January 1938

T h e F;mt
Craduor;on Class
of
A<
A l l i o , ~ c r Bible School. M&s.nr.
(See EditoriJ)
The
N.E 1.
Netherlands East Indies Mission of
T h e Christian and Missionary Alliance
Addre.9:
Ladjangiroeweg
77.
Aw--Mm.----
Makassar.
Celebes.
N.E.I.
T H E
P I O N E E R
EDITORIAL
THE FIRST GRADUATION CLASS.
'
November 12th. w a s a banner day for us. when the first
graduation class completed their work. and were sent forth
into the service of the Lord. The day for the Graduation
Exercises was postponed till the arrival of Mr. Leland W a n g ,
who .delivered the Baccalaurea4e sermon, and charged the
graduates in preaching the Gospel to be good archers. and
shoot straight. sharp. sm'k atmws from the Gospel bow.
T h e gr,adutes Were banded theis diphmas by Mrs. Woerner.
and a l e a t h e covefed New Testament and Psalms was
presented by Mr. jafdray to each of the graduates.
Too much credit cannot be given to t h ~ w
who have eonducted the Men's and the Woman's Bible Schools ,during the past
year. h4r. Woemes. though cojnpaatively new on this field,
has proved tobe , W s man for the position a s Principal of the
Men's SchmE. and in a very wonderful way has borne a
strong, spinma1 influence. not only from the pladom, but by
personal dealings and prayer with individual students. W e
all gseatly regret that. ,011 account ,ofillness, Miss Marsh was
unable to be present at the Graduation Exercises In addition
to m a n y other duties in connection with the work. and the
principalship of the Women's Bible School, the burden seemed to prove too heavy. and she has had a physical breakdown.
Under Miss Marsh's direction the Bible School for women
has developed rapidly, and the Spirit's work has been very
manifest. She has well earned her furlough. and will be
leaving for home as soon as she is able to travel.
Of the seventeen graduates, fourt,een were present,- thirteen
men and one woman! (See photo on front cover) They
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T H E
P I O N E E R
represent seven far separated islands of the Netherlands East
Indies. including twp Dyaks from Borneo. In a remarkable
way they were sent to us. and atter nearly six years of training
in the study at the W o r d in the classroom, and in practical
soul-winning experience in the Work, they are now going
forth in the Name of the Lord, Thirteen of them have been
appointed to our four fields in Borneo; one of them to work
on this island of Celebes; two to Kelantan t o work among the
Sakai people; and one. MIS. Paul Lcnn. will probably, with
her hushand. h e a pioneer to New Guinea.
In addition to the graduates, fifty-nine under-graduates
wcrc also appointed by the Joint Committee for a year
or marc of practical experience in soul-winning on t h c
various [ields; thus our staff of native workers next year,
xidl be about double that of this year, with a total of approximately I 1 5 workers. Adding to these, the students enroled in
our Bible School, preparing for the work, w e will have in training for the service of the Lord nearly 300 young men and
women. Most of these ar'e young men, there being last term
forty students in our Women's Bibl'e School.
As we look out upon the harvest field, and think of the
many converts the Lord has given us, "babes in Christ," to be
fed with "the pure milk of the Word"; and irpon the still unoccupied fields all around us,- even with this goodly number of
workers in training for service, we must say in the words of
our Master. "The harvest truly is ,plenteous, but the laborers
are few." Let us not forget His request for prayer. "Pray
ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that He will thrust forth
laborers into His harvest."
"Go ye, ............ and preach !"
--A+-
,,
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HE
P I O N E E R
VISITORS.
If it is true that "good news from a far country is
like cold water to a thirsty soill, how much more is it re"
freshing t o the missionary abroad when friends from a f a r
country cone to visit them? W e have had several such
refreshing drinks of cold water recently.
First, Miss Ethel L . Markley. a Bible teacher from Monrovia. California. paid u s a very welcome visit. Alter a short
stay in Makassa:. where she spoke to missionaries and Bible
School students, she journeyed to Bali, Java. and to the W e s t
Coast of Borneo, and came back via Makassar, as she returilcd
to the homeland.
Then one of our missionaries from So,uth C!iina, Ii4i.c:
Charloffe Galvin. spent several weeks with u s . T h e N . E I .
missionary parents who have children i n the Hostel iil Hongkong were especially grateful to Miss Galvin for bringing thc!i
children safely to Makassar, and then taking them back 10
Hongkong at the end of their vacation; i n fact, the N'.
E. i.
Mission owc's a debt of gratitude to Miss Galvin. W e were
pleased, too, that she could see something of the wozk in the
N.E I.. lor the more we know of any work. the more definitely
a n d intel!igently can we pray for the work, and the workers
Our next visitor was Miss Efhel K . Marsh. Secretary o [
T h e Alliance Press in Shanghai. T h e work of The Alltancr.
Press in the salc of Gospel tracts, Bible Expositions. and the
nionthly periodical. The Brble Magazine, in the Chinese language, has been greatly blessed during recent years,. in [act,
during the past three years the circulation of The Bible Magazine. which is preeminently a preachers' magazine, has been
more than doubled. From cover to cover The Bible Magazine is devoted to, Bible study. W e wo,uld ask the prayers
of the Lord's people for this work, and for the Chinese Editor,
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T H E
P I O N E E R
Mr. Wilson W a n g , expecially during the present Sino-Japanese war, which, of course, greatly interferes with the work.
Miss Marsh and her sister, Miss Lilian F. Marsh of the N.E.I.
Mission, are planning to tak,e their furlough at this time. They
will be greatly missed in the work, but have earned this time
for physical refreshment.
THE LELAND WANG-MITCHELL MEETINGS
W e have been favored also with a visit from our beloved
brother, the President of T h e Chinese Foreign Missionary
Union, M r . Leland Wang.. It is more than six years since he
last visited the N.E.I. His seventeen days of ministry in the
Gospel Tabernacle a t Makassar has been greatly .blessed.
Each morning he has given very practical and spiritual messages to the Bible School students. It has been a fitting
climax at the close of the term. Each evening he has
preached the Gospel to those "whopre without." T h e Tabernacle has been filled each night w,ith an audience of 500 or
600 people. It is hard to estimate accurately the result in
numbers of such meetings, but it certainly is no exaggeration
to say that over a hundred have definitely accepted the Lord
at the altar for forgiveness of sins, for peace and salvation.
These are composed of men and women irom various races of
the Island world, not a few of them being followers of the
doctrine of Islam. Mr. W a n g is visiting the work of the
Chinese missionaries in Borneo. H'e will also visit Bali. Lombok. Java, and Billiton, and then the new work in Kelantan.
British Malaya. Meetings are being arranged en route. We
hope that Mr. W a n g will return early next year to Makassar,
for some more meetings, when the new term, with the new
class of students, will have opened. Please pray For his ministry in the N.E.I.
