A Graceful Gift by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 30, 1913

A Graceful Gift

By W. A. S.

A PLEASING story of a tactful gift comes from Russia in a personal letter. We violate no confidence in passing it on, and the incident suggests a helpful lesson in ways of combining effort to extend the all-important work with expressions of love and esteem for fellow workers.

Recently Elder and Mrs. J. T. Boettcher, of Russia, celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, the silver wedding anniversary, as it is called. Elder Boettcher, at the close of a letter speaking of the work in Russia, adds a personal note concerning the manner in which the Russian brethren paid their tribute of good will on the occasion:—

The three Riga churches surprised us with a special program. The day before, our largest meeting-hall had been beautifully decorated with evergreens and flowers. The program was rendered in the four different languages: German, Russian, Lettish, and Estnish. There were a number of very good original poems. The elders of the churches delivered addresses.

At the close, one of the elders presented us with a large, heavy envelope, tightly sealed. In his address he said that we were receiving another child into the Lord; that we should open the envelope and read, then we would understand. We opened it, and read as follows:—

“DEAR BROTHER AND SISTER BOETTCHER: The brethren and sisters of the Riga churches come, on this your anniversary day, their hearts filled with joy and thankfulness. They wish to have a part in the gratitude which you are expressing toward God, for his care and kind protection over you during the past twenty-five years. They present to you in this envelope, rubles 360.96 [$181], to be used in educating a missionary for Russia. “Signed by the three committees in behalf of the three churches.”

This generous gift made us very happy, especially because it was not a personal one, but a gift to the cause. We do not know yet who will be the fortunate young man to be educated by this fund, but we trust it will be a young man upon whom the Spirit of God rests, and who has a real burden for the work in Russia. We should not be offended if we should receive a few more silver wedding presents of this kind, for if anything is needed in Russia to-day, it is workers.

The common saying, “Old World simplicity,” is not an empty phrase. It describes a thing that is beautiful and true.

W. A. S.