A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

DOES GOD…???

My dear friends,

Do you know the reason why the ministers mention the name (or names) of a child when it is baptised? Probably it is with you as it was with me prior to my conversation with the naval officer in Haarlem, about which I have written several times previously. Although I had baptised hundreds of children, yet I had never given it any thought that there might be a special reason for mentioning their names. To me it had been nothing else than a form or custom. But that night in Haarlem something happened to me which gave me an entirely new understanding of what was involved in mentioning of names when administering the sacrament of baptism.

You will recall that I did not understand how to interpret the words, “I have called Thee by thy name, thou art Mine”, which were spoken by the Lord to the naval officer in the hour when he had to face death. And you will also remember that I did not know what to say to him when he asked me to confirm that he was a real child of God because the Lord had spoken this to him. Because I did not hear anything about deliverance from guilt and sin (spiritual misery), in fact, had not even heard this mentioned after he had been saved in such a miraculous way from death and other “outward” miseries, I could not agree with his interpretation of the text from Isaiah 43:1. I felt that he had interpreted the text wrongly, but … I did not know how to instruct him.

Do you remember that I silently prayed to the Lord for wisdom, and that, as an answer to my prayer, the Lord showed me the difference between the outward “calling by our name” as it happens each time the Word of God comes to us and the “inward” calling as it occurs each time it pleases the Lord to apply His Word with divine strength to a person’s heart by the Holy Spirit? If you do not remember what I wrote about it in my previous articles, please read them again. It is such an important matter that we cannot meditate enough about the significance of being brought into contact with the Word of God.

Because of the darkness of our mind and the stubborness of our depraved will, the “outward” calling is insufficient unto salvation. It is our fault and guilt that the reading of and the listening to God’s message does not renew and change us. Therefore we are also in need of the “inward” calling. This “inward” calling is an extra gift from God, merited by the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of those given unto Him by electing grace. We must also ask for that gift. This only creates within us that new heart, that new birth, that regeneration without which no one can enter into the Kingdom of God. But because of the fact that as many as are called by the gospel are most earnestly, truly, and unfeignedly called by God to comply with the invitation contained and included in His Word, this outward calling is “also a calling by our name” — a calling by our name, “sinner”.

Yet there is another occasion at which sinners are “called by their name”, wherein the Lord says, “Thou art Mine”. That night in Haarlem my attention was focused on the fact that so often I had mentioned names when administering the sacrament of Holy Baptism. But it was the first time in my life that I understood its meaning and significance. At the time the naval officer was baptized as an infant he could not understand its meaning, and neither do others who are baptized at that age. In Luke 2:21 we read, “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called “Jesus”, where we can clearly see that also in the days of the Old Testament the name of the child was used at the time of circumcision. Of course, neither did the children of the Jews understand its significance at that time. It is true, we don’t read that the Lord commanded that the name of the child be mentioned at the time of circumcision, but it was very appropriate to do so, because it was perfectly in agreement with the meaning of the sacrament: “I have called thee by thy name … thou art Mine”. What circumcision was to the Jews, that baptism is to us, as they mean the same thing and have the same significance. Because of this we baptize the infants. It is the duty of the parents to tell their baptized children that at the time of their baptism the Lord called them by their names, proclaiming publicly His desire to be their God and His will that they should seek, fear, and find Him, Who came so near unto them in the sacrament of the Covenant of Grace. This covenant speaks of Him, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and Whose blood cleanses from all iniquity. God opened in Christ a way of return for runaways, and He calls sinners, born in sin, to return, calling them by their name.

But in circumcision and baptism the Lord did and does not only “call by name” — He also declares, “Thou art Mine”. The children of Americans and Canadians are citizens of the country because their parents are. And in like manner the children of those who belong to the Christian Church are members of the church — citizens of the Kingdom of God in its outward appearance in this world. In a covenant sense they belong to the Lord, Who says to them as He did to the people of Israel, “I am the Lord thy God” … “Thou art Mine”. (See my article in the July issue of Timothy).