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P I O N E E R
T H E
The meetings above referred to could not have been what
they were had it not been for the ministry of song by Rev.
Hubert and Mrs. Mitchell of the Gospel Couriers’ Mission
from Sumatra. They s a n g , and played the accordion and
the piano in the Spirit. They taught our students and .our
people many new songs of Zion, Hallelujah choruses, and
many who never had sung His praises before, learned to sing
the New Song.
E. I.
Directory of Alliance Missionaries of the N.
Makassar. Celebes
-
Ampenan. Lombok
-
Balai Sepoeak. (via Pontmnak
and Sekadau) West Borneo
-
Melak. v ~ aSarnarioda.
East Borneo
-
Boelongan, East Borneo
Malinau
via
Tarakan,
East Borneo
Long Berang.
wa
-
Rev. J. W. and MTS. Brrll
Rev. J. C . and Mrs. Meltzer
Rev. H. W. Post
Rev. H. A. and Mrs. Dixon
-
Rev. G. E. and Mrs. Fisk
-
Rev. E. H. and Mrr. Msckelson
Tarakan and
Malinau. East Borneo
On furlough
Rev. R. A. and Mrs. Taffrra>
Rev. G. and Mrs. Woerner
Miss L. F. Marsh
M s s P. R. Seely
Miss M . M. Jaffray
Mr. and Mrs. Kanemnnn
-
Rev. W. E. and Mrs. Presswood
-
Rev. J. A. and Mrs. Mouw, Rev. W. M. and Mrs.
Post. Rev. C. R. Deibler, Miss M. E. Kemp.
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- T H E
P I O N E E R
LUKE FIFTEEN
The parables of the Lord Jesus are truly wonderful ! He
was the Master Teacher in parable. The more we study
even His most familiar parables, the more profound teaching
we find therein.
Turn to Luke 15. Here, it is generally supposed, there are
three parables : the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost
Son; but they are in matter of fact, three parables in one.
The first of the series represents one lost- one in a hundred:
the second, one lost- one in ten; the third, one lost- one in
two ! Thus there is a climax in the rarity and preciousness
of the lost one. In the first parable, with one lost, there were
still ninety-nine. In the second, with one lost, there were
still nine. But in the third, with one lost, there was but one
left !
The emphasis on the "one" is important. The Lord Jesus
throughout His life dealt with the individual. Take the
Gospel of John. In the first chapter we have a record of soul
winners. Andrew first finds his brother Simon. The Lord
Jesus finds Philip; Philip finds Nathanael. I t is what might
be called the "Win One Movement !" In the third chapter.
Jesus deals with one man. Nicodemus; in the fourth chapter,
with one woman at the well of Samaria. He heals the individual, whether he be the impotent man with an infirmity
38 years..or the man born blind.
But to return to our parable, the "one" here may represent
many, and we may argue from the parable, that-if the ninety
and nine are those in so-called Christian lands who know
the way of salvation: that if the one lost sheep represents
the heathen world, who know not the way of salvation; and
if the Good Shepherd would leave the ninety and nine in the
wilderness, and go after the one lost sheep till He finds it,
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how much more would He today have us leave the comparatively few sheep at home, many of whom know the Master's
will and do it not. and go out to seek and to save the millions
that are lost in heathen darkness. till they, too, have their
chance to hear and believe, and till He find them, and bring
them back to the fold ? Oh, may we have the compassionate
heart of the Good Shepherd !
This is a chapter of rejoicing. The shepherd when he has
found his lost sheep rejoices, and calls together his friends
and neighbors, saying unto them, "Rejoice with me for I
have found my sheep which was lost !" The woman, having
lighted a candle and swept the house and sought diligently
till she has found her lost coin, calls her friends and neighbors together. saying "Rejoice with me for I have found the
piece that was lost !" The father lost one of his two sons,
but when the prodigal returns, the father's rejoicing knows
no bounds. A great feast is made: the fatted calf is killed:
and they "b,egin to be merry"! There is no end to the rejoicing!
And the Lord Jesus says, "Likewise, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
The heart of our Master in heaven today is rejoicing over the
sheep, far from the Shepherd's fold, which has been brought
back: over the coin that is lost and hidden in the filth oi
heathenism, and found: over the son. who returns. that can
hardly be recognized as a son: May He not be particularly
rejoiced over the salvation of one whom we may term uncivilized. uneducated, not only a heathen, but a savage : the
man of the jungle, the wild man of Borneo : those who in all
the world are farthest removed from what we consider the
light of civilization, more than over such as He describes as
*.
the ninety and nine who need no repentance ?"
Whatever we may say. it is a fact that these jungle folk. in
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T.HE
P I O N E E R
all their ignorance and superstition, have open hearts to hear
and receive the good news of Salvation. They may be illiterate, ignorant, superstitious. but they are not stupid. They
apprehend: and this Salvation is suited to all human hearts,
when the sinner recognizes himself as the sinner. This Gospel
message just suits them. Thus we see thousands of them
coming to the Lord Jesus, and we see also the power of His
Gospel to transform their lives and make them new creatures
in Him.
T h e above is P picture of P a p a girls.
of the intmior of
D d c h New Guinea. They are ilavl. for whom the Lord J e m shed
H i s Blood. just as much aa H E did for yoy or for me. but thcy
m a y be haatened o n
have n e ~ e ryet h e a d Hi9 Name. Pray that
our w a y . and that ere long the sound of the Glad 'Tidings may be
heard by many aucb in thdr o w n language. A few years ago there
wcre such in the interior of Borneo, &tine in darknesa and rhc
ahadaw of death. whose lives are n o w tranefamcd. They are now
n e w crcaturea in Chriat Jeaua. washed whiter than m o w in the Blood
of the Lamb. with the j o y of the Lord in their hea~t..and the aongi
o f Zion on their l i p . Pray :hat we may mom nee many such hamf ormcd BO& in inland New Guinea.
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T H E
P I O N E E R
FOUNDERS HYMNS
A. Missionary Cry
By Dr. A . B. Simpson
A hundred thousand souls a day,
Are passing one by one away,
In Christless guilt and gloom.
Without one ray of hope or light,
With future dark as endless night,
They're passing to their doom.
Chorus
They're passing, passing fast away,
i n thousands day by day,
They're passing to their doom.
They're passing to their doom.
0 Holy Ghost Thy people move,
Baptize their hearts with faith and love,
And consecrate their gold !
A t Jesus' feet their millions pour.
And all their ranks unite once more,
As in the days of old.
Armies of pray'r your promise claim.
Prove the full pow'r of Jesus' Name,
And take the victory.
Your conqu'ring Captain leads you on.
T h e glorious fight may still be won,
This very century.
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T H E
P I O N E E R
T h e Master's coming draweth near,
The Son of Man will soon appear.
His Kingdom is at hand.
But ere that glorious day can be,
This Gospel of the Kingdom. we
Must preach in every land.
