The S. S. Serpa Pinto, a Portuguese liner on which we crossed the Atlantic from Lisbon to New York, pulled slowly into Staten Island. We had been awake several hours before we saw the magnificent lights of our great metropolis. A song of thanksgiving to our faithful Lord welled up in our hearts for many journeying mercies. We avoided press photographers and reporters, and hurried to the gangplank, for the long delay in docking had wearied us.

There were deep regrets, too. We had hoped to land in Africa. But since permission to reach Tanganyika Territory had been denied us, we thanked God for bringing us to our free America. Rev. S. Hjalmar Swanson, our warmhearted executive director, met us at the pier. His smile of welcome and his news about our children and other dear ones whom we had left in America cheered our hearts. He sensed our keen disappointment in failing to reach our needy mission field, but he assured us that God was using our misfortune to arouse the churches in both Africa and America.

When we arrived at the Lutheran Home for Women, faithful friends gave us another warm welcome. Christ seems to dwell there in a special sense which even the little children noticed. We praise God for this Christian home. After purchasing some clothes, we were not so self-conscious about appearing in public.

The same kind friends who had bade us farewell in March gave a reception for us in the Bethlehem Church, Dr. Gideon Olson, pastor, in Brooklyn. We marvelled that such busy people, with a vast mission field at their door, could take time to minister to needy pilgrims.

After the service we boarded the train for Jamestown. Though our little four-year-old was sleepy, he made friends with the congenial conductor, and asked, "Mr. Captain, do you sleep on the top deck, too?"

Many friends had gathered at the station in Jamestown to greet us. The other passengers were deeply impressed by the greeting song which our friends sang for us as we descended from the train. Willing hands had prepared a feast for us in the parlors of the First Church, Jamestown, Rev. Constant Johnson, pastor. In the evening another large, thankful crowd filled the church and gave thanks unto God for the mighty works He has wrought in Africa and other mission fields. It seems more fitting to praise Him for freeing captives bound in sin, for bringing sight to those both physically and spiritually blind, than for delivering us from the enemies which rose up against us.

Upon reaching Chicago, the next evening, we were privileged to gather again in the Messiah Church, Austin, Rev. T. L. Rydback, pastor. The enthusiasm for the extension of God's kingdom was even higher than the weather thermometer. We thank God for the representatives from this congregation who are carrying the glad tidings of salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.

We were unprepared for the royal welcome back to our home city, Minneapolis, Minn. Our daughter Doris, and our son Daniel, were residing in the city of our birth. You can imagine how our hearts thrilled to see our children, as well as brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, Grandma Johnson, pastors, and other friends at the depot to meet us. Our dear Messiah Church opened its doors to us, and friends from far and near gathered to hear the welcome greetings from Dr. P. O. Bersell, president of the Augustana Synod; Mrs. Daniel Martin, president of the Synodical Woman's Missionary Society; Dr. Leonard Kendall, pastor of our own Messiah Church, and our simple testimonies.

Rev. C. Vernon Swenson, pastor of Gustavus Adolphus Church, St. Paul, and the Woman's Missionary Society members of the St. Paul District feted us again Sunday evening, June f29. Friends from Oregon and California were present to thank God for answered prayers. We believe that God who makes all things work together for good to those who love Him has made the sinking of the Zamzam work for the salvation of souls and the extension of His kingdom.

I do not believe any one word has sounded more wonderful to any group of wanderers than that one word "home" to us nineteen after sailing the Atlantic for two months, traveling in Europe, and then crossing the Atlantic again. What a joy this time to see the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of New York, as on June 24 the S. S. Exeter brought us again to the shores of our homeland, the shores we had left just three months before. For many of our fellow passengers there was the "welcome home" from the wife or children at the pier, for others it was the parents, sisters or brothers, or even grandparents. That crowd at the pier plainly bore evidence that many were again receiving their loved ones as from the dead. We were so happy to see Rev. Swanson from our Mission Board there to greet us. A brother-in-law was also there.

No sooner had the S. S. Exeter docked than we were spotted by radio men, newspaper reporters, and news photographers, all trying to get a real news story. We were eager to get off, and the children did not enjoy these interruptions. From experience, too, we knew that try as hard as you may to tell the story correctly, the printed report is never like the oral. How we would rather just have slipped into oblivion, and yet here was a wonderful opportunity to testify of God's saving grace, His deliverance which was nothing short of miraculous, and His love and care for us all! God alone hath delivered us, and His be all the praise and glory. Without His intervention our lives would long since have been among the "unsung dead."

