Blood

By Mary Vee
Year: December 1900

Jonathan Goforth-41 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind and I are missionaries in China. 

We had set up a strong compound in the northern sections of China and offered teaching to locals. Many men and women came daily. Some walked from far distances to hear the stories.

Unfortunately, a rebellion broke out in China called the Boxer Rebellion. The Chinese people banded together, searching for foreigners and rather than chasing them out of the country, they murdered them. So many foreigners didn't have a chance to leave.

We'd packed our belongings and set out for Shanghai. It would take several days walk to reach the city. After walking a few days, we found a village with an inn. We were tired and the women begged for us to rest.

We paid for the rooms. Then, before we could settle in, a crowd gathered and threw rocks at us. We hurried inside the inn. The owner wasn't happy to have the rocks hitting his inn. He changed his mind and asked us to leave. 

I tried to get the twelve people in our group together and to get out of the city, but no matter what I did, I was stopped by a storm of rocks.

Rosalind and the children had climbed onto the wagon. She held a pillow like a shield to protect the children the best she could.

A villager ran close to me and drew his sword. He stabbed my arm over and over. I shouted, "We only want to leave!" 

But the blood from my injuries only encouraged the mob. One picked up a large rock and threw it at the back of my neck. I tried to hold my balance. My legs wobbled. I didn't know what to do to save my family.

A horse reared and whinnied. The rider fell to the ground. The man rolled himself to a stand and drew his sword.

With anger burning in his eyes he rushed toward me. My legs collapsed. All I could see turned black.

I think I was knocked out for only a moment because when I opened my eyes, the horses front hoofs still flailed in the air, keeping attackers away from me.

I pushed myself up, and flopped back to the ground. I tried again to stand. A Chinese man came close to me, his sword drawn. He whispered, "Get you family out of here."

He wanted to help? I could barely think. My eyes struggled to focus. I looked up at the cart and called, "Rosalind, get the children and follow me. Now."

The mob, lead by the swordsman ran to the carts. They ripped our belongings out and overturned some of the other carts. "Hurry, Rosalind."


There is more to this story. Come back next time.

Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Nazareth: Tucked in the Hills and Far From the Lime Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2
Luke 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife, Mary, and I have returned to Nazareth. This is home. This is where our family is. Hah, everyone was so happy to see little Jesus. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of him too.

I'm not a big city guy, that's why Nazareth is the perfect place to live. The town is tucked between to large hills, eh, you may call them mountains. It's not near a road well traveled. There are some Israelites who have never been here, and I can understand why. There is nothing but a community living their lives.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

As a carpenter, I need work which sometimes takes me out of my small town. There is a wealthy city called Sipphori on the hill. And I mean wealthy.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

My work has stretch beyond working with wood to other types of construction. On the floors, I've placed mosaic tiles. The decorative ones are usually placed in the sitting room where guests are entertained. Guests would sit on the floor around the edge and comment on the patterns and images in the tile after a meal. 



The people who live here, though want to please everyone. There goal is to get along with anyone, any politics, any religion. This has both good and bad. First, they never make a commitment. All they want is to do is have fun and live their lives without harm. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

So, I could freely talk about the Almighty and practice my Jewish ways there and not be bothered. 

They also let the Greeks sacrifice pigs in temples to Zeus. Romans sacrifice as they want. Those who wish to worship trees or any other object. Many of the people living here were Jews who did not stay true to their faith. Some came here to impress the Romans and to gain power. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

I bring my son Jesus to help me. He works along my side, building, crafting, setting, sanding, whatever is needed. In truth, seeing him with me makes the day go by quickly. I know God has an important plan for Jesus. He told me so. At least for now, Jesus is by my side.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

We're Going Home to Nazareth!!

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2
Luke 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife, Mary, and I are living in Egypt. This is not our native country, and I don't expect to live here much longer. Still, while we live here I have worked as a carpenter to feed my family. Little Jesus is learning the trade rather quickly. He is such a help.

We came to Egypt one night when I had an unexpected dream. Mary and I were still in Bethlehem. Some wise men from the east stopped in with the most incredible story. They spent the day with us. That same night, an angel spoke to me. The angel said Herod wanted to harm us and we should leave for Egypt right away. 