Although it is a sad fact that many persons do not understand, appreciate, and value this (even as the naval officer did not), yet there is a special care of God over those who are called after His Name. On the other hand there is a special obligation on the side of those who were “called by their name”, and to whom it was said, “Thou art Mine”. This obligation is to cleave unto the One God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, that we trust in Him, and love Him with all our hearts, that we forsake the world, crucify our old nature, and walk in a new and holy life. We are called to use all privileges and means prayerfully in order to become and be “the Lord’s”, not only in a covenant sense, but also in a most personal sense by regeneration. In times of doubts and fears about the question as to whether there is any chance of being heard and delivered, we may remember to our encouragement what has taken place at the time of our baptism. The late Rev. Fraanje used to instruct and encourage the children in his catechism class with the saying: “When begging the Lord for mercy in your prayers, feel free to show Him your baptized forehead”.

Do you now understand the mistake that the naval officer made in his interpretation of Isaiah 43:1? Do you now understand more of the significance of your baptism? I certainly hope that you do.

Your friend,

Rev. A. Elshout

112 Pratt Road

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls,

In Psalter No. 121, we sing,

“O God, we have heard and our fathers have told

What wonders Thou didst in the great days of old.”

They were remembering the Lord’s care for them in bringing them into the land of Canaan, casting out the enemies before them. But in the month of October especially, we also have something to remember, something for which we must acknowledge the Lord. It took place many years ago and caused the Word of God to be spread abroad through many cities and countries. It is regarded as the beginning of the Reformation, and therefore October 31 is called “Reformation Day”. It was on that day that Martin Luther nailed a list on the door of the church in Wittenberg, pointing out many errors in the Roman Catholic Church. The Bible was not well-known in those days, as there were but very few of them, but in the years following the Word of God and the teachings of Luther and others were carried into many homes.

How much we should appreciate the Word of God in our homes. Sometimes you will hear or be taught things that do not agree with the Bible. Then we should remember that God’s Word is true, and should be our guide in all things. Our prayer every day should be, “Teach me Thy way, O Lord”, which we find in Psalm 87.1 have used these words to spell out the first letters of our answers for this month’s quiz.

Manoah prayed to the Lord, saying, “_____________us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.”

What did Aaron tell the children of Israel to bring unto him from which he made a golden calf?

What king gave Exra the priest a letter commanding him to teach the people the laws of his God?

The Lord said of Abraham, “I know him that he will ____________his children and his household after him.”

What mother instructed her daughter regarding a gift she was to ask of the king?

At the burning bush, to whom did God say, “I will teach thee what ye shall do.”

Upon whom did Elijah cast his mantle, to show that he was to be prophet in his place?

Nicodemus said to Jesus, “We know that thou art a __________ come from God.”

What would the prodigal son have eaten gladly, but no one gave unto him?

In Job 8, we read that Bildad said, “We are but of____________, and know nothing.”

To the church in Thyatira, the apostle John wrote, “Thou sufferest that _____________Jezebel to teach.”

In the first part of Genesis, we read that Tubal-cain was an instructor of every __________ in brass and iron.

In Matthew II, Jesus said, “Take my __________upon you and learn of me.

After His resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples to go and teach all nations to __________ all things whatsoever he had commanded them.”

When Paul was a prisoner at Rome, he was busy “teaching those things which concern the____________ Jesus Christ.”

Jonah preached unto the people, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be __________.”

With what title did Nicodemus address Jesus?

When Judas came with a great multitude, Jesus said, “I sat __________with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.”

