A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THORNS AND THISTLES OR THE LIFE OF JOSEPH

(continued)

As shepherds, Joseph’s brothers are often a distance from home in their daily duties, seeking grazing pastures for the flock of their father. Sometimes they do not return the same evening, depending on the distance they are from home. This time, however, it seems rather long. Jacob becomes concerned about them, whether they are in good health and whether the sheep are doing well. One morning, upon awakening, Jacob asks God for His care and guidance upon all that the Lord has given him, and especially upon Joseph, whom he has requested to go to see his brothers and to find how they are getting along. Joseph prepares himself for the trip. This was not done by automobile as in our days, but he would have to walk many miles. He takes also the coat of many colors with him, bids his father farewell, and hopes to return within a few days. But Joseph will be disappointed; his brothers will take care of that.

Encouraged as Joseph is to be able at his young age to make this trip alone, he arrives at Shechem, expecting to see his brothers there, and is instructed by a stranger to go further to Dothan. This was already a disappointment for him on his long journey, but in obedience to his father and in love to his brothers, he continues on for many more miles. Finally he sees them in the distance, which put encouragement within him, thinking to himself, “Soon I’ll be able to talk to them, bring them regards from home, rest, and enjoy a little refreshment.” At this distance he probably called them, expecting them to be as happy to see him, as he is them.

Yes, his brothers see him coming, and in their hearts they despise him. They say, “Behold, this dreamer cometh; come, let us slay him, and cast him in a pit. We shall say that some beast has devoured him, and then we shall see what will become of his dreams.” As Joseph approaches with greetings from their father, they no doubt greet him with such slanderous remarks as, “You dreamer, what dreams are you going to tell us now. Come, we have a good place for you where you can dream all you want, and we shall see what will become of your dreams.” They grasp him by his arms and down in the pit he goes. Boys, boys, are you so hardhearted; don’t you realize what you are doing? They see his tears, they hear his pleas, but with no result.

Now one would think that they would be satisfied, but, no, their malicious hearts are now considering another device which will settle forever that his dreams will never come true. They see the merchants of the Ishmeelites coming, making a business trip to Egypt. “Let’s sell him”, they say. As with one consent, they agree. They stop the merchants and for twenty pieces of silver Joseph is sold. Not a single tear do we see coming from their eyes. They are determined to do evil.

All but Reuben have seen the distress of Joseph. Reuben questions his brothers about the whereabouts of Joseph. “Don’t worry”, they say. “You will never see him again. We have sold him to the Ishmeelites.” Reuben is concerned as to what they will tell their father. What will they say? They decide to slay a kid, and dip Joseph’s coat of many colors in its blood. When they return home, father Jacob is presented with this blood-stained garment.

“Father,” they ask, “is this the coat of your son, Joseph? We have found it along the way.”

Deceitful is the heart above all things, yea, desperately wicked; who can know it? Can you not realize how bitterly Jacob wept. “Joseph my son is dead; a wild beast hath devoured him.” What a sad experience in his old age. “Can it be true? I shall never see him again.” Maybe he cried similar to what David once cried. His cry was then, “Joseph, my son, my son Joseph. O, that I had died in your stead.” They now try to console their father and to comfort him, but Jacob’s heart is broken.

What, in the meantime, has become of Joseph? The Ishmeelitish merchants had no pity. They take this young and husky lad with them, and in the land of Egypt they sell him to a wealthy Egyptian, an officer of Pharaoh. Poor, poor Joseph, sold as a slave. But is he poor? No, God is with him, even though his life is one of thorns and thistles.

Joseph has not forgotten to pray, and no doubt has asked the Lord, “Lord, will you make my way to prosper.” Also Joseph will do as he has been taught at home, to work with all diligence, whatever the undertaking may be. Soon Potiphar advanced him in his house, and placed him in charge of the other slaves. Why? Because God was with Joseph, and because Joseph’s life was with his God. Joseph had also a pleasing disposition. The fear of God does not make a person grouchy, but teaches him that he must love God above all, and his neighbor as himself.