I woke Mary. She believed me and hurried to pack our few belongings. We left the city before sunrise.

The angel also told me we should stay in Egypt until we heard news again. I didn't know how long that would be, so we set up a home here and raised Jesus as a young one.

I went to bed one night and was surprised to see an angel in my dream. I mean, I knew one day the angel would speak to me again, I just didn't know when. The angel said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."

I woke after the dream and remembered all the angel said. "Mary." I shook her arm. "Mary wake up."

She rubbed her eyes. "Yes, Joseph?"

"The angel spoke to me tonight. We can go back home. Pack. We'll leave for Nazareth first thing in the morning."

Her eyes brightened. "We're going home?"

"The angel said the people who wanted to kill Jesus are dead. We're safe." I had to admit I was really happy to go home, too. Life in Egypt wasn't bad. It just wasn't home, or near family.

Photo Courtesy

"That's wonderful news, Joseph. I'll start right away."

We had gathered a few more belongings than when we had come. My tools. Her pots. We also packed food for the trip home, bread, dates, and water.

We loaded up our cart and hooked it to the donkey the next morning. The sun was in our eyes, but we didn't care. We were going home.




Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

Jonathan Goforth-Trapped By An Angry Mob

By Mary Vee
Year: December 1900

Jonathan Goforth-41 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind and I are missionaries in China. 

The wagon wheels creaked as oxen pulled our belongings on the road away from our home. Only the weak and young children road. The rest in our team walked. 

Hot sun beat down on us. We rationed the water and food. 

Angry groups of Chinese flocked to the road as we road by villages, yelling at us. "You have no right to be on the road." They turned to each other and raised their fists. "Kill the foreigners!"

Six long days of travel passed. We were tired and thirsty. Several desperately needed a break from the journey. We couldn't, though. We just couldn't. The danger was too great.

I prayed night and day as we walked. On the seventh day God encouraged me. We met a group of businessmen who were also running from the rebellion. They were engineers. Their caravan was much larger and better equipped. They had large wagons and armed men to protect them on the trip. 

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"To Fencheng. We plan to sail down the river to Hankow then on to Shanghai."

That was our plan as well. We traveled together for a while. The company was nice, not to mention the armed guards for protection made us feel safer. We arrived together in the next big village called Hsintien. By that time we found an inn, though, heat, lack of water, and weariness had deeply affect some of the missionaries from our group.

"Jonathan, please. We must rest. The animals need rest as well."

The rest they needed would take a few days. The engineers, though, didn't need the rest. They had better supplies, hadn't travelled as far, and their wagons were more comfortable. They said, "We can't wait. We must keep going." 

They had become our friends in the short time we traveled. They felt sorry for the missionaries who struggled with the heat. "We will leave one of our guards with you."

"Thank you."

The engineers continued their journey, leaving us behind. As they walked away, an angry crowd from the city came to the inn where we stayed. They saw we only had one guard.

While rocks hit the windows of our rooms and angry shouts hurled through the air, I held Rosalind close. Her heart beat so fast. Mr. Griffith said, "I don't think it is safe to stay here. We need to leave here before the crowd breaks though." 

We wouldn't be safe outside either. 

The owner of the oxen shook his head. "No, I won't go. I can't harness the oxen out there. They'll kill me." 

The owner of the cart said, "You can't ask me to leave. That cart is all I own. I can't let that mob ruin it."

Without their help there was no way we would be able to leave. We were trapped!



Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

Herod the Great Was a Cranky and Greedy Man

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Herod, I am the appointed king of Israel by the Roman emperor.

Since my early twenties, I have work hard to impress the Roman emperors. I held no allegiance to any one of them. Whichever man was in power was the one I wanted to impress. Not holding allegiance to past emperors has saved my life at least once.

Let me first make it clear that I am not a Jew.

I have a very inventive mind. I see how things work and immediately think of ways to make them better. Nothing is good enough as it is. There is always room for improvement.

For example, water was needed in the area of Joppa and north. Fresh water. By studying the area, I figured out that if aqueducts in these areas were angled on a one degree slope, water would continuously flow. I had two aqueducts constructed, side by side, each nine miles long, to meet the needs of the cities.

This is only one of the my many inventions.

