VOL. X - M A Y 1939 - No. 36

Showing i b c Vast Extent af the Netherlands' Calonia! Empire in the Far East compared with the area of the U. S. A.

The Netherlands East Indies Mi&n

of T h e Christian and Missionary Alliance

Address: Ladjangiroeweg 77. Makassar. Celebes. N.E.I.

4969 3 3'3

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EDITORIAL REINFORCEMEXTS

Rev. John F. Willfinger

On February 16th. our good brother, Rev. John F. Willfinger arrived in Makassar from the 'Homeland. He received a very sincere and cordial welcome at the wharf. then into our homes and our hearts, as a member of the Alliance famiiy in the N. E. I .

After the inevitable immigra- tion and custons formalities were over, me all paused from our busy activities, and gathered for after- noon tea, and again assured our

newly arrived brother that we were giad he had come. Mr. Willfinger stopped off with us in Makassar for only

a few days. and then hastened off to Borneo to join M r . Presswood in the work of the Sesajap district. His first task of course will be the study of the Malay Imguage.

J u s t as we are ready to go to press, word has ccme back from Long-Berang, Borneo, from Mr. Willfinger that he arrived safely on March 15th, after a twcnty-three days' travel from Makassar. So you see, it takes the missionary abotit as lcng to get from Makassar to his sti?tion, as i t doe? for him to cross the mighty Pacific. On page 50 OF this number of The Pioneer will be Iound a message from Zrother Willfinger telling of his trip, and of his first impressions of the field.

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OUR NEW MAP OF THE N.E.1.

On tha back cover of this number of The Pioneer we present our new map of the field. W e are grateful to the artist, Rev. J. Arthur Mouw, who has taken great pains, and with real skill has executed this work.

That we are obliged from time to time to revise our map. and bring it up to date, is a sure sign of progress in our work. W e have at this time put several new names on our mis- sionary map.- as for example. new places in British Malaya, the Melawi district in West Borneo, and New Guinea.

Speaking of the Map, we cannot let so good a chance pass without once again trying to impress on the minds of our readers the vast extent of our N. E. 1. field. The distance from the most western tip of Sumatra, to the most eastern point in Dutch New Guinea, is more than 3.000 miles. i t is further than the distance from San Francisco to New York.

While the writer was at home. it was suggested to him that the N. E. I. field would eventually have to be divided into two fields, on account of the vastness of the area. The reply of the writer was, that as the work developed. under the blessing of God, it was quite likely, if the Lord tarry, that the N . E. 1. and adjacent fields might be divided under at least three Conferences. But, it is still too soon to seriously consider such changes.

Please note the Red Star at Makassar, and the red lines to each place where missionaries, and student-evangelists have been sent to date.

A N E W TRANSLATION OF T H E NEW TESTAMENT

The stupendous task of revising the Malay New Testament has been accomplished by the Netherlands Bible Society.

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A leading part in this difficult work has been taken by Doctor H. Kraemer. who is considered one of the ables: scholars in the Malay language. He is now professor in the Leiden University of Holland. A recent work by Dr. Kraemer has attracted mnch attention. It is entitled, "The Christian Message in a Non-Christian World." W e have just,had, as we go to press, the great privilege of a very brief visit fnom Doctor Kraemer at Makassar.

COLPORTAGE WORK IN THE N. E. I . W e rejoice that under the able leadership of Doctor H. C.

Rutgers the Netherlands Bible Society has set for itself a great programme €or the distribution of the Scriptures among the many peoples of the N. E. I. T h e Netherlands Bible Society is being generously assisted by the two British Socie- ties, the British and Foreign Bible Society and the National Bible Society of Scotland, in this great effort. Our little part in the undertaking is due to the liberal financial help of the National Bible Society of Scotla'nd, who is supporting 14 student-colporteurs under the Alliance.

But, not only does the present programme include a thorough colpartage work in fields already occupied. and where there is already a Christian population. but it also in- cludes the translation of portions of Scripture into new lan- guages. W e fervently pray Gods blessing upon the three Bible .Societies in their efforts for the rapid and thorough spread of the W o r d of God throughout this island empire.

FROM BROTHER W. E. PRESSWOOD In a recent letter from Mr. Presswood we read the fol-

lowing,- "We established a record this trip. In eighteen days of travel I covered 225 miles over the mountains ; baptized 133

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believers ; had scores of others confess Christ : dedicated out first Dyak Church building ; a t Long-noeat addressed 564 Dyaks, and at Belawit 640 ; arranged for one of the Churches to support one af our Dyak workers, ordained deacons i n several places ; married ten couples etc. etc."

A WITNESS TO THE MOSLEMS OF THE CELEBES In this connection we want to make mention, for special

prayer. a Gospel campaign, which we are planning to carry out. for the peoples of the southwestern portion of this island. The peninsula is inhabited by two races, the Makassar and the Boegis peoples. They are both bigoted Moslems. We want to place in the hands of every District Headman, and every Village Headman, whether they be of the Makassar or Boegis race. some Christian literature. We purpose sending through the mail to each of these a Gospel portion, a Gospel tract, and a personal printed letter of invitation to accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour. These will be in three languages, the Malay, the Makassar and the Boegis as the need requires. Over three thousand packages are being prepared. The letter will be signed by our good native brother, Rev. M. Kandou. and all will be sent forth about the time that you will be receiving this number of The Pioneer.

Please pray that this living seed, sown in many hearts, may take root, spring up, and bear frui t unto eternal life. While it is true that many of the hearts of these people have been made as hard as stone by the subtle influence of the teachings of the false prophet, yet we are profoundly persuaded, that there are also many who deeply hunger and thirst after the peace that the Son of God alone can give, and that they will welcome our testimony a t this time. They possibly may not yet have the courage to openly confess Christ and be bap-

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tized. for fear o'f persecution, and threat of their very lives : still even if they only become secret believers, and know the joy and peace of sins f'orgiven, it is all worth while. Among the Boegis and Makassar peoples. after all these years of labor, some sixty have been baptized. There are many, many more who believe, and even confess Christ with their lips. but dare not to ,be baptized.

THE ALLIANCE BIBLE SCHOOL AT MAKASSAR

W e have often said, and it is good to say it again, - The Bible School is the very main-spring of our whole work. As the central organ is strong, the heart beats send the pure life blood coursing to every part of the body. From Makassar we are sending out our student-evangelists in all directions. Look at the Map again. These red lines are the arteries by which the living W o r d is carried to the uttermost parts ot our field.

T h e new term of our Bible School has opened with an attendance of 180 students, 153 Men and 27 Women. Students have been sent to us from all parts of this island empire, The common language of course is Malay, in which all the class work is done. But. these students also speak many local island dialects. The last time we tested the class, we wrote on the black-board the names of over forty different languages and dialects spoken by our student body. W h a t possibilities for the Gospel are contained in such a company of young people, as they return to their own people filled with the Spirit, and holy fire and zeal for God and for souls? Some of our young men have been called to other islands, and have become real missionaries to other peoples. They have learned the strange language, and have

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learned also to love the strange people as their own. which is the true missionary characteristic.

Please pray especially For our Bible School, that in the unity of the Spirit. all the teachers may have anointed lips to speak and the students may have anointed ears to hear the living Word of God.

PAUL DANIEL FLEMING

W e have rejoiced to hear of the arrival in Singapore of the infant son of Rev. Paul W . and Mrs. Fleming of our work in British Malaya. "Paul Daniel" was born on the tweltth day of January. May God greatly bless this little life. and the work of his parents in the praaching of the Gospel to the Sakais.

"A NICE LITTLE G I R L

Word has just come from Mr. Konemann that a "nice little girl" arrived in their home on March 24th. Her name is Nermina Adriana Cornelia Konemann. Our best wishes and prayers are with Mother and babe.

MISS1.ONARIES ON FURLOUGH

The latest word indicates that Miss L. F. Marsh has reached Shanghai, and is staying a while with her sister, Miss Ethel K. Marsh, in charge of The Alliance Press, and will soon return to the work in thO N. E. I . Pray that Miss Lilian Marsh's health may be fully restored. T h e Woerners expect to arrive on the field again in July of this year. The Dixons.

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with Miss Dittmar, a new missionary, go first to Holland fcr a few months study of Dutch, and will reach the N. E. I . later on in the year. W e shall all be glad to see all of them with us again.

