NOT AFRAID.

Vantan opened his travel case, filled with his clothes for the coming holiday season, after his last term at boarding school. He prepared to visit his parents. Beside the open case lay his bible. He wondered whether to put it on top of his clothes, or beneath the pile of clothes neatly folded in the case.

Vantan hesitated, thinking of his father. He well remembered his father’s feelings, when he last returned to his school in the hills. Away from the heat of the plains, the sons of rich tea-planters, and the sons of missionaries came for schooling. Their school was a solid, stone one, and their teachers well-trained. In the hills and on the hot plains, the high standard of education was recognised.

The English headmaster, Mr Stevens, was deeply respected and honoured for his Christian faith. Vantan’s father knew he would hear Christian teaching, of which he urgently warned him.

‘Don’t you dare take on the headmaster’s religion, Vantan. We will not change.’ Vantan nodded, not intending to become a Christian. Although he despised Christians, he admitted they were contented and peaceful. Vantan thought it easier to worship one instead of the many gods of other religions. Content with his father’s religion, he returned to school quite settled in his mind.

At the beginning of each year, the boys elected their own prefects. This rested on their behaviour, sporting skills , persistence and industrious work- and not on popularity. Vantan studied hard. Surprisingly, he was elected head prefect.

No-one anticipated the change in attitude of Vantan.

Now student head of the school, he was different. The genial Vantan had gone. Elated with his promotion, he became proud, arrogant, harsh and haughty. Even the teachers shook their heads, despairing at the once-likeable Vantan, who now scoffed at anyone Christian, especially Mr Stevens, the honoured Headmaster.

Each morning Mr Stevens spoke to the boys in the school assembly hall. His bible stories enthralled the boys, listening intently. Boys who had been warned against the Christians began to wonder. It seemed astonishing that Jesus Christ should die once as a sacrifice to satisfy God. Vantan was not impressed. His lip curled, disdaining the mention of Jesus Christ. As he reacted against the headmaster and his teaching, other boys followed. At night, Vantan threatened any boy in the dormitories who was interested in christian talk.

Mr Stevens soon realised what was happening. ’I hardly know what to do,’ he told his wife as they talked about Vantan. Smiling from her comfy cane chair, she replied ‘We can pray, dear.’ He nodded. He had seen God change hard hearts before. Why not Vantan? It was difficult when boys undermined everything Mr Stevens had spoken. Should he speak to Vantan? He wondered. That might turn him more against the Lord. No, his wife was right. Every day they prayed for him.

After a difficult school year, Mr Stevens was relieved when the second last day of term came. Noisily, the boys filed into the assembly hall., awaiting the last advice from their Headmaster before the final prize-giving next day. Then all students would leave for their homes, back on the plantations or down on the plains. He cleared his throat, opening his Bible as he began to speak.

‘During this year,’ Mr Stevens said, ’You have listened to the message of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of you boys are leaving tomorrow’. ’And I’m glad’, thought Vantan. ’Some of you boys may never hear this good news again. I sincerely remind you once more that God loves you so much He was willing to send His only Son to die on the cross and take the punishment of your sin.’

’Not again!’ muttered Vantan, having often heard this.

Vantan blinked. Something strange, as a light shone around Mr Stevens as he spoke.

‘I ask you boys to consider again- will you accept or reject Jesus Christ? Your answer determines where you will spend life after death.’ He went on. The scowl disappeared from Vantan’s face. ’Yes,’ he nodded, thinking to himself, ’I have heard this hundreds of times, when he had dismissed it from his thoughts.

Now, what was happening. The light about the head seemed brighter, as Mr Stevens said, ‘I am going to ask you boys to do something about this question. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and died for you? ’If you would like to receive His offer, stand up.’

There was a rustling of feet as several younger and some final year boys stood. The light grew brighter as Vantan stared ahead. Nervously he glanced to each side; and sighed. What would the boys think? He cared nt. Vantan stood, head bowed. Mr Stevens saw him, hardly believing. Vantan! Surely not.

‘Vantan,’ said Mr Stevens, ’Do you know what you are doing?’ He well knew this proud arrogant boy. Earlier, he had heard how Vantan’s father threatened to disown him, if ever he had anything to do with Christianity.

‘Yes, Sir,’ answered Vantan, looking quietly assured at the Head, all hardness gone.

‘I am receiving Christ as my Saviour.’ A steady rustle over the the hall became a murmur as the boys whispered to each other. Vantan! Impossible.

Mr Stevens invited those responding to meet him after the assembly. He explained what it meant to be Christian. ‘You have turned from your old, selfish ways to walk in Jesus’ way.’ He let them go, excepting Vantan.

Do read the rest of Vantan’s experience in Part 2.