A LETTER FROM REV. G. KUIJT, MISSIONARY

Wolo, October 8, 1963

Dear Mission Committees,

This letter you will receive from the deserted mission post, Wolo. Wolo lies the closest for the purpose of our journey, namely, about a two days’ walk. Through the kindness and cooperation of the U.F.M., we could take this place as our starting point. Two missionaries and I made a reconnaisance of this place first to see how the land lies and what could be done. According to what the missionaries said, the people wanted to receive my wife and I here. Thus we arrived here last week and made our bivouac. We have now received a native hut and consequently had no trouble in building ourselves a house. The houses which stood here originally have been burned or broken down by the people. The natives here are very fond of nails, and they knew that there were many nails in the wood. To obtain those nails, they had to break down the houses. It is our plan to remain here for some time to become acquainted with the people and to learn something of their language. They speak an entirely different language here than in Kosarek, and thus we have to start from the beginning again. We receive great support from our house-boy, Roti, who was kindly given to us by the missionaries of Kelila, from the U.F.M. Some other people from Kelila have come here to help us; and Roti, who speaks the Malayan language, told me that they want to go with us to the new field. They already have accepted the Christian religion, and are not afraid to march through the hostile territory of the Illugwa. Roti told me, that if the Lord Jesus accompanies us, we have nothing to fear. He is about fifteen years old, but has a childlike trust in the Lord. Also the people of his native tribe from Kelila. Roti helps us in everything and is supported therein by Simin, also a man from Kelila. We told the people that we wanted to tell them about the Lord Jesus, and Sunday we had our first service. From far and wide the people came. The men of Kelila spoke, and also Joshua, one of our coworkers, and myself. Roti interpreted what Joshua and I spoke. We now have a gathering every day, and we estimate that there are about 200 people present. Thus, every day these people come together to hear the Word of God before they go to work in their gardens. The great benefit of our interpreter is that we can now proclaim the dear Word of God daily. Once a week I hope to give catechism instruction to our three coworkers. Their names are Joshua, Isaac, and John. After the service in the morning we have our policlinic (out-patients’ department). My wife and I have already helped various patients. Saturday there was again a framboesia sufferer. He looked dreadful, full of great sores over his whole body. We had brought some medicine along and could give him an injection. Just this morning the mother came with this little patient again. What a difference! When he came to us the first time he looked so pitiful; now his terrible sores were about healed, and he laughed again. Being thankful, he gave us a sweet potato. His mother was happy again, too. What a blessing this medical knowledge is! You can notice that the people at this place are somewhat further advanced than those at Kosarek. Here they gladly let us help them, and for the slightest ailments they sometimes ask for an injection. We are living in a native hut and are getting along fine. Roti and Simin sleep here also, and we, or at least Roti, cooks our meals. Roti told me yesterday that the people living to the south and east of us had said that they wanted to kill us and our co-workers. Now we must go through the territory of the Illugwa, and they have always shown themselves to be enemies of the Gospel. Therefore, our request is, pray for us. I think that quite often we ourselves do not realize how often we are compassed with dangers. My wife and I train ourselves also in walking, as you will understand. On our trips we are always accompained by many men and children. It is really pleasant to march with these people. The Lord has given us the wish of our heart. But we also think about Kosarek and Nipsan. There we have a responsibility also. Who will come and help us?

Your missionary and his wife.

P.S. We further hope that you will remember us at all times. We just had a radio-connection with Kelila, and they asked me if we had already come in contact with the Illugwa. As you have already read on the other side of the paper, this tribe is very hostile, and they have said that they would kill us. But the Lord is mighty and all things are possible with Him. Many thanks for sending me the Banner of Truth. Yesterday 1 received the September issue. Of the medicine, I have received nothing as yet. May there be people who have a call from Above for this glorious work; then I will hear about it.

Receive our hearty greetings, and be commended unto the Lord.

Yours in His service,

G. Kuijt

Personal gifts received for Rev. G. Kuijt —

Sunnyside $ 52.00

Ada 100.00

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