Potiphar was also blessed because of Joseph notwithstanding was placed in the midst of temptations. Potiphar’s wife often tempted him to commit sin. But Joseph found grace in the sight of God, and could say, “Shall I do so great a sin, and sin against God?”

Children, when sinners entice you to sin, consent not, but flee all wicked temptations. That is what Joseph did. He left in a hurry, and left even his garment behind him. No doubt Joseph was quite concerned what the outcome would be. He was so admired in the past by his master for the good services he rendered. Will his master turn him over to the officers? Potiphar’s wife lied to her husband about Joseph, and now Potiphar refused to hear anything that Joseph told him. Poor Joseph! More thorns and thistles. To the prison house you go … but the Lord entered the prison with Joseph.

Soon Joseph was advanced even in prison, and was to assist the prison keeper. He was obedient to his officer, but also helped the prisoners in whatever manner he could, and so was even well thought of by the prisoners. In prison, as you may know, you can meet all kinds of people. They are not only beggars, robbers, and murderers, but even people who have occupied high offices in government state and city. There were also of the latter type brought into prison while Joseph was there. You know who they were, don’t you? They were the chief butler and the chief baker of Pharaoh.

Joseph’s disposition won him many friends. He greeted his fellow prisoners each morning, and this they observed. One morning when Joseph was making his rounds, he found both the butler and the baker with sad countenances. His cheerful “Good morning” did not have much affect upon them this time. “What seems to be the matter, gentlemen?” was Joseph’s question. They told him that during the night they had both had a dream which worried and disturbed them. You can imagine Joseph’s surprised look. He remembered how that he had also dreamed dreams in his life, and did not know the meaning thereof, as the Lord had not yet revealed it to him. One thing he did know — that only God could reveal the meaning thereof. Whether they had ever thought that there was a God, we do not know.

Joseph encouraged them to speak, and promised that he would make it a matter of prayer, because he believed in God, and God would give him an answer. The butler was first to tell his dream, and while he spoke Joseph prayed to God, who gave him an immediate answer. His interpretation was that within three days King Pharaoh would replace him to his former office. You can well realize that it was almost unbelievable for the butler to hear this. But Joseph assured him that it would surely take place, because God had assured him of this. What a wonder, children, that God answered Joseph; but let us remember that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. May we be privileged to call upon the God of His servant Joseph. Remember that Joseph was a man of prayer, like unto Daniel, who bestormed God’s mercy seat three times a day.

With much interest the baker had listened, hoping that he might receive a like encouragement. So he also told Joseph his dream. Joseph’s face no doubt indicated sadness after he had listened to the baker. And then he said, “I have bad news for you, my friend. You will not return unto the King’s palace, but they will hang you on the gallows where your flesh will be eaten by the birds of the air.” What a message to bring to a fellow creature. What thoughts must have entered the heart of the baker. Eternity soon faces him, and eternity is reality.

Joseph spoke to the butler, pleading with him that when he returns to Pharaoh, that he would tell Pharaoh of his plight. The butler assures him that he will surely do this. But the promise is so soon forgotten. How often do we also make promises to one another, and soon forget. Joseph remained in prison, but in anticipation that soon he would be released. Thorns and thistles, yea, many disappointments must Joseph experience. Will his dreams ever become reality? Yes, but at God’s time. Could we always but believe that God’s time is the best time. And it is.…

(To be continued)

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls:

This month the answers to our quiz are to be found in the New Testament, again from each book in order. The first answer will start with the letter “A”, and so on through the letter “W”, and then start over again. So with all these clues you shouldn’t find the quiz too difficult.

