JACOB VAN DE GROEP by Jacob van de Groep

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 6, 1910

JACOB VAN DE GROEP

By Jacob van de Groep

From Batavia to Samarang, Java

It is a pleasant trip from Batavia to Surabaya and Samarang, in Java, East Indies. And to the Christian, the beauties of nature beheld on every side speak of the love of God to these Javanese people. But very few of these people know that it is their Heavenly Father who has given all so freely to them.

When I left Batavia, it was with a heart filled with thanksgiving to God for the blessings which I received from him in my canvassing work there. An interest has been awakened, but I am

sorry to say there is no one to follow it up. O dear brethren, pray the Lord that soon the time may come when the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of Calvary’s cross. Millions and millions are still waiting, and who among us does not hear the “Macedonian cry” coming from every part of this earth?

After two days’ travel I arrived safely in Surabaya. Our workers there did not know of my coming, but we were all very glad to see one another. How strong the tie by which Christ has bound his followers together! How true are the Saviour’s words, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

Tired as I was that night, a small audience came together to hear for the first time a Dutchman proclaim the message. It is so sad to see such large cities with only a few workers in them. I spent only one day there, taking the train early for Samarang, where I arrived the same day in the afternoon. This is a pleasing city, but I was told it is not healthful. Most of the commerce is in the hands of the Jews of the East.

On the next day after my arrival I started to work, and in only a few hours I succeeded in getting twelve orders for “Thoughts on Daniel.” The next day I got seventeen orders for the same book.

Pray, dear brethren, that soon more workers may be sent to this great field.