God bless them.

SOME CHINESE C H R I S T I A K FRIENDS

Ud6m ?.ow f m m r7t1 l e f t : SILAS W O N G . One oi the moat profound and

beartse6rchine Bible tc;eherr in Chiol. L E L h N G W A N G . An- cutstard- ing Eriangcliat. r h o has led tkousmds of souls t o Chrisr':in d l p a r k oflChina. w h o is a t present visitin< America and Europe. W i L S O N WANG.';.,, T h e brother of Lclang Wang . the &ed Chinese Editor of our monthly. The Bibli M n g o z i n i . one of the maat widely rcad Full Gospel maiarioes in Cbina.':'LEO T. CHAO. Chairman of the Chinese Conference of the Alliaoee Misaion'"io

Kwang-ri. South China. a man of rare executive leadership. 2nd a Bible preach- er and teacher. S. K. LEUNG. A iadly C h i n e x prca:her. n o w rniniatrr- i o g to the Chinese pcoplc in ths Philippinc Isbnda.

Lawar TOY from tbr hit. J A S O N LINN. S. W. CHUE 7. H. TSANC. 211 missionaries of the Chinese Foreign Miasianary Union. in Epst Borneo. on

the Island of Soembrra. and in British Malaya re.pccfivcly

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FOUNDERS HYMNS

By Dr. A. 5. Simpson

P L O D

There's a sweet and lowly pathway

Four short letters mark its mile-stones, - Leading up to God :

P-L-0-D, plod.

When of old the hosts of Joshua Round the ramparts trod.

Victory crowned their seven-fold circuit. When they learned to plod

Are you waiting for a promise,

Though He tarry, He is coming ; Trusting in your God ?

Faith must learn to plod.

Are you going forth with weeping,

You shall bring your sheaves with singing, Scattering seeds abroad ?

If you'll trust and plod.

Are you suffering in affliction.

God is working, wait upon Him, 'Neath the chastening rod ?

Wai t and pray and plod.

Let us plod, steadily plod,

Zeal may fire and hope inspire. All along the way :

But Plod will win the day.

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P L O D

In this word "PLOD" the author of these verses has struck a very important note, which cannot he overlooked in missionary work. Paul's missionary methods included the fiery zeal to go forth and speedily reach new fields and peoples everywhere, who had never heard the Gospel. It also included the patient, thorough. steady plodding work of instructing converts in the W o r d of God ; line upon line. precept upon precept, until the babe in Christ grows up into spiritual manhood. and becomes an "elder" who can in turn teach others. Both of these phases of missionary work are necessary ; and both are included in the words of our Lord in the Great Commission. "Go ye therefore. and make disciples of all nations ...... teaching them to observe all things what- soever I have commanded you; and lo, I a m with you all the days even to the end of the age." Matt. 28 : 19. 20.

There is the danger of concentrating so strongly and thoroughly in one place. that we never lift up our eyes on the fields beyond : and there is also the danger of a superficial' witness of the Gospel, that leaves our converts. as little helpless babes. the prey of the wolves tha t scatter and devour the sheep and lamibs of the flo'cks. Even naturally. without nourishment the babe dies. It takes a deal of time. and patient plodding. to lead new converts to become strong believers.

Let u s hasten the Gospel with all speed to earth's remotest hounds, wherever Christ has not been named : and let us not shirk or shrink from the toilsome task of steady, patient, hard, plodding work in teaching and training native converts. Let us multiply ourselvas in native workers. Herein lies the great value of Short Term Bible Schools on all stations, and of the central Bible School w,ork for the thorough

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education of native brethren in the fundamental truths of the blessed Word. Let us plod.

DRUNK WITH THE JOY OF THE LORD

In a personal letter, Mr. Fisk writes,- "Last week about ninety Dyaks stopped over here in Tan-

djong-selor on their way back up stream to their village in the Apo-Kajan. They had been working over near Tarakan for the oil company for several months. just as soon as I Iound out that they were in town, I sent and invited them to our home for the Sunday services, and a t the same time in- formed them that many oi their people in the village of Ma- Djalan had become Christians while they had been absent.

"The disappointing reply to my message was that they did not believe the story about their people becoming Chris- tians, and furthermore they did not want to come to our services, because they feared to bring the wrath of their gods down upon their heads. In our Sunday morning meeting we made special prayer for this large number of Dyaks who seemed to shun the very Name of Jesus. The following is an account of how our prayers were answered.-

"These Dyaks were to have left that Sunday morning, but God prevented them. As we prayed for them;' we thoug.ht that they were on their way up the river : but in the afternoon, shortly after dinner, a number of them came to see me. From the look of worry on their faces, I knew that something was wrong. I asked them to sit down and explain matters to me. W h y had they not started on their trip?

"The leader of the group began to talk in a very excited tone. I t seemed that two nights before two of their

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men had taken seriously ill. They took them to the village d'oator, but. while they had returned. they were too weak to travel. T h e leader then went on to tell me that about ten o'clock that morning, ( the very time we were holding our service and praying for them) one of the men who had been sick. began to act and talk strangely, talking about things that were quite' foreign to them. They were sure that the man had gone absolutely insane. Would I please do some- thing for him ? He was jumping up and shouting, and they

Typical Dyaks with Hunting outfit

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feared that an evil spirit had taken possession of their brothel Would I please. please help them out of their trouble 7

"When he stopped long enough, I asked what their friend was shouting about. When he told us, we were amazed, and one of the Christian Dyaks standing by said.- "WHY. those are the very words of the Bible." At once I asked whether this "crazy" man had ever talked to them before about Jesus. or had ever confessed Christ. Wi th one accord they all answered.- "No ! Never !" His talk was the talk of a crazy man. they said. He talked about "a new heart". "raising from the dead", "great gain", "no death", and a lot of other foolish things. They pleaded with me tb give the man some medicine to take away this horrible insanity.

"It was just time for our Sunday School to begin, and so 1 told the men to bring their "crazy" brother to the house in about an hour's time, and I would talk to him.

"Shortly after Sunday School was closed, over sixty Dyaks came. bringing the one with them who had filled them with such fear. The moment I saw the face of the ''crazy" one, my heart was filled with joy. I t was not the face of a crazy m a n . I looked into the radiant face o,f a man who had been instantly filled with the Spirit. In my experience I have never seen anything like it. His face was a bit pale, but it actually shone.

"After I had asked them all to be seated, and I began to question the man, a hush settled down over the room that could be felt. First. I asked him what had happened in the morning. He raised his hand, and said that he had met the Lord Jesus, that he had felt Him. for Jesus had entered his heart. giving him a new heart, and that his soul was never going to die, that he was going to live forever and forever. Thinking that perhaps the man had heard these things from

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some Christian Dyak, 1 questioned him further. only to find that this had not been the case. He said that he had heard about Jesus ; but that these truths had been revealed to him just that very morning.

"As he spoke, one wonderful truth of the Gospel after another. poured from his lips, until I was too amazed to say

" anything but, Amen! Amen!! A M E N ! It was soul stirring.

"Then, as the Spirit had come upon this one man, so H e came upon all those in the room. The spirit of fear left their faces, and I knew that I was witnessing before my very own eyes the regeneration of this group of men. They had feared to even come to our meeting and hear the Gospel message. Even the one man who first received the Lord, had not heard a Gospel message. As soon as it was revealed to the group that their brother was not crazy, but was drunk with the Joy of the Spirit, they began to con- fess Christ, one after another. And on into the evening service which followed, over eighty of them made bold confession of the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. It was a day that I shall never forget."

W e will only add this one word to what Brother Fisk has written. to say, that we believe we are in the place in "the uttermost parts of the earth'', among pagan peoples who have never before heard the wonderful Glad Tidings : and we are living i n the time. when WB are fast approaching the end of the age, and the coming again of the Lord Jesus : - the place and the time when we may confidently expect just such marvellous manifestations of the Grace and Power of the Holy Spirit from on high. .Let us keep on praying and believing. and we shall see even greater things than these. It is the normal workings of the Spirit of Pentecost, at the end of the Age. in the ends of the earth.

It was all of the Spirit.

It is not wild fire.