In this way we will have had, in a period of three months, answers from every book of the Bible. Often we read only certain parts of the Bible, but the entire book has a meaning and a purpose. In the Bible there can be found an example or a description (a picture in words) of each person on earth. This picture is not always so pleasing to us. But if we may by the Holy Spirit be taught to know ourselves, then we will also understand our need of Him, Who is the “Bread of Life”. That there might be some of my young friends about whom it can be said, “In them there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel.”

Who reigned in Judea in the room of his father Herod?

Who was the blind man that sat by the way side begging?

Who was the husband of Joanna? (in Luke)

By what name was Thomas also called?

What was the name of the wind encountered by the ship in which Paul was travelling towards Rome?

The just shall live by ————. (in Romans).

One of those whom Paul baptized.

Not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is ————.

One of the works of the flesh, as listed by Paul. (in Galatians)

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall

be ———— unto his wife.

That your love may abound yet more and more in ———— and in all judgment.

The beloved physician mentioned by Paul. (in Colossians)

To the people of what place were the Thessalonians ensamples?

That the ———— of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him.

Thou shalt not muzzle the —— that treadeth out the corn.

Who was one of those who turned away from Paul?

But avoid foolish ———— and genealogies. (in Titus)

If thou count me therefore a partner, ———— him as myself.

Of what city was Melchisedec the King?

But the ———— can no man tame. (in James)

To an inheritance incorruptible and ————.

Through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and ————.

Love not the ————, neither

the things that are in the ——

Whosoever transgresseth, and ———— not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.

————, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.

Exhort you that ye should earnestly ———— for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (in Jude)

To Him be glory and ———— for ever and ever.

The answers to our quiz of last month are as follows:

Bread

Cedar

Deceit

Elnathan

Friends

Gog

Harp

Jezreel

Locust

Moloch

Obadiah

Prayed

Ruler

Storm

Teman

Unjust

Wood

Zerubbabel

Tithes

—Ecclesiastes 11:1

—Song of Solomon 1:17

—Isaiah 53:9

—Jeremiah 36:25

—Lamentations 1:2

—Ezekiel 39:1

—Daniel 7:5

—Hosea 1:4

—Joel 1:4

—Amos 5:26

—Obadiah

—Jonah 2:1

—Micah 5:2

—Nahum 1:3

—Zephaniah 3:5

—Haggai 1:8

—Zechariah 4:7

—Malachi 3:10

Answers to the Bible quiz were received from the following boys and girls during the past month:

Bob Vander Boon . . Dave Vander Boon . . Sheryl Van Giessen . . Sandy Van Giessen . . Gary Van Giessen . . David Verhey . . Jane De Meester . . Ruth De Meester . . Donna De Meester . . Kathie De Meester . . Louis De Maagd . . George De Maagd . . Marilyn De Maagd . . Carol Van Tilburg . . Jean Van Tilburg . . Dianne Van Ravenswaay . . Marilyn Van Ravenswaay . . JoAnn Van Ravenswaay . . Janice Kaat . . Tammy Kaat . . Jeffery Kaat . . Joe Beeke . . Joanne Beeke . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . Judy Elizabeth Sweetman . . Janet Arlen Sweetman . . Lorraine Kievit . . Ruth Kievit . . Alice Moerdyk . . Gerri Moerdyk.

Pat Boluyt . . Mike Meeuwse . . Ruth Meeuwse . . Michael Mol . . Joan Mol . . Leonard Mol . . Kris Vander Male . . Martha Vander Male . . Mary Jean Vander Male . . Lilly Ann Vander Male . . Carol Mast . . Andy Kay Mast . . Miriam Mast . . Nanette Mast . . Peggy Kelderman . . Arnold Kelderman . . Kathy Kelderman . . Tom Blok . . Marilyn De Vries . . Jenny van Kempen (2) . . Albert Van Grouw . . Janet Van Grouw . . Peter W. Kievit . . Steven Langerak . . John Stubbe . . Dick Stubbe . . John W. Kamp . . Thomas Kamp . . Kay Kamp . . Joyce Kamp . . Ruth Kamp . . Tony Kreft . . Trudy Kreft . . Sjaane Van Wingerden . . Bill Van Wingerden . . Archie Van Wingerden . . John Van Wingerden . . Frances Vander Muelen . . Gloria Boluyt . . Jeanette Sterk . . Rudolph Stapel . . Henrietta Stapel . . Roelie Stapel . . Dick Westrate . . James Westrate . . Gary Roozenboom.

