King's Business - 1922-07

T H E K I N G ’S B U S I N E S S answer to prayer a number have found positions through the efforts of Biola Club. Many of these have decided that they want to be more definitely iden­ tified with Christian work than ever before. One man attended a Bible class re­ cently at the club, heard a message that stirred his heart, went out to look for some one to help, and met a man who looked as if he was in need. When asked if he were a Christian, he said no. Asked if he did not want to - be, he replied in the affirmative. He was asked to go into the hall and settle the matter, which he did and soon arose from his knees, rejoicing in Christ as his Saviour. NEED OF INDIAN BIBLE SCHOOL By Dr. French E. Oliver B EMARKABLE interest is be­ ing shown by friends all over the United States in the mat­ ter of establishing a Bible In­ stitute for the Indians of North America in Arizona. This Institute will be founded upon a statement of doctrine, and the interest of all Christian Indians will be given full consideration, including all Indian tribes in the United States. The fact that the Indian is an out­ door person has entered largely into the decision to locate this school in Arizona, for there seems to be a pre­ disposition toward tuberculosis in al­ most all of the Indian tribes and this .dread disease asserts itself when they are confined too closely indoors. With the Institute located at .the ' proper altitude, inexpensive tent houses can be arranged to take care of all the students, thus providing them with plenty of fresh air, which is imper­ ative for them. Considering the fact that out of 37,000 Navajos, only about ten per cent have had any school advantages, and not more than 5,000 of them have ever heard the Gospel preached, a re­ sponsibility rests upon some of the good people who have plenty of money for China and other countries, but who havé forgotten their responsibility as Americans to the “ first families of America.” From what I know of. conditions in the white and in the Indian churches, my opinion is that-—according to light,

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environment, training and opportunities involved, the churches of the Hopi, Navajo and other Indian tribes are far better than the white churches of America and Canada with which I have had wide acquaintance for years. In the Indian church, practically ev­ ery member is a preacher of the Gos­ pel; therefore, every one can give a reason for the hope that is in him. They are all aggressive. You never hear an Indian Christian utter the col­ orless statement, “ I hope so,” or Jgj am trying to be a Christian;” you always get a straight “ yes” or “ no.” They are positive in their knowledge of the fact that they are on one side or the other. When the Indians give testimonies in religious meetings, they use the sim­ plest illustrations imaginable, and yet they are far-reaching in their effect. They grasp the truth and are able to give a clear and connected story which would stand as first-class evidence in any court. I have a Hopi friend who was a Medicine Man before he became a Christian. At the Camp Fire service at the Southwestern Bible Conference hear Flagstaff, he stood and gave this remarkable testimony: “ I have sinned all the sins of the Hopis. I know all the wickedness' of my people. I used to have part in all their ceremonies. I know the meaning of their Cochinas. I have engaged in all the dances and every religious serv­ ice they had in the Kivas and by the Snake Rock. I know how vile and wick­ ed all these services are. “When I was a little boy I remember the first time I ever saw a dead horse. I was surprised that an animal so large and beautiful could die and I went out on the desert where they placed it and watched several days until finally I saw the big black birds gather round and begin to eat it, and I was more surprised than ever. “ Since then I have found Christ and know that He loves me, and that He died for me, and that some day He will take me home to Heaven. I tell you the Snake Dance and all the Hopi cer­ emonies just look like that dead horse to me, and the white people who come out on our desert to see the Snake Dajnce and other wicked ceremonies are just like the buzzards that ate up the dead horse.” I heard of a Navajo boy who heard the Gospel story while he was at school,

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