The Spirit of God at Work

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

The Spirit of God at Work

THE Spirit of God is quietly working upon hearts in our Friedensthal mission, in German East Africa. Brother J. Ehlers writes:—

“There is a sensible, modest man, with good manners, eager to learn, and very diligent. He always says, when we request them to pray at home, ‘I pray to God every day.’ His prayer is childlike. He says: ‘Lord God, my Father, give me food to-day. Give me a new heart. Give me good thoughts, and eternal life. I love you, and give you all my heart.’ This is very sincere, and gives us a good example of the childlike faith we ought to manifest in prayer to our Heavenly Father. There are also one or two of the boys who do not seem to be indifferent toward God and his Word. Not long ago I held worship with them, and read the parable of the lost son in the Ri-Chambaa language, and explained it to them in the Ki-Pare language, and asked whether the son was good. ‘No,’ they said. ‘Is the father good?’ ‘Yes, beyond all measure.’ ‘Do you know who the bad son is?’ ‘No,’ they replied. Then I told from my own experience how I also went forth with evil thoughts, and fell into hardship, and turned back to God, and was received so friendly by him. I felt the love of God, which I had undeservingly received, and was moved to speak to them from the depths of my heart, earnestly and eloquently. As I invited one of the boys to pray, he was so affected that his words came slowly, and he prayed from a sincere heart, as I have never heard a native pray before. I will not put too much stress upon these things, but God has given me a hint that all the promises are also meant for the black people here. In all the surrounding darkness, the promises of God are sure and steadfast, so that we never need become discouraged. We have often had discouraging times, but I am able to say, to the honor of God, his promises were my rock, which will not move in the midst of the most violent storm. I had nothing but his Word, and I will continue to rest upon it.”