Dena Spaans . . Gertrude Spaans . . Joanne Spaans . . John Van Woudenberg . . Arie Vandenberg . . Cordy Vandenberg . . Janetta Vandenberg . . Linda Kay Bleeker . . Barbara Berkenbush . . William Berkenbush . . Marv Boluyt . . Tom Engelsma . . Ted Engelsma . . Linda Schalkoort . . Tommy Greendyk . . Janet Van Driel . . Marsha Koedam . . Archie van Kempen (2) . . Harry Koppert . . Alice Koppert . . Christine Koppert . . Peter Koppert . . Billy Moerdyk.

Esther Boonzaayer . . Janet Van Sweden . . Jane Verblaauw . . Casey Blom . . Kathy Timmer . . Debby Droogers . . Wilma Droogers . . Mary Van Stelle . . Betty Joosse . . Betty Van Stelle . . Phillip Kaat (2) . . Sharon Bouma . . Nancy Timmer . . Linda Timmer . . Cheryl Van Unen . . Mike Van Unen . . Gail Hoogendoorn . . Corinne Etelman . . Albert Etelman.

And again we have a number of letters to answer—

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — Have you caught any fish lately, John? Do you go fishing on a lake near your home? I can’t recall that I went fishing at all last year. Do you know who in the Bible caught a fish which had money in its mouth, so that he could pay a tax collector?

TERESA VANDER MEULEN — I was glad to receive your letter, Teresa, and also to hear that you had found the word ‘Easter’ in the Bible. It is rather difficult to find, as it is found in Acts, and not in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Quite a few wrote me where they had found it. Say “Hello” to Frances. My youngest daughter is 10, and the next one is 12.

NETTY STERK — It was real nice to hear from you, Netty. It was real nice that your sister could pay Kalamazoo a visit. We hope you will be able to come some time also. We don’t have any farm chores like you do at home, but maybe you could help me mow the lawn. Write again, won’t you.

GARY ROOZENBOOM — How are those new chicks getting along, Gary? How many did you get? We hatched an egg once in a home made incubator, so I know it is nice to watch them grow. Can you tell me where in the Bible it says, “How often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not”?

JOHN STUBBE — Have you finished the log cabin, John? The woods can be an interesting place if we take notice of all the things that are in it. Sometimes we don’t see them because we don’t stop to look. You will have to tell me more about all the things you find.

CAROL, ANDY KAY, MIRIAM, AND NANETTE MAST — It was real nice to hear from all of you, and, of course, we hope we may hear from you again. Your answers were all O.K. What is your little sister’s name? It sounds like you have a family of girls, just like mine.

PETER W. KIEVIT — Patches seems like a good name for a puppy, Peter. Is that what you decided upon? I’m sure the puppy doesn’t care, as long as he gets lots of care and attention. You didn’t catch me with your question. But now can you tell me what Moses was told to put into the ark?

JANET VAN DRIEL — I can imagine you are happy to have your grandparents visit you, Janet. Do you manage to talk Dutch pretty well? Have you ever been up in an airplane? I think it is quite interesting to be at a large airport, and watch the planes.

WILMA DROOGERS — By the time you receive this issue, your aunts will probably be here, Wilma. Is this their first trip to this country? Yes, we also heard about the death of Mrs. Zwerus. That the Lord may comfort Rev. Zwerus and their children. How clearly is shown that a sick bed is not assured us.

DEBBIE DROOGERS — It was good to hear from you again, Debbie. Your answer to John Stubbe’s riddle was correct. He hasn’t sent me any more, but I have put a question in some of my letters that everyone should try to answer, if they can. Are you getting anxious for summer vacation?