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OUR FIRST MISSIONARIES TO THE WISSEL LAKES, DUTCH NEW GUINEA

'Tinis number oi Th? Pioneer contains two articles about Dutch New Guinea. They are written by our two missionaries, Rev. C. Russell Deibler, and Rev. Walter &I. Post who have by now reached the Wissel Lakes.

Late in 1938, after our Alliance Conference a t Makassar, by which Conference these two missionaries and their wives were appointed to this new work, the two brethren set forth on their difficult and dangerous undertaking. the two ladies remaining in Makassar for the time being. At Ambon, hall way across to New Guinea, and the Government seat for all that eastern Netherlands possession, they met and consulted with the Dutch authorities. W e are gra:eful indeed for their friendly help. No: only state officials, but missionaries of the Dutch Protestant Church, were also most cordial and helpful.

On a Government steamer, th: missionaries proceeded t o the southwestern coast of Dutch New Guinea, and landed at the little port of Oeta. the day before Christmas.

They both expected to go up the trail to the Wissel Lakes, but it proved possible for only one of them to make the trip. T h e chief difficulty was in getting native carriers. to carry food supplies up the trail. Carriers for only one man were available. and then only sufficient to carry enough supplies lor him to stay at the Wissel Lakes for a few days. Which of the two was to go, and which to s t a y ? Specially made heavy boots are required for the trail. and more than one pair are usually needed to go and return, the trail is so rough. Only three pair were to be had, provided by the kindness of Dr. Cator, the Assistant Resident at Fak-fak. These fitted

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Mr. Deibler. and did not fit MI. Post ! So the one whom the shoes fitted was of course the one to go.

MI. Deibler. his carriers, and a number of field police. were eighteen days on the way from the coast to the Lakes.- three by water, and fifteen days on the trail. T h e trail. hardly worthy of the name, is new. It had only been used a few times before. N o wonder the native carriers did not want to go. Several carriers had died under their burdens on a previous occasion. Not that their burdens were heavy, but because the road was rough. T h e Papuan is not accustomed to hard work anyway. Mr. Deibler's ,description of the trail in one word by wireless to Makassar on reaching the Wissel Lakes, was "dreadful". Borneo in comparison is civilized. Through swamps, over slippery rocks, around dangerous precipices, up steep stony heights. across several ranges of mountains, as high as 7.000 feet above the sea level. following the perilous trail, they went. You should have seen Mr. Deibler's feet when he returned, even after two weeks of rest. These are the real missionary "beautiful feet" of Romans 10 : 15.

But, the plateau, on which the three newly discovered lakes are located, and the strange peoples to whom the missionary was sent, was finally reached. Nothing seems to grow there, save a kind of sweet potato, and yet the people are healthy. The fact that Mr. Deibler lost 30 pounds while on this trip, speaks enough for the hardships involved for the missionary. But, the water is good, and the people are friendly. True, some of the Papuans are savage cannibals. T h e two tribes around the three lakes, the Zonggoenoes and the Kapaoekoes. are not cannibals.

The population of this region is as yet uncertain, but 10.000 have already been registered by the Government in the first year of contact with them, Another 50,000 are known, to be

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resident there. and there are probably many, many more. in yet undiscovered valleys. which might easily make a population of a million. if other parts are as populous as those already discovered.

The two missionaries returned to Makassar for further con- sultation and more supplies before making another trip. One thing was clear, - they must have their own carriers. The Lord had already shown us that Dyak Christians From our work in Borneo were the right men for this rough work in New Guinea. No time was lost. Mr. Fisk soon secured 20 truly born-again Dyak brethren, who volunteered to go to help in thh work in the new field, and it was not long till they were in Makassar. and all ready to go. On next page you will see a picture of these husky fellows. Look a t them, and pray for them. They have gone as "burden-bearers" For the Lord Jesus. A farewell meeting was held in the Gospel Tabernacle in Ma- kassar, and the Dyak brethren sang a Gospel song in their Dyak language, to their own weird music, which thrilled us all How their Faces beamed, whm the whole congregation solemnly raised their hands in pledge that they would hold the ropes of prayer. as they descended into the pit.

Three student-evangelists volunteered to go with :he mis- sionaries. One of them is a Dyak. From the same part of Bor- neo as the twenty carriers. One is a Batak from Sumatra. (The Batak people were wild men not so, very long ago.) T h e third is a native of Ambon, who is something of a builder. One of the first tasks on reaching the Wissel Lakes, will be to build temporary houses for the missionaries and native workers. When the houses are built. Mrs. Post and Mrs. Deibler are ready to go forth to join their husbands in the work there.

Another trail to the Wissel Lakes is in process of develop- ment. It is from the northern coast of Dutch New Guinea.

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W e need not ask you to pray for these two missionaries and their wives, for the three native student-evangelists, and for the twenty Christian Dyak carriers. We know that you will do so. Let u s prevail in prayer, till the Spirit is poured out from on high, and Christ is born into the hearts o€ thousands of these newly discovered Papuans. These may be the very last tribos to hear and accept the Good Tidings and be saved, eic thc Laid JESUS shall return.

THE NEED OF A HYDRO-PLANE

W e have already in previous numbers of The Pioneer re- fxred to this for the work in Borneo. W e have also felt that it was God's solution to our New Guinea problem. How are we to reach these remote, inland peoples most speedily and s2f:ly ? The inventions of the age keep pace with missionary enterprisc. Shall the missionary enterprise keep ,pace with the inventions of our day 1 Or shall we lag behind the modern advance of our day ? What missionary of to day would think c5 p i n g to the foreign field in a sailing vessel, as the mis- sionary did a hundred years ago 1 If a steamship is available, it is natural and right, in the will of God, to use such, and so save the time. Do we use telephones, telegraphs. the wireless, air7,ail letters. motor cars, the radio, for the progress of the Go:,pel?

One of our missionaries. Rev. George E. Fisk. has a pilot's 1icense:having trained while at home on furlough a few years -yo. He has also a license from the Dutch Government to fly in the N. E. I. Another pilot is ready to come out with the hydro-plane. It is possible that the same plane may serve both in the Borneo and the New Guinea fields. Let no one think that there is just a foolish desire to fly like a bird ! Some of us prefer deci,dedly to keep our feet on the solid

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W h y not a hydro-plane ?

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ground, but we are~willing to fly. if it is His-way for us to speedily reach the lost. We want above all else, to bring the Gospel message to the last tribe and people. and hasten His return. Men are flying, prospecting for gold and for oil in New Guinea. W h y not the missi'onary seeking lost souls ?

Is i t dangerous? Yes, perhaps. But so are the rapids of Borneo, and the trails of New Guinea. In the last analysis it is a matter of trusting our God to keep us whether by land or by water or by the air,- and the dangers of the latter are small compared with the former. There are rapids in Borneo, which we dare not ask our lady missionaries to ascend. there are trails in New Guinea, over which it would not be right to ask them to walk. But, they may comfortably make such trips by air. The whole question of supplies is also solved by the use of a plane, whether in Borneo or in New Guinea. Let us pray that His will may be done, and His Kingdom come.

Hydro-plane used by the Government in Exploring interior New Guinea

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HINDRANCES IN m I m H NORTH BORNEO

The Governor of British North Borneo at fust gave pesmis- sion to open missionary work among the Moeroet and Tagal and other Dyak tribes inland from Jesselton, but now the permission has been withdrawn. T h e Lord is able to open cIosed,doors, and we ask special prayer for this new lield, and for Rev. and Mrs. E. H. Mickelson at this time.

SIGNS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

A telegram and then letters from the Meltzers about the "Sound of a going" in the Melawi district, Wes t Borneo. have greatly encouraged us in 'prayer. The new Melawi field is not cnly a great oiie from a standpoint of area and population, hut there seems to be an openness of heart on the part of the Dyaks of that part. as they hear the Gospel message for the first time. There is promise of this being a very fruitful field also. We are planning to send more native student-evan- gelists there. just as soon as they are available. Let there be believing prayer for Melawi.

The Island of Soembawa has not yet yielded a harvest. Our good Chinese brother, Pastor S. W . Chue, has just arrived in Makassar. When he arrived he looked like a very sick man, but he is steadily gaining in strength. Praise God, He reports the first visible sigm of the Spirit's working in both of the two cities of Bima and Soembawa-besar, and also among the mountain people in the central part of the island. It i s another "Sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees'', a sign of victory, and a call to "bestir" ourselves to prayer.

