A Miracle of The Prairies

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A MIRACLE OF THE PRAIRIES

     That God had used Dr. Lonnquist in a remarkable way to guide the destinies of Bethphage cannot be denied. He had willingly placed his talents on the altar of Christian service and God had used them to advance His cause. Lonnquist had in a masterful way kept the needs of the afflicted before the people of his communion and had gained the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Among the tributes that were expressed on the day of his funeral was that of his intimate friend and contemporary, Dr. C. F. Sandahl. In two short paragraphs he gave a beautiful evaluation of the former director that should be quoted here. He said: "During the last nineteen years he had been the director of Bethphage Mission, succeeding the founder, Rev. Dahl. I did hold twenty years ago upon the death of Brother Dahl and I have held ever since that Brother Lonnquist was especially fitted for that position. With his big sympathetic heart he suffered with the entire humanity. While pastor in Bethany he grappled with the subject of human suffering theoretically, now as director of the Mission he was to deal with it directly and practically. And what happened to him?

     "As intimate friend with him I know that he came nearer the Saviour's bleeding heart. All doubts and hesitations vanished from his soul, and he found peaceful rest in the confident hope that our dear Lord will make all things new. With this confidence he put his whole soul into the work of the Mission, his big sympathetic heart burnt for the unfortunates during their brief time of suffering, until all things would be made new."

Bethphage Must Not Stand Still!

     With the passing of Dr. Lonnquist, the writer, who was serving as president of the B.I.M.A. was elected by the Board of Trustees to serve as acting director. After some time had elapsed, when prayerful consideration was given to the matter of a successor, the same body extended a call to the undersigned and it was accepted. During this time the Board also called Pastor C. A. Peterson to serve as chaplain, a place which he accepted and has filled with complete satisfaction.
     Six years have passed since the time when I became actively connected with the Bethphage Mission. It will not be necessary to review these years, as far as the purpose of this story is concerned: But for the sake of future generations, it might be well at least to call attention to the fact that since June, 1937, there have been some drastic changes that have taken place in the world in which we live. A second World War began September, 1939 and the United States became actively involved December 7, 1941. This has had its effects on our working corps. During this time there have also been changes in the economic world. Partly due to a few years of good crops, and more so because of increased prices due to the war, money has been more plentiful and it has had its effects on the voluntary gifts that have been received.

     During these years, no further expansion in the way of homes for more unfortunates has been undertaken. One of the chief reasons for

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this, has been the fact that the heavy indebtedness resting on the institution has made it inadvisable to undertake such a project. During the war years it has also been hindered by government rationing of building materials and a definite shortage of builders.

     Indications are, however, that Bethphage on the prairies is at the dawn of a new day of development. These years, when it has seemed to the casual observer that the friends of Bethphage have been marking time, have only been a period of preparation for new and greater victories. To the honor and praise of our Heavenly Father, who cares and provides, it can be said as this is written that the indebtedness to all practical purposes is paid, a building fund of $75,000 has been reached, and plans are already being made for this new venture of faith. The opportunity for Christian service among our afflicted brethren has never been more urgent. In the light of this, it seems to me that our Compassionate Christ is saying to me, "Speak to God's people, that they go forward!"

      Thus far this account of what has happened in the growth and development of the Bethphage Mission has largely been concerned with its leaders and its external growth. That is partly due to the fact that it is more easily explained and understood. To leave the impression that this is of greatest importance in this colony of mercy, would be to overlook and undervalue the very heart of the matter. Bethphage is more than its leaders or the homes for guests that lift their walls above the prairies of Nebraska; it is an expression of the Compassionate Christ, as He lives and dwells in the hearts of the communion of saints. Bethphage is a testimony to the world that Christ was truly the Good Samaritan, and in His followers He still sees man in his helpless estate. Some have been robbed and have been left half dead because of the ravages of disease or because they have been born with some handicap. As our Lord dwells in the hearts of His followers He sees these unfortunates and is moved with compassion and comes to bind up their wounds and bring them to the inn.

     To the natural man these less favored are at best to be tolerated. This viewpoint is governed by the law of the jungle, or that the fittest only should survive. It is quite different with those that have been joined with Christ. They see in even the least of these an unfortunate brother with an immortal soul that has been redeemed for eternity and who may be changed into the very likeness of the Son of God. They are therefore precious in His sight.

     It is something like this that must have actuated the Sisters, Brothers, and other workers, who have dedicated their lives to the humble service among the afflicted at Bethphage. They have caught the spirit of our Lord which He demonstrated by word and deed in the upper room on the eve of His suffering and passion. He had performed the menial service of washing His disciples' feet and then spoke these words: "Know ye what I have done unto you?" There must have been a silence after that heart searching question, but He who knew the answer continued: "Ye call me, Teacher, and Lord; and ye say well, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet."

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Conclusions

     This story of a miracle of the prairies, as it has thus far been written by God's children, has now almost been told. It has been a joy for the writer to search the records and to retell that which has been accomplished by a generation of people that trusted in God. For thirty years they have labored together in order that they might help those that are in bonds hear their burdens.
     It is quite natural that there should be some impressions that have come to the writer. To share some of these would be to his pleasure and it is hoped, of interest and profit to the friends of Bethphage.

     This story has chronicled mostly the victories and successes. There may have been an over emphasis of that which is more romantic, in order to make a good story; and on the other hand a failure to relate the more prosaic. It must be admitted that the instruments that were used by the Lord in producing this work were very human, During the past decades as well as the present there have been incidents that have been humiliating for those concerned. They have been driven often to the throne of mercy to plead for grace and pardon to help in the time of need. That these human frailties have not resulted in the utter failure of such a great undertaking is in itself one of the wonders of it all. God has been merciful and kind!

     To follow the course of this epic has also revealed the possibilities for good that lie hidden in a host of friends that are imbued with a common purpose. The friends of Bethphage have shown what a people, even with moderate means, can do when they have laid hold of the principles of Christian stewardship.

     There is another fact that has been evident throughout the years and which has been a forceful appeal-the great need. The conditions that obtain in society today call for greater efforts than ever to help those who cannot help themselves.

     The greatest inspiration in this retrospect has been to see that back of the growth and development of the Bethphage Mission has been the hand of God. It has pleased Him to make use of His children that are weak and dependent to look in trusting prayer to Him for their needs. He has not failed them. Under rather adverse circumstances He has made it possible for them to carry on a ministry that complies with His heart of compassion.

     As I write these closing words, it is the beginning of a new day. The sun has risen and through my study window I see Bethphage with its buff walls and red-tiled roofs before me. I know that my fellow-workers have had their breakfast, they have sung their morning hymn, they have lifted their hearts to God in prayer, they have received a Word from Him, and have gone forth in Jesus' name to serve them that are in bonds.

     Looking to the future, it seems to me that we must look upon it as another day of service in the household of the Lord. This day brings with it opportunities for greater service, which also calls for further action. The same God looks down with tender mercy upon us and the same friends greet us with words of encouragement. It is a joy to have a share in this united effort by the people of God. Friends, there is more work to do - God has not finished his Miracle of the Prairies!

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DIRECTING PERSONNEL

© 2002 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Reitsch, Ted & Carole Miller.