Page 167 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

NEGLECTED ARABIA

Missionary News and Letters
Published Quarterly
FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION AMONG THE FRIENDS OF
THE ARABIAN MISSION

Ali, A Follower of Christ
Rly. Bernard D. Hakken
P IlRHAPS to no other class of people are the great contrasts of
life brought out so clearly as they are to missionaries. Looking
round about us here in Arabia, we have the opportunity of seeing
how unequal and varied life is. On his arrival, the missionary is
immediately confronted with the great difference between this land
Hid our homeland in physical geography. Then the great difference
between these people and the home folk becomes apparent. After that i
ulK thing after another impresses itself upon the brain. Riches and
extreme poverty, simple wisdom and inexpressible ignorance, ancient
customs and methods of work side by side with the latest inventions
MInch have been recently introduced l»y the Westerner, all make them-
icltcs fell. Bui perhaps the greatest contrast of all which is brought
home forcibly day after day is the great contrast between the Religion
u( Love and the Religion of Law, the Religion of the Inward Soul and
the Religion of the Outward Act. This great contrast has been especially
jf|t by us in Bahrein these last few weeks through the conversion from
l>lum of a young man named Ali Bin Rushed. Let'me try to tell his
nory.
About a year ago, Ali came to our Bible shop and told the colporteur
tlut lie would like to know more about Christianity. What he knew had
ken gathered from the Koran and of course that was not much, but it
• as enough to convince him that Christ was the greatest and most
illustrious of all the prophets who had gone before, not even excepting
H((hummed. This, coupled with a knowledge of the moral corruptness
J Liam led him to inquire for instruction in Christianity. He was
gitcn a New Testament and various tracts for he, very fortunately,
iwuld read. Since that time lie has been given lessons very regularly
*4 Rev. Burnings and has continued to read the Gospel faithfully. His
»urk has been very conducive to Bible study as he has been a captain of
i will boat plying between Bahrein and other Arabian ports and many
*hcrwise idle hours were used for spiritual gain.
About three or four months ago his father sent him to Bombay to do
kXIIC buying for him and while there, Ali searched until he found a
lumcrt from Islam and had many conversations with him. There he
Bide his resolve to be a Christian and came back and notified Mr.
primings of his intention and asked for baptism. It was decided that
kc »hould be baptised just before Mr. Pennings left on furlough, but