Pastor Chue was a pioneer missionary for seven and a half

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years in Saigon. French Indo-China, and a self-supporting Chinese Church is there today, as a testimony to his faithful ministry. He was the first to respond to the call to our new work in the N . E. I.. and came to Makassar as the first resi- dent missionary, after the white missionary had made trips to "spy out the land", as it were ; but, before any of us Alliance missionaries were resident here. After seven years' patient toiling in the beginning of things here, he took up the work in Soembawa, and has now been there three years. Please pray for him and his family, and also for the Island of Soem- bawa. that many souls may be led to Christ there.

THE KCOBOOS

On the lamented death of Dr. Paul Rader, we have been asked by the Courier Mission, which has been working in Southern Sumatra for a number of years, to take over that work. T h e main feature of that work. is that among the

A n old bahiored modc of transportation. T h c old uely Water-ox. the f:>fh- ful aervanr of man in most of t i e r e Far Eastern l a d s

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T H E P I O N E E R jungle race called the Kooboo people. of whom 500 have been brought to Christ. This Kooboo work is largely the result of the tireless toil of Mr. Hubert Mitchell.

These people are among the most degraded races of the world. They are however, simple-minded. and willing to hear and believe the Good News of Salvation. They have a simple im,plicit faith in the Lord Jesus. and when born again, and their lives transformed, they are all the more glorious in His eyes. W e have had four of our student-evangelists working in Southern Sumatra for the past four or five years. It is a great challenge ; and "a great door and effectual" is opened before us ir. So,uthern Sumatra. Besides the Kooboos. there are other aboriginal'tr$bes of the jungle to be reached. Please add this great opportunity to your prayer list.

THE CHINESE CHURCH A T MAKASSAR From the Report in Chinese of this Church for last year we

translate the following items of interest.- A new Primary School for Boys and Girls has been started in the Chapel at Muur Straat. with an enrollment of 35. The teaching is done voluntarily by Chinese Christians in Makassar. no salary being paid. There have been some remarkable cases of healing of serious sicknesses in answer to prayer. One backslider was reclaimed, by the Lord giving a remarkable &earn. Fifteen new converts were baptized during the past year. The offering of the Church amounted to Guilders 317.04. or about E!75. The Pastor is Rev. Y. K. Tse.

. * *

HERE is a remarkable prophecy. inspired by the Holy Spirit about 700 years before Christ,- "Behold, these shall come from far I and, lo, these from the north, and from the west : and these from the land of Sinim." (China). Isaiah 49 : 12.

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T H E P I O N E E R

A DISCOVERY - WHAT DOES IT SAY TO US?

By Rev. Walter M . Post --- The days of great explorers are well-nigh gone. Naturally

we associate great and important geographical discoveries, with their accompanying accounts of heroic adventure and intrepid courage, for the most part with early explorers such as Columbus. Magellan. Cook, et. al. These men sailed the mighty seas with their small, frail vessels, under the most difficult conditions, and with tremendous disadvantage as compared with discoverers of the present. Not that we have no great explorers today, or that they arp lacking in courage and daring. Not a t all. Our century can boast of illustrious men, who in heroism and valour, are not a whit behind those old veterans of bygone days. But with modern inventions and conveniences to alleviate the hardships, and with im- proved means of travel to hasten them on their way, presen:- day explorers have had their task greatly simplified. With the advantages thus accorded him, the white man's conquest has taken him to the remotest corners of the globe. so that very few places remain to challenge him.

Among the few remaining parts which are still unexplored are certain sections of the interior of New Guinea. A long, rectangular island, shaped like a large bird, it is the second largest island in the world, only Greenland being larger. A long range of mountains runs parallel to its length, with snow- capped peaks rising to a height of almost 17,000 feet. Dutch aviators have flown over some of those hitherto undis- covered areas and have seen rivers, lakes, mountains. forests, sma l l tracts of land under cultivati'on. and large stretches of

24

T H E P I O N E E R

marshy, uninhabitable jungle. While merchants and colonizers have lived for several decades in coast villages. and mission- aries have been working for seventy years along the coast, large blotches of white arc stiil to be seen on the map, indi- cating sections which are yet unknown.

In 1937, a Dutch army officer named Wissel flew over one of these unknown areas. and from his plane espied three large 'lakes, nestled in the mountains, not more than 80 or 100 miles from the coast. They are now known as the Wissel Lakes. This discovery led to the sending of an expedition later to find the Lakes, and. if possible, any mountain pcrple li.~;:ig near them. The expedition was well equipped with policemen, coolies, s+pplies. food, etc.. but owing to the lack of competent guides, failed to reach their objective, though contact was made with interior tribes still living in tt.e stone age. of whose existence little or nothing was known, and who appeared to be,quite friendly.

A Papuan Oaramsa of hk- Guinea. Hia hair is matted

A h mud. H i s mind beeloud-

ed w i t h generations of

pent i t ion . His heart burdened with the wueight 04 a liic oi sin. T h c i i ss ianaricz are on ihEir way tabim. When the Light break- in an [hie:-heart. oh whzt a :change thcre-wili be in his face !

25

T H E P I O N E E R

A second expedition, starting out two months later, suc- ceeded in reaching the Lakes, the largest of which was found to be 15 miles long and 12 wide, and situated almost 6.000 feet above sea level, with the surrmounding territory well populat- ed. W e glean the f,ollowing interesting facts concerning the people of this region from the report 01 the leader of these expeditions, Dr. W. J . Caior, a Dutch government official.-

The striking contrast between the two races inhabiting this area. the Zonggoenoes and Kapaoekoes. impresses the visitor deeply. The former, though fewer in number, is the stronger race. Not only are they taller, more robust in stature, and lighter in the color of their skin, but also in their free, easy manner of approach, they are far in advance of the coarser Kapaoekoes. They consider themselves superior to all other Papuan races. The Zonggoenoe travels more, works less, is more warlike : the Kapaoekoe. however, is more inaustrious, is greatly attached to his fields, is a better agriculturist, and threatens more. without actually engaging in a fight.

At the approach of the white man, the Kapaoekoes. having lost their timidity, began begging for cowrie shells (a kind of seashell used as currency in Dutch New Guinea). then bartered for food. whkeas the Zonggoenoe displayed a dignity and pride which kept him from advances ol that nature. The latter would say to the white man. " W e are equal, we are the s m e , the Kapaoekoes are inferior". They consider them- selves equal to the white race. Both Zonggoenoes and Ka- paoekoes paint their faces with red coloring, making horizontal or vertical stripes. especially on their foreheads. They are also accustomed to boring holes through the nose, and in their ear!obes, in which tusks from pigs, round pieces of wood, etc. are inserted. Other than these, and a few other such decora-

26

T H E P I O N E E R

tions. their attire is quite meager. Thus far are excerpts from the report.

As a result of these expeditions, the Dutch Government has established a post a t the Wissel Lakes, with a European offi- cial, a Javanese doctor and radio operator. stationed there. Since their coming they have begun a registration o't the population. To date, 10,000 have been registered, though the population of this district has been estimated at 50,000. It has been suggested that if the other valleys in the interior of New Guinea are as well populated as this one. there may be almost a million inhabitants yet undiscovered. This, however, is merely a matter of conjecture.

Several months ago, on our way to New Guinea, we made our first contact with t h e Zonggoenoe, when we discovered that two of them were traveling with us on the same boat. J hey were returning to their home after having been brought to the island of Ambon by a government official. who had made an airplane trip to the Lakes. It was striking to observe how these two bushmen, taken suddenly out of their stone-age civilization. and transplanted into that of the twen- tieth century with all its modern improvements and inven- tions, reacted to such a change. While in Ambon they wore western clothes. rode in an auto, listened to the radio, spoke over the telephone, saw moving pictures, and were shown all the conveniences of modern life. They surprised everyone by taking it all as a matter of course, exhibit'ng little or no astonishment. Per- haps we are not so wonderful. after all. in spite of our modern inventions !

The discovery of new races is becoming so rare that it makes good front-page news for the daily paper ; it provides something new for a sensation-seeking world ; i t may absorb

27

r l

It seems to be one of the ironies of life.

