NOT AFRAID PART 2

‘I cannot understand it fully, sir, but the Lord Jesus has come into my life,’ said Vantan. Already, he seemed different; humble, quiet, courteous. Next day was prize-giving. Vantan came to the platform to receive his special prize as head Prefect. Mr Stevens agreed for Vantan to receive a particular prize, knowing too well what it would cost Vantan to take this award home. Vantan graciously accepted the book presented to him - a Bible.

Vantan stood beside his case, unsure how to pack his Bible. His mother usually unpacked his case when he came home. Was it best to let her see the book at once, or should he wait? A frown wrinkled his brow before quickly deciding. He took the precious book, firmly placed it on top of his clothes, pulled down the lid, clipped the lock, lifting the case from the bed, ready to carry it to the hills station.

As Vantan left the school, Mr Stevens came to say ‘Goodbye’. already they had talked together, as the Head imagined the scene in Vantan’s home that night.

‘I shall pray for you,’ said Mr Stevens as he shook hands at the train with the swarthy, tall boy. ‘Thank you, Sir,’ and the train pulled out of the station.

Vantan eventually reached his home. His father met him at the station, leading him to the family home, rich with pleasant furnishings, brass ornaments, and carved tables. His mother in shimmering sari quietly hugged him. He was warmly welcomed home, while a servant carried Vantan’s case to his room.

‘I’ll see to your clothes after our meal,’ said mother to her son. Vantan nodded.

The meal passed happily, with both parents interested in the boy’s school report and results. No-one could be more satisfied than Vantan’s parents for he had passed his exams with honours. At the end of the meal, the servants removed the dishes, father walked off to his room, while mother went with her son to his room.

Should Vantan offer to open the case and put away his clothes. No, this might offend his mother. Vantan must not delay telling his parents that he had become a Christian. He stood aside courteously as his mother walked into the room, across to the bed, where she turned the key, opened the lock, lifted the lid of the case, and …..

Her dark skin paled for a moment as she drew in her breath. She lifted the Book, throwing it to the floor, as though it burned her hand.

‘Vantan, she moaned, ‘What does this mean?’

‘Mother,’ he began hesitatingly, as his fingers worked nervously down the palm of his hand. ‘I have become ….’

‘Oh, no. Not a Christian. Vantan! Say, ’No’. she breathed heavily, waiting for his answer as the son faced his angry mother.

There was a moment of silence. Vantan swallowed. He must tell her. ’Mother, I am a Christian.’

‘You have disgraced us,’ and with a shriek of despair, the mother fled from the room. Slowly Vantan stooped, sighing as he picked up his precious Bible, which his mother had flung to the floor.

‘If ever I need you, Lord,’ he prayed silently, ’It’s now.’ His mother’s despair contrasted with his father’s anger, shouting at Vantan, trying to reason with him. He cajoled and coaxed him, but the boy stood bravely. How thankful Mr Stevens would have been to see Vantan now. God answers prayer.

Nothing shook Vantan’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His father opposed his son, using every means. He bribed him with drinks, wine and spirits - although his culture banned such; when his father enticed him with promises of money, Vantan remained strong in his faith. When a bribed servant poisoned his coffee, a loyal servant warned him only to drink tea. The father thought that his son had a charmed life, but Vantan knew how the Lord was looking after him/ . Day after day, nothing shook Vantan’s living for Jesus Christ.

‘I’ll disown you,’ rebuked his father finally after all efforts to change Vantan had failed. Would Vantan resist this entreaty? He did not waver, He knew his father’s wealth, and that he could not go to University without his support. Instead, he needed a job to earn his own way.

Vantan learned to trust his Lord. While his father was not happy about his son’s faith in the Lord Jesus, he observed he was a different person: helpful, obedient, more respectful to his parents, peaceful and good-tempered. Eventually he softened , paying Vantan’s University fees,. At university, he experienced the Lord’s faithfulness when he met Obela.

When Vantan opened his case in the college room which they shared, he took out his Bible firstly. When Obela saw it, he smiled. The two room-mates shook hands. Obela said, ’I prayed I would meet a Christian.. I have never had a true Christian friend.. God has answered my prayer.’ Together Vantan and Obela worked, boldly witnessing for the Lord Jesus on their University campus.

Vantan was brave enough to put his Bible on top of his case, not hiding his Christian faith. There was no hesitation this time.

Jesus said, ‘let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven,’ How brightly does your light shine?