I am starting to dream about what I will do after the walk. Say about a year later - giving me time to plan. I have been thinking about walking or paddling to remote villages in Saskatchewan to teach the Word. That would be very dangerous as there is a lot of aggression in the north (we are told).
But blood sometimes has to be let to bring other missionaries and souls to eternity.
This poem was a favorite of John Stam. He and his wife, Betty were martyred in China I believe. It has been visionary for me.
This poem was written by E.H. Hamiliton, after hearing of the death of his missionary collegue Jack Vinson. Vinson was martyred in 1931 and showed no fear of death to his Chinese captors, telling them, "Kill me, if you wish. I will go straight to God.

Afraid of What?

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Saviour's face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash - a crash - a pierced heart;
Brief darkness - Light - O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven's rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not -
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that?


Esse Quam Videri,
Denise-Lucille DeGraaf
Esse Quam Videri is Latin for "To be rather than to seem."
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