T H E P ~ I O N E E R

the attention of the scientist in his thirst for knowledge. But how does it affect the Christian - WHAT DOES IT SAY TO US ? New knowledge brings new responsibility. T h e finding of these people is more than interesting news to the Christian ; it means another race must be reached with the Gospel, that the task of the Church is not yet finished. We cannot content ourselves with merely observing these people with the casual indifference of the tourist, nor even to study them with the interest of t h e ethnologist ; we have an obli- gation and a duty to discharge - a command to carry out. W e must point them to our Saviour, and share with them the wonderful blessings of our salvation. T h e Lord Jesus must also have representatives from among the Kapaoekoes and Zonggoenoes to make up the people for His Name which H e is taking out for Himself from among the nations of earth.

Papvan w o m e n . S C E

the weight of earring3

and bcada w o r n aa

eaodluek charrna.Note the troubled lookin the

eyez. Pray thar our

women mielioorrier.

Mn. Walter Post and Mra. Runacll Deibler. may loon be ablc LO go 2nd tell &em af the

Loveof theLord ] e m .

and thc Goqd that

bring. pence toC the .O"l.

28

T H E P I O N E E R

New Guinea can be called a land ot opportunity. Lom- mercial enterprises and scientihc expeditions are penetrating interior sections at several points with a view 10 opening up the resources ot this vast island to the world. in the norm, the horthern New Guinea Oil Co.. backed by the Standard Oil Co. and Royal Dutch Shell, is spending millions of dollars prospecting for oil ; in the south vast sums of money are being expended by a gol'd-hunting expedition ; in another section an American millionaire is financing a large group of scientists gathering knowledge of the flora and fauna ot the island ; Japanese firms are likewise busy looking for oil and lumber.

Truly this is Gods day for the evangelization of interior New Guinea. On trips which have been made to the coast, and into the hinterland thus fas, the Lord has led in a most definite and wonderful way, giving us favor not only with government offici'als, but also with leaders of the Nether- lands Missions in this area, without whose help we would have been seriously hindered. Had we tried to enter this island a year or two before, we would have found the doors closed. Now they have been swung wide open. I t is a God-given opportunity! It is a challenge which we dare not let pass or slip away ! W e must enter now !

A REMINDER

The Pioneer comes to you free. It is the gift of an Alliance missionary of the N. E. I. to you. If you value its message, and desire its visits to continue : and want to help its future ministry. your contribution will be welcome. Address.- R. A. Jaffray. Editor, The Pioneer, Makassar. Celebes. N. E. I.

29

' F k E P I O N E E R

PIONZERiNG AMONG PRIMITIVE PEOPLES

Rev. C. Russell Deibier

Centuries ago an intrepid explorer, passing the shores of a large island in the South Seas, saw the black natives. and thinking them much like those of African Guinea, called the island, New Guinea. Papua is the name generally used by the natives when relerring to the Island ; however, geograph- ically. it apphes to only a part. New Guinea is the second largest island in the world. and like very few other places. has a vast unexplored interior. Doubtless the reader has Iearncd from the papers of recent discoveries of hitherto unknown places and peoples in the hinterland of this island continent. Foremost, among other newly discovered places, were three lakes, subsequently named Wissel Lakes, toward whose peoples our interests and prayers have become

Papusn boatr .cn, For what

Z ~ C t h c y looking 80 eagerly ? For the Mcmreerr of t!w

Gorpd of P c r c c ? H o w can

they hear without a Preacher?

H o w can they preach except

they be sent?

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T H E P I O N E E R

directed. These lakes were , first sighted from the air in January, 1937. In November, of that same year, an overland expedition actually reached the Lakes, nestled in a mountain plateau. Here were found two new tribes of Papuans. who were still living in the Stone Age and had had absolutely no contact with the outside world. A further expedition was made to this area in December, 1938, the which I had the privilege of accompanying, and thus the missionary followed close in the wake of the discoverer.

Leaving Makassar by steamer. Mr. W. Post and I traveled eight days to reach the coast of New Guinea. At the small coastal village of Oeta, we managed to engage a few carriers, though not sufficient for both of us to make the long overland trek. Consequently, MI. Post remained behind. and the writer joined the Government expedition traveling to the Lakes.

THE TREK

The day after Christmas, we began the trip which was to occupy the next eighteen days. We traveled for one day by motor boat, and then two days by canoe up the shallow river. At this poin:, as the river was no longer navigable, we were compelled to abandon the canoes, and begin the trek over- land. At the third, 0'1 base cam,p, we^ spent several days weighing our supplies and packing them in oil tins. I had seven carriers, none of whom codd carry, over this difficult trail. more than two tins, weighing twenty five pounds each. Nine OF the fourteen tins contained food for the carriers. thereby cutting my own supplies to a positive minimum.- a change of clothes, and a few blankets, but no bed. My diet was of the simplest and lightest. consisting of rice, small green

31

T H E P I O N E E R

peas. and dried. salt fish, not a very appetizing diet, but a very sustaining one.

The second day of January, we began the overland trek. Each day found us over another mountain range, and some days, we crossed two or three. Every afternoon and evening, it rained. Our shelters leaked and therefore, our .clothes were always wet. The higher we climbed into the mountains, the colder it became. The carriers cried with the cold, and we shivered with disapproval. The trail was an ill-defined one, stdded with sharp rocks. which tore a x shoes into shreds, and wounded our feet. Every night, the .,carriers, staggering under their loads, wcre helped into camp. On a former expedition, six mrriers died on this same trail. W e climbed around many steep precipices, and forded many swift streams. lastly crossing a rattan suspension bridge, span- ning the Oeta river. Thus we arrived in the heart of a populous plateau. We were then among one of the two tribes inhabiting the Lake district.

By river, we traveled the last three hours of the eighteen ,day journey, and which brought us to the largest of the three Iak,es, Lak,e Paniai. This lake. 15 miles long and 12 miles wide, was so rough that we did not venture to cross it until a late hour of the night, after the winds had died down. Af- ter a perilous crossing, in the dark, we made camp on the opposite shore. Another canoe, carrying my. luggage, was driven against a rock and sunk. Fortunately, my luggage, though water soake,d, was later salvaged.

PEOPLE

In the days that followed a t the lake, I had an opportunity T w o tribes, .to study the people and their manner of life.

32

1 ' H E ' P ' l 0 ' N . E E R

the Zonggoenoes and Kapaoekoes, inhabit this tableland. though not in peace. Occasionally. they use their bows and arrows on those of the other tribe, who venture to trespass. Both tribes are of the usual Papuan type with black skin and kinky hair. They are of good physique, though some of them are short enough to he classed as pygmies. These people a re almost entirely clothesless. though th'e climate is very cold. They are seldom ill. probably due to the fact that the usual tropical diseases are not prevalent at this altitude. Their appearance is at times frightening, a s many of them wear huge. white pig tusks through the nasal septum. Most of the men are bewhiskered, and both hair and whiskers are fre- quently matted with mud. Bathing is not practised by them, Saturday nights, not excepted I

Young Pnpuan of New Guinea.

The earrings are charm. to

ward off the attack. of evil qir i ta . Heathen religion8 COD-

siat entirely of human eHorra to avoid ae much as paasible the dreaded affliction. of the dcvil. Bur. God3 Srlsntion ia "nct of uorL". Only the Blood of the Lamb can save

these children a& give thcrn peace.

33

T H E P I O N E E R

HOMES

These mountain dwellers live in scattered homes of the .crudest of architecture. Rarls, split with stone axes, serve as building matexial. and a thatched roof, shelters the family from the continual rain. There is not an article of furniture in the house, nothing but an open fire place in the center of the room. These jungle men are polygamists, so each wife has her own indix-idual house. I have never seen such .poverty stricken homes among any people. How far removed from a home adorned by the Christian graces are these ! When will Christ become the head of ::icse homes, .and the Friend of these friendless peo;ilcs 1

FOOD

These tribes people, who have such fine physiques, con- .tradict the laws of the ablest dietician, Their food consists simply of sweet potatoes, which, for lack of cooking vessels, .are roasted in the coals of an open fire. There are no fruits in this area and no wild game, though occasionally. the natives kill and eat one of their many pet pigs. These razor- hacks are as much loved as their children, and I have seen the grave of a favorite pig b,etter ornamented and kept than that of a near relative. The scarcity of food makes mission- ary work among these people most difficult. W e are obliged to carry, at a tremendous expense, to this distant and almost inaccessible place, almost every mouthful of food we eat.