Answers to the September quiz are as follows —

The Kingdom of God — Matthew 6:33

Teach Psalm 27:11

Heifer I Samuel 16:14

Eliab I Samuel 16:6

Kingdom John 3:3

Israel John 3:10

Needle Matthew 19:24

Gaza Judges 16:1–3

Daniel Daniel 6:1–2

Og Numbers 21:33–35

Matthias Acts 1:26

Omega Revelations 1:10–11

Forbid Mark 10:14

God Acts 28:30–31

Ophir I Kings 9:26–28

Damascus Acts 9:1–5

Answers to our quiz have been received from the following boys and girls -

Brenda Fletcher

Christine Koppert

Alice Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Peter Koppert

Nancy Kwekel

Casey Blom

Bobby Blom

Janice Kaat

Roger Kaat

Wanita Wallenburg

Carol Wallenburg

Arlene Wallenburg

Tommy Greendyk

Bobby Greendyk

Danny Hoogendoorn

Arlene Kuperus

Judy Sweetman

Gail Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Hans Kuperus

Bill Boluyt

Sharon Bouma

Albert Bouma

Mark Teunissen

Randy Teunissen

Jim Westrate

Dan Meeuwse

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Brenda Vanderstad

Arthur Sisco

Steven Slotsema

Susan Slotsema

Denise Carol Zaremba

Donna Lyn Zaremba

Shirley Slotsema

Linda Kay Bleeker

Linda Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Mary Ann Kamp

Joyce Vander Meulen

Teresa Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Marty Anker

Wanda Langstraat

Janice Langstraat

Barbara Hendricks

Kathy Van Giessen

Jim Van Giessen

Joyce Van Den Top

Judy Van Den Top

Gloria Van Den Top

Cindy Erickson

Deanna Erickson

Dave Verhey

Joan Lugthart

Ken Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Curt Jenison

Peter Kievit

Betty Vander Waal

John Vander Waal

Tim Vander Waal

Billy Greendyk

David Greendyk

Nick Greendyk

Kathie De Meester

Dianne Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Donna De Meester

Tom Blok

George De Maagd

Louis De Maagd

Marilyn De Maagd

Martha Vander Male

Mary Jean Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Eleanor Meeuwse

Ruth Meeuwse

Sheryl Van Giessen

Sandy Van Giessen

Gary Van Giessen

Joanne Beeke

Debra Vos

Geri Moerdyk

Marsha Koedam

Dan Lords

Mary Van Tilburg

Carta Schelling

Wilma Droogers

Deborah Droogers

Gary Roozenboom

Alice Moerdyk

Carolyn Heystek

Mark Heystek

Sander de Jong

Ruth A. Van Grouw

Joan Van Zweden

John Van Zweden

Bruce Blok

Gary Blok

John Blok

Dave Vander Boon

Conny Boesterd

John Remus

Linda Remus

Janet Remus

Carolyn Van Grouw

Albert Van Grouw

Janet Van Grouw

Esther Boonzaayer (2)

Ruth Boonzaayer (2)

Rudolph Stapel

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

Roelie Stapel

Joanne Spaans

Gertrude Spaans

Carol Overbeeke

Linda Ryan

Martin Peter Vlietstra

Colleen Ryan

Judy Koedam

Martin John Oudshoorn

John Oudshoorn

Bill Boesterd

Cherly Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Janny Van Wingerden

John Van Wingerden

Billy Van Wingerden

Judith Slingerland

John Van Hoepen

Marianne Van Hoepen

Betty Jo Mast

Neil Mast

Jane Mast

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Richard Kamp

Barbara Kamp

Neal Boerkoel

Corrie Van Wyk

Billy Van Wyk

Martin Van Wyk

Alfred Hup

John Van Woudenberg

Joe Van Woudenberg

Ed Van Woudenberg

Elisabeth Van Woudenberg

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Randy Vande Stouwe

And now it is time to answer our letters —

DELLA VANDEN BRINK — You had such a nice, long letter, Delia, so I will answer your letter first. You were correct — a question was left out. I think almost everyone noticed it. The first letters don’t come our very good that way, do they? We will have to be more careful next time.

BILL BOESTERD — Bill, when you say that your shoes were “only slightly wet”, does that mean not quite soaked? When you receive this issue, we hope your parents are safely home again. Did they have a nice trip? Have you ever been in Holland?