We did not need to reach the homes of friends and loved ones before we realized what anxiety and concern had been theirs. Beneath it all, we read God's providence, care, love, guidance, and His plans in all things. How we rejoiced for the many prayers God answered in the care of our loved ones those days! It was interesting to hear how the news had been received by communities less affected as to relationship, but women gathering in the backyards weeping and talking of the Zamzam, and praying in their hearts, was no doubt quite a general picture. In schoolrooms some teachers said it was like a funeral that first day, little classmates would not be comforted that all would be well. The best news was of the prayer services called in our behalf at different churches, and loved ones interceding as they worked. It seemed that with the gloom there was still a ray of hope with most of them. How I rejoiced that the hours of suspense were less than two days! In my own case, it required much grace from God to just wait until my husband's letters started arriving from Africa to learn what he had actually passed through. I knew it would be a real ordeal for him. I had received a cable, yes, two, in Sintra, so I knew that all was well, and I thank God that He saw him safely through, that as his day was, just so God had supplied the strength to meet that day's trials.

Home again! What a relief just to unpack suitcases, and not be packing and unpacking again for a season. I did not reach my goal, Africa, and coming back here is not coming "home" in the true sense of the word so long as "our daddy" is not here, but both he and I feel so rich in that God saved the jewels for us. I can not be disappointed in God's appointments for me and mine. Someday we'll read the "why's and wherefore's" of this last experience. Until then we just abide in His will, knowing that Jesus doeth all things well.

The greatest gratification through it all has come when friends have told us they have been blest spiritually through seeing God's hand in it all. A big shower of beautiful letters from new friends in the Lord has come, letters praising only faith, fortitude, and what God hath done. I would like to share a poem a friend sent me the other day which really expresses my innermost feelings now at home. May it truly be said of us that we were "saved to serve."

Boarding the Serpa Pinto at Lisbon, June 1, 1941.	Mealtime on the Serpa Pinto. Twenty-nine passengers lived, ate, and slept in this room (16x24) for eleven days	Arrival at Jamestown, New York. Velura Kinnan, Esther Olson, Dr. and Mrs. Norberg and three children, Rev. and Mrs. Johnson and two children, and Dr. S. Hjalmar Swanson.

Monday morning, June 30, the S. S. Excalibur reached the outer New York Harbor after a good voyage from Lisbon. There was a heavy fog that morning, so we were obliged to move very slowly as we entered the inner harbor after taking on our pilot. Many Americans, who had been away from home for a long time, were lined up on the port side of the ship, hoping to get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. A large number of refugees from war-torn Europe, coming to America for the first time, were also in the group on that side of the ship's deck. "There she is!" We beheld her, veiled in the morning mist, and it seemed that we could almost hear her speak a word of welcome. Thank God, we were home again!

No sooner had our ship reached its berth, than a group of newspaper men came aboard. Rev. and Mrs. Williams and I, the last remnant of the Zamzam missionary group, were surprised to find ourselves cornered, pictured and questioned. We had thought that by now the story of the Zamzam was too old to be news. In the customs' shed I was pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Karl Slotte, of the New York Lutheran Home for Women. He brought me to the Home, where I found letters from my loved ones, the first word of any kind from them to reach me in nearly three months. How good it was to sit down there in the peace and privacy of our Lutheran Home to read letters from wife and children, from parents, brothers, sisters, and friends! The friends in the Home did everything in their power to make me comfortable, as they also did when we were passing through New York City last March to leave for Africa. Mother Evald spared no effort to anticipate our every need.

At the first opportunity I called at the Lutheran Church House, where the Lutheran World Action has its office. Here awaited a very pleasant surprise. Immediately upon entering the office, Doctor Long read to me a letter just received from the director of the Leipzig Missionary Society of Germany. The director was informing the Lutheran World Action office of the reaction of missionary circles in Germany to the news of what had happened to the missionaries on the Zamzam. He stated that a representative of the missionary societies in Germany had pleaded with the Nazi government for our speedy release, so that we might continue on our way to Africa. This was good news, indeed.

"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love.
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares."

It is needless to state that I took the first westbound train available after the interviews at the Lutheran Church House in New York City. A message brought me the good news that my dear wife would meet me at her parental home in Illinois. I was deeply grateful to God for His care for us, as I saw my wife and three of the children at the station in Moline. After a brief visit with relatives, we started for our humble home in the Ozarks, where the other seven of our family were awaiting us. After an all-night drive we arrived at Springfield, Mo., early in the morning of Sunday, July 6.

