Happenings of Life

You will be hearing about my Mom this week. One of the things that my Mom did was to crochet. She made each of her grandchildren an afghan and I believe that each of her children and their spouse received an afghan from her. As we stood in the receiving line at her funeral in Florida, many people (I am not exaggerating to say at least 150) came through the line and told us of something kind my Mom had done for them. She had crocheted something for many of them. I am the only one in the family that crochets, so I got all of her crochet items. I have been trying to use them up and give them to someone in my Mom's honor. I just finished the baby sweater above. It is so soft and cozy. I will be delivering it this week.

I finished the book about John and Betty Stam. It truly touched my heart. They had just arrived on their first mission station of their own with their 3 month old baby girl. They they were chosen to receive the martyr's crown. The baby lived and was snuck out of the village and back to another mission station. To read what the parents and families of these 2 missionaries wrote right after their deaths is just incredible. They were truly families of faith. Their lives and focus were the Lord and what they could accomplish for Him. They did not focus on themselves and their comfort. Here is what John's father wrote to sorrowing friends right after his son and his son's wife's death...

Our dear children, John and Betty, have gone to be with the Lord. They loved Him. They served Him and now they are with Him. What could be more glorious? It is true, the manner in which they were sent out of this world was a shock to us all, but whatever of suffering they may have endured is now past, and they are both infinitely blessed with the joys of Heaven.

As for those of us who have been left behind, we are reminded by a telegram from one of John's former schoolmates, "Remember, you gave John to God, not to China." Our hearts though bowed for a little while with sadness, answered, "Amen." It was our desire that he as well as we should serve the Lord, and if that could be better done by death than life, we would have it so. The sacrifice may seem great now, but no sacrifice is too great to make for Him who gave Himself for us.

We are earnestly praying that it will all be for God's glory and the salvation of souls. How glad we shall be if through this dreadful experience many souls shall be won for the Lord Jesus. How glad we shall be if many dear Christian young people shall be inspired to give themselves to the Lord as never before, in a life of sacrifice and service!

We are honored by having sons and daughters minister for our Lord among the heathen, but we are more signally honored that two of them have received the martyr's crown.

We are sure that our dear brother and sister, Dr. and Mrs. C.E. Scott (Betty's parents), both join us in saying, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Where is our focus? Are we doing what the Lord has for us to do? We here in America are given much. The Bible tells us that to whom much is given, much is required. May we be found faithful.