Ma Fuller: "She has not hidden her talent in a napkin"

"Therefore said He unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

In the 1901 edition of The Women’s Missionary Magazine of the United Free Church of Scotland we find a tribute to a dear laborer of the Lord of the Harvest who, though she received no great earthly honors, is now enjoying the eternal riches of Heaven after being greeted with the incomparable words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord!” (Matthew 25:21)

Innerweavings would like to take this opportunity to “shine the light” of this godly woman.

Ma Fuller

Ma Fuller’s homey figure is well known and loved by both natives and Europeans in Old Calabar. She is Jamaican and went to Old Calabar as a nurse with the family of the Rev. Dr. Robb in 1858. She ultimately married Mr. Fuller, a native of Sierra Leone, and it was after his death that she gave herself to the Mission and its interests.

Before the skilled nurse arrived in the land with soft voice and gentle footsteps, and bringing the latest methods to bear on the malaria, the missionaries depended on Ma Fuller in time of sickness. A call for help was never unheeded by her. She bundled up and went at once, her own comfort and convenience being always her last thought. How grateful the sick one was to see her happy face and hear her word of cheer at such times! The darkest days of loss or suspense were shared by her, as were those of re-awakened hope and recovery. In the tedious session of convalescence which is the most depressing stage of fever, she was invaluable. Stories told in her own quaint, humorous fashion of the dilemmas and trials of the older missionaries, made the invalid cheerful in spite of herself, and led to the counting up of mercies. Her Bible, too, was always at hand, and she used it in a characteristic way, and brought it to bear on the case in hand in a practical manner. Those who have known Ma Fuller as nurse and friend appreciate her most.

She had an unexpected trip to Britain, on one occasion. A Baptist missionary arrived at the Duke Town Mission with his motherless infant in his arms. He was on his way home and wished to find a nurse for the voyage. Ma Fuller was appealed to, and at once took the baby to her heart, thus putting everyone’s mind at rest. Her visit to this country was a pleasure to her, and to all who met her. When Lady MacDonald, wife of the Consul-General, was in Old Calabar, she met with an accident to her hand, and a message was sent to the Mission, asking for some one to attend to her. Ma Fuller went, and became as great a favourite at the Consulate as elsewhere.

When not nursing, she visited the yards in the town, or the families of church members. Wherever she went her sunny disposition made everyone friendly. Although her Efik was defective, yet the natives understood the gist of what she said, and the Gospel story was always her theme.

Her labours outside were only part of her work. Twin mothers, motherless babies, runaway slaves, the outcast, and sick were always with her. What she got with one hand, she gave away with the other. To be poor, or in need of help, was to be on the high-road to her sympathy.

Ma Fuller’s busy days are over. Old age and rheumatism have slowed her step, but her eye is still bright, and her spirit young. She has not hidden her talent in a napkin, but has put all out to usury, and is to-day amply repaid by the warm love of friends, and the smile of God.

What a beautiful tribute! If there is heavenly reward for even giving a cup of water in our Savior's name (Mark 9:41), what great treasures must Ma Fuller have stored in Heaven! We hope the story of this fellow worker in the Harvest has warmed your heart and given you inspiration for your day!