COLLEEN RYAN — What is your teacher’s name, Colleen? Which part of school do you like the best? If your teacher doesn’t give too much work, I think all the boys and girls will like him. What did you do during the summer months?

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — You must have been all tired out when you returned after your vacation, Joan; especially from all the hiking. Did you have any rain while you were camping? It does not seem possible that at one time all of our country was without cities, highways, and roads.

RUTH VAN GROUW — The question with two blanks in it was also a mistake, Ruth. There should only have been one blank. No matter how hard we try, mistakes do creep in. But it also shows you are all reading the questions very carefully.

CAROLYN HEYSTEK — What a nice trip you must have had, Carolyn. Was this the first time you had been there? Or were you born there? Holland seems like it is so far away, but with modern transportation it doesn’t take very long to get there. Thank you for the gifts to the mission fund.

PETER W. KIEVIT — Thanks for the stamps, Peter. Do you spend quite a bit of time working with your stamp collection? Do you know how long ago it was that postage stamps were first used? That would make an interesting topic for a report in school.

BARBARA HENDRICKS — Who do you have as your teacher, Barbara? Does Helen like school, too? What are you studying about? I was happy to hear that you thought our quiz was quite easy, except for one question. We do want you to do some searching in order to find the answers.

CONNY BOESTERD — No, Conny, I have never been in Holland, although I would like to go there sometime. I have uncles, aunts, and cousins there. Did your father and mother have a lot to tell about when they came back? We don’t have snow yet and usually don’t have any until late November.

MARSHA KOEDAM — How do you like Junior High School, Marsha? I was surprised that you would go to Rock Rapids. Is that the nearest high school to where you live? Have you ever made a trip to Michigan? It isn’t so very far from Iowa.

ROELIE STAPEL — Thank you for the stamps, Roelie. I will soon be sending them away again. It doesn’t take long to get quite a few of them collected. We had hoped to visit Sheboygan this past summer, but we did not get there.

CAROL OVERBEEKE — Do you have another dog besides “Boots”, Carol? Since Boots is still a puppy, I imagine he is quite playful. Like boys and girls, they soon are grown up. Do you have a dog house for him?

MARTY ANKER — I suppose your brother is already home on furlough, Marty? It is nice to be home, but not so nice to leave again. Do you have quite a few apple trees? We have not had much rain of late either.

NELLY KOPPERT — It was nice to hear from you again, Nelly. Did you help paint the house, too? Were you happy to be in school again? The summer vacation goes by so quickly, even though it seems like a long time when the summer is just beginning.

LINDA RYAN — Do you like mathematics, Linda? I think your father has to do some studying in order to help you with your problems. At least I know that I had to, because they do problems a little differently now. Do you ride the bus to school?

CORRIE VAN WYK — Does your dog stay out of the road now, Corrie? You must have been happy that it wasn’t more serious. Drivers have to be so careful, because boys and girls (or their pets) can be in the road where they don’t expect them to be.

DEBORAH DROOGERS — We are quite well, Debby. It was nice that your aunt could visit you from Holland. Did she like this country? I also have an aunt who will be visiting this country for five weeks. She has never been here before, so it will be a new experience.

WENDY GRISNICH — You certainly have quite a few stamps saved, Wendy. It takes quite a while just to count a thousand of them. Did you get a good picture of the moose? If you don’t have the camera ready, they generally don’t wait for you to get it.

CHERLY GRISNICH — We are happy to have you join in answering the Bible quiz, Cherly. And if you try to do your best, I don’t think you will have too much trouble answering the questions. How did your cousin break her finger? Did she fall down?

ALICE KOPPERT — Does your sister Elizabeth like school, Alice? Do you. still remember when you went to school for the first time? I really can’t remember much about my first days at school, but I guess that is quite a few years ago.

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — After travelling 2,700 miles in a car, your relatives must have been happy to arrive at your house so they could rest, John. Have you ever visited them in Alberta? That would be just as long a trip for you.