THE STONE AGE

These tribes, discovered in November of 1937. were with- ,ou t any contact with an outside world. They are a most primitive people, living still in the "Stone Age". Their

34

T H E P I O N E E R

implements. few as they are. are made of stone, and only recently have they known the use of steel. In this advanced age of the Go8spel, how strange to find a people still dwelling in the Stone Age.

CLIMATE

These three beautiful mountain lakes are almost six thou- sand feet above sea level. This half of the Island of New Guinea 1s under Dutch coniroi, and composes a part of the Indies ; however, the climate is similiar to that of Australia. I t is very cold at the Lakes, and a heavy daily rainfall adds to one's discomfort. The temperature varies little in a day, w:th a maximum of 64' a t noon and a minimum of 56' a t night. The natives, though clo,thesless, seem accustomed to the cold ; however. at night they sleep close to a blazing fire. This is a very cool climate in comparison with the constant and extreme heat of other parts of the Indies.

UINIQLIE MONETARY SYSTEM

While nations of the earth are changing from gold to silver

Pygmy8 of Ncw Guinea. Thia race

haa o d y recently bceo discovered.

The have lived. aecludcd in their imtcdor ju& homca. unknown to thereat of theworl?. But. they are human beings. rcembcra of our brothera. nod they

8s much enritlcd to all the riches of grace and glory in Christ Jems as w e are.

35

HE P I O N E E R

standards, here is a newly discovered people whose mone- tary system has remained unchanged throughout the cen- turies. Instead of the clinking sound of filthy lucre, high in this mountain tableland, one sees a semblance of greed in the eyes of these dark natives at the sight of a small and valueless cowrie shell. These sea shells seem to have been a part of the currency of the Island for many centuries. It is indeed interesting to find them here. traded across miles of Papuan mountains from the sea where they belong. The shells appeared to me to be alik,e, and valueless ; however, to the natives they were true or counterfeit. With a single shell one can buy a half bushel of sweet potatoes, and With forty shells a pig or a wife : they are alike in value. Money is useless among these primitive people, but a few cowrie shells will do wonders.

STRANGE CUSTOMS These Islanders have known, and been known, but a single

year by an outside world. However, they have. for cen- turies, grown and been addicted to the use of tobacco. The mystery of mysteries is how these people ever became acquainted with the filthy weed. In 1937, the explorer found these people, and in 1938. the missionary. However, I sus- picion that years before. Sir Walter Raleigh or one of his agents of the tobacco industry visited them ! These Papuans roll their own cigarettes in a dry jungle leaf about six inches long. This lengthy cigarette is carried in a puncture in the ear lobe until desired. Instead of inhaling the smoke from the end of the cigarette, they draw lustily from its side !

The custom of shaking hands, I believe, is very uncommon among primitive peoples. Nevertheless, among these moun- tain dwellers. it is practised. Upon meeting. a friend will

35

T H E P I O N E E R

place his crooked index finger between the crooked index and^ second fingers of his friend, and both simultaneously with- draw the hands thus producing a snap. The louder the noise thus produced, and the more often repeated, the more certain are the signs of friendship. It is an interesting practice, but decidedly irritating to the finger joints.

Old Egypt could have learned a few things about preparing mummies from these newly discovered tribes. The common people of the villages are usually interred ; however, not so,. with the tribal heroes and honored chiefs. These worthies are not defiled with the earth upon which they have lived, but are mummified and placed in small, elevated houses. I saw one of these ancients sitting erect in his skin and bones. his flesh long since dry, in the mausoleum that the villagers had erected for him. How much longer must these, who are "dead in trespasses and sin" wait to learn of the Life Giving Saviour 1

Here the dead bury not their dead.

RELIGION

W e have always heard that man is a religious being, and we a,dd,- "some more and some less". Most of the primitive peoples, whom we have known, are of the "more religious'' type : however, these mountain people seem to be of the "less religious". As yet. I do not know enough of these people to be a judge of their religious life, as that is not the first thing one learns about a primitive people. I am. convinced how- ever that theirs is a decidedly negative faith. religious ceremonies, and no images, though there is a semblance of reverence. if nmot worship, for their honored and mummified d,ead. God grant that this shall prove a fertile fieEd for the sowing and growing of the positive seed of the Gospel.

They h a d few^

37

T H E P I O N E E R

PRESENT DIFFICULTIES Doubtless. we have never attempted a more difficult piece

of missionary work, than the one to which we now bend our efforts. The Island of New Guinea is considered one of the outer islands, or remote places of the Indies. Further, the Wissel Lakes, except by plane, are most difficult of access, being located inland ovm a series of mountain ranges The trail overland is the m'ost difficult and dangerous that I have ever traveled. The bitter cold of the high altitude, coupled with the heavy rainfall, makes the trip almost unbearable. T h e greatest problem that now confronts us is that of the trans- portation of food supplies. As there is no, food, other than sweet potatoes, to be found at the Lake, our entire stock must be carried from the coast. Papuan carriers. for the overland trek, are difficult to secure, and when used, are very unsatis- factory. Due to the rigors of the trail, no carrier will shoul- der more than 50 lbs. : consequently each man during the trip eats two-thirds of his load, leaving little to replenish our larder.

Natives of New Guinea. Will thcy C V ~ T hsur thc Goo2 Newa. W i r m on the Lord Jeaua. svll an tne Name of the Lard and be saued? 'The answer i. with you. How can they hear without a Prezeher ? H o w can they preach

except they bc sent?

3s

T H E P I O N E E R

PROMISE AND PROSPECT Were it not for the wealth of His Promises, and the en-

couragement they bring, .these difficulties would seem insur- mountable. How fitting is His New Year's Promise. given Lo us on this recent trip. - Joshua 1 : 9, - "Be strong and of good courage ; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed : for the Lord, thy God, is with thee whithmsoever thou goest." How greatly we need this courage and strength for the days which lie just ahead ! This very month of March, Mr. W. Post and I plan to return to the Wissel Lakes, to establish a missi,on station there. Accompanying us are 3 native work- ers, from the Bible School. and twenty Christian Dyak car- riers. from OUT work in Borneo. These carriers will assist us in the transportation of supplies to the Lakes, so are no less missionaries than ourselves. Our first duty will be that of building a native house in which to live : and then follows t h e difficult task OF learning an unwritten language. Here are ten thousand known people. and rumors are, that behind this barricade of mountain ranges may be found still more. and yet stranger peoples. "Is it nothing to you" that these tribes. who live in the Stone Age. are living also in an advanced day of the Gospel Age, and never have heard of Christ 1 May God help us in this " l a b ~ r of love", and you, in a fervent min- istry of prayer, that ere l'ong these newly discovered people may themselves discover the Saviour of men. May this new pioneer advance challenge us anew to give our all. that these tribes may learn too of His Salvation.

t f t

Just as we go to press a wireless message is received from the Government Station at the Wissel Lakes, telling of the safe arrival of our missionary party. W e thank God and take courage.

39

T H E P I O N E E R

CONFERENCE BLESSINGS

in the N. E. I.

By Mrs. Harry Post

Previous to opening of Conference much prayer had been made that a definite blessing from the Lord might be poured out upon everyone in the group. Truly He answered, for the presence of His Spirit was graciously manifested from the very beginning, and throughout the gathering.

Every morning during Conference a prayer service was conducted from 6 : 15 PO 7 : 00 A. M. Each day's session was started with a devotional period at which a missionary spoke. Special messages in song were given which refreshed our hearts and blessed us greatly. Mr. Jaffray spoke a t the first of these devotional hours, giving his testimony of how God had undertaken For him while at home, and marvellously spared his life, thus allowing him to return to us once more. W e praised God with him for this miracle of healing.

Mr. Deibler spoke on "The Lord's Return and the Need of Watchfvlness". taking his text from Mark 13 : 35. He pointed out that the Jews divided the night watches into four parts, and then he likened them unto four distinct periods o,l world history in which the Church has been watching for the return of the Lord. Among the points of emphasis was that of the watchfulness of the Apostles and the Early Church in regard to the return of the Lord. H e closed by showing how Christ will come in the "last watch", and exhorted us to be ever ready and watching.

