Samuel Morris
The young African teachers who taught about the Holy Spirit
Samuel Morris Kabu was a native of Africa, more precisely from the Kru tribe. He was a pure African. It was also the son of a king, but this does not mean that his family was wealthy. A king in the land could be a man guiding a small group of a few families.
When he was still very young, another African tribe made war with his father and that another tribe won. The little Kabu (as it will use its African name in this biography) was taken captive. His captors did not really wanted to make a slave but rather what made hostage, hoping that his father or other relatives pay to free. In the last years, Kabu assumed that someone had paid the price (although, being yet he was very young, could not make it at all) then, passing the time, was restored to its own people, staying with her until eleven. At that age, was kidnapped again. From this experience he could remember very well, because it was more mature.
In one case, his father went to the captors to redeem. But there was not enough to fulfill its purpose. Your "money" was of ivory, rubber and the like, since no cash was used in the land. In addition to providing these things, his father offered to give ─ Kabu's sister who was younger than him ─ instead. But his captors refused, thinking that a child was worth more than a child. Upon hearing this, Kabuye roared his father not to do so, saying that he was more mature than her, and could endure hardships better than his sister. But the two kings could not reach an agreement, and Kabu was left in captivity.
Then the owner began to abuse Kabu Kabu much more than before. He thought that by doing so, the father of Kabu return and pay the desired price, as the captor told the father about the suffering of the child. In a conversation that took place years later, Kabuye said about this period of his life, saying:
man so cruel, He whipped me every day without cause, and every day he did so with more force.
- How do you whipped?
"With a vine that was like a rope.
- What made you take off your coat?
- Oh, Mr. Reade! Kabu replied with laughter. "Take off your coat? In my country we had no coat, no shirt, no pants!
Kabu That was mercilessly beaten by the cruel man, so he could get some material things of this passing world. But one day, whipping became so hard that Kabu could not take it anymore. Suddenly, while receiving a spanking, Kabuye ran into the forest, not knowing whither he went. But God who cared for Ismael ─ when her mother threw her under the tree and left to avoid seeing their suffering ─ Kabu cared for, too. God had a work to carry out Kabu, and, later, their suffering would become blessings others. So ... the path of his life was marked from the beginning.
God guided him through the jungle, from one place to another until it reached the coast. No one knows how far he had traveled Kabu, he also knew. Only knew that it took many days, and there were many dangers on the road.
Kabu was a pagan, and knew nothing about the true God. However, the God who cares for the birds provided him food, and Power that guided the Magi to Bethlehem led to that poor child to the coast and then to Christ. After reaching the coast, began work in a coffee plantation, receiving salary food and some clothes.
But God was showing His mercy to Kabu, although it is very likely that he would not recognize him then. There was another young man who worked on the plantation, which had become a Christian. That spoke of their faith to Kabu, and took him to a cult of his church despite ─ Kabu could not understand even a word in the church (as I did not know the English language), and could not understand what was the church, the Bible and preaching. Years later, Kabuye testified that he felt the presence of God in that place. While he was there, acknowledged her loss and its sinfulness. So he left his first ─ ─ worship with a yearning heart and a willing mind. Without knowing it, was like the Ethiopian eunuch student who needed a Felipe to guide him.
After listening to his friend to pray, Kabuye asked what he was doing. Her partner said he spoke to God.
"And who is God? "Asked Kabu.
"It's my Father," said his friend.
Kabu "So, he reasoned," you're talking to your Father.
Since then, Kabu always called the sentence "about the Father." And, feeling the conviction of sin in this religion, he, too, began to "talk to the Father." The conviction that he felt was not the kind that is so common today, was strong and steady, so ... was promoted to "speak to the Father" out loud, at times "out of time" as some thought. Sometimes their cries were heard at midnight. Finally, those who worked with him said to be upset and told him that if he could not remain silent would then have to leave the room. Then went into the forest every night ─ ─ to continue their struggle, like Jacob at Peniel.
One night, stayed in the woods until late, and finally returned to his humble room to sleep, and all tired and distressed. But he could not sleep. While his tongue was silent, his heart kept praying until, suddenly ... Seemed to light up your room! At first, Kabu thought it was dawn, but everyone else still sleeping. The light shone more and more, until the room was filled with the glory of God. At the same time, the weight of your heart disappeared and instead reigned great peace. His body seemed to be of as light as a feather, so ... Kabu who thought he could fly!