0 let us then His coming haste.
0 let us end this awful waste
Of souls that never die.
A thousand million still are lost.
A Saviour's blood has paid the cost.
0 hear their dying cry.
They're passing, passing fast. away.
A hundred thousand souls a day.
In Christless guilt and gloom.
0 Church of Christ. what wilt thou say,
When in the awful judgment day,
They charge thee with their doom ?
I-
-.
..
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T H E
P I O N E E R
A MISSIONARY CRY
T h e missionary hymn that we have chosen for this issue
of The Pioneer is one of Dr. Simpson’s earliest missionary
hymns, published, indeed, as early as 1890. Some of us can
never forget the first time we heard these words, ”A hundred
thousand souls a day are passing one by one away in Christless guilt and gloom, without one ray of hope or light. with
future dark as endless night, they’re passing to their doom.”
T h e writer was a young man full of life and zeal, but when
these words fell on his ears, and sank down into his heart he
was bowed very low before God. H e can well remember
when. as a student in the Bible School in New York. before
the Bible School moved to Nyack. in the noonday missionary
prayer-meeting. we used to sing softly this missionary hymn
until our hearts were moved and the tears flowed freely.
T h e first stanza of this missionary hymn points to the very
foundation of all sound missionary enterprize. Too often, it
is feared, the foundation truth of the lost condition of the
heathen is either frankly disbelieved. or, at least, ignored.
Sentimental sympathy and patronizing pity for the temporary
miseries’ that are the result of heathen superstitions, and a
desire to meet such by social reform movements, d o not
touch the fundamental principle of the soul’s need of eternal
Salvation. It is only when we realize that ”A thousand millions are still lost” and that they are “in Christless guilt and
gloom. without a ray of hope or light, with future dark a s
endless night”, that w,e will truly consecrate all we have to a
life of missionary service.
Dr. Simpson in this hymn not only lays the foundation of all
missionary effort to ,evangelize the world. but makes a prayer
in the second stanza for faith and love, begotten of the Holy
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Spirit. which will result in consecrating millions of gold to
accomplish the task of the evangelization of the worId.
H e strikes another fundamental line in the third stanza, the
ministry of prayer. the "proving of the full power of Jesus'
Name". and by faith taking the victory which will enable us to
accomplish the unfinished task.
Once again, in the fourth and fifth stanzas he emphasizes
the real'main spring of true missionary work. the hope of the
Lord's speedy return. "The Master's coming draweth near,
the Son of Man will soon appear. His Kingdom is at hand.
But ere that glorious day can be, this.Gospe1 of the Kingdom,
we must preach in every land." How true it is that only
people who know that they are saved through the atoning
Blood of the Lord Jesus, who are fully yield'ed. and filled with
the Holy Spirit. and know how to trust Him for body and soul.
and are waiting and watching for the coming again of the
Lord, can truly be possessed of this all-consuming missionary
vision. If ever the lost tribes of earth are to be reached with
the witness of the Gospel, we believe it must be accomplished
by men and women who know by experience, the power
of this f u l l Gospel, and the love of His appearing. In
the last analysis the Lord is depending upon such to complete
this unfinished task, to lay everything else aside, and make
this the only worth-while object in life. Let us never get
away Irom this, "They are passing, passing fast away. a
hundred thousand souls a day in Christless guilt and gloom."
In the life of a t r u e missionary this sound of the Niagara of
passing souls is ever in his ear, and is the impetus to neverceasing, self-sacrificing service for the salvation of the lost.
..If thou forbear to dclircr them that are drawvn unto death. apd those that are
ready to be .lain: If thou s r y c s t . Behold w e knew i t n o t : doca not H c that
pondcreth the heart eomider i t ? a n d HE that keepcth t h y aoul. doth not Hc
know i t ? and shall not Hc render t o every man iccording to hia wo&!"
-Pros.
2 4 : 11. 12.
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T H E
P I O N E E R
PIONEERING
OVER THE BORDER INTO BRITISH NORTH
BORNEO
.
by Reo. E. H. Mickelson
1 have just return'ed from a trip to British North Borneo,
where I 'had an opportunity to survey the field in view OF
opening up the interior of this country to the Gospel. I feel
very definitely that it is the Lord's time for us to go forward
and "Possess the Land". This can only be done as you
Fellowship with us in prevailing prayer. Without the blessing of the Lord upon the work which we undertake, no
effectual work can be accomplished.
LOOKING OVER T H E BORDER
The Lord laid the need of these souls upon my heart the
latter part of last year, as I was ministering to the Dyaks in
the interior. near the British Border. Upon questioning the
Dyaks. I learned that no missionary had ever visited that portion of Borneo. As I stood on one of the hills near the headwaters of the Sembakoeng River, looking North, I could see
tall mountains in British North Borneo, looming up in the distance. What a challenge it presented ! Nestled in the valleys
of those mountains were scores and scores of villages that had
never heard the Gospel Story. A knowledge of the great
need gave birth to a growing desire in our hearts to reach
these souls For Christ.
APPOINTMENT
After presenting this need to our fellow-missionaries at
Conference, we were duly appointed to open up work in this
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~~
territory. should the Lord so lead. To be frank, our feelings
were mixed a t the time of our appointment. We knew the
scarcity of vegetables at Malinau. which was still to be our
base, and the difficulty of obtaining the right kind of food for
our children. But we also knew how faithful the Lord had
been to us duri-ng the past couple of years in Borneo, and soon
the anxiety on this score was taken away. T h e Lord revealed
that it was His will for us to undertake this work. He confirmed our appointment by solving what we thought was an
irremediable problem.
PROVIDENTJAL
Soon after returning to Malinau. East Borneo. we learned
that the Dutch Government official was bringing his wife and
three children to Malinau to live. This was the first time a
Dutch family had come to live here. W h e n the official and his
family arrived, the Government started to r u n a weekly motorboat service to Tarakan. our nearest port, so that they could
obtain fresh vegetables, which are shipped to Tarakan weekly
from Java. They did not have to encourage u s to make use
of this opportunity to obtain vegetables. Thus we have been
getting them quite regularly for the children. Bless His
Name ! W h o , but the Lord could so arrange far the supply
of the need of His children, even to the extent of obtaining
vegetables from Java, which is a thousand miles away.
Heavy rains, floods, etc.. make it well nigh impossible to have
our own garden at Malinau.
PREPARATIONS FOR T H E TRIP
T h e preparations lor my first trip to British North Borneo
were few, but necessary. After having my American passport renewed, I had to obtain a British visa, which I receiv-
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ed only after correspondence with the British Consul General
at Batavia. Feeling that the Lord was going before me, I
made myself as comfortable as possible on top of a pile of
jungle produce, with which the Chinese owned motor-boat
was heavily loaded, and started on my way to Tarakan, where
I was to get a connecting steamer for the North.
.
