Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 15, 16 October 1942, Page 3

Thoughtful Moments

(Supplied by the Whakat

IN THE EGYPTIAN DESERT

Corporal P. L. Titchener writes of experiences, in the Western Desert

firing line.i

Some months ago when we just went to the Western Desert I wrote my impression of the first Communion service we celebrated there. That, campaign is now well past, and once more after a break sipent in the hills and plains of Syria we are in the Desert with a difficult task confronting us, nevertheless one to which all go forward with grim resolve and determination that the ultimate outcome will give us back all we have lost. The past week has been difficult, with thoughts of comrades who have paid the supreme Sacrifice, some who have been wounded, others who are missing, all the pain and sorrow that, war brings; so that most were glad to hear there would be a service on the Saturday evening, and it is of this service I wish to write. The time, 9 p.m., will sound strange, but it is necessary to wait until darkness has fallen before troops can gather in numbers, a very unwise proceeding during daylight hours. As twilight deepens, the padre moves about from vehicle to vehicle, a smile and a word of encouragement for each one, no hint in his bearing of the strain of the previous day spent, at Medical Dressing Station. At all times he is the "padre," cheerful and ready to help, carrying on the great tradition established by the padres who have come over here from New Zealand. As darkness falls,, the vehicles move a little closer, preparations are made fgr the night, then there is a gradual move from all sides towards one centre, the padre's truck. Away on the horizon the crescent of a new moon gleams faintly with only light enough to show the blurred outline of a group seated in a semi-circle, talking in low whispers of the day past, while the padre arranges for a well-known hymn to be sung. It will have to be sung from memory, for of course all light is strictly forbidden. What better choice could there be than 'Abide With Me," and soon the strains of that familiar and wellloved hymn rise from the gathering, unaccompanied, weakly at first, but. gradually rising in volume as confidence passes from one to the other. How real to many of those there are the words of. the closing verse, "Hold Thou Thy Cross before my closing eyes," with the triumphant assurance of the last line. These men who with their comrades have passed through deep experiences, while perhaps theological problems may have little meaning for them, yet knoAvn the iiiAvard reality of trust in God. "In life and death, O Lord, abide with me."

ane Ministers' Association)

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE

The padre, now in the semi darkness one of the group A offers prayer, remembering the needs of his men, asking that they may know the guidance of God, also remembering those at home, never very far from our thoughts. He then brieiily and simply addresses a few words to the gathering, illustrating Jrom Paul's letters the utter dependence on God in times of trial and adversity which the apostle encouraged, and strove) to attain among the people of the Churches which he established, using these illustrations as an example to us. How I wish I had the ability to picture the scene! A dimly outlined group, above them the vault of heaven a blaze, of stars such as one can. only see in these latitudes, a few miles away the occasional flare of a Verey light, at irregular intervals a burst of gun fire or the deep note of a heavy gun, the flash of. which would be seen seconds before the sound was heard, and through it all the quiet voice- of the padre encouraging to strength and fortitude, proclaiming the Gospel of One Who 2000 years ago taught the Way of Life in a land only a day's journey distant: these are some of the things to which an abler pen could do justice. For myself I can only say the scene is etched in my mind for ever, thoughts crowded into one's mind, of home, of loved ones, of old comrades, of other services one had attended, but none under quite the same circumstances. The service was soon ended and wc parted with thev words of the Benediction, "The peace of God which passeth all understanding." The following morning (Sunday) Communion was celebrated at ;> a.m. but space does not permit me to write ol* this, save to say that there in the dim first light of morning we. knelt and received the Bread and Wine, as we looked at the little wooden cross, the symbol an hich has gone with the Regiment through Greece, Libya and Syria, immediately behind it in the heavens the morning star, at first bright and clear, gradually waned Avith the coming of day. It, brought to one's thoughts another star which guided those who followed to the Savioui of the world. From this thought wc could take new courage, finding for ourselves strength and inspiration for the days that lie ahead.

It is my hope that this impression of a service near the front line may be of some interest to those at home and also that the knowledge that, in the midst, of war our thoughts are turned to the things that belong to God by such services as we can manage may be of some comfort to those who daily commit their loved ones over here to the care of that same God beTore Whosj mercy scat we gathered. And to His name be the glory.