They Have a Curious Past
By K. M. ADAMS
IN the central part of the island of Sumatra live a people with a curious past — the Battaks. They have the reputation of being a degraded race of cannibals. They are not like the tribes on either side of them, in that they are not Mohammedans. Many of them have become Protestants, and are trying to live the life of the Lord Jesus. When our training school was opened in Singapore, the news filtered into Battakland. One morning, to our surprise, four young Battaks presented themselves, and asked to enter school. They had come to learn more of the belief of the Christians, of which they had heard a little, so that they might know of the salvation of Christ, and go back and tell their countrymen. Questioning them, we learned that two had walked six days, and the other two four days, before reaching a boat to bring them to the school. There are twelve of these young men now preparing themselves to become Christian workers. A wonderful change has taken place in their appearance and actions since they entered school. How good it is to hear them stand up before their classes and preach a sermon, presenting good thoughts and sound arguments! It seems another example of hiding spiritual truths from the wise and prudent, and revealing them to babes. The Lord loves the people of Battakland, and longs to see them saved in His kingdom. We know that He has sent these young men to us that they may be prepared for His service.