Such glory could not contain himself. Kabu started praising and jumping as the man who was healed at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:8). Then, all who were in the room woke up and could not sleep the rest of the night, but many believed that Kabu had gone mad.
That was his conversion: simple, short and powerful. Ordinarily, Kabuye was not very exciting or demonstrative: On the contrary, it was considered a very calm person. But when he spoke of his conversion, his eyes shining fire and his body trembled with excitement. His appearance was that of a poet when he sang:
Oh, blessed time!
Oh, holy place!
hallóme divine love.
No matter what I have to spend,
My heart will always think of you.
And when I got to go,
my heavenly home,
return the gaze, once again,
The place where I was forgiven.
U.S. Travel
is not known how long he was working at that coffee plantation. Just know that it was enough to learn English and to learn to read and write a little. While working there, a mission dubbed him 'Samuel Morris. " And I knew that name most of those who speak that language. Addition to teach reading and writing, the woman herself taught him the basics of the gospel.
Over time, left the coffee plantation and moved to a town where he learned to paint houses. In this occupation he worked for some years. But in his heart he felt a growing desire to preach to his own people about the blessed Savior who had given such a glorious salvation. So one day he visited a missionary, and he shared what he felt in his heart ─ about the desire in his heart to preach to his own people.
What happened cause great sadness but the same still happens sometimes. One missionary told Kabu that to preach the gospel, I needed an education. And, to educated, had to go to the U.S.. UU. Furthermore, to go to the U.S., would cost $ 100.00. [Today, it could be about U.S. $ 1000.00, a lot for a girl so poor.]
What advice so wrong! But this attitude is very common, that is, the idea that a man needs to study at a university or seminary to preach. The Bible teaches no such thing. Indeed, many of the apostles were poor and uneducated men: just as Kabu!
But despite receiving advice is wrong, God used him. God in His great wisdom and mercy, let Kabu follow that advice ... To demonstrate how wrong it really was!
Upon receiving this advice, Kabu ─ rushed to the forest where he used to talk to his Father ─ to talk about the situation. He prayed:
"Now, my Father ... You have called me to preach to my own people. But the missionary says I can not preach without being educated, and to educate myself, I have to go to the U.S.. UU. Father, You know that I have not even a penny. Now, please, open up the road.
From that sentence on, Kabu always believed that God had already determined that the road was open. So, I was hoping to come a boat that would take him to the country so far from home.
During that time, there was a young missionary who had come from the JUL. to work in Africa. It was born of the Holy Spirit and had learned to walk daily in the Divine Presence. His co-missionaries thought that she could not achieve anything in their field of work, as many times she preferred to be alone. But it seems that she was enjoying the intimate communion with the Father.
Kabu When you hear about the arrival of her, walked many miles to visit. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she overflowed with joy, sharing Kabu about his feelings. It is not known whether it was lack of teaching about the Holy Spirit or not, but Kabu longed to know more about him and heard he visited the mission several times to learn more, but at last she was tired for the many questions Kabuye, said that if he wanted to know more, would have to ask Stephen Merritt, because this man had taught her everything she knew about the Holy Spirit.
Hearing this advice, Kabuye said
"Then I will go. Where does he live?
"In New York," she said laughing.
Again, we note that other Kabu gave wrong advice. Why not advised him to look in the Bible or the prayer is worth?
However, the mission did not see Kabu again, he had already begun its journey to the U.S.. UU! He traveled many miles, until at last he saw a boat, and soon a small boat with some sailors arrived. Kabu approached the captain and asked him to take him to New York. With curses and kicks ... was denied. But Kabu had full assurance that God was still out. After receiving a negative response on his second attempt, he fell asleep in the sand on the beach that night.
The next morning, Kabuye asked for the third time I bring him to New York.
The captain asked
- Where can you work?
"In anything," said Kabu.
The captain thought it said wanted to leave Kabu could do all the work of a ship, but really, what Kabu meant was that he was willing to do any work. And since two sailors had just left their positions, the captain ordered the ship to enter Kabu.
"And what do you ask? Asked the captain, Kabu referring to salary.
"I see," said Stephen Merritt Kabu.
Thus, Kabuye began their journey by sea, not knowing anything about ships or the sea. On the third day, Kabu found another test: dizziness. But, again, the faith he overcame. He knelt and prayed, saying the Father:
"Father, You know I promised to work for the captain every day until we get to America. But I can if I'm sick. Take off, so this disease. "And from that moment on, he was always well and was able to fulfill his duties.
