I’m quite sure that there are many who could relate accounts of the Lord’s goodness and mercy shown them during that dark time [World War II]. The darkness and uncertainty of those war years was the backdrop on which God displayed the exceeding riches of His grace and goodness towards those of us who are in Christ. Many were the occasions where the Lord preserved me while I was in the war. He graciously brought me home from that terrible conflict safe and sound. To Him be all the praise.
Our family was composed of seven boys and one girl, so in the course of World War II, all seven of us boys were drafted into the military service—two in the army and five in the navy. It is easy, perhaps, to imagine what it meant to our parents to see all of their sons leave home for a very uncertain future. There were many times during the war when it seemed like there was no end in sight.
But God works all things according to the counsel of His will. All of us seven brothers were sent overseas, which added to our dear parents’ deep concern and anxiety. I remember well when my mother came by train to Los Angeles to say good-bye as I was being assigned to a ship to be sent overseas. It was very hard for me to say good-bye—but it was even harder for her.
Our parents’ simple faith sustained them during these dark times. We boys were all saved, so we knew that we would all be together in glory if any were killed. But God graciously honored our parents’ faith, and all seven brothers came home safe.
The Lord granted my desire for Christian fellowship as I boarded ship. I was walking up the gangplank, asking the Lord that I might just find a Christian with whom I could have fellowship. Just then I looked up and saw a man with John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) stenciled on his denim jacket! It didn’t take me long to get in touch with him. As a result, we had many happy times together over the Word of God.
This Christian sailor was a Cherokee Indian who had been saved two years prior to being drafted. He was a bright and happy believer and the Lord allowed us to have a year of fellowship together.
It was quite difficult on board ship to find a quiet place where we could read and have a time of Christian fellowship. But in this, as well as all other circumstances, the Lord helped and encouraged us even though we were just two young believers who didn’t know much.
T. Froese
Ed. Note: The purpose of this series is to glorify neither war nor the military. However, World War II, Korea and the Vietnam conflict— awful results of sin—were times when the faith of many young people was severely tested. Whether serving as conscientious objectors, medical staff, or in other areas, the reality of trusting God for preserving care, physically and spiritually, was a daily reality to the young as well as those left at home. May these stories both encourage and stir up all our hearts—especially our dear young brethren!