SQJ Taipei

I just read a great book.

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Wow… I can’t believe that I’ve never heard of that book. It is EASILY one of the top 10 favorite books I’ve ever read. I can’t think of any other book I’ve read where I’ve felt such a close bond with the characters. My spirits were lifted when theirs soared… and I was surprised to find tears in my eyes when Stephen Kumalo found the trials of his life almost too hard to bear.

My recommendation: go to the library and check out and read this book ASAP.

The following conversation between an Anglican minister, Stephen Kumalo, and a friend after Kumalo returns to his village from Johannesburg is the latest Quote of the POSK.

–This world is full of trouble, umfundisi. (note: unfundisi means pastor)
–Who knows it better?
–Yet you believe?

Kumalo looked at him under the light of the lamp. I believe, he said, but I have learned that it is a secret. Pain and suffering, they are a secret. Kindness and love, they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering. There is my wife, and you, my friend, and these people who welcomed me, and the child who is so eager to be with us here in Ndotsheni - so in my suffering I can believe.

–I have never thought that a Christian would be free of suffering, umfundisi. For our Lord suffered. And I come to believe that he suffered, not to save us from suffering, but to teach us how to bear suffering. For he knew that there is not life without suffering.

Kumalo looked at his friend with joy. You are a preacher, he said.

His friend held out his rough calloused hands. Do I look like a preacher? he asked.

Kumalo laughed. I look at your heart, not your hands, he said. Thank you for your help my friend.

Friends… go get this book. You’ll be glad you did.