Here I must draw the curtain. The memories of that morning I can not write about. United as a family once more about the family altar, our hearts sang praises to God, from whom all blessings flow. The Lord, our keeper, had preserved us from all evil. He had preserved my going out and my coming in.

When the crushing news came to us here in America that the S. S. Zamzam was lost with all its passengers, we naturally thought of our missionaries in Africa, especially Pastors Danielson and Olson. Had they heard about it, too, and just how much had they heard? How long was their time of suspense?

Apparently their experiences were similar to ours. Their thoughts naturally turned to the fellow worker, who, as it then seemed, had suffered the most tragic loss. Natives as well as missionaries endeavored to be of comfort. We count it a privilege to share some of the correspondence which came to Pastor Elmer R. Danielson.

May 19, 1941

DEAR ELMER:

Many thanks for your kind letter received this afternoon and for your sympathies in this hour of bereavement.* But what are my sorrows compared to your overwhelming sorrow now? We can not find words to express our own sorrow, too, at the probable loss of that precious cargo on the Zamzam.

We heard the news over the radio just by chance this evening, and we were just paralyzed and so overcome we did not know what to do. Miss Lindbeck and three of the teachers happened to be present, and we could only bow our heads before our heavenly Father who knows best, and commit to Him you who have been bereft and the others who have perhaps gone on before. Alice and I share with you with bleeding hearts this overwhelming sorrow, and may God in His mercy strengthen you as never before, and comfort you as none of us can.

Yet, there need not be all hope lost, since the news, though quite detailed, held out hope by its indefiniteness. It is not known definitely whether it was a submarine or a raider. In fact it was mentioned that some were rescued and on board a German raider, sixty Americans altogether, so it was stated. Even if many lost their lives, God in His mercy may have spared your loved ones and you may yet see them here in this world.

May our Saviour enfold you in His arms and fill your soul with comfort and peace in this very dark hour. Let us also remember the thousands who have suffered in this war, women and children, in London, Belgrade, and many other places.

Yours in deepest sympathy,

MILAN
(Milan Lany)

* Mr. Lany had recently lost his father.

May 20, 1941

Commit thy ways unto the Lord: Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass. Psalm 37. 5.

DEAR BROTHER DANIELSON:

That "It," which the Lord our God has permitted to come to pass, and which He still is permitting to continue, is covered with deep and heavy clouds, so that our eye can not see, and we are forced to "walk by faith and not by sight." But we know that beyond that heavy cloud, there is also the proof and manifestation of His great love.

You, dear brother, more than any one of us, must be shocked and deeply burdened, but we also know that you will be specially favored by our dear Saviour's help and strength in this time of need.

"In pastures green," not always, sometimes He Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me. In weary ways, where shadows be. Only for this: I know He holds my hand; So, whether led in green or desert land, I trust, although I may not understand. And more than this: where'er the pathway lead, He gives to me no helpless, broken reed, But His own hand, sufficient for my need. So, where He leads me I can safely go: And in the blest hereafter I shall know Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.

It was an awful shock to hear that terrible bit of news last night. My radio was not working any too well, and we were just listening casually, when the words "Steamship Zamzam" struck our ears. Well, we stayed up most of the night trying to find more on the radio, hoping for more news from American stations, but we could not get anything more.

We know that the precious human cargo aboard that ill-fated vessel was in God's good hands, and "His hand is not shortened" that He can not still do miracles. We wait and pray for such a miracle of His love.

I feel optimistic that all is well and that in God's good time we shall receive the good news. But our sincere sympathy goes out to you, especially during these burdensome days of waiting, for there is nothing quite so hard to bear as uncertainty.

Our prayers will go up to the throne of grace. Jesus Christ, our Saviour, will hear, and He will "not leave us, nor forsake us." His grace is sufficient for all our needs.

In sincere love and sympathy, my wife and daughter join me.

Jesus will be very close to you at this time.

Your fellow workers in Jesus' name and service,

A. C. ZEILINGER

May 20, 1941

To Dear Pastor E. R. Danielson

DEAR MASTER:

I have much sorrow to hear the bad news about the missionaries, what happened to the ship they were on. I have heard through Mama Engelmann today in the church at the ninth hour (3 P.M.). That same hour (immediately) I went out from the church to come to you, to see you, but Mama told me I should not go, and that is why I write this letter, that it may be the same as if I were with you in your sorrow, in this great trouble.