SPYING OUT T H E LAND
I soon learned upon my arrival at Tawau. the first port a t
which we called in British North Borneo, that the country was
owned and governed by a Chartered Company, but that it was
a British Protectorate. Its civil officers must work both for
the interest of the Company and for the welfare of the inhabitants.
In spite of the fact that this country is a British Protectorate, very little has been done by any Protestant Mission to
reach the indigenous inhabitants of the interior. The Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel (S. P. G.) has done a good
work among the thousands of Chinese, who comprise one
eighth OF the total population, and who have adopted this
country as their home. This Society, however, has done very
little about reaching the thousands of Dyaks in the far interior.
UNEVANGELIZED INTERIOR
I was especially attracted to the thousands in the interior
who have never heard the Gospel Story proclaimed. They
have been living for ages in the darkness of their sin and in
degradation. When I learned of these thousands, hidden
away in their mountain fastnesses in the interior, it presented
a great challenge.
I say "Challenge", because that word conveys the thought
of struggle, or battle for the mastery, Satan has held control
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over the hearts and lives of these Dyaks for centuries. Their
wickedness and sin has greatly reduced their number in the
past few years. In certain sections they are killing themselves off by their native rice-wine. W h a t "Good News"
we have to give to these needy souls! There is sufficient
power in the Gospel to transform these lives. and set them
free from the power of the devil. May we rely upon your
faithfulness in prayer for the accomplishment of this very
thing in the lives of the Dyaks of British North Borneo 1
DIFFICULTIES TO OVERCOME
T h e task of taking the Gospel to these needy souls. causes
the natural man to shrink back, especially one who is
acquainted with jungle travel in the mountainous districts of
the interior of Borneo.
These thousands of souls, scattered throughout the interior,
are not easy to reach. T h e villages are small. and often
difficult to find. I t takes a strong physique and plenty of
grace. Thus, the missionary needs. most urgently, an interest
in your prayers.
Should our Dyak guide forsake us while in the interior, we
would be a t a loss to find our way. T h e trails are often so
obscure, that it is only with difficulty that one can detect the
faintest resemblance of a trail.
P E R M l S S I O N TO BEGIN WORK
It was only after our request to begin work among these
Dyaks had been carefully weighed by the officials, that it was
granted. T h e y were a little reluctant about permitting me
to go into the interior without a military or police escort. O n e
official stated that should a white man lose his life in the
"wild country of the interior". it would mean a great setback
to the country.
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T H E
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The Governor was favorably impressed by our desire to
begin a work among these people, but suggested. in my conference with him, that we should work out gradually from our
base. In that way, the Dyaks would get to know us and our
mission, and there would not be as great a danger of calamity
befalling us.
CALL TO PRAYER
Before most of you read this message, I shall have started
an extended trip into the interior of British North Borneo.
1 will start into the interior from a place on the West Coast
named Jesselton. Will you not pray that the Lord will guide
in every detail of this trip 1 Do not only pray for me, but for
Mrs. Mickelson. who will be kept busy back at Malinau.
teaching, and helping as the Lord makes it possible. Continue to pray for the hundreds of Dyak Christians in the interior to whom MI. and MIS. Presswood are ministering.
We enjoy receiving your letters. How it encourages our
hearts to learn that you are praying for us. KEEP UP THE
GOOD WORK !
-c--
-
Editorial Note
Since writing the above article MI. Mickelson has madeanother trip to British North Borneo. As we go to press, we
h e a r that they are about to move. Temporarily they will settle
in Jesselton, but later will probably find a home in th'e interior.
where they will be nearer the unreached jungle people to whom
they feel called to preach the Gospel. Do not forget to pray
for the Mickelsons. A still later letter tells us that MI.
Mickelson is ill as a result of the hardships of his trip.
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T H E
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HE KNOWS, HE CARES!
By
Miss L. F . Marsh
A crowd of peop1,e surrounded the little native bamboo
house. Faces peered in through the bars of the windows.
Tongues wagged, heads nodded, Fngers pointed ! W h a t was
the cause of all the excitement 1 It must be either a wedding
or a funeral, according to the native way of thinking. But no.
it is neither ! W h a t is it then ? T w o young Boegis women
are getting ready to leave for the Makassar Bible School.
They do not need much time to do their packing as they each
have only a small bundle. T h e neighbors are all out to see
whether they will really get off, or whether their people will
finally stop them, for they are converts from Mohammedanism.
A t last they come down the rickety stairway, walk with eyes
on the ground, down the path, and board a waiting bus for
Makassar. Tremblingly they wait for the bus to start. An
awesome silence hangs over the on-lookers. Surely something
will happen ! Little did they realize that the Lord was working in a miraculous way. T h e bus driver is in no hurry, and
it seems as though they will never get off. But at last he
steps on the gas, and with much roaring and snorting the bus
starts. Safely off and on their way !
These are the first two Boegis women t8 attend our School.
Please pray for more women students from this race df people
living in Southwestern Celebes.
From the Island of Soembawa came the word that we were
to expect a new woman student. We went to the boat to
meet her. but she didn’t come ! W h a t had happened ?
For months she had planned and looked forward to coming.
Her ticket for the journey was safely tucked away. The day
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T H E
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and hour of her sailing came. Then she suddenly heard footsteps and angry voices in the little house. She entered quickly to see what was the matter, and found to her dismay that
angry relatives objected to her going to the Bible School in
Makassar. Pleadings and tears availed nothing. Wearily
she unpacked, and settled down again to her former life. Did
her faith wane 1 No. she is still beli'eving that the Lord will
open the way, and that the day will come when she, too, will
be a student i n the Makassar Bible School.
These are just two experi,ences out o'f many among th2
women who have come to our Bible School. and those who are
being hindered from coming. Sometimes the Lord opens the
way, and sometimes H e closes it. Sometimes Satan hinders.
but the Lord knows when it is the right time far each child of
His to take a new step.
Our prayer for the Women's Bible School is that those 0:
His own choice may come, that all opposition of the enemv
may be overcome, and that they may be sent OF Him in His
own time.
T H E
P I O N E E R
ADVANCE !
By Rev. W .E. Presswood
As the soldier at the front. anxiously and perhaps impatiently waits for the time to go "over the top" after the order
has been given to advante, so during the months at home on
furlough, a n d on the way back to the field, there was in our
hearts an anxious desire, not unmixed.with fear, an impatience b0.m of delays, and a divine urge t o advance, and
press on into the interior of Borneo, a desire to claim new
territory for the King of kings. W e were well aware of
the fact that we would come up against the powers of the
enemy, and would find that i t was no easy thing, to d o that
which we had purposed in our hearts to do, but we were also
aware of the fact that we would not be alone in our fight,
the Captain of the Lord's host being with us, a n d going
before us.
