A SPECIAL RIDE.

‘Hi, dad,‘ said John, one morning, ’How about us going to Malang in the train?’

Our car was under repair in a busy town 50 miles ( 80 kms ) away. There were no competent mechanics in the tiny Javanese village where we lived, so the car was taken by truck to the nearest garage.

We wondered, ’Should we travel by bus or train to collect our car? ‘ Our family voted for the train.

Greatly relieved, I remembered the 50 mile bus trip, where the narrow roads twisted and turned above valleys and ravines 2,000 feet deep. The driver ignored the speed limit, and I felt apprehensive about losing my breakfast that day.

We anticipated a day of adventure as we waited for the pony cart with its loud, clanging bell to transport us to the train.

‘Off we go,’ said Ruth, and off we went, as the pony strained to pull the cart with its load of seven, including the driver,

On he trotted past fields of rice, coconut groves and a stream where the women lashed their wet clothes against the rocks, then dipped them in the water for rinsing. And the people always appeared to wave and greet us - with a ‘selamet Pagi’ or Good morning.

At the station, dozens of people stared at our white skins , and yet greeted us cordially. Father bought tickets while John bargained for a comb of bananas to eat on the journey. Soon the train steamed into the station, and our family climbed in to the carriage.

No plush or leather seats; only three hard, wooden forms. No racks for luggage, but skimpy room under the seat. No cases, bur many baskets.

While holding baby Elisabeth ( then 6 weeks old ) in my arms as I sat on the seat, from underneath out popped a rooster, which began to crow. As I almost fainted with fright, everyone also roared with laughter, and soon I laughed also. A kind man moved the fowl so I was in no danger of a leg-picking rooster.

Father found places for Ruth, John and Judith - and Miriam sat on Dad’s knees.

However, after a moment, John wrinkled his nose and sniffed - so did Ruth- and Judith too.

‘Dried fish. Ugh’ commented John. He was right. The cover fell from a basket of dried fish, each about three inches long. And for the next three hours, we sat with that awful smell. Every few minutes someone spat out a cud of tobacco, or the blood-like juice of betel nut.

Now and then a child uncovered a parcel wrapped in a banana leaf - with its contents of cooked rice, and poked into a mouth, one handful at a time.

One old grandpa snored away in his sleep while next to him sat three neatly-dressed schoolboys in while shirts and navy shorts. A young woman wearing a tattered , torn sarong sat beside a girl in a colourful, new one, with lace blouse, and pretty headscarf.

We Australians sat amongst this array of Indonesians. Father’s white shirt and white trousers were speckled with soot from the puffing engine. But what an adventure to meet so many different people.

Finally, the train arrived at Malang station, where everyone alighted. People took their wares to market; some merely sat at the side of the road to sell their goods. Although each person differs, it is mankind whom God created and that He loves all; but He hates sin- that is rebellion against the true God. Yes, we all need a Saviour, for all have sinned.

Rich or poor; dirty or clean; educated or without schooling; dark-skinned or white-skinned: God says in Romans 3:23 ‘For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’.

But he also said, through the writing of John 3:16

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’

Read GOD’S PLAN in your own mother tongue( 29 of them ). Just click on it.