Taking his thoughts from I Peter 5, Mr. Konemann brought out that "God'wants us to shepherd the flock willingly. not by force : not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." He

40

HE P I O N E E R

gave particular stress to the characteristics of a true shepherd, dwelling upon the fact that Christ is the "Chief Shepherd", and that in order to be t rue ensamples we must humble ourselves, cast all our cares upon Him, be sober and vigilant in the task given to us.

From Hebrews 10 : 38 Mr. Mickelson gave us a talk on the danger of "drawing back" in our lives and work and vision. Many let past failures and weakness affect them, o r the uncertainty of the future sway them in their taking advance steps for God, whereas God wants us to go forward on our knews trusting in His Word which never fails !

Mr. Walter Fost brought us a message on ,.God's call to a liFe of Faith." ,,God wants to do things for us, and we don't have the faith to believe Him,'' said Mr. Post. He cited the many cases of unusual faith on the part of the Dyaks and urged us to foll,ow them in their simmple faith 'in God, as we enter new fields with the Gospel. He further pointed out how that to the natural man, faith for the impossible is not rational, but to the spiri,tual man, faith in God's power to do the impossible is logical.

W e were exhorted by Mr. Brill to seek a fresh revelation from God such as Isaiah recorded in Isa. 6. The prime necessity for the Christian worker is to keep his eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ. From the words "high and lifted up" Mr. Brill showed us bow the Lord Jesus sits above everything else, and that He too must have the uppermost place in our lives. Isaiah's vision opened his eyes to a lost Israel,- simi- larly a new vision of God will .give to us a true conception of lost humanity.

"Behold. I have set before thee an' open door" was the content of Mr. Presswood's message to the Conference group. Leading thoughts from this portion of Rev. 3 : 8 which he

41

T H E P I O N E E R

presented. were the iact oi h e open door of knowledge, of iaith, of intercession and of service. It was impressed upon us by our brother. that we must boldly enter these open doors in order to fulfill God's plan to spread the new-s ol salvation the world over.

Frcm 11 Cor. 2 : !4 Mr. IWrouw declared the truth of the complete iiidmph which I S ours in Christ Jesus. He laid great emphasis on the word "always" in this particular verse, poincins LU: that in Christ there is never defeat. W e learned also t k : t wh:le a man may see a measure of triumph in his service. :here is nevertheless the possibility of his being defeated in his persona! life. Lessons were drawn from the iivzs cf nored Old Testament and New Testament characters.

While in each messase there was frequent reference to the important place of the Holy Spirit ia our ministry and life, tour messages were largely devoted to this subject. Mr. ;affray broucht to our attention chat prayer must precede the outpouring of the Spirit. and also the part that humbling ourselves has in the preparation for the outpouring of the Spirit. HE illustrated the foregoing from the thirty-second chapter of Isaiah. The meeting on'the day of Pentecost we learned, was not a dignihed meeting: according to our con-' ceptions, but it was remarkable for the mighty power of God. W i t h the outpouring of the Spirit, souls are saved quickly' and easily, because salvation is in the atmosphere. "Today", said MI. :affray, "the Spirit of God is being poured out in the far distant and out-of-the-way places of earth where people have never heard. Therefore, we can expect wonderful things to happen when WE go to the remote tribes and nations. became we are in the place where the Spirit is being poured out."

Though 'Elisha was referred to as the one "which poured

, , ,

42

T H E P I O N E E R

water on the hands of Elijah" as recorded in I1 Kings 3 : 11. Mr. Meltzer told how Elisha was a distinguished man, be- cause of his being anointed by the Spirit. W e noted further that "the Word of the Lord was with him" as related by Jehoshaphat. An earnest appeal was made that we too be likewise definitely anointed with the Spirit.

Mr. Harry Post talked to us from an incident in the life of Samson given in the 14th chapter of Judges, verses 5 and 6. Just as Samson met the lion with "nothing in his hand" so do we, humanly speaking, go forth to battle in the enemy's territory with nothing in our hand. But. just as the Spirit of the Lord "came mightily upon Samson" to give him triumph, so will the Holy Spirit come upon us, "the feeble things of this world". as we yiel'd and believe, to give us a triumphant ministry.

"The Holy Spirit alone is responsible for what has taken place among the Dyaks", said Mr. Fisk. The major emphasis of his message was on the warnings of the Apostle Paul in Eph. 4 : 30 - "Grieve not the Spirit", and in I Thess. 5 : 9 - "Quench not the Spirit". Reference was also made to the prayer of David in Ps. 51 : 11 "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me". The sensitiveness of the Spirit to discontent. mur- muring. gossip, exaltation of self was made very plain.

In addition bo the Bible messages, reports of the work in the respective districts were given by each of the missionaries. As accounts were given of souls that were added to the Lord, we were inspired and encouraged. On the other hand, the mention of difficulties and opposition stirred all present to accept the challenge of prayer and faith.

Ohe evening service was given over especially to testi- mony. The old hymns of the church and favorite Gospel Songs intermingled among the testimonies were sung spon-

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taneously and with deep feeling. while we gathered 'round' the open fire place, with only the glow of dancing flames to give light. It was an unusual service, and all were melted by God as one after the other rose to testify to Divine faith- fulness and power.

The Missions Conference closed with the observance of th2 Alliance world wide day of prayer. It was a very fitting conclusion to the entire session. One by one over fifty requests were presented and brought to the Throne of Grace in united and definite trust and faith. In the evening of that day several missionaries were anointed for healing, while united supplication was made in their behalf. In the same service we gathered 'round the Lords Table to remem- ber His death. It was the last of three communion services which were held during the Conference. This fellowship 'round the Lord's Table was a real benediction to each one. reminding us afresh of the price and purpose of the Cross. ParticularIy were our hearts Joyful to contemplate the promise contained in the words "till He come'' which are given in connection with the Lord's Supper.

W e przise God with all ocr heart for this Conference, and for what it will mean to u s in the coming days, - the treasured memories of fellowship in the Word . in prayer. in testimony and in praise.

We are reminded of the exclamation of the Psalmist,- "Behold, how good 2nd how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity !" Our Conferences can be held but once in a year and a half. because of the high cost of trans- portation, making it financially impossible to come together oftener. These holy convocations are therefore the more precious.

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GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

By Miss M . M . ]affray

The year 1938 was a very prosperous one spiritually in our Women's Bible School in Makassar. God has heard our prayers. and supplied our needs in many wonderful ways, and as a School we have thanked Him and praised Him from our hearts for His goodness to us. During the year out entoll- ment was approximately 45, single and mxried women. Among these, there are many whose experiences would be of interest to olir readers, but we wish to tell of only two, whose tesbmonies are of special interest.

Leletta, when a young girl in her early teens, was heart and soul for the world and its pleamres. She was haunted by a young boy, who persisted that he was going to marry her. T h e parents strongly opposed the youth, and Leletta most decidedly did not love him. When however, he found that his efforts were futile, he tried other measures, and finally resorted to sorcery. The whole family was affected. and for many months they lived in constant distress. The father was stricken with peculiar sores on his back which resembled huge carbuncles. Leletta herself was afflicted with tremendous weakness, and pains in her limbs which resulted in fainting spells, and peculiar spasms during which times she lay unconscious sometimes for hours. The boy, who was thus taking his vengeance upon the famiIy disappeared. only to haunt them further with his evil practices of black art. Leletta and her father called for special prayer in their home. Pastor Pouw and my father prayed definitely and believingly for them.

One day this lad walked into one of our services in the

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Gospel 'Tabernacle. and was saved. Forthwith he confessed his sins, and told about the family whom he had wronged. But. the affictions of the family continued. Each t ime one of these carbuncles would become so painful that he felt he could not longer endure it, the father would call for prayer, and accordingly the Lord delivered, and miraculously the carbuncles opened. In this way the family was saved, and Leletta became a student in our Bible School. T h e Lord definitely touched her body, and has called her to witness for Him, and to tell of His saving grace manifested toward her. She is now engaged to one of our prominent native workers, and is looking forward to serving the Lord in Bor- neo. At times the enemy tries to afflict and tempt her, in bringing back her former illness, but Jesus is Victor, and has manifested this fact in her body.