T h e fierceness of the strife is generally a good indication
of the value OC the effort. Starting upstream on the 20th. OE
April we arrived in Long-Berang. our destination, on the
19th. of M a y
twenty nine days later. We can make the
return journey in a day a n d a half. Ordinarily it is a six
days' journey upstream from Malinau to this place. but the
very first day of our, journey, after the river had been low
for almost three months. we encountered high water, a n d had
to camp on the river bank. T h e next d a y w e went on for a
short distance. and had to camp'again. this time €or four
nights. Then upstream for a n hour or so and another stop,
this time for nine days. O u r coolies took sick, and then one
of the Chinese carpenters, whom we took with u s to build
our house, had to return because of some malady h e con-
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tracted. A t our first opportunity w e pressed on, but we had
three other stops during the remaining days.
O u r supply of rice got very low, and our coolies. feariny
they would have no food, were about to desert us on the
river bank, away from villages. and trek to their homes
through the almost pathless jungle. This meant that they
would have to wade through streams countless times, encounter thousands of jungle leeches. climb numerous mountains and so forth. I. myself, c o h d w,ith difficulty follow
them. but to take a wife on such a trip would be little less
than murder. But by Divine help we managed to keep the
coolies on for another day, and that night got them warmed
up in a prayer meeting. T h e Lord honored our faith, and
the next morning the water was lower, and we could go on.
We had sent four boat loads of our things on ahead, and w e
found these piled up on the bank of the river halfway upstream. It was another month before we could get them.
W e hoped we would be able to get many Dyaks to help
us get the wood for the house quickly, but they had a crop
failure in these parts, a n d nearly all of them have thus far
refused their services, because of their desire to get another
crop of rice on the way. Some of the Dyaks, who have
despised the W o r d of the Gospel. have continually opposed
us in every effort we have made to get our house underway.
W , e are at present living in a little two-roomed Rest House.
One of the Chinese storemen has risen up against us. a s did
the Ephesian craftsmen against Paul. He does everything
in his power to keep the Dyaks from coming to us. E v e r y
time we try to get coolies to make a trip for us. he bribes
them into not going. But, praise God, for His help a n d
victory! W e haven't even got the ground leveled off for
our house yet. T h e four Malays and two Chinese which
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T H E
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we have working on the wood a r e about out of rice. We
haven't a single Dyak getting wood here at present, but WE
BELIEVE, a n d faith moves mountains. Therefore, w e can
praise God for the victory. We only hope you are standing
with us in Faith, so that you can later share with us the spoils.
And spoils there a r e ! W e started a regular Sunday
School three weeks ago. Five were there the first Sunday.
ten the second, twenty-three the third. In the regular services, we believe God is very definitely speaking to hearts.
A number profess to have really believed unto salvation since
w e came. These were some who had made a profession
before, were earnest, yet didn't really understand fully what it
meant to be saved.
W e a r e so glad that we came right on into the interior, a n d
didn't hug the coast. W e feel somehow that we are getting
right down to the business of getting men through to God.
W e are learning to know the people w e are living among.
It is n o fable that they need salvation, that they need lifting
from the pit into which they have sunk, a n d into which they
are sinking. We have discovered that many who have
believed on Christ, really only believed the story of Christ.
W h i l e they have put away their old customs to a large
extent, they have failed to ':put on Christ". But these people
are open to the Gospel, and listen well. W e do dot blame
them, .for it is because the truth has come to them in such
meagre measure. Consistent, persistent preaching of the
truth of the Gospel will certainly produce results, if backed
by the prayers 07 God's people. We are realizing more a n d
more that we truly advance, not so much on our feet, as on
our knees. Perhaps this is what we all need to learn. This
being true. how much of the responsibility lies with you a t
home !
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"A cry comes from over the sea,
From lands where sin is appalling,
A despairing cry from the souls that die,
For help. they now a r e calling.
And He calls to you. and He calls to me,
And H e calls for some one to go.
W h o will heed the call to proclaim to all.
A Saviour whom they may know?"
T h e record of Paul's missionary work, as testified to by his
enemies was as follows : "These that have turned the world
upside down, are come hither also" (Acts XVII:6). Paul
was not deliberately a disturber of the peace, but his Gospel
was a revolutionary Gospel. In almost every place h e
preached, there was a riot. And the Gospel that we preach
today, as it enters the human heart. will turn people upside
down. As a matter-of-fact, the world and the unregenerate
inhabitants thereof. are wrong side up ! They are not as God
would have them be. Indeed, they are diametrically opposite
to what God would have them to be: therefore, when the
Gospel comes with its converting and regenerating power, it
turns peopl'e right side up. T h e world calls this today, as in
Paul's day, "turning the world upside down." I t is really
turning. the world right side up ! Praise God, we have seen
literally thousands of lives thus gloriously inverted. T h e
things they hated, they now love; the things they loved, they
now hate. Wicked superstitious pagan customs of past ages
are suddenly and completely subverted by the power of the
Gospel. T h e work of salvation is a complet,e work. It turns
peop1,e inside out. I t changes everything. Come and help
us turn som'e more down side up !
Ed.
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T H E
P I O N E E R
"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS !"
By Rev. Hubert Mitchell
of the Gospel Couriers Mission, Sumatra, N.E.I.
Itinerary work among the veqi primitive tribes-people of
South Sumatra, namely the Koohoos. necessitates a considerable amount of hard traveling by foot through the dense jungles. Oftentimes one encounters peculiar situations and experiences. T h e following account is from a student-evangelist
from the Alliance Bible School a t Makassar. who lives continually in the jungles, and is doing a splendid work for the
Lord.
On one occasion, Messak, the student-evangelist, chanced
upon a group of Koohoos in their native habitat who, fro,m all
appearances, were plotting to raid a ncarby Malay village.
( T h e Malays are a different race of people from the Kooboos.
and strongly Mohammedan). T h e Kooboos intended to hunt
out and kill several men, who the day before had insulted and
threatened to attack four Koohoo women. These women were
away from their husbands, and alone in the deep forest, hunting small game to take back to their families. Fortunately. the
women all had knives, and were able to ward off theii
oppressors.
After they had returned to their small village and had
related their experience to their husbands, the men immediately
armed themselves with knives and spears, .and w'ere just
leaving their houses. fired with the lust to kill, when Messak
came along and intercepted their mission of revenge. Upon
hearing their story he realized the seriousness of the situation,
and set about the task of rectifying matters as best he could.
T h e Lord gave him real boldness. Here is his story ......
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T H E
P I O N E E R
"1 asked to go along with these men and their wives to the
Malay village. They consented, hut rather reluctantly. After
a few hours' travel we arrived. and 1 immediately called the
Malay Chief, and he gathered his men together.- a dozen or
so in all,- and we arranged a regular court session. T h e Malays were seated on my right, and the Kooboos on n y left. Of
course the Malays all denied every accusation that was
brought against them by the Koohoos. I immediately told
them that there was no getting around it. and that God would
judge them severely. Finally. the men who had attempted
to attack the Kooboo women confessed. Their confession
evidently soothed the wrath of the Kooboo men, whereupon,
both parti,es were at peace with each other, and in just a short
time. I preached the Gospel to the whole crowd, and felt that
the Spirit of God was there to convict of sin."
