Page 249 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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Xiiii LECTLI) A RAM A II
in the lives of those around him, so he said to himself, “There nniM
be something better.” Then he recalled but faintly the remembrance
ui the lady missionary whom lie had heard preach and pray on the
street in his neighborhood years before.
Me accordingly began to inquire and found out what kind of a
person a missionary was and what kind of work he was doing, lie
heard reports about how charitable and kind the missionaries were.
It struck him forcibly that here we were, far from our own beloved
country and people, working for others, not for the money we received
but for love of them. Then he began to realize that there must be
something worth while in a religion that brought forth such unselfish­
ness and love. He came to us for investigation and instruction.
Under the guidance of Mr. Pennings, he read the gospels, and with
it Mohammedan criticism of Christianity, compared the two religions
in every way and decided for himself that he had found the true and
satisfying religion. He was very anxious to be baptized even though
the consequences meant separation from and ostracism by family and
friends. His confession that he was a follower of Christ would bring
persecution and contempt upon him at the hands of all Moslems. When
told this he astonished us with his strength of character and faith and
dear convictions of his duty as a Christian. And daily since his
baptism he has stood firm under persecution, separation front family
and friends and trials which only a Moslem can experience when he
becomes a Christian.
This illustration shows how Christ, through His Holy Spirit, is
working in hearts where seed has been sown. Our efforts may some­
times seem worthless, but, as in the parable of the Sower, some seed
falls on good ground and beareth fruit, while other falls by the way-
>ide, other upon stony places, and still other among thorns, from which
no fruit is gathered. And again Christ shows us that seed is often
>o\vii where we least expect results. Through the power of the
Holy Spirit which He sends, we find things accomplished which we
arc not able to fathom. And so from day to day we are impressed
with the fact that His Spirit is working silently but surely, often in
ways that we cannot understand, and accomplishing results which
we cannot foresee.
Shall we not therefore pray more for the Holy Spirit in our own
lives and in the hearts and lives of those about us, so that we can
accomplish greater things for His Kingdom? “For as many as are led
by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God.”