I find myself to be a giving king, but also demand obedience and hard work from those around me. I wanted to please the Jews. Realizing they didn't have the mind for construction that I had, I trained the slaves to build the structure with the highest caliber of craftsmanship.

I was a very busy man with endless projects going at one time. When a group of wisemen came from the East, I was duly impressed. They wanted to know where the new king of the Jews had been born. 

I had no knowledge that one had been born and didn't like the fact that my throne stood in jeopardy. I called in my advisors who determined that Bethlehem was the location the wisemen wanted. I sent them off to continue their journey, but pretended to have interest in worshiping this new king. I asked them to come back and tell me where they found the king so I could go too.

Days had passed and the wisemen had not returned. I was furious. I paced back and forth in my chambers trying to come up with an idea what to do about the situation. Then the idea came to me. A devious one.

I called for my captain and ordered all boys two years old and younger living in Bethlehem to be executed. "No, wait, I want the surrounding area included in these orders." I told him. 

The captain bowed and left the room. I knew my order would be carried out to perfection.

I felt better already. It didn't matter which boy was the new king. He wouldn't be alive by sundown the next day.


Author's note: Matthew 2:16-18 says: Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 

"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.

Rachel is mentioned here because Bethlehem is in the area known as the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin was Rachel's second son born to Jacob.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

The Great Escape

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name is Joseph, my wife is Mary. I would have never expected the guests who visited us today to come to our home. 

Several men who, by their clothing and language, traveled from the east. They said they'd seen a star in the night sky. One that, through their studies led them to understand a king had been born. The star led them to our home.

They wanted to see Jesus. They had gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The conversation amazed me. These men did not worship God. 

An angel hadn't spoken to them like one who visited me in a dream or like the one who visited the shepherds telling them to come see Jesus. All these men knew they'd figured out from writings, the night sky, and their conversations.

I went outside with them. They showed me the stars and the one bright one over our home. They told me how they'd come to their conclusion that Jesus was the one born to be king of the Jews."

After they left, Mary and I talked about their visit for a while. She then put Jesus down to sleep. 

During the night, I had a dream. An angel spoke to me. He sounded concerned. He said, "Hurry, get up now. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

I awoke instantly. Wide awake as if I'd slept all night. I woke Mary. "We have to leave."

She climbed out from her blankets. "What's wrong?"

"An angel spoke to me in my dream. He said we need to leave right away. Herod is searching for the child and wants to kill him. Hurry. We are to go to Egypt."

We packed only what we'd need and left the house. 

She didn't look back, or try to leave messages. We didn't tell anyone what we were doing. The child didn't make a sound while we walked in the city. We simply left in the dark of the night with Jesus asleep in her arms and travelled to Egypt.

The journey was not difficult. No one chased after us. We found a wonderful home to live in and made our lives in Egypt, planning to stay as long as God wanted us to and knowing He would let us know when we should go back home.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

Jonathan Goforth-The Scary Journey

By Mary Vee
Year: December 1900

Jonathan Goforth-41 years old

Jonathan Goforth's Journal

My name is Jonathan Goforth. My wife, Rosalind and I are missionaries in China. 

We built a home in Changte. Several of our children have been born here and two have died due to illness. We made our ministry in this city, teaching locals about Jesus. Gaining their trust. Living among them and speaking their language.

We ate the same foods, grew gardens, and dressed like the people. So many men and women came to us with their question, wanting to know more about Jesus. A few even worked with us.

Maybe the next events came because everything had gone well. Maybe we needed to have a new task. I don't know.

The Boxer Rebellion was a time in China when Chinese people grouped together to rid the country of foreigners. Some of those in the rebellion were simply evil people who wanted an excuse to kill people. Many missionaries, businessmen, and travelers lost their lives.

The rebellion was nearing Changte. We could stay, knowing we would die, or we could go to another place. This time, though, in my prayers and medications I felt God strongly telling me to get my family out of Changte and let the Chinese Christians continue the work.

My six month old baby sat on Rosalind's lap. My three-year-old daughter cried. We'd woken her. Tiredness, and sensing something wasn't right brought her sobs. My son, Paul worked hard to help us pack. He understood the urgent need to leave right away. He didn't complain. What a strong young man.