"Blessed are the peacemakers. for they shall be called t h e
children of God", Matthew 5 9
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T H E
P I O N E E R
WITNESSING THE GOSPEL
IN MAHAKAM, BORNEO
By Rev. H. A . Dixon
Nothing gives us more joy than the opportunity of taking
the Gospel to a new tribe of Dyaks in our immediate district.
over which the Holy Spirit has made u s responsible. T h e
short itineracy herein described was along the Ohong River,
into what is known a s the Lake District. For nearly four
years w e have desired to reconnoitre there, but we never
seemed to have the time or the wherewithal. At last, praise
God, it was possible. Most of the villages in that section
had been visited, once by our late brother M r . Clench. once
by Brothers Deibler and Paul Lenn, and once by a Catholic
priest, the latter in search of children for his School. But
since all these were quite a while ago, it was like our taking
the Gospel there for the first time.
As usual, we had some new experiences. On account of
the low water at this season of the year, we made use of the
out-board-motor. At one stage of the journey it was necessary to cross a large lake, which takes about three hours
to traverse. Now, this body of water has a reputation of
getting very rough in times of storm, and many crafts have
capsized there. Sure enough, when we were about twothirds of the w a y across, a wind-storm arose. Higher a n d
higher rose the waves, which struck us from the side. We
were afraid that either the wind would blow the top oFf the
boat, or that the waves would upset us. Yes. I confess it.
we were afraid, and we prayed for the Lords protection !
Finally, when we felt that we were not able longer to hold
to the course w e were pursuing, we let drive before the wind
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T H E
P I O N E E R
and waves. Then, fearing that we would run aground. if we
approached too near the shore, we turned and headed into
the waves, thus gradually working our way into the mouth
oi the Chong River. Although we were thoroughly drenched by the spray, thank God, our motor did not stop, nor did
our faulty steering-gear break. In either case we would
have been jpldced at the mercy of the raging wind and sea.
The mouth of the Ohong River resembles a canal for two
or three miles. and is filled with tall grass and water-lilies.
Sometimes [he roots of the grass come loose, and float to the
surface, and thus, being mixed with earth, form as it were,
small, floating islands. Indeed, some are of such thickness
that they will support a person's weight. Imagine having
to pole a boat through miles of this ! Moreover, the river
here breeds myriad of mosquitoes and other blood-sucking
insects. It was not unusual to kill five or six of these at one
whack.
T h e third night from home, we arrived a t a village of some
two-hundred people. T h e young chief received us cordially.
although he was continually trying to show his superior
knowledge to that of the other Dyaks. He readily gave
permission for a Gospel service. but when we were ready
to begin, the people started a noisy "belian" for a sick boy.
Finally. we persuaded the chief to order his people to stop
until after we had finished with our meeting. Many heard
and understood "the old, old Story", and said that they
would promise "to think it ovm.*' Afterwards they continued
with their ceremony to the evil spirits, and I was amused to
find that the "medicine man." or priest, was none other than
the chief himself.
At Mantjoeng. the next long-house. w e were disappointed
that all the heads of the village were away, so it was impos-
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T H E
P I O N E E R
sible to gather the people from the rice fields. However, we
spent the night there, and witnessed to the few who came.
Two or three men seemed ,especially interested in the message, and asked questions. They also learned to sing a couple
Gospel choruses. Yet. how .timid they were. They were
afraid to accept any medicine for the sick, and when we gave
picture-cards to the children they were promptly returned to
us. Will you help pray for them?
The chief and the people of Njang gave us a hearty welcome, and seemed very responsive to the Gospel. Some
Malays, attending the service, asked questions about our
Christ. To these we affirmed t h a t He is the v e r y Son of
God, the Door into Heaven, and all who enter must be
cleansed by His precious Blood. A Chinese merchant, who
has a store there, boldly confessed and believed. After
prayerful exhortation and teaching, we presented him with
Gospel portions, and committed him to the grace bf God.
The best service of all was held at Pantat. the farthest
inland village. There were no Malays present to interrupt,
and undermine the message. Moreover, all the people had
assembled. to be present at the funeral of a young woman.
Here we had an extensive ministry, praying for and doctoring the sick, while preaching the Word to all. Although, as
far as we know, no decisions were made at the time, yet we
know that the Holy Spirit is still working in the hearts of those
who heard.
The last village visited is located in a corner of the large
lake, which we had traversed earlier. To reach there, entailed six-hours’ walk back to where we had left the outboard motor, getting lost once, and once falling into the mud;
also, much poling and paddling, running aground a number
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T H E
P I O N E E R
of times, and breaking several pins in the propeller-shaft.
when striking logs. Just the usual routine !
This village of Tandjong-Iswie has the largest population
of all, and boasts a public school. But alas, it is nearly
surrounded by Malay houses, stores and floating docks.
Our congregation was a mixture of Dyaks. Malays, and
Chinese traders. During the message, the Malay School
teacher interrupted so often, that I finally had to ask him
to keep quiet, until after we had finished speaking. I was
reminded that our position is similar to that of P a d s day:
he had the Judaizers to contend with, while we have the Mohammedans. But as God triumphed in spite of them through
Paul. so He will again overrule all this opposition for us. and
for His glory and the salvation of souls. Notwithstanding.
all who were present heard the living, eternal Word of the
Gospel. The Chinese seemed especially interested, and
there was a general demand for Gospel literature. W e leave
the results with God, the Holy Spirit, and with you, through
prayer.
A REMINDER
Here is a little space to be filled. W e probably cannot do
better than use it to remind our friends that while we love to
tell you about the triumphs of the Gospel in the pages of T H E
PIONEER, yet it costs considerable for printing and postage.
W e would appreciate the help of as many of you as possible
for the preparing and dispatching of T H E PIONEER.
Address, R. A. Jaffray. Editor, Makassar, N.E.I.
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T H E
PIO'NEER
NEW WORK IN KELANTAN. BRITISH MALAYA
By Rev. Paul W . Fleming
Although new in the work here in British Malaya, we are
very happy the Lord has made it possible for us to be affiliated with T h e Christian and Missionary Alliance of the
Netherlands East Indies Mission under the supervision of
Mr. R. A. ]affray.
Since coming to Malaya we have been constantly burdened with the need for the evangelization of this neglected
Peninsula. However, we have also been conscious of the
fact that our field of service was limited, a s we had come
out here as independent missionaries; and the authorities
give few privileges to such "unauthorized" workers.