BETTY JOOSSE — Yes, Betty, if all is well and we may be spared, we hope to see you this summer at the Youth Day Conference. It seems like quite a while yet, but time goes by so fast. You are doing real well in school. I don’t know much about growing grapes, so I don’t know what it is to tie grapes.

PHILLIP KAAT — It must be the mail service to Sheboygan hasn’t been too good, Phillip, because the Banner has been right on schedule lately. How is your neighbor getting along after his accident? We can’t always be sure that the other person is going to do the proper thing. We hope that by this time he may be home again.

And that brings us to the again for this month. We hope we may continue to hear from all of you, and that God’s blessing may be upon our Bible study.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

THE CREATION

’Twas God, who, by His power alone,

Made all this beauteous earth;

And out of chaos, dark, unknown,

Its wonders sprang to birth.

He said, “Let there be light,” and lo!

A bright and dazzling ray

Lit up the shapeless, vast expanse,

And formed a cloudless day.

And He who made it, saw ’twas good,

The darkness and the light;

The cheerful glow he called the day,

But named the darkness night.

Thus was creation’s work begun,

Though shapeless still it lay.

When evening and the morning formed

Time’s first created day.

Upon the second day was made

The firmament, so high,

That vast, o’erspreading canopy,

Which children call the “sky”.

On the third day, the land appeared,

The earth, its name should be;

The gathering of the waters, too

Their Maker called the sea.

And by the word of God, came forth

Each fruitful herb and tree,

While grass, and countless seedling shrubs,

Flourished abundantly.

And now, the fourth day dawns in peace

Upon the new-made sphere,

When lo! the shining sun and moon,

With myriad stars, appear.

Then did the mighty waters teem

With fishes, great and small,

While birds, and every feathered fowl

Answered creation’s call.

And God, who saw that it was good,

Blessed all that he had made;

With this the fifth day’s labor closed,

Evening and morn obeyed.

The sixth day came, and earth brought forth

Cattle and creeping things,

And beasts, of every varied kind,

Did into being spring.

Then, last of all, the Lord made man,

As governor of them all,

And every beast and bird that lived

Came at its master’s call.

For, in God’s image made He man,

And formed him from the ground,

While, in his soul, a spark divine,

Of Heavenly light, was found.

And then, because it was not good

That man should live alone,

The Lord gave woman, who was formed

Of his own flesh and bone.

And thus, the Sacred Record tells,

The six day’s work was done,

And on the seventh hallowed morn

Arose the Sabbath sun.

For God surveyed his perfect work,

And rested from the whole,

And sanctified the seventh day

For every living soul.

Children, shall we, who own His care,

And does so well to us,

Shall we, who in His mercies share,

Refuse His will to do?

No: rather let us strive to keep

That day forever pure;

So, by obedience to His law,

We may find a great reward.

THE COMMANDMENT WITH A PROMISE

Have you ever been left in charge of your younger sisters and brothers while nurse was busy, or while your mother was gone out? If so, you have quite resolved no harm should happen to them while under your care. But no serious harm was likely to come near them; a fall, or perhaps that far worse thing, a quarrel, might happen. I will tell you, however, of a boy who fought with a wolf rather than it should eat up his sisters, of whom he was taking care.

Jean, for that was his name, lived with his mother in a poor cottage at the foot of the Jura mountains in France. His father was away fighting in the army of the first Emperor Napoleon. Before he went he left in Jean’s charge his mother and two young sisters, and though he was only twelve years old, right well did he fulfil the trust committed to him. Did his mother want water from the spring? Jean was off in a minute to get it for her. Did she want the goats milked? Jean needed never to be told twice, but, snow or sunshine, would bound over the rocks, though he had neither shoes nor stockings, and up the steep mountain paths till he found the goats. It was harder work to get back again with the milk on his head, but he was so careful he very seldom spilled any.

