FROM THE MISSION FIELD

In the account that follows we are able to give our readers a little more news about the missionary, Rev. G. Kuijt.

As is known, the missionary and his helpers arrived at their destination after a very difficult and dangerous journey. He was accompanied by five Papuan carriers, besides the little twelve-year-old Malik, who served as a guide from Anggeruk to the chosen mission field. Those Papuans certainly have done their best; each one carried thirty kilograms of baggage, and that for five days.

If the little Malik had not been with them, then, humanly speaking, they might never have come to the place of destination. Continually he was the contact-person between the missionary and the tribes which they had to pass on their way. At one time it became so critical that Malik did not dare to go any farther, fearing that he would be shot and killed by the tribes they had to pass. One of the other Papuans gave him a trouser and shirt to wear, and that helped somewhat.

High mountains of 2,200 meters had to be climbed, so steep that they feared plunging down any moment. And then, not to forget those terrible tropical rains, so that after walking for an hour they had to wring out their clothes.

Little Malik is continually with Rev. Kuijt; he cooks the food and prepares this and that. This food is not cooked in pots or pans, but on some stones. This food is not done, but it fills the stomach and that is of importance. They arise at 5:30 A.M., then a little fire is made and the food is soon ready.

“At this moment,” writes Rev. Kuijt, “some Jalies are sitting by my tent. They are singing their dance songs. It seems they have a leader and when he starts they all chime in with him. This morning I was a little displeased with our young friend Malik. He had distributed various contactarticles which belonged to us amongst his tribal people and did not leave much any more in our butter-tin. He wanted to make a good impression on the people and also to make them happy.

They are yet working hard to prepare a landing place for a small airplane. Since it cannot land as yet, they are dropping some things from the air. The people are helping, and as spades are lacking they are loosening the ground with their fingers and carrying it away with their hands. Soon some shovels and wheelbarrows will be dropped so that the work can proceed faster.

It is remarkable what one of the Papuan carriers, Junus, told Rev. Kuijt. He said that he felt the Lord constrained him to follow him, and he was very thankful that he could labor with Rev. Kuijt, to the end that also there the Gospel of free grace could be proclaimed amongst people who never yet heard of the only Name given under heaven by which we must be saved.

Rev. Kuijt soon hopes to start catechizing the five boys in the Malayan langauge. Sometimes he sings some Psalms in Malayan with these boys, and on Sunday the missionary speaks or reads a sermon twice in that language.

Fortunately, Rev. Kuijt has a continual contact with the outside world, among other places with Anggeruk and Sentani, via a special sender. Via this apparatus he can ask for various things, as remedies, salve, plasters, etc. And not only this, but when danger threatens, such as if he would have difficulties with the inhabitants, then he can ask for help directly.

In his letter the missionary also mentioned something about his personal soul-life. All the words spoken to him were fulfilled. At that moment when the Lord called him to this difficult work, he received the promise that at a certain time he would go to the heathens. This all happened upon his sickbed. Oftentimes he had said, “Lord, how shall that all yet turn out?” Yes, unbelief had often taken hold of him, also with regard to his calling, when he had heaved the quiet sigh of the soul, “Lord, even if I would have to die on the mission field.” But now he could see that the Lord had fulfilled it all, right through the “impossible.”

The missionary also has much admiration for the five Papuan boys who accompanied him. Faithfully they have stood at his side, and he owes them much thankfulness. He asks that many prayers be sent up for them in Holland (also in America — Ed.). He also says, that when his wife comes to New Guinea, the Lord willing, a great task will be awaiting her, namely, to make contact with the women of this tribe. He therefore wrote her that she should learn many necessary things, and he then hopes to meet her in health at God’s time.

Rev. Kuijt also practiced some good medical work. Some time ago he noticed a boy walking with terrible sores on his body. He then gave this lad an injection, and when he saw him a few weeks later the large, painful sores had just about dried up and the lad was very thankful towards Rev. Kuijt. All these things gain for him the favor of these people. Every day they come and look curiously to see the various things which they naturally never have seen before. Oh, these people do not yet know why Rev. Kuijt and his helpers came to them, but may the Lord grant that the Gospel of free grace which shall be proclaimed amongst them might be unto their eternal salvation. What did not happen before, took place not long ago. A woman came to the tent of the missionary and brought him some of her vegetables. She carried a baby on her back and held a child of four years by the hand. In return he gave her a few other things. Now that one woman came, it may be that others will soon follow.

At the end of the letter Rev. Kuijt asks the people to remember him at the throne of grace and also his helpers, so that together they may receive the strength to accomplish this difficult work.

Translated from the “Saambinder” — Ed.

Received for mission work of Rev. G. Kuijt:

Oostburg ................................ $100.00

Rock Valley ............................... 10.00

Grand Rapids ............................. 10.00

Bay Port ..................................... 10.00

West Sayville ............................... 3.00

Thanks!

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