SANDER DE JONG — You didn’t tell me why you wouldn’t want to live in Alberta, Sander. Probably everyone likes to live right where they are better than any other place. Does your cattle feeder do the feeding automatically? That would save a lot of hard work.

MARTIN OUDSHOORN — You travelled a lot of miles in one day, Martin. It is nice to visit relatives and friends whom you have not seen for a long time. But it is also nice to be home again. Are you doing quite well with your music lessons?

JUDITH SLINGERLAND — If you have five nieces and five nephews, you must have lots of experience in helping to take care of babies. Do they all live in Alberta? But I suppose your homework keeps you quite busy most of the time.

STEPHAN VANDEN BRINK — Did the puppies arrive, Stephan? How many were there? Most of the boys and girls wrote about starting school, and I think most of them were glad to be back in school again. Or would you rather have vacation?

CHRISTINE KOPPERT — I had to laugh about the paint which speckled the spinach, Christine. Although I don’t care for spinach too well, maybe it would taste better if it were a different color. It was nice to hear from you again.

JOHN REMUS — Your letter is the last one this time, John. How is your new little sister? I suppose she is growing every day. Does she look a little bit like you? Does your school bus pick you up in front of your home, or do you have to walk part of the way?

And to all the boys and girls, — Thanks again for your many replies. It is real nice to see so many boys and girls sending in their answers, and we hope to hear from all of you again next month, the Lord willing and we live.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

Missionary Corner

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of August, gifts totalling $82.00 were received for our mission fund, which are gratefully acknowledged. Checks in the amount of $100.00 each were sent to the Mbuma Hospital in Rhodesia and to our mission organization in the Netherlands, the latter gift designated for the fund being accumulated for the purchase of an airplane to be used in New Guinea.

An acknowledgment has been received from Mr. D. Polder, wherein he expressed his appreciation for the gift towards the purchase of the plane for the Missionary Aviation Fellowship. He explained that at the present time there are four airplanes in their area, but they must serve more than fifty mission posts.

In a recent issue of the “Saambinder”, Mr. Fahner wrote briefly about the Missionary Aviation Fellowship, and their valuable assistance to them. Mr. Fahner and his wife recently joined Rev. and Mrs. Kuijt in New Guinea. He wrote as follows:

“The contact with the outside world is dependent upon two organizations, namely the M.A.F. (Missionary Aviation Fellowship) and T.M.F. (The Missionary Fellowship), without which it would not be possible to perform mission work in the interior of the country.

The M.A.F. maintains contact with the outside world through their air service; although they must contend with a shortage of airplanes, they are very busy every day bringing goods and mail to the poorly constructed air strips; therefore it is a dangerous work, but indispensable to us. Each morning at about 7 o’clock each mission post in the interior is contacted by radio. Once each week a schedule is made for their flights; however, all these plans can be completely upset if an emergency arises.

The Mission Fellowship is an organization which purchases goods, food, and other requirements for the mission posts, stores them, and upon orders, will send these out with the M.A.F. They are also equally indispensable, if the work in the interior is to make progress. You cannot realize how important these organizations are to the work of the missions. Regarding the M.A.F., we hope that funds for a new airplane will soon be available.”

A LETTER FROM REV. G. KUIJT

Abenago, 23 April 1969

Dear Missionary Friends:

First of all, I’ll take this opportunity to express our gratefulness to you all for all the letters and tokens of sympathy we received in the past. We experienced and still do that many of you remember us here on this lonely mission field.

Our work is developing satisfactorily. The “valley” has accepted the Gospel. Who could have known this five years ago! There are many places, also in this vast land, where the missionaries are still ploughing on rocks although they have been working there for many years. Of course, I do not say that all the people of our valley were regenerated! We have had fetishburnings and the church services are very well attended; however, conversion and regeneration are the Lord’s work. But the people come into the Gospel net, which means the Lord can use it to true conversion. Many people do not yet know the way of salvation because they have not heard yet. Our people became eager to reach those also. We have examples of our Bible school students who went out to other places and made “converts,” disciples for Christ. When our new missionary comes, the Lord willing, all our students have offered themselves to go with him and help him to proclaim the Gospel to those who were not reached yet. So we hope that from this place a blessing may flow to other places yet in darkness.

