Gundi was a young girl in a village in Indo-China. She had a sweet face with sparkling black eyes, and she had pleasant ways too. A missionary and his wife had come into her village to hold meetings in the home of the chief, who was a Christian. Gundi went to all the meetings. Before they left, the missionary lady asked her if she would like to come with her into the mission school to learn there with other girls. Gundi was delighted. Her parents gave their permission, but the old grandmother objected. Her heart was full of heathen darkness, for she was a sorceress and wanted Gundi, whom she loved very much, to be her successor. Gundi at last promised not to become a Christian, and then she was allowed to go on the long journey to the mission school. The grandmother had given her a small basket which was filled with all sorts of amulets which should protect the child.
Gundi was very happy at the mission school. She learned very quickly to read and to write, and soon joined in the singing of the Christian hymns. She listened very attentively to the story of Jesus and His love.
After a year she came home for a visit, and the whole family and neighbors gathered round her. They found her looking well, and they admired the handkerchief she had hemmed and embroidered. Then Gundi opened a book and read all the verses of “Jesus loves me.” Then she began to sing the first verse. The grandmother cried out in terror: “Have you become a Christian?” “No,” said Gundi quietly. Then she took the little basket and gave it back to the grandmother, saying: “I do not need them any more. The Lord Jesus is the mightiest, I do not need to fear anything while I am trusting Him, and I will become a Christian.” All the cursings and threatenings of the grandmother and heathen neighbors did not avail anything. Gundi remained steadfast. She returned to the mission school, learned more about the Lord Jesus, and was baptized and became a bright Christian.
ML 08/30/1953