* . * Aminah is of Chinese ancffitry, and has grown ~p amid

the worshiping of idols and of family ancestors. As a child she pondered much on her family religion. and as she grew older more and more it brought dissatisfaction to her heart.

One day when Aminah was about 16 years of age, two of the student-evangelists from Makassar Bible School came to Bangka, her island. and opened a chapel where they preached and held meetings. Aminah attended these meet- ings. though under much opposition from her family. When she publicly announced to them that she had accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour and that she would no longer bow down to their family idols, her parents were furious. and made various threats if she did not change her foolish- ness. Aminah locked herself in her room and there prayed. asking for courage and strength to stand true in spite of hatred and opposition. She then became very ill. and her

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parents immediately told her that her sickness came as a punishment to her from the gods. But Aminah did not believe what they told her, for the peace and joy in her heart told her differently. Instead she sang over and over the new songs she had learned, and witnessed about the Lord Jesus to those who came to visit her. many merely out ot curiosity. When she recovered, her desire was to follow the Lord in baptism, for she heard at the Chapel that a missionary was passing through the island and there was to be a baptis- mal service. Her heart failed her when she thought of broaching this to her parents, but she dared not be baptized without their knowledge. After committing it to the Lord. she bravely faced them, and told them of her dicision to be baptized. Though at first they were furious, yet suddenly they calmed down, and very meekly told her to do as she liked.

Aminah had heard much about the Makassar Bible School. and a deep desire had sprung up in her heart to study God's Word . She heard that a missionary was now on his way to Makassar, and the L,ord told her "you are going to go to Makassar with him to the Bible School." Naturally, this seemed impossible, for how would she ever secure her parents' permission. and be allowed to go away so far from home? Nevertheless she committed it to the Lord, and waited for Him to work the miracle, and do the impossible for her, as He had'already done before. T h e missionary arrived, Ami- nah was baptized, ansd the following day accompanied the missionary enroute to the Bible School in Makassar.

Aminah was one of our most prominent girls last year. Her life in the school these two years has told for Christ, and she has had an influence on her fellow students for the right. Her heart burden is for her family and friends a t her

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home who know not the Lord. and for souls about her for whom she is responsible and must give account. This year she is out in practical work in Borneo. Pray for her. and her companion in their work of witnessing for Christ, for they are among the first women evangelists to be sent out from our Bible School into the field.

New Directory of Alliance Missionaries of the N.E.I. as per recent Conference appointments

Makassar. Ladiangiroewrg. 77, - Rev. R. A.and Mri. ]affray Celebes. N.E.I. Rev. J. W. and M n . Brill

M i s s M. E. Kemp Miss M. M. JafFray M i s s P. R. Secly

Ampenan. Lombok. N.E.I. - Rev. W. and Mrs. Konemann Balai-Sepoeak, Ivm Ponrianak and Sekadaul W e s r Borneo.N.E.1.- Rev. J. A. and Mrs. Mouw Nanga-Pinoh (via Pontianak and Sintang] Wesr Borneo. P.i. E. I. - Rev. J. C. and Mis. M e l r t e r

P. 0. Box Z28. Singapore, Brirish Malaya - Rev. P. W. and Mrs . Fleming Je~selton. BritishNorrh Borneo - Rev. E. H. a n d Mrs. Mickelson

Long-Berang, via Tarakan and Malinau, East Borneo. N. E. i . - Rev. W. E Presswood

Doelongan. East Borneo. N.E.I. - Rev. G. E. anti Mrs. Fisk Rev. J . F. Willfinger

Mclak . via Sarnarmda, East Borneo, N. E. I. - Rev. H. W. and Mrs. Post New-Guwea, (No address yet. c/o Headquarters. Makassar) - Rev. C. R. and hilrs. Derblti

Rev. W. M. and Mrs. Post O n furioogh, c/o 260 W. 44ch. Sr. New York. U . S. A. - Rev. G. and Mrs. Woernei

Rev. H. A. and Mrs. Dixon Miss L. F. Marsh

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"GREETINGS FROM BORNEO"

By Reu. John F . Will[inger

W e begin with Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6 : 18-20 : .'Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. and watching thereunto.with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ; and [or me, that utterance may be given unto me, that 1 may open my mouth boldly. to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which 1 am an Ambassador in Bonds."

As I take up my new work in Borneo, I realize my need of vital prayer, on the part of the saints of God in the homeland. that my mind and heart may be enlightened, in order that I might make known to these poor benighted people, the

mystery of the Gospel", even "Christ in us, the hope of Glory". W e are workers together with God in the fdlow- ship O F the Gospel, and as you pray, we will succeed. You are in a sense the spiritual thermometer of our missionary endeavours. W e rejoice in the victories already won, but realize that there is much land yet to be gained.

W e wish first of all to thank Him for a safe and happy journey across the Pacific to Hongkong. In spite of very inclement weather and a rough, billowy sea, God saved us that terrifying, traditional malady called sea-sickness, not having had even one day of discomfort on the whole journey. W e had ' the privilege of dealing with several young people on the ship, who were taking a cruise around the world. Pray for them that God will save their souls.

Upon arriving in Hongkong. we found that we would have to wait two weeks for the next boat to Makassar. SO we settled down to our fate. but. through some Christian friends and workers we were asked to speak on a few occasions. So

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we feel our stay was not wasted, although there was anxiety in our heart to get to our field. But God is never late no'r early. but always just on time. It is sometimes hard for us to learn this lesson, because of our impetuous and impatient proclivities. Finally. we boarded the boat for Makassar, and enjoyed the delightful cruise through the Islands of the Sea. Everywhere was tropical foliage and trees in profusion. My heart couldn't help but rejoice in the God of nature, Whose artistic Hand, planned and produced this beautiful tropical fairy- land ; and I asked Him to grant that the beauty of Jesus would be as apparent and as attractive in my life to the Dyaks of Borneo, as this natural tropical beauty was to me.

I was greeted in Makassar by our beloved chairman. Mr. Jaffray, and a few other fellow-missionaries. In my heart there was a mixture of strange, yet happy feelings, as I set my foot on shore. After the customary round of introduction we went to Mr. Jaffray's home, where we met the rest of the missionary group, and had breakfast.

W e will not go into detail. except to say that after spending a busy week of preparation in Makassar. we sailed for Boe- longan. where we were met by Bro. Fisk. and our dear Bro. Presswood. with whom I have been appointed to work. After spending a few days with the Fisks in Boelongan. Bro. Press- wood and I took a motor launch to Tarakan. We had to spend the night there, and then sailed again in the morning for Malinau. The trip has been a series of transfers from ship to ship, each vessel gradually getting smaller. But now the excitement was to begin. At Malinau we transferred a11 our goods and equipment to "bliks" (kerosene oil tins) for the trip up the Sesajap River into the interior. You can imagine m y anticipation and suspense as I waited

for these "Dyak Longboats" to come down stream. Finally

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they came, and I ran down to the bank of the river, where i was.cordialiy greeted by the Dyaks. There, I was initiated into the privilege of seeing my first native "prow" (boat) I took it in with a glance. There were two boats with a crew of twelve Dyaks. The boat is a hollowed out large tree trunk. and is about forty feet long, and three feet wide at the center. i immediately set to calculating in my mind the possibility of loading ail our supplies into those small "prows", and I confess that I thought it quite an impossible task. Upon inquiry however. Bro. Presswood told me that th?y had a capacity of 1,600 pounds each. So 1 breathed a sigh of relief.

The next day we loaded the Longboats and began our journey upstrear?.. i t was a very beautiful trip up 2 narrow. winding, swift river. T h e Dyaks have to push, pull, and paddle for all they are worth. with the aid of overhanging trees and sunken logs. or any other object Dear enoush to be utilized. moving slowly, foot by foot upstream.

Scxly, God overshadows His servants, as they make their way up over the danaerous rapids and other obstacles that float by on the swift. c'escending current. But in one's heart is the quiet assurance that "when thou passeth through tile waters. I will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not ob-erflow thee." Hallelujah, it is a privilege t3 go any- where at afiy price, to bring in that last sheep.

This little article is being written in a Dyak longhouse along the river bank, while we are waitinq over the Lord's Day, to csntinue our journey upstream. W e have had two services with the Dyaks, living in the longhouse, and our boatmen. Pray that God will enable m e to soon learn the language so that I can give the message of life to these dear peoDIe of Borneo.

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