p. 6 | Shepherding the Flock by John J. Westrup

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 9, 1913

Shepherding the Flock

By John J. Westrup

Yesterday I returned from Hsiatingchi [Honan]. I walked fifteen miles going, and twenty miles returning, putting my bedding, folding bed, and lunch basket on a wheelbarrow. How thankful I am that I have health and strength to walk—a very healthful exercise, from want of which many are losing their health.

In the evening at Hsiatingchi the believers and I sat down for two hours and had a heart-to-heart talk. They told me about the great trials they were passing through. They had helped to repair the city wall, and also paid out money toward this repair, and the mandarin was now compelling them to pay out money for crude heathen theatrical performances and for building heathen temples, a very unusual proceeding. Of course, if I should write to the mandarin, it would be stopped; but that would incur his hatred, and his runners would be bound to take vengeance in some way. Hence I counseled the brethren to patiently endure. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” I told them how others had to endure hardships. I showed them that I was with them in self-sacrifice, and that only those who are willing to make a covenant with God through sacrifice are able to get ready to meet the Lord in glory. Our heart-to-heart talk made a deep impression upon them. They all assented, and took up their cross again with renewed courage. JOHN J. WESTRUP.