Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 82, 18 June 1943, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

Private Hozumi was stationed with Japanese soldiers near Mr Burton's liou.se and first came to see Jiim a little over a year ago. Mr Burton says, "Although no guards were set, I was imprisoned within the bounds of our property, and could not go out into the city unless by special permission. Doubtless he had heard about the Britisher being alone. in the big foreign house lucked away in the back lanes, and thought, he would visit him and practise speaking English. So he came. His English was passable, and we managed to tell each other our family history. He knew lots of hymns they used to sing in Church and asked whether he might play my piano. He sat down and. strummed away, smil-

ing every now and again as I recognised luncs and sang words, to them. He played some Japanese, school tunes, too. Before he left he asked whether I had food and money.

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE

I (Ministers' Association). Explained that I was cut off from (usual source of income, but that i was providing for me through I gil'Ls of various friends,, and E 1 was sure He would con! inn:* kIo so. l)n Monday, January 12, he came ■n, this time bringing another ■jer, who, although very plcasB was not able to speak English. B' stayed for two hours, during Bh we talked about the Church, Bhe played again. A.s he was goBhc untied the large silk hanil.Hiief in which Japanese usually B, r their parcels, and presented •with six packets of candy. I B touched by his kindness and Bked God, for such a loving act. ■ two weeks. I did not see him. ■ began to wonder whether lie B been transferred from Canton, B on Sunday afternoon, January ■ie turned up again. This time Brought Jive friends with him—Be Japanese children and -a CliinBboy and girl. When this party B'ed there were already several iiiese friends visiting me in ordLto relieve my loneliness and lig me gifts of food. After in tactions were over—a lengthy matter because three languages had to be used—we. decided to sing. Hozunii's friends were not Christians, but they listened to our hymns, he ■singing Japanese to the Chinese characters, "When the time came to go he produced another present—or rather a series of them—ten packets of candy, a tin of preserved pears, a bag of .biscuits, and a bag of cakes. D was almost speechless with wonder at such generosity and love from a common enemy soldier. That was the last I saw r of Mr Hozumi. J heard, that his regiment had probably been sent to take, over garrison duties in Singapore. But he was 110 common soldier. He was a Christian—a brother in Christ, to me. As I recall him in grateful thanks to God, I think of those missionaries of a quarter of a century ago who taught, him and his of God's love and Christ's words and, actions in loving His enemies."