1. I thought very much, but I have not knowledge (do not understand).

2. 1 have looked very much, but I can not see.

3. I know one thing only.

4. I see one thing only.

5. That one thing is: God only, He knows.

6. God only, He sees.

I pray my God and your God, our God and their God, that He may supply all your needs in this matter, that He may comfort you in this great sorrow.

May God give strength in this your trouble, Bwana (dear Master).

TEACHER YESAYA ARONI

For Rev. E. R. Danielson

REVEREND.

Greetings many because of the love of our Lord Saviour.

Master, I have fears and I have doubts because I have received news that Mama and the children are not in this world now. Now I want to know if it is true that they are not in the world now. I loved Mama. I wish that we may see them living, Mama and the children. It is not true, is it? Mama and the children, have they left this world?

I have been sick these days, pains and sores in my feet. I can not walk much and that is why I do not get much news or many words (reports). Just so Mama and the children are well!

I greet you very much. I would like very much to see you, but I am a little ill (i.e., can not come). God will help because of His love. I am your former cook, Msengi Kitundu.

NAGUNIKA KITUNDU
Kiomboi Mission Station.

May 20, 1941

American Consul
Nairobi, Kenya

DEAR SIR:

Forgive the unsteadiness of this letter.

After being up all night with a young Scotch miner in delirium from blackwater fever, the news was broken to me in the morning that the radio last night and this morning reported that the S. S. Zamzam had been sunk by enemy action.

On that ship were my wife and six children. Friend, the blow is too great. I can not believe that they are gone. On the boat were also Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Norberg and three children, Pastor and Mrs. V. Eugene Johnson and two children, Pastor Hult, who left his wife and children in the States (as I did last year in face of the Italian threat), Miss Esther Olson and Miss Velura Kinnan, teachers on their first assignment to Africa. There was a large number of American missionaries and Red Cross workers on board.

What can be done to find out for certain what happened? Are they on a raider? Were they all lost? This is too much for me to believe. Will the State Department press for news with undiminishing vigor, and let me know every result?

It is impossible for me to face you with all that is surging through me, but it won't take much imagination for you to understand that I am about broken to pieces, as I see helpless, innocent little kiddies, and the bravest little mother and wife on earth, going through hell's ordeal, and I, the husband and daddy, not there to help them.

Every tiny bit of help and information you can get for me to solve this just too overwhelming tragedy will be appreciated beyond all measure in words.

Ironically, some of these workers were coming to help supervise the tremendous mission fields of the German societies, which are now under our superintendence for the duration of the war.

Respectfully yours,

E. R. DANIELSON

May 23, 1941

DEAR FELLOW WORKERS:

Yes, what a shock to be listening rather complacently to the radio and then hear right out of a clear sky the tragic news of the sinking of the Zamzam! How our hearts and prayers were united in our little mission group, and not least for Pastor Danielson. No one can imagine how difficult it has been for him these days. Dr. Moris and I had planned to break the news to him in person. He had, however, spent that night in the care of a young miner at Msigiri, suffering with blackwater fever (subsequently he died), and Dr. Moris broke the news to him there at Msigiri. It was almost more than he could stand. And so a tremendous load has been lifted from him and us all as the reassuring news has come over that same ether that they are safe, and still with us in the land of the living. Our "Kyrie eleison" has been changed to "Te Deums" and "Alleluias." We have been reminded of the word in Hebrews of receiving our own again from the dead. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Let us keep on praying until we shall see our beloved coworkers with us here face to face. That will be a "siku kuu"!

A telegram was immediately dispatched to the Agency, S. S. Zamzam, Capetown, after receipt of the first news of the ship's sinking. A reply may come in the post this week end. By request a cable will be sent to the Board unless something comes from them with this post (i.e., a cable). There is not much we can do but wait and pray. We hope we may get more definite news soon. May the Lord deal kindly with them!

May the Lord continue to guide us with His counsel, and give us grace and wisdom to know and to do His will!

Faithfully yours,

GEO. N. ANDERSON

May 24, 1941

DEAR PASTOR DANIELSON:

I rejoice with you over the reassuring news that your loved ones and the other missionaries are safe. We humbly unite our feeble thanksgivings with yours. May the Lord continue to keep His merciful and blessed hands protectingly over them all.

