September 1924
TH E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
559
At the close of the service it was announced that we had our kodak and would take their pictures. They were not in the least afraid, but everyone wanted to look into it, and it was with the greatest difficulty we could get them far ènough away to get the picture. I just prayed God to take care of that picture. Strictly Informal Visitors We left the meeting, going into the house, the crowd following. They leaned so hard against the partitions we feit any moment they might fall in, yet how secure we felt with those Christian Chinese men! Many came in the back door, just walking through and examining the rooms. Mr. Hsiao said: “We always allow them to come in and look around; we hope it will help them and help us to become acquainted with them.” One woman was surprised to find a god upon Mr. Hsiao’s desk, and immediately a crowd gathered to inquire about it. Mr. Hsiao then had the opportunity of telling how he hap pened to have that idol. It was during the Band’s stay at Chu Chia P’u that their work seemed most discouraging; had stayed four months without apparent interest, yet each time they planned to go they could not feel it was God’s leading and so remained on. It was to be their last night there, when a prominent man of the town knelt before his god. But his little daughter knelt beside him and prayed, “O God, do not let the devil bind my father; keep him from his influence and cause him to repent. Don’t let my father worship these false gods any more.” The father arose and said: “ If my little daughter knows these gods are false, and knows how to repent, certainly they must be false and I will worship them no more,” and turning, went to the Gospel Hall and became a worshiper of the True and Living God. The Band remained in the village for some time longer and many believed on Jesus, and when they finally did leave, a long procession followed them wishing them Godspeed. At the close of the story Mr. Hsiao exhorted the listeners to give us their false gods. Unique Work of the Bands The Band work is most unique. On a table we noted a large number of slates. Mr. Hsiao said the children used them: “We have three classes; the children who cannot read characters, and the Lower and Higher Primary.” They teach them to read the Bible and many Gospel songs to sing. Suddenly, at almost dusk we heard soldiers marching and hurried out to see and there was Mr. Loh with a number of boys marching “ goose-step” past the hall singing: “ Idols are false, only Living God is true.” 1— “ There is one true God, which is the Heavenly Father; He gives us clothes to wear and He gives us food to eat and He constantly pities us. 2— ^- There is only one Saviour; He is able to deliver us from sin; If I believe in Him and listen to what He says, My Lord Jesus. 3— ' Jesus loves me, a sinner; He gave up His life and cleanses my heart; Yes, He is my Jesus, and He truly loves me.” Not in the least poetical, but set to their Chinese music, it sounded wonderfully pretty as they marched back and forth singing it. Later the boys were taken into a room where, seated around a table, they were taught the Word of God. Thèse children are the best advertisers for the Band. They sing songs and repeat Scripture in their homes all day long. Another young man sat in the outer court, and about him were many little children. He had his arms around them; they were stroking his hands and singing the songs he was
teaching them. The look in his face must have been such as the Saviour had when He said: “ Suffer the little children to come unto me.” One of the sweetest pictures I saw in China. A Chinese Scholar Saved Just before evening service, the Band met in Mr. Hsiao’s office for prayer. There seemed always to be with them one who was not a member of the Band,— a distinguished looking Chinese, who entered into all the activities of the Band in a humble and earnest way; a Christian of only five days. His home was in a nearby village where Mr. Hsiao had been invited to go and speak in an evening meeting. He and an evangelist gave the messages. The leader, think ing to show honor, invited this man;— a man of consider able influence in his town— to speak. He arose, came for ward and said: “ If all that these men have said tonight is true, I am a sinner,” and turning to Mr. Hsiao continued, “ Is there any hope for me?” Again Mr. Hsiao had the blessed privilege of leading a soul from the darkness of sin into the glorious light of the Gospel of Christ. This scholar had followed Mr. Hsiao to the Band and was simply there to hear and study the Word. Three men had already become Christians, and at the evening service ten men and eight women entered the Inquirers’ Class. It was a great sight to see these people seated around the open Bible with Mr. Shen, a capable teacher, leading them to know and confess Christ. The Band men are up at six o’clock in the morning, keeping their own Quiet Hour from 6:30 to 7:30. Then, together, from 7:30 to 8:30 in a Bible Study hour with Mr. Hsiao as their teacher. Nine o’clock is their breakfast hour and at ten o’clock each day they go out two by two and visit homes in the surrounding country, always taking plenty of time to sit and explain fully God’s plan of Salva tion, returning again to the Gospel Hall at four o’clock for their evening meal. During the month of March, 1,367 homes were visited; 120 New Testaments and Gospels given out and 4,459 Gospel Tracts distributed. God has promised that His Word shall not return unto Him void. It was during breakfast that the Bible woman came to us and said: “There are over two hundred women out side who have walked many li to see the foreigners. Would you mind going outside? I could preach to them.” Again we were gazed upon, felt of and laughed at, but it was for His own dear sake, and one woman confessed her Lord. Who can ever estimate the far reaching results of those meetings. Jesus said: “ If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me.” Truly that is what Band Number Ten and all the twelve Biola Evangelistic Bands are doing. Will you not bear them up by your prayers and personal interest?
WHERE JESUS REIGNS Where Jesus reigns there is no fear, No restless doubt, no hopeless tear; No base deceit, nor faithless prayer, No angry strife or weak despair; No greed for gain and selfish pride, No bitterness for aught denied; No evil tongue, no cruel arm, No envy, hate, nor wish to harm; No w icked lust, nor trace o f stain, But all is pute—where Jesus reigns! Where Jesus reigns there’s joy untold, There’s wealth that’s richer fa r than gold; There’s service glad and courage true, There’s power to be and strength to do; There’s sacrifice and sweetvcontent, There’s grace Divine in mercy sent; There’s triumph over self and sin, And blessed peace abides w ithin; There’s truest faith" that never wanes, There’s love s y p r e m e r - ' J p s u s reiifnsj;
-rrC. B. /W.
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