A missionary from another place asked us some time ago to send some of our “converts.” We did so and the results were amazing. The missionary wrote me that as a result of their coming his people had burned their fetishes. Also the wife of the doctor wrote us and said that the natives were better in proclaiming the Gospel than the white men. Of course, I think it was too humble of that missionary to write that the fetish-burning was the result of the preaching of our men, as he had worked there for six years already!

His letter made me think about regeneration. I was thinking how many means the Lord uses to bring His own to Himself. The Scriptures are clear enough that regeneration is the work of God and also it is an act that the Lord performs in just a moment of time without us and within us. However, the leading ways to that great moment can be so many. I wish I could hear some of the Lord’s people telling how many means and people the Lord used for their conversion. In His grace the Lord often uses one man or woman, and we say he or she was the expedient; however, who will tell how many other means the Lord used already before that great moment took place in a sinner. I am convinced that many servants of the Lord who have not seen any fruits on their labor, and the missionary history is full of those, did not work in vain, although circumstances may say so. I think we have Scriptural ground when we read John 4:37 and 38: “And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.” As a matter of fact, although at times the Lord had many thousands of followers, do we not read in Acts 2:37: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” And this as a result of Peter’s sermon? Of course, he was the expedient! But who will say how many more people (and do not forget the Scriptures of the Old Testament and above all our Lord, Who labored with Divine authority for about three and a half years among His nation according to the flesh!) had labored so that those on the day of Pentecost exclaimed, “What shall we do?”

My dear friends, did you ever consider how much and how many the Lord has used already to bring you to repentance? Oh, fall down before Him and confess your sins and acknowledge the goodness of the Lord, Who sent His Son to save sinners. Do not wait until it will be too late forever. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

This is the Gospel that is preached among the Gentiles. This work is going very fast and it won’t be very long any more that all the nations and tribes of this world will have heard. Let not anyone stay behind of whom it will be said: He knew the way, but despised it.

One day a little fellow was brought to our station terribly ill. He died and I wanted to know who he was. Somebody told me that this lettle fellow was one of the first ones of Wuruwi that came for prayer despite the enmity of his parents and other tribesmen. You may know, I became jealous when his dead, emaciated body was laid down to be burnt. Was this (I guess a 12 year old boy) one of these “little ones”? Has he gone before to take part in that eternal joy of heaven? The Lord knows. The Lord bless you all.

Your friend,

Rev. G. Kuijt

WHERE WAS HERMAN?

“Have you seen anything?”

“No … nothing…”

The missionary saw the worry in the eyes of his wife. Wearily he rubbed his forehead. They had searched the entire village, but little Herman, their son, was nowhere to be seen. They had called, had asked here and there, but with no results. Now the only possibility was that he had wandered off by himself into the dense forest. He was such an active little fellow. Or possibly … but no, they did not want to think about it. The people did not yet appear too friendly, but they certainly would not do anything to such a young child.

If they had to search the forest, it would be necessary to have the help of the men in the village. They were experienced pathfinders. By himself he could not even begin. He discussed it with his wife. She nodded. She also realized that there was no other way. With tears in her eyes she watched her husband go. Would they be willing to help him?

She went into the house, but continued pacing back and forth. How long had Herman been gone already? Probably about three hours. O, how many things could happen to him in the forest … snakes … wild pigs…

She fell down upon a chair and folded her hands. There was One, Who could protect her child.

When the missionary came into the village, there was no man to be found. As if he had been struck on the head, he stood there dazed, staring into the distance. It dawned on him that it was now impossible for him to look any further for the child. Why had the men all disappeared, as if they had known that he would be coming for help? Was their dislike of the white people so great?