T h e evangelization of the jungle tribes, towns, and villages,
and the many islands surrounding Malaya has been heavy
upon our hearts. Now, with the backing of the great missionary-minded organization, T h e Christian and Missionary
Alliance, w e feel greatly encouraged to go forward into these
unreached places, and will not be limited by the Government
officials.
Another reason for our rejoicing in your fellowship is. we
know that a greater body of believing Christians will be
constantly backing us up in prayer. W e know that it is
only through believing prayer, that these last strongholds of
heathen darkness will be broken down.
Satan has tried to hinder the entrance of workers into the
jungles of this Peninsula b y sickness. discouragement, and
even death. But, Praise God !, prayer has brok'en down the
power of Satan, and now, besides the one Chinese worker
and his Family, there are two student-workers here from the
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T H E
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Bible School in Makassar, ready to start the evangelization
of the jungle tribes of the Sakai people.
A little native river boat, which we are calling "The
Alliance", has been built. It is to be run by an out-boardmotor. Soon we will have a native hut built, deep in the
jungle, from which we can go and search for these gypsy-like
forest people.
In many ways, the jungles of this Peninsula are even more
dense than those of Borneo: but we are trusting a great God
for health, strength, and power for service among these
aboriginal people.
The Sakais number about 40,000. They are difficult to
contact, because they run and hide from strangers.
God has led us to two influential Chinese men. who have
mining and other business interests in the jungle. They both
have Christian background from China, and are anxious to
see the Gospel reach these jungle people. One man has
seventy-five Sakais working in his tin mine: and he as well
as others whom we met, are anxious to help us in every way,
they can.
A number of these Christian Chinese have their residence
in Kota-Sha:u, a town with a population of over 15,000.
They are anxious for us to start Gospel services in this town,
as there is no Gospel work on the whole east coast of British
Malaya.
This work in the cities and towns on the Railway and SeaCoast of the Malay peninsula, is a tremendous work in itself.
There are hundreds of such towns in Malaya and Southern
Siam that have never been reached with the Gospel. We
are looking forward to having a Gospel Tent made for
this work. The people are superstitious, and often timid
about coming into a church; but as traveling circuses use
tents here, the same would be practical for Gospel work.
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T H E
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There are two groups of islands west of Malaya called the
Nicabar and Andaman Islands. These islands have a great
inevangelized population. Although there is some work
being done in the Indian Penal Colony on one of the Islands.
there are many tribes on this, and the other islands, some
of which are hostile, who have never been reached with the
Gospel.
East of Malaya is another group of unevangelized islands
called the Natuna Islands, under the Dutch. But we are
limited in this island work. until we are able to secure a
motor-boat of our own by which we can reach them.
W e want to continue to go with the Gospel to people who
have never heard, so that we may fulfill the responsibility
God has laid on us. to go and preach the Gospel to all the
world, so the Scriptures might be fulfilled in Psalm 2:8. where
the Father is speaking to the Son, and says, "Ask of Me and
I shall give Thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the
uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Also Rev.
5:9.- "And they sung a new. song saying ...... Thou hast
redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred. and
tongue, and people. and nation."
Please don't forget to pray for us in British Malaya.
---Editorid Note :
We have just heard from Mr. Fleming and Mr. Paul Lcnn on their return
from P v e r y drngcrou hut wonderfully hlcased trip. over raging rapids and
t b r v q h the denas jungle LO where the Srkaia live. A hczdquartms. in the & o m
oI P bamboo house. is heind erected in a jungle centre that is within easy
reach of thousand. of Sakai people. This. our fir.t atation LO be opesed in thia
n e w w o r k in Kelaataa. w e are calling Tanjuag ladjil. (Go5pel Point).
The G m p d Tent ie about finished. Plenne remember i o prayer the meetings
that will C D ~ ~ C I ~inC Ethe eitiea of British Malaya ahout the time that thia
COPY of The Pionccr rcache. you at home.
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T H E
”ARISE AND GO
P l O N E E h
... ... SOUTH.” (Acts B:Zb)
By Mr. Leland Wang
Here I find myself in Makassar of the Netherlands East
Indies. 0 Makassar ! “This is the third time I am coming
to you.” ( 2 Cor. 13:l) I came the first time in 1929 when
practically nothing had been done towards establishing the
work here. Mr. S. W. Chue was the only Chinese Missionary here preaching among Chinese.
On my way to Hongkong from Makassar at that time 1 met
Mr. Jaffray in Balik-papan. I preached there to a group of
Cantonese. I had to speak in English, and Mr. JafEray translated the message into Cantonese, since at that time I did not
know Cantonese, and by all means the Story must be told.
Mr. Jaffray and I travelled together to Hongkong, and it was
on the J.C.J.L. steamer that we prayed and talked together
about forming The Chinese Foreign Missionary Union. Now
we have nineteen Chinese missionaries working under this
Society and the Lord has blessed their work in the salvation
of souls. The initials. J.C.J.L., of the Java-China-Japan-Line,
connecting China and the N.E.I. would serve very well for a
text : ”Jesus Crucified, Jesus Lives.”
I wish to borrow the Words of Barnabas in Act 11:23 to
express my feeling when I reached Makassar this time:
“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was
glad.” It was an inspiration to me to see the Bible School of
180 students and the 14 graduates of the Bible School in their
Commencement Service on November 12. the day after I
arrived. The graduates represent seven different tribes of
people, and are going forth to preach the Good Tidings of His
love and saving grace.
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THE
PIONEEE:
W e have been having meetings in the Gospel Tabernacle
each morning and evening (except Saturday) since Novem'ber 11th. These meetings are well attended, by about 500 or
more people each night. I speak in English in the morning to
the Students and the Christians. and preach the Gospel in
Chinese in the evenings. Both are interpreted, by our good
brother Mr. Pouw, int,o Malay, the common language used
here. Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Mitchell of Sumatra with their
ministry of song and music are being a great blessing and help
in these meetings.
I hope to go to Borneo, and then to Bali the end of November: then to Lombok, Java, Billiton and Bangka: and may
also visit Sumatra, if the Lord so leads. I hope to be in
British Malaya in January 1938, if the Lord tarries, and then
go back to China about the end of February. Please pray
that the Lord will give increase and bless the Seed sown
beside all waters.
1 do not feel myself to be a stranger in a strange land here,
as several missionaries in Makassar are my old friends from
China. It is my privilege to stay with Mr. and Mrs. Woerner this time. W e can talk in English or Mandarin.
Friends, may I ask you to remember China in earnest
prayer, especially at this time of her great trial and suffering.
May the Lord "In wrath remember mercy.'' and work deliverance for us. Amen.
-
Editorial No'te :
O u r good brother, Leland Wang. one of China's foremost
evangelists. has come and gone ! The fragrance of his Spiritfilled life lingers with us still. He is now probably in Billiton.
and will go thence to Singapore to help awhile in the work
there.