The mountain air had made him hardy in body, and perhaps the sight of the wild beauty round him had helped to strengthen his mind, for he was thenghtful and inquiring beyond his years. When evening came, and there was nothing more to be done for his mother, he did not go to sleep beside the wood fire, but would set off and walk three miles to the nearest village, where the minister kindly taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. Ah! I wish we were all as anxious to improve ourselves as Jean the mountain boy. What scholars we should be, how wise we should grow, if only we made as much of our great advantages as he did of his small ones.

One day Jean’s mother was obliged to go out for all the afternoon, but she was quite easy in leaving the two young girls under Jean’s charge. “Was he not,” she “thought, “the kindest of brothers, as well as the most attentive of sons?” He was always happy in being useful, so she was sure he would not go off on his own book or play, but spend the time trying to amuse his sisters. At last it was necessary for him to go and get the wood wherewith to prepare his mother’s supper. He would have the girls at home, but they pleaded so earnestly to go with him that he consented, and they all set off very happily together.

It was a lovely afternoon in the early spring; the snow was still upon the mountains, but its wintry reign was over, and the bright patches of green were everywhere peeping through to refresh the sight. In little sunny nooks, too, smiled the first sweet spring flowers, the bird’s-eye primrose, the dark blue gentian, and others, which the mountain children hailed with the same shouts of joy as you would do the violets of our English hedge-rows. The streams had burst their icy chains, and the birds were making the sweetest music.

It was two miles to the forest, and when they got there Jean began chopping wood, while his sisters went on gathering nose-gays, or playing hide-and-seek behind the trees. All at once a frightful scream from both together made Jean look around in alarm, and what he saw was a monstrous wolf in the very act of springing at his sisters! There was no time for thought; to throw himself in front of them was the work of a moment, and to aim a blow at the wolf with his ax was the act of another. Had it been done by a stronger arm it would have severed its head from its body, so well directed was it; but, as it was, it only enraged the savage beast, and made it fly at the boy like fury. It was a hard conflict; for wolves are very strong, and this one was a large one, and was maddened by hunger and pain; while Jean, though fighting for his own and his sisters’ lives, had but a boy’s strength after all. But God, Who delivered David from the lion and the bear, was present to help and succor. The wolf was streaming with blood; Jean had many wounds, but he hardly felt them; yet it seemed as if the fierce beast was getting the better of him, and suddenly losing his footing he fell to the ground. You would have thought it was all over now with him; but he collected his strength and gave a desperate plunge with his ax as the wolf sprang upon him. It staggered, fell back, and, with one wild terrible howl, rolled over and died. Jean and his little sisters were safe. Faint and wounded as he was, he sprang up, and, taking one of his sisters on his back, hurried back to the cottage. What a tale it was to tell the mother, and how thankful she felt for her boy’s bravery, especially when the neighbors who went into the wood said it was the largest wolf ever seen in those parts.

The story soon spread, and at last it reached the emperor’s ears. He sent for Jean’s father to talk about this brave son of his, and the result was that Jean was placed at a military school at the emperor’s expense. And the poor mountain boy who waited on his mother and killed a wolf in the defense of his infant sisters, ended his days as a general in the emperor’s army. But though he was great and honored, he retained through his life the same simplicity, uprightness, and kindliness of character which had distinguished him in his youth.

God has promised a blessing to those who honor their father and mother, and God’s promises always come true. The boys who honor their mother as Jean did, I think, are among those who are most likely to succeed in life. We do not wish them to be generals, but in some way suited to their character and circumstances, even in this world they shall have their reward.

— Selected

ANNUAL YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE

We wish to remind you of the Annual Youth Day Conference, which is to be held in the church of Vineland (St. Catherines) Canada, on Monday, July 3, the Lord willing and we live.

The program is presently being arranged, and will include addresses to the youth, a Bible quiz, and group singing. Participation by all church choral groups is requested.