I am sorry that we did not catch over the radio the name of the place where they were landed. Is it possibly the French islands south of Capetown? The Standard received tomorrow will probably give the name. They must be unable to cable or it seems we would have heard from them. There may be further news in the post tomorrow. Shall cable the Board as you desire, if nothing comes tomorrow. Just how should it be worded?

Sincerely,

GEO. N. ANDERSON

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 1941

DEAR DANIELSON:

I've wanted to write or to see you so badly these days, but words seem so futile. Our hearts and souls reach out to Him who knows all. Also we know He is the ever-present One. All things work together for good.

We have been fortunate in getting American news here. This A.M. says they might be released this week. I certainly feel that all are well. We know that you would like to share Lillian's work and responsibilities, but thanks be to God that Esther, Velura, as well as Pastor Hult, were there to help. God loves His little children so very much.

Just this, as carrier is in a hurry.

We pray always.

MARGARET

May 25th

DEAR FRIEND:

I haven't written you before, but not because I have not thought of doing so. Nay, one has felt as if God were, oh, suspending one's soul in prayer for you and for them, and constantly it is so. May God's abiding love, constant through storm and even loss, make all these sobering experiences spiritual exercises for all who are affected. We shall continue to remember them always in a special way until we know for certain they are all taken care of and safe back home or on the way out here. The picture of Lillian and those children has been so vivid in my mind these sore days. What must it be in yours! God continue to bless you with strength to carry on here, faith to calm the anguish within, and trust that they will be cared for though you can not be the one to do it. And just everything you need for just these days.

Please, if you are writing to her in U.S.A., in case they are brought back there, or wherever it may be, tell her that we are thinking of her.

Sincere greetings,

ELEANOR LINDBECK

May 6, 1941

FOR MY DEAR MASTER, WHO IS REV. DANIELSON:

Greetings in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

I have had much sorrow these days because I heard that Mama and the children have finished, in the sea. Now I hear that they saved them, and I rejoice in my heart.

I am here in the hospital these days, a little well (improving).

God Himself will guard them in His mercy on their journey.

I am your friend in the Lord,

PAULINA NYINGI

WEMBERE MISSION STATION
May 22, 1941

On Sunday afternoon, May 19, I was notified by Stan, Dr. Moris, that Mac at Kirondatal Mine had blackwater fever, and was sinking. I had just returned from a visit to a colony of uncared-for lepers. The mail came, but no news from my sweetheart as to where they were. But there was her airmail, saying that Swanson had just informed her (March 12) that her visa could not be gotten. "You must wait." There was mother's letter of March 24, saying she had seen Lillian and the kiddies the night before they embarked. But my anxiety is growing by bounds for tomorrow makes it sixty days since they left New York. Where can they be? They were to tell us when they reached Capetown.

Monday I was in the grip of restless forebodings. I got halfway ready to visit Mtemi Kingo at Shelui, but letters arrived from Ruruma and Kinampanda, requiring immediate answer. I almost went at noon, but it was terrifically hot, and I was not sure if the Chief would still be there. At three a courier brought Stan's note that if I wanted to see Mac I should come now. A case was hastily packed, and I went, arriving there at five. Miss Safemaster, Mrs. Ramsey, and Stan were there, all very tired. Stan had to return to Kiomboi. I stayed awake that night with MacDonald to help him, and to reach his heart a bit, if possible.

But Mac was delirious almost all night. He fitfully slept from three to three-thirty. It was work, physical, mental, spiritual, to keep him in bed. He responded to prayer, but he was not at ease in heart. It was a hard night for all.

The day dawned with sunshine, and the birds sang, but not for poor Mac. We prayed again, to which he quietly responded in a few moments of mental clearness.

It was still early, about seven o'clock, and Stan arrived. Miss Safemaster stepped into the sick man's room, and said Stan wanted to see me outside. Something was not right, my heart told me. Could it be---a fearful thought ran through my mind.

His face was broken in lines and tears, and his voice would hardly work. He had not slept all night. He took me by the arm, and fitfully said: "The Zamzam has been reported over last night's radio as long overdue, and it is feared it has been sunk by enemy action."

Who could grasp anything as terrible as all that in a brief moment? Moment by moment the anguish grew until my world was inky black. The bravest mother and sweetheart on earth, precious six little kiddies, innocent, helpless, all gone! My heart broke and cried out to God: "No! No! No! It can't be so! It is too terrible! It is too much!"