He saw several women sitting, looking curiously at him. He realized how foolish he must appear, standing there alone. He ran to them, and they greeted him with a friendly smile. The missionary did not take time to wonder at their unusual friendliness. He attempted to ask them where the men were.

One of the women told quite a story. She pointed to the forest, and described a large circle with her arms. But the missionary did not understand her. How unfortunate that he was not more familiar with the language.

Suddenly he heard far in the distance the cry of the morning bird. Again he heard it… three times. How strange, in the middle of the day. Now he heard the sound also from the other direction, and now there also …

The women had jumped up as if they were waiting for this. With happy faces they tried to explain something to him. But he could not understand them.

Then he saw his wife coming. Apparently she could not stay away any longer. He wanted to run to her and return home again, but the women held him back. They were motioning that he must wait. Also his wife must stay. They had been standing there but a few minutes, wondering what all this meant, when they saw two men come running out of the forest.

From all sides came groups of two and three men towards them. And the last group . .. was it possible? The missionary felt his wife grasp his arm. With tears in their eyes they ran to meet these men. Upon the shoulders of the center one sat… Herman. As a little king he looked out triumphantly over, the people, not even noticing that his father hugged him so tightly and that his mother was crying.

Now the missionary understood what the women had meant; the men had spread out in all directions to search, and by the signal of the cry of the morning bird, had notified each other that the child was found. And this all… of themselves. This was still the greatest surprise.

By this event they were brought closer together. They could notice this in the days following. And they also noticed that Herman especially had much influence with them. Whenever they visited the people, they took Herman with them. And there would be no doubt that they were welcome.

Slowly but surely they were able to win the confidence of the people, and to learn more of their language. For these were the first steps which had to be taken before they could tell these people about the one Only God, Who had also made them. A. Vogelaar-van Amersoort (translated)

A LONG JOURNEY FOR A BIBLE

(from Christian Treasury, Jan. 1,1868)

Two men came one night to Mr. Ellis, the Missionary of Madagascar. They had walked a hundred miles out of their way to visit him.

“Have you the Bible?” asked Mr. Ellis.

“We have seen it, and heard it read,” one man said, “but we have only some of the words of David, and they do not belong to us; they belong to the whole family.”

“Have you the words of David with you now?” asked Mr. Ellis. They looked at each other, and would not give an answer. Perhaps they were afraid; but Mr. Ellis spoke kindly to them. Then one of the men put his hand into his bosom, and took out what seemed to be a roll of cloth. He unrolled it; and, after taking off some wrapping, behold, there were a few old, torn dingy leaves of the Psalms, which had been read, passed around, lent, and re-read, until they were almost worn out! Tears came to Mr. Ellis’ eyes when he saw them.

“Have you ever seen the words of Jesus, or John, or Paul, or Peter?” asked the missionary. “Yes,” they said, “we have seen and heard them, but we never owned them.”

Mr. Ellis then went and brought out a Testament, with the book of Psalms bound up with it, and showed it to them. “Now,” said he, “if you will give me your few words of David, I will give you all his words; all the words of Jesus, and John, and Paul, and Peter besides.”

The men were amazed and delighted, but they wanted to see if the words of David were the same in Mr. Ellis’ book; and when they found they were, and thousands more of the same sort, their joy knew no bounds. They willingly gave up their poor tattered leaves, seized the volume, bade the missionary goodbye, and started off upon their long journey home, rejoicing like one who had found a great spoil. Did not these men prize the Bible? And had not they found a Treasure? (Y.P.M.)

ADDRESSES FOR TIMOTHY CORRESPONDENCE

Timothy Section—

Thomas Moerdyk

1222 Vassar Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Timothy Mission Fund —

c/o Miss Adriana Kievit

1121 North Westnedge Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Timothy Bible Quiz—

Garret J. Moerdyk

1104 Roseland Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

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