I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22b (NRSV)
Antoine Aris van de Loosdrecht (1917)
Mission Minded
Dutch missionary Antoine is known for his work among the Toraja people of Celebes, Sulawesi, Indonesia. He became fluent in their tribal language, which endeared him to the Toraja people. His concern for them led Antoine to be critical of feudalism because of the way it exploited the ordinary people he lived among; this did not endear him to the feudal lords.
The feudal lords eventually rose up against the occupying Dutch authorities and Antoine was assassinated, ending a passionate Christian life that was devoted to Christ and the Torajas.
O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ, to preach peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are nigh; grant that all the peoples of the world may feel after thee and find thee; hasten, O God, the fulfilment of thy promise to pour out thy spirit upon all flesh, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
George Cotton (1813-66)
Hark! the sound of holy voices
chanting at the crystal sea,
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia! Lord, to thee!
Multitude which none can number
like the stars in glory stands,
clothed in white apparel, holding
palms of victory in their hands.
Christopher Wordsworth (1807-85)