Somehow I drove to Kiomboi with Miss Safemaster. She took me to Elveda's home, and on my knees the soul's storm broke. Brave little sweetheart and six little kiddies, all I have on earth, gone? NO! I cried to our Father in anguish, they through hell's ordeal, and I, the daddy and husband, not there even to comfort them with a word or a touch! We, Elveda and I, drove to Ruruma in the daze of a tortured mind and heart to get more exact news. It is too terrible to believe! It is too much!

In anguish unbelievable, something lurked in the deeper recesses of my soul. Maybe it is not true; maybe the ship will come through; maybe they are on a raider; but, then what?

Somehow I could not believe our Father would permit them to be lost, and all in us work here.

But false hopes are dangerous. I want the truth. We came back to Kiomboi, and I wrote a letter to the American Consul at Nairobi to get me the truth.

Bitter, bitter thoughts against WAR! Why people tolerate this hell on earth! War has to go!

If it is true that my precious companion-in-life and precious kiddies, all dedicated to serve God with me, are gone, then I want to go. I do not think He would expect me to stay on alone. I would not be any good.

What hell that sweet woman and innocent kiddies must have gone through. Father, Father, Father! NO! NO! NO! It can not be so! It is too much!

And we have only sought Thy will. We separated, too, for Thy sake, but only for a season, not like this, never.

The Egyptian flag, what is that these days? Germany says the ship carried war materials. Would our State Department have permitted women and children to go on a ship, laden with war materials, which is always liable to be sunk? Who is it that is laying the lives of women and children on the altar of satanic greed?

Oh, why? Oh, why? The heart cries, and dark and bitter and agonized thoughts come and go fitfully.

The ray of hope shines through also, but, oh, how faintly!

I had been awake all night, and now came the first night after the news. What a night to face, except for a ray of light that came over the nine o'clock London broadcast that the American government had sent a note to Berlin asking the whereabouts of the 142 American passengers on the Zamzam. The "whereabouts," what does that mean?

With the help of medicine I slept some, but with the break of dawn, the anguish broke again. Visions of little kiddies drowning, being maimed, or killed, starving in little boats, separated from one another, cold, wet, thirsty, frightened, facing death, tortured in spirit and mind and flesh, lost on some forsaken spot, lost so cruelly, tore my heart, and I, their daddy and the husband of that brave, sweet girl and mother, NOT THERE! And we thought we were doing God's will when I came alone last July, leaving one another for Jesus' sake ONLY!

There is a ray of comfort, too, in knowing that fellow passengers would help Lillian and the kiddies with unlimited sacrifice, but I am the one who should have cared for my sweet wife and little kiddies, my own, my own from God. That is the anguish! Norberg and Johnson could be with their loved ones through this hell's ordeal, but mine went through ALONE!

The day of the 21st, Wednesday, arrived. But it was inky black to me. The zinnias outside the window no longer looked alive. The brilliant bougenvillia was also colorless. The sunshine was not true. Nothing was left for me. I might just as well have been a dead treetrunk as far as interest in life was concerned.

Lachman Singh, a Sikh, comes with eyes brimming with tears: "That mama is not dead. That mama and those children are not dead." Desai, another Indian, choked with grief could only say: "Mungu ike, Mungu ike." (God is there, God is there.) Do you call such compassion the compassion of heathen? As the news spread, congregations broke into tears, teachers were at a loss for words, and here, there and everywhere there was no sleep that night. It was a night spent in torn grief and crying to God. The news reached Ushola, as the teachers gathered, and Nehemia peddled fifty miles back and forth from Ushola to Ruruma to find out the truth. He did it in less than half a day, while the teachers waited for his return. Today Petro came thirty-five miles by bike to comfort me and to pray with me. A young African leader, removed from heathendom by less than fifteen years, filled with Christ's compassion and concern for mama, and the children, and me! He comforted me from the gospel, and in beautiful pleading with the Father.

And in the midst of my anguished tears, a still voice said: "There still is hope."

Word came about eight o'clock that MacDonald was sinking. They wanted me and Stan. I did not want to go, but a voice said: "Go!" Can I bury him when my heart is in anguish over my loved ones?

What peculiar circumstances under which to hear such tragic news. Coincidence? No, God guides things. They just don't happen, not matters like this.

Lillian would want me to go to Mac, and my little kiddies would want their daddy to help. I could not sit at Kiomboi all day. I would not be helping either my sweetheart or kiddies or Mac. So I went with all my anguish and torn thoughts and emotions.

Mac was unconscious and breathing hard. Poor boy, only twenty-five, dying, practically through neglect of self. We commit his soul to Thee, O Father, who knoweth him. He responded to prayer. A Bible was found among his books, given to him in 1937 by his pastor, when he first left Scotland for Africa.

But Africa, what do you do to these young, white men from Europe?

There was now a very sweet interlude in the midst of the pressing tragedies here in the bush of Africa. We baptized little Elizabeth Helena, the sweet baby of Mr. and Mrs. Wessels of Kirondatal Gold Mine. What a fine young Christian couple, clean-living, praying, conscientious, warm with human kindness and gratitude. By her daddy's bedside, sweet Elizabeth received the blessed baptism into her Saviour's life and love. It was a moment of heaven on earth.

We returned to Mac, and fifteen minutes later he passed into eternity.

His room was bare, a picture of mother on the wall, also of a sister, a few books, his clothes and traveling cases, that was all that was left by this young man, who lived in the bush near a tiny gold mine, employing three white men.

We took Mac by car twenty-five miles to Sekenke, the main mine. The grave was hard to dig. Time passed slowly. The body was being prepared in the center room of the Cuthertson house, and I was in a side room, preparing a message. I had already chosen at the first news on Sunday the story of Jesus and the widow's son, showing His compassion for the sorrowing, and His power over death. Was that His message to me, too, today?

The door opened, and Miss Safemaster entered, and joyfully proclaimed, "They're saved! They have been landed on French soil. Mr. Haman will tell you more. He heard it last night over the ten o'clock German broadcast." I stepped into the center room, where MacDonald's body was being prepared for burial, and while Haman and I put on Mac's clothing and shirt, Haman said, yes, the German news last night said the Americans were safe on French soil. So many emotions had spent themselves in me the past thirty-six hours, that I was dull. And could I dance for joy there at a funeral?

But where are they? French West Africa seemed to me the most likely place. More mental pictures disturbed me, of my wife's mental despair, and relentless tiredness of mind and body, of shortage of food and water, of heat and sickness in some desolate spot. But hope is growing. And I have a funeral to attend to. Hardly ever do these whites hear God's Word, and how I want to speak to them so that they will know Him.

At 7:15 o'clock we had the house service, whites and a few Indians together, gathered around a cross at the foot of the coffin. The service came to an end, and the coffin preceded us to the station car for carriage to the cemetery. As I followed, Mr. Fischer, a Belgian, a director of the Mining Corporation, took a hold of my sleeve, and said: "It is true. It has been confirmed by the Vichy Government that they are safe on French soil. I heard it at six o'clock."

We went to the burial ground, a mile and a half away, and by car and lantern light, surrounded by a sea of white and black and Indian faces, we laid Mac away. Stan and I sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth." A swarthy Jamaican, a gardener, standing by, joined in.

We got back to the Ramsey home, and someone said: "The London news is on. Let's listen. Maybe there is something." The announcer was already speaking, and it was nearing the end, and then it came clearly: "It is confirmed by the Vichy Government that 140 Americans have been landed at St. Jean-de-Luz on the Basque coast."

Joy, peace, yes, but where are the two missing ones, and who are they?

The wonderful hand of God begins to shine through the darkness. Oh, for a word from my beloved, that brave little wife and mother and my God-given kiddies! Grant it, Father, in Thy mercy!

When wilt Thou bring me to them, or them to me, to serve Thee together? Furnish me with the news which is lacking. Give me grace to be patient. Let me taste of the graciousness of uncertainty. Carry my loved ones in Thy arms like a Father. Protect them under Thy wings. They need it, O God.

Strange, on May 19 last year, Lillian and I and the children left Lindsborg for Africa, but had to turn back. On May 19 this year the terrible news of the Zamzam came over the air. Today, May 22, is my birthday. What a miraculous, divine present, the news of my beloved's and children's safety.

Father, Father, I thank Thee!

Passengers: American, 187; Canadian, 6; British, 15; North Rhodesia, 1; Bahama Islands, 2; Hong Kong, 2; South Africa, 5; Swaziland, 1; Kenya, 2; Belgian, 4; French, 1; Italian, 1; Norwegian, 1.

Africa Inland Mission:

Dr. and Mrs. H. Barnett, Kenya.
Rev. and Mrs. Roy F. Brill and five children, Kenya.
Miss Jessie Blanchard. Miss Ruth Burgess, Belgian Congo.
Rev. and Mrs. L. J. Buyse and two children.
Rev. and Mrs. W. Fred Fix and daughter, Tanganyika.
Rev. and Mrs. W. J. Guilding, Kenya.
Miss Harriet M. Halsey, Belgian Congo.
Miss Alice E. Landis, Kenya.
Rev. and Mrs. W. A. Mundy.
Miss Carol O. Turner.
Rev. and Mrs. J. Fred Young.

Assembly of God:

Rev. and Mrs. Paul E. Derr, Tanganyika.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude T. Keck, Tanganyika.

Augustana Synod Lutheran:

Mrs. Elmer R. Danielson and six children, Tanganyika.
Rev. Ralph D. Hult, Tanganyika.
Rev. and Mrs. V. Eugene Johnson and two children, Tanganyika.
Miss Velura Kinnan, Tanganyika.
Dr. and Mrs. C. Einar Norberg and three children, Tanganyika.
Miss Esther M. Olson, Tanganyika.

Baptist, National Convention:

Rev. and Mrs. T. O. Dosum and daughter, Liberia.

Baptist, Northern:

Dr. Dana M. Albaugh, executive secretary of Foreign Mission Board.

Baptist, Mid-Mission:

Florence Almen, French Equatorial Africa.

Baptist, Southern:

Miss Elma Elam, Nigeria.
Miss Isabelle Moore, Nigeria.
Dr. and Mrs. J. Paul O'Neal and daughter, Nigeria.

Brethren of Christ:

Rev. and Mrs. David B. Hall and two children, South Rhodesia.

Church of the Brethren:

Miss Grace Byron, French Equatorial Africa.
Miss Mary A. Engel, West Africa.
Miss Sylvia Oiness, Nigeria.
Miss Ruth Snyder, French Equatorial Africa.
Miss Ruth Utz, Nigeria.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams, French Equatorial Africa.

Congo Inland Mission:

Dr. and Mrs. Merle H. Schwartz, Belgian Congo.

Disciples of Christ:

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Edwards, Belgian Congo.
Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Henderson, Belgian Congo.

Norwegian Lutheran Church:

Miss Alida Agrimson, Belgian Congo.
Sister Olette Berntsen, Belgian Congo.
Miss Olga Guttormsen, Zululand, South Africa.

Presbyterian, Southern:

Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Morrison and two children, Belgian Congo.
Miss Dora Lena Reynolds, Belgian Congo.
Dr. and Mrs. Tinsley Smith, Jr., and son, Belgian Congo.

Presbyterian, United:

James P. McKnight.
Rev. and Mrs. Paul J. Smith, Sudan.

Progressive Brethren:

Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Morrill and two children, French Equatorial Africa.

S. A. General Convention:

Rev. and Mrs. R. Neilson Muir, Angola.

Scandinavian Alliance:

Mr. and Mrs. Irl McAllister, Swaziland, South Africa.
Miss Lydia Rogaisky, Swaziland, South Africa.

Seventh Day Adventist:

Mrs. H. G. Hankins, South Africa.
Miss Helen M. Hyatt.
Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Russell and daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Jenkins.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Johnson.

Sudan Interior Mission:

Rev. and Mrs. Walter A. Ohman, Anglo Egyptian Sudan.
Miss Mary S. Beam, Anglo Egyptian Sudan.

World Wide Evangelization Crusade:

Miss Rhodie Olson, Belgian Congo.
Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Steele, Belgian Congo.

Free Methodist:

Rev. and Mrs. Geo. A. Belknap and daughter, Belgian Mandated Territory.
Miss Mary Thompson, Belgian Mandated Territory.
Mae P. Armstrong, Portuguese East Africa.

Roman Catholic:

Rev. Father Robert Barsalou, Basutoland, South Africa.
Rev. Brother Raoul Bergeron.
Rev. Brother Gerard Boulanger.
Rev. Father Hermenegelde Charbonneau.
Rev. Brother Roland Cournoyer.
Rev. Father Bernard Desnoyer.
Rev. Brother Andre Fredette.
Rev. Father Phillippe Goudreau.
Rev. Brother Paul Juneau.
Rev. Father Joseph Laflamme.
Rev. Father L. Larivierre.
Rev. Father Aime Lavallee.
Rev. Brother Antoine Lavallee.
Rev. Brother J. E. Leo.
Rev. Brother Maurice Nadeau.
Rev. Father Gerard Paquet.
Rev. Father Pierre P. Pellerin.

Table of Contents