The Miracle Baby

Good News –May 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

The Miracle Baby

John and Betty Stam, missionaries working in China, had been married for a few months when Betty became pregnant. Both were delighted at the new arrival, whom they named Helen Priscilla. Within a short time they were transferred to a new mission station at Tsingteh. Less than two weeks later forces seeking to take over the country were advancing, and the government’s army was no match for them.

Everyone was told to leave immediately, but the Stam family was too late! Soldiers took money and possessions of value. John gave them a clock, wristwatch and a few dollars, but that did not satisfy the soldiers; they demanded $20,000. Neither the Stams nor their mission had that amount of money.

The family was forced out. They were marched 12 miles to the next town and ordered to kneel down. A captor cut Betty’s throat, and another beheaded John. Both died instantly. Miraculously, the baby was spared and returned to the mission station.

News of their martyrdom, in 1934, spread around the world. The mission would pay for the child’s education – nothing would be spared. Offers to adopt the baby arrived from everywhere, but Betty’s parents insisted that they would raise baby Helen, making sure she would have a good Christian education.

Was the Christian upbringing sufficient? Years later Helen got married and had children of her own, but she turned away from God. As far as is known, she never became a Christian.

Jesus said that being a believer – one who has been born again – is “not of blood, nor of flesh’s will, nor of man’s will” (Jn. 1:13 JND). Faith cannot be passed from generation to generation, nor can it be forced upon individuals. Instruction may be given. Invitations can be offered to spend time together reading the Word of God. Prayers on the other’s behalf are to be presented to Christ Jesus, with thanksgiving.

Each person, however, must make his or her own decision to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The faith of a parent, brother or sister, or good friend will not save anyone else! Jesus said, “As many as received Him, to them gave He the right to be children of God” (v.12).

Dear friend, have you received Jesus Christ into your heart and life? Don’t be like Helen Stam, who did nothing about her immortal soul. We can tell you more.

By Ernie Bartlett

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16 NKJV

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” —John 3:36

A lady, a true believer in the Lord, told me how her great-grandparents were saved and then started reading the Word of God out loud on a regular basis. So did the following generations. The lady’s mother too read the Scriptures out loud while she, the coming baby, was still in the womb. After she was born, her mother kept doing this reading, without neglecting her duties. Through this simple practice the lady, at the age of two, understood some basic scriptural concepts. At the tender age of three she wept when her mother read the story of the crucifixion, and then this child made her decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. She remains faithful to Him even now. —Alfred Bouter