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T H E
P I O N E E R
ECHOES
F R O M THE MAKASSAR BIBLE SCHOOL
By Rev. G. Woerner
T h e second term of our Bible School opened on July 5th.
at which time several more new students enrolled. bringing the
total number of students up to 180 for the year 1937. To
have a share in the training, and directing the destinies of such
a large number of lives is a responsibility which one dare not
assume lightly or in the energy of the flesh. And it was only
the assurance that this was God's will for us, which gave the
liberty to accept such a solemn charge, and 0 how wonderfully the Lord has undertaken ! Not a day has passed but
what His Loving Hand was manifested in some way.
Whethec in joy or in sorrow, when the sailing was smooth and
when it was rough, H e jealously watched over us all. and
brought u s through triumphantly. Praise His Name ! W e are
sure that you will 'be glad to hear about the following few incidents :
One day Moedja. a senior student, came to the office and
said. "Toean (Sir), I am not accustomed to washing dishes.
I never did it at home, and if you want to force me to d o it
here, I will have to leave." It really looked serious. and what
made.it so disappointing was that Moedja is one of our most
promising students. At first, we thought it was pride, since
he is of high-caste Balinese birth, but he assured us it was not
that, but that he had a very weak stomach. Every time, he
said, t h a t he looked at food which was not properly mixed, or
was too greasy, or was served in none too clean utensils, it
made him sick-even to the extent that it often laid him low
for days. Since MI. Pouw Jr.. the Assistant Principal, verified
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T H E
P I O N E E R
these statements, w e w e r e just going to excuse him from dishwashing, w h e n a thought something like this c a m e to m e : Do
w e not believe that the Lord is o u r healer ? W h a t is the
difference, whether i t is pride, or certain tendencies to sickness
which hinders u s in our work for the Lord 7 F o r a native
worker to have such a w e a k stomach would certainly prevent
him from doing much itinerating or pioneering, a n d consequently give him a very limited ministry. "Moedja". I said
" T h e Lord is our healer as well a s our Saviour. a n d I believe
H e wants to deliver you from this peculiar hindrance. H a v e
you attempted to w a s h dishes since you came h e r e ? " H e
said "No, I a m really afraid". "Do you w a n t to give G o d
a chance 1" I continued. Me hesitated. Upon this. 1 a d d e d .
"Do yoii remember the fishing expedition of the disciples i n
h i k e 5, where Peter said 'Master, w e have tolled a11 night and
have taken nothing : nevertheless A T T H Y WORD 1 will
let d o w n the net.' ?" "Yes, I remember", h e replied. ' ' T h e n .
a t the W o r d o f the Lord, Moedja, a r e you millicg to w a s h
dishes even if i t mak,es you sick every time yo,u do it ?
Remember, for no other reason than that for which
Peter let down the net, namely. ' A T T H Y WORD'. W e
will not force you in this matter, b a t let you decide what you
feel the Lord would have you do." To make a IoRg story
short, Moedja A T ii1S WORD w e n ( a n d washed dishes,
and ;>.as beeii domg so every tlme his t u r n came, a n d never
has been sick once ! F\nd how he a n d we a r e praising God
for this victory.
T h e n Harocn and Rachel were ofiended because thev
thoilght that the M a t r o n w a s deliberately giving them more
fish bones than .the other students ! T h e y , therefore, wanted
to g o home. F o r more than a week, they refused to take food,
stagiug a sort oi hunger strike. In the meantime. several
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T H E
P I O N E E R
attempts were made at reconciliation. but to no avail. and it
looked as though the enemy would prevail. It was really
' ,serious, as they were very angry. a nd threatened w e n to turn
back l o Ivlohammedanism, and the practice of black art.- one
of the most dreaded forms of sorcery here in these islands.
And all that over j u s t a little food. "Behold, how g,reat a
matter a littlc fire kindleth." It was not all vain threats either,
as m a n y o f the students were alarmed with us, and tho
cncmy's power was very real. After exhausting every means
to influence them to stay, I was prepared to let them go, and
vet I lelt that I must tell Haroen j u s t where I thought the
Iroiible was.-not with the Matron, but in his own heart. IHc
w a s fully prepared to leave the school that morning, when 1
said "Harocn. before you go, 1 must tell you one more thing
You have a disposition that is easily offended or hurt. Do
you iemcmber how you were offended last spring when Mr .
Pouw wrote you that letter ? Now it i s the Matron. and just
yesterday, i t was another one of the reachers. Unless you get
thc victory over this sensitive nature,-yourself,-it is impossible
[or you to get on later anywhere, or with anyone, even if w e
could patch this present affair up to your satisfaction. I havc
told you the truth, aiid fear I have offended you further.
but please forgive me if I have done so, for it was with a good
motive." All at once he broke out in an awful spell of crying
2nd sobbing. W e had prayer together, after which he asked
to be excused and hastened to his room. God had spoken to
his soul, and even though the struggle continued nearly two
days longer. it ended in their confessing their wrong, taking
their food as usual, and Haroen continuing his course with an
expression of light and peace in his face which we had not
noticed there before. Hallelujah !
Then Lamg. one of the graduates, a Qyak from Borneo,
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T H E
P I O N E E R
three limes wanted to go home during this year. T h e last
time it looked as though we could not hold him a n y longer.
Aft,e: dealing with him several hours, I was utterly exhausted
physically. I f ever 1 felt the enemy's presence, it was then.
If you do not believe in demon possession or demon influence,
just spend a year here i n Makassar, and you will be convinced
that there is such a thing. After reasoning, exhorting and
encouraging h i m . I tried to get him to say, "Praise the Lord."
This he refused to do, despite all the pleading 1 could do.
After realizing that i t was not Laeng, b u t another personality
that I was dealing with, I said "Laeng, if you cannot or will
not believe God, 1 will believe for you. If you will no1 pray,
1 will pxay lor you And ,sf you will not say, 'Praise the
Loid', 1 will say it for you." So in Jesus' Name. and in
Laeng's stead, Ishouted "Praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord !"
By that time, we were tired out. I asked him to take somc
lunch with us, but he would not, so Igave him a quarter, as the
noon hour was long past, and told him to buy something to
eat. Th,is he took and left. I did not feel like eating, for 1
was almost stunned, but could believe God and praise the
Lord nevertheless. About Five o'clock that afternoon, 1 no,.
ticed a note lying on the table. It was from Laeng. W h a t
has happened now, I thought, and was ready for the worst.
It contained only a few words. And this is what he said :
"Shortly after leaving you, and while walking down the street,
suddenly something happened, I do not know what. but I
could say, 'PRAISE THE LORD.' and then an'd there I consecrated my life to the Lord in a way that I never did before.
Hallelujah."
(To be Continued)
--c-+
Please rcmcmbcr all of o w student-eangeliste ia prayer. They no- number
115. Thcy are very human. md the p o w e r of Saran is atrong. "But God" . . .
"But Praysr."
Ed.
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