Their ignorance caused much suffering ─ he was beaten, cursed and kicked a lot. But his peace was like a river, their confidence and security big sweet. Both ... The captain came under conviction of sin and became! And the fire of revival ran down the aisle, until half of the sailors also surrendered to Christ!
comes to the big city
Arriving in New York, the sailors gave her clothes (they started the trip with very little clothing and no shoes) and got fired. Kabu got off the ship and approached the first man he saw, a man passing by.
- Where is Stephen Merritt? -Kabu asked.
Kabu God was guiding, as Stephen Merritt lived in another part of the big city ─ about 5 or 6 miles of that place. However, the man replied:
"I know, lives there on Eighth Avenue, across the city. I will guide you down there if you pay me a dollar.
"Come Kabu said, although he was not even a penny.
Upon arrival at the home of Stephen, he was leaving home to go to worship.
"There is," said the guide. Kabu you were approached and asked
- Are You Stephen Merritt?
"Yes," replied Stephen.
"My name is Samuel Morris ─ Kabu used his name ─ American English. Just arrived Africa to speak with you about the Holy Spirit.
"Okay," said Esteban, I go to prayer meeting at Jane Street. Go to the mission there to the next door. When I return, I will make preparations for your accommodation.
Esteban paid the guide and went to worship. Kabu entered the mission. Returning to his home at half past ten p.m., Stephen Kabuye recalled. He rushed to the mission to prepare your accommodation. But, upon entering the gate of the mission, what was? Kabu already had 17 men kneeling around him! He had led them to Jesus, and everyone was rejoicing in His forgiveness. Then Stephen testified that he had never seen such a thing in his life. The Holy Spirit had worked through a poor African boy, who had little education or had "culture." However, it became very clear that the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.
Kabu had arrived in New York on Friday. Two days later, on Sunday, Esteban Kabu invited to accompany him to Sunday School. Kabu had never visited a Sunday School, but consented to go. Thus, Esteban introduced to Kabu as someone who had come from Africa to hear about the Holy Spirit. Many who were there laughed at this. However, Kabu gave Stephen the opportunity to speak.
Stephen never knew what Kabu said, because one had to attend another Kabu situation while speaking. But to return again, Steve was amazed: many young people had progressed to the "altar", crying! The presence and power of the Holy Spirit had filled the place.
Kabu teacher teaches
few days later, Stephen had to go to another part of town for a funeral. Kabu he invited to assist him, saying:
-Samuel, I want to show some of our city and Central Park.
Kabu had never ridden a horse-drawn car, and their ignorance of such things almost made Stephen laugh. They spent the streets and finally arrived at the Grand Opera. Stephen pointed it out to Kabu and he began to explain about it. Suddenly, Kabuye asked
Merritt, do you sometimes you pray in a car?
"Yes," replied Stephen, "I have been blessed many times while traveling by car.
On receiving this reply, Kabu put his hand on Stephen, led him to his knees and said
"Let's pray.
This was the first time that Stephen had knelt to pray in a car. Kabu Holy Spirit spoke to him saying that he had come to Africa to talk to Stephen about him, but Stephen always talking about other things, and they also wanted to show the church, the city and people, and that in the meantime, he had a great desire to listen and learn about Him Kabu kept praying, asking the Holy Spirit removed the heart of all these things Esteban and he so full of himself ... so that Stephen did not write, preach or speak of nothing but only the Holy Spirit.
From that day, Esteban wrote later: "Actually, there were three people in the car that day. I've never met another day as well, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and He did Kabuye the channel through which I was educated and trained more than ever. Many bishops have put their hands on me several times and have even been ordered by the elders of the church, but such events can not be compared with the power that came when I prayed Kabu. Caughey Santiago put his holy hands upon the head of Thomas Harrison and mine, praying that the Spirit of Elijah fell on Elisha us: And, yes, the fire came down and the power. However, received power within the car, next to Kabu. Since then, I have not written even a word spoken, except by and in the Holy Spirit. Kabu was an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit for my growth and development in the great things of God. Kabu was Fort Wayne, Indiana, and overthrew the University there (Acts 17:6). He lived and died in the Holy Spirit, after finishing his work. And since a man or woman anointed never dies, life continues to witness Kabuye today. While I live, the memories of him will never die. For me, this humble young man was a wonder ─ a miracle of God's grace. I learned to love him