Those desiring information, or sleeping accommodations for the week-end should contact Mr. A. Van Driel, Read Road, RR 2, St. Catherines, Ontario. (Telephone 684-5256).

All young people and their parents are invited to attend. We hope that many will find it possible to attend.

Missionary Section

Timothy Mission Fund

We gratefully acknowledge the givers of contributions totalling $145.00 during the month of March. Checks in the amount of $100. each were sent out during the month to the support of Rev. G. Kuijt in Indonesia, and Miss Ann Herfst, who has left for Nigeria. Our balance at the end of March was $12.10.

That we might be inclined to help those who have so very little, and who often lack those things which to us have little value or are just taken for granted. In addition we have the promise given us, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.”

MISSIONARY LETTER

From Eev. G. Kuijt in Indonesia: (The following is another portion translated from Eev. Kuijt’s newsletter written in November)

“The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.” Psalm 98:2. The proclamation of salvation unto the heathen is unseparably joined to the manifestation of God’s kingdom. In these days we see the happening of events pointing to the end. The nations are in turmoil, wars and rumors of wars are everywhere, earthquakes, famines and floods are in many places, and also the preaching of the Gospel unto all people. May our eyes be opened, if not already opened, so that we may not be unprepared for His coming. His righteousness is already revealed to many, and yet the Lord is long-suffering with us. “not wiling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

At this time we will write something about the church services. You have no doubt wondered how things were with those who shortly before our furlough had shown a willingness to attend our services. According to the reports which we received in the Netherlands from Jozua, the church services were held as usual, and quite a number came to listen. The daily labors also continued as usual under the capable supervision of Jozua, until one day a native broke his leg while working.

Jozua immediately notified the M.A.F., and in the meantime did everything possible for the injured man. On a Sunday the M.A.F. plane arrived to take the man back for medical treatment. But the Jali’s were against this, so the pilot had to return without him. The leg healed of itself, although the man is now a cripple. After that no one came to listen or to work, as they felt the spirits were surely against us and our teaching. This feeling still continues. Kokpan was especially threatened.

His father had to give two pigs to the family of the injured man to compensate for it. Kokpan also had to endure much trouble at that time, as they even wanted to kill him.

When we had again returned, the situation was still not cleared up. Kokpan’s father came to us for repayment, which consisted of an ax and a shovel. Later on the injured man also came and demanded an ax, which we gave. So not considering the cost of the extra plane flight to our village, it cost two axes and a shovel. For us this doesn’t seem like much, but for these people it is a rather great treasure. Humanly speaking, if he had returned with the airplane and been treated in the hospital, he would have been completely healed.

The first Sunday after our return with the police, there were only 15 people attending the church services. Gradually the attendance has increased, and just last Sunday there were about 60 people present, half of which were women. There are a certain group who attend quite regularly. The boys from the school are always there, and also a group of women usually attend. We are certain that the attendance is not because of a desire for the Word, but merely for “the loaves”, but nevertheless they are within the net, and we believe that it is through the Word and Spirit that a person must be converted to God.

That with Liok also it is not (yet) out of desire for salvation was evident by his remark that he did not come on a certain Sunday because I had not given him an empty rice sack. And there are more who have made similar remarks, such as, “I have been to the church so often, and yet haven’t received an ax.” They are credited for their work each day and for bringing sweet potatoes. When they have worked a certain number of days and brought enough sweet potatoes, they are paid with such articles as an ax, or a large knife, or a shovel.

One Sunday the tribal chief was not present. We found this strange, as he had promised to be there. Later in the day the riddle was solved, when Liok appeared completely covered with red clay. His face was sad and we immediately thought that a close relative had passed away. It is the custom of the Jali’s to cover themselves with clay as a sign of mourning. But in this case it was not true. Liok told us that one of his pigs had run away, and had not been found yet. The pig was naturally much more important than the church service and so he had to look for it.

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