The people at Ikpe were holding services even though they knew very little about Christianity.
"Soon the white Ma will come," they said. "She will tell us more about
Jesus."
A native teacher from another station, who had received training from Mary, taught the people what he knew about the Gospel.
"Oh, why cannot the church send two workers to Ikpe?" said Mary. "Why don't they use the money on hand for that? If there isn't enough money left after two years, let them take my salary. I shall be only too glad to live on native food with my children."
Mary was busy collecting building materials and other things for the church of Ikpe. At last the time came. God wanted Mary at Ikpe. How happy Mary was! How happy were the faithful people at Ikpe who had waited so long!
Mary at once was busy with much work. She quieted mobs, she calmed quarreling chiefs, she held meetings with the crowds, and on Sundays conducted services. One day the smallpox broke out. The government sent down men to vaccinate the natives so the sickness would not spread. Mary heard shouting and yelling in the streets. She looked out of her house. The natives were yelling and shouting and waving guns and swords. Mary went up to the crowd.
"What is this?" asked Mary. The crowd kept yelling.
"Be quiet," shouted Mary and held out her hands. "Let your chief speak."
"Ma," said the chief, "my people are afraid of the white man's juju. It makes the people sick." He meant the vaccination.
"The vaccination may make a little sickness, but it keeps you from getting the big sickness," said Mary. Then she told them how vaccination had helped other tribes. She showed them her vaccination. After a long talk with the chiefs and the people the matter was peaceably settled.