THE VISION THAT MADE BIOLA GREAT (continued) You cannot ask much more of a Bible training course than that!
Foster R. Tresise of the Brethren in Hawaii thus appraises his BIOLA training: “ The preparation was com plete, not only physically, that is, with respect to tools; but spiritually, mentally and socially” ; and Mildred Gronlund of Japan says: “BIOLA training established me in the Word and evangelism, and to look to Christ for all things •—• spiritual, mental, physical and material needs.” In the earlier days there were not the opportunities there are today for “working one’s way” through school, and Timothy Pietsch, founder of Toyko Bible Center, recalls with gratitude: “ I am deeply indebted to those who gave of their means for my training at BIOLA. It taught me dependence upon the Word of God and depen dence upon the Lord in all things.” Rev. and Mrs. Byron Ross who labor in the Philippines under the C&MA give credit for their S.M.M. course: “ This training has been inval uable in understanding and control ling sicknesses in our missionary fam ily. It has given us access to the hearts of many pagans as we minis tered to their physical needs in pre paring them for the claims of the Gospel,” while Melvin Carson of Wycliffe in Mexico expresses the sen timents of many in the words: “Most of all, BIOLA prepared us spiritually. We left BIOLA with our feet firmly planted on the solid foundation, the Word, and our eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ.” A1 Mace of C. I. M. 0. M. F. in Malaya is very down-to-earth in his estimate of his BIOLA training: “ I received an increased assurance of the absolute authority of the Word of God regarding all of a Christian’s life. I learned how to study the Word, about sticking to a job till completed and through Christian service how to apply my training.” Robert and Doris Baker of P. M. T. in Cuba sum it up this way: “ Our BIOLA ‘ training fitted us for missionary service by equipping us spiritually. Having studied ourselves, we better understand our trainees and their problems. We learned to work as a team, learning to live with others by complying with rules and respecting authority. Classes in psy chology were invaluable in student counselling.” Henry Senff of the Africa Inland Mission, now in the Sudan on his fifth pioneer station, a 1926 graduate of BIOLA, gives this testimony: “ I had never owned a Bible before I came to the Institute. A ll I had was the two-year course . . . I can never
Violet Lopes, in Portugal, remem bers with thankfulness: “ BIOLA was a challenge, a vision, and a call. Tak ing the C. E. course, I was trained spiritually and educationally for work among boys and girls. I received the vision for children’s work in which I am now engaged through Christian service at Juvenile Hall where I learned the importance of reaching the children for Christ while they are children.” Fred Acord, working under S. I. M. with Moslems in Eritrea, thanks God that at BIOLA he received not only “ thorough Bible study and confirma tion of the call,” but also, “ graduate study in Arabic and Islamics with Dr. Feinberg.” Did BIOLA contribute anything to the preparation of those now mainly engaged in the difficult task of trans lation? “Yes,” say three Wycliffe workers, — Marjorie Peverly of Peru: “ The general Bible background was essential for translation” ; M. Davies, Mexico: “ Bible training, Greek and
Wycliffe translator J. M. Dedrick with men of Yaqui tribe, Sonora, Mexico. praise God enough for counting me worthy of this high and holy calling.” Mrs. Senff died in Africa ten years ago, but he continues on bravely. So does Mrs. Paul A. Uhlinger in the Belgian Congo under C.B.F.M.S., whose huband was killed in the crash of the Society’s plane January 12, 1948; George Kevorkian likewise was killed in that accident and his brave wife Helen remains in the work with her little daughter These widows and many other of our missionaries who have lost their loved ones, have proven the truth of Ruth Uhlinger’s words: “My BIOLA training grounded me in the Word, which has a tremendous leveling influence. It meets the need of all people, in all walks of life, just as it did in BIOLA days.” Certainly God met her and the others in their darkest hour. Although there are many other similar thrilling and heart-warming testimonies that could be quoted, limited space makes it necessary to close with these words of G. H. Mac- Kenzie of Portuguese Guinea, West Africa: “ BIOLA gave me an understanding of the Word, the value of souls in God’s eyes, the need of giving every one a chance to hear at least once the plan of salvation; that prayer moves the arm of God. I cannot put into words or thank God enough for the preparation He granted me in attend ing BIOLA for the service He had for me.” With the application of such prin ciples in their missionary labors, it is no wonder that God has put His seal upon the work of BIOLA graduates around the world. To Him be all the glory, as they would agree — one and all. (Continued next month, when such questions as “What was an outstand ing incident showing God’s hand in your field?” “What results have you seen?” will be answered in the words of the missionaries themselves.)
Donny Nellis (12) with a Zapoteco In dian friend. Donny knows the language. Spanish were a preparation for trans lation of God’s Word into the Cui- cateco langauge” ; and Mrs. Alvin Schoenhals, Mexico: “ The Bible sub jects, Greek and anthropology have a direct bearing on translation work.” Virgil Hook, of C. I. M. 0. M. F., now in the No. 1 trouble spot of the world, of Formosa, testifies: “ The training in the Word was good, com plete, and thought-provoking: these are MUSTS to reach any thinking people for Christ” Europe too needs the Gospel, and Nancy Zurfluh from Berlin, Germany tells how the vision of the field reached her at BIOLA: “The Lord spoke to me through the visiting mis sionaries; t h r o u g h m y m i s s i o n s course; through the practical C. E. courses, especially D. V. B. S. with Mrs. Hooker; and English grammar with Miss Pentney fitted me for this work.”
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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