Years passed and Fumio-san be came a proud young man. One day he was invited to go to a mission ary’s Bible class. He did not under stand much of the strange teaching, but he joined the class. Weeks later, when the missionary was explaining the 19th chapter of John, someone asked, “Why did Pilate put Jesus Christ to death when he found no fault in Him?” As the missionary explained, Fumio-san knew that it was for his own sin Christ had died. His proud heart was broken and he received Christ as his Saviour. In Japan they say, “Walls have ears.” Fumio-san’s mother had learned he was going to the Bible Class each week and was very upset. “ To become a Christian would bring shame and disgrace,” she felt. She said to herself, “ It is better for a samurai’s mother to commit suicide than to allow shame in her family.” One day she asked Fumio-san, “ Are you going to the church next Sunday?” “Yes,” he replied. “ I told the mis sionary I was going.” His mother turned white and with out a word turned and walked out the back door. “What is she doing?” Fumio-san wondered with a feeling of great trouble.
JUNIOR KING’S BUSINESS
The Knight Who Dared to Die by Laura Fisch F u m io - s a n sat cross-legged on the straw mat in the living room of his Japanese home. He was drinking tea and munching a cookie while his mother sewed. “ Please, Mother, may I have a coin for some candy?” he asked. “ No,” she replied, “we are too poor.” Seeing his disappointment, she added, “We are a samurai fam ily; that is better than being rich.” Fumio-san went to the closet where the two samurai swords were kept. He loved to think of the days when his father, a samurai, or knight of Japan, wore the swords. Then people bowed to him in deep respect. Japan
had later forbidden the knights to wear swords. Fumio-san pulled one out and pretended to fight. “ Never forget that you are a sam urai,” his mother was saying, “ and live like one.” He could not forget, for every day his mother taught him the privileges and responsibilities of his noble birth. She quoted the sam urai command, “Be prepared at all times to protect your honor with your life; never go back on your word.” Fumio-san had learned the samurai way to commit suicide quickly with the sword, to fulfill this command. He was to die if necessary rather than go back on his word.
A C h i l d *s L o v e f o r G o d a n d H o m E x p r e s s e d t h r o u g h t h e M a g i c o
Christmas is the perfect time.. . . Recordings are the perfect means . . . to introduce your children to religious music. These Broadman albums also feature songs of play and con duct related to a child’s everyday experiences.
Qod 9i flecA and Qtk&i. êoncfA jjOAGkildnen 6-$ Twelve songs for use with ages 6-8 in music activity. Usable in church or home, this album offers enriching learning and listening experiences. Two 7-inch, 33-1/3 rpm, monophonic records. $1.98 GoncjA- jjOA Q ua Jtittl& ii Qnei. For use with nursery-age children at church or home. This album contains 28 songs and 3 cradle tunes easily understood by small children. Five 78 rpm, monophonic records. $3.60
Qod Gent cMii. Son—GnAiiimaA GoncjA. jan. GUildUen Unlike many conventional records, this one is intended to convey the true meaning of Christmas to ages 4-8. Designed to help your youngsters master a variety of carols. Two 7-inch, 33-1/3 rpm, monophonic records. $1.98
9 JtiJze to SitUf and QtU&i Sowpi
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Twelve songs for use throughout the year in music activity with youngsters. Includes instrumental arrange ments of hymns as well as vocal numbers. Two 7-inch, 33-1/3 rpm, monophonic records. $1.98
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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