Nine other missionaries joined us. Their things packed in the carts. The two Chinese who had been helping us teach men and women about Jesus chose to come, also.

Some of our team stood strong, but held back tears. Others wept. We may never be able to return to this city we love.

I looked at the compound and thought of all the people who had heard God's word. I looked over at the room that had been my study and thought of the Chinese students who were intrigued with the heavens and learned about God. I looked at our home and the tree where my two daughters were buried.

I took a deep breath, understanding God had a new chapter for our lives. I commanded the oxen to move forward and waved goodbye to our Chinese friends who stayed behind.

The oxen left the city pulling the belongings of the compound on the narrow roads before us. We climbed mountains and crossed plains. 

Danger lurked all around us. Thieves. Murderers. Those wanting to kill any foreigner they saw. Had I been alone, I wouldn't have been so afraid. But my family was here, my children, my wife, the food we need to survive, the other missionaries and their families. 

My heart pounded and my head ached. I trusted God to guide and protect us. I truly did. But I am also a frail human with limitations. I hear and see the evil men and am afraid what might happen to my family and the others who travel with us.



Even though this time has passed would you pray for us and other missionaries? This will be a very scary journey.


Jonathan has many stories to share. Come back each Monday to find out what happened next.



Resources Used for This Series
Being, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Jonathan Goforth: An Open Door in China. Seattle. WA: YWAM Pub., 2001.Print
Doyle, G. Wright. Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders. Eugene Oregon: Pickwick Pub, 2015. Print.
Goforth, Jonathan, and Rosaline Goforth, Miracle Lives of China, London" Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1931, Print.
Goforth, Jonathan. "By My Spirit" Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1942. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Climbing; Memories of a Missionary's Wife. Chicago: Moody Pub, n.d. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How I Know God Answers Prayers; The Personal Testimony of One Life-time, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1921. Print
Goforth, Rosalind. Jonathan Goforth. Minneapolis, MN: Bethan House, 1986. Print
Goforth, Rosalind, How God Answers Prayer: The Mighty Miracles of God from the Mission Field of Jonathan Goforth. USA: Revival, 2016. Print Original copyright not stated.
Jackson, Dave, and Neta Jackson. Mask of the Wolf Boy: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. Print.
McCleary, Walter. An Hour with Jonathan Goforth: A Biography. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1938. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Jonathan Goforth: Never Give up. Seattle, WA: YWAM, 2004. Print.

.

Let Jonathan hear from you!

Leave a comment below.

The Search for A Special King

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name in Herod. I am king in Jerusalem. The story I am about to tell you stirs my anger.

I woke to a nice day. The sun had been shining and there weren't any major issues to attend. A servant came to my chambers and announced visitors who were not from this area. They had requested to speak with me. I was curious so I invited them to my chambers.

The servant led the men in. They wore different clothes that we did, their manners were different, and they spoke a different language. I approved them to enter and offered them a place to sit. "Bring our guests something to drink." I ordered my servant.

The men sat. Dust and sand coated their clothes. They must have traveled a long ways. "So, tell me what brings you here."

"We are learned men who have studied the stars. We have discovered that a new king has been born and have come from the east to worship him."

A new king? What were these men talking about. And how is it that they learned this information by looking at the stars? I didn't understand any of it. "I will ask my advisors and find an answer for you. Please go with my servants. They will make you comfortable."

Once the men left, I called for my advisors. This baby king must be found and killed. But, I must be crafty about it to learn the details. The advisors assembled in the room. I told them about the visitors and their question.

At first the advisors were uncertain. They spoke among themselves and asked each other questions. 

"Sire," the eldest said. "This baby king was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It is written by the prophet: And you Bethlehem, land of Judah are in no wise least among the princes of Judah. For out of you will come forth a governor which shall be shepherd of my people Israel."

Really? I am to be replaced? I don't think so. I sent the advisors away and called for the wisemen to return. "I have an answer for you. My advisors tell me that such a baby has been born in Bethlehem. Go there."

The men stood. But I couldn't let them leave until I learned the details. "Wait. When you find this king, come back and tell me where he is so I may go and worship him also."

The wisemen bowed and left.

I will find this king. And I will have him killed. 

I will not be replaced that easily.


Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org