau
FROM CANADA TO CALIFORNIA.
When I reported last, I was in Montreal, Quebec. Eleven had been baptized and a church of twenty-two members had been organized. Mrs. Bourdeau and her daughter, Miss S. P. Andrews, were earnestly and zealously aiding in the work. A good foundation was being laid in the advancement of the cause of truth. Some were deciding to obey, and several were drawing near to us. Nevertheless, it was evident that the cold winters and the severe exposures that we endured were having a deleterious effect upon our health. But a severe fall that Mrs. Bourdeau received in the night while caring for the sick, injured her seriously, and helped to fasten fatal disease upon her. My strength was also failing and my lungs seemed to be in a precarious condition; hence we concluded to return home before another cold winter would fully set in. I began to do manual labor and to exercise in the open air, which seemed to benefit me healthwise. I also tried to do errands for the Master, as the way opened; and Mrs. Bourdeau availed herself of the sanitary means that she had at hand in Battle Creek, Mich. At the same time she was heartily and practically engaged in doing missionary work—writing letters and sending literature to interested persons, caring for the needy, and waiting upon the sick and dying—until the last day that she was upon her feet. After her decease I decided to spend some time in California, trying to do what I can, under the blessing of God, for the restoration of my health, and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty in always casting my influence on the side of77Lord and of His glorious cause. My trust is in the ROCK OF AGES, and I am of good courage in the Lord. A. C. BOURDEAU.