Fruit That Remains

Something to think about: We may never know during our time on this earth what continuing impact our lives have had -- here's an example of that:

For several years I have maintained a website, www.jackschislerstory.com, which has a photo slideshow, testimonies about the book: A Man after God's Own Heart-the Jack Schisler Story, and information on how to purchase it, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, print form as well as digital.

In January, 2015, I received a message through the website from a young man in Indonesia:

Darma Sola Fide, a school teacher, lives near Balai Sepuak where we were in Borneo. He is actually a Dayak, and said his great uncle was Guru Lombok, the Dayak leader that worked very closely with Dad and Mom-- Jack and Marian. He only remembered his relatives speaking of missionaries, Arthur Mouw and Jack Schisler, but knew very little about the history, being only in his late twenties.

                                              (Lombok, Marta, Marian and Jack--1950)

In doing an internet search of the name he remembered, Darma found my website, and was fascinated to see his own Uncle Lombok and Aunt Marta in those old photos. Though his English is limited, he was able to explain that the Bible school that Arthur Mouw and Jack had started there in Balai Sepuak is continuing to this day, though it was relocated to another town. The church at Ebenezer (Eben) continues in the exact spot, though it has been rebuilt four times, and is now a modern building. (Jack with Dayak pastor; first church building--1950; second, modern one--2015)

He shared his findings, including the photos, with the Dayaks there and found two elderly men who had only been children at the time, but who remembered my father. Darma also told me how there are churches, schools, health clinics, and thousands of Christians in the Belitang area of Borneo. “My people don’t know how the gospel came to us, and we need to know this history,” he said. “We need to hear this story.” The incredible thing is that he has access to internet and has an iPhone, which we find unbelievable, given the fact that in our time there was no electricity or roads—very little connection to the outside world, other than river-travel.

Since that initial contact with Darma, we have continued to correspond, including exchanging photos, some which I am including here.

My siblings and I have marveled at this connection—after 60-plus years; being able to catch a glimpse of “fruit that remains.” We so wish that our dad and mom, over there with Jesus, could have lived to see this, but perhaps God has allowed them to have a small peek from heaven at the harvest that continues after these many decades.

A further event to rejoice over: As a result of my brother, Ken’s contacts, there is someone who has been at work translating the book, A Man after God’s Own Heart—the Jack Schisler Story into Bahasa Indonesian—the fourth language. We believe it can be of great benefit to make this important history of missions and revival available to the Indonesian people, and particularly the Dayaks of West Borneo.

My thoughts regarding this is that "he who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." There are surely many tears shed during the planting of precious seed, but just as surely there will be a harvest--even if we don't live to see it.

She Walks Funny But She's Nice

During one of our seasons of living in Lima on furlough, Danny, who was around age five, was taking swim lessons that a friend arranged. She picked him up and brought him back most of the time, but once was unable to, so I went to get him. Danny excitedly wanted to introduce me to his swim instructor and took me around to the backyard swimming pool. He cheerfully announced, “This is my mom—she walks funny but she’s nice!” I’ve often thought that might have been a good book title!

On another note, in 1985—in the intense heat and humidity of a Paraguayan summer, following a period of discouragement from the many demands on my limited strength and mobility, I went to prayer and felt the Lord say:

“My child, rest in the Lord—I am your faith, I am all that you need. The enemy would rob you of my blessings by bringing discouragement. Resist him; praise me even in these difficult times for you. I know what I am doing. Someday you’ll understand. There are hosts in the heavenlies watching, observing you, and many here are viewing your life. You are a testimony to my work in you—and many are strengthened by your life.”

I pray and trust that has continued to be what people have seen – God's grace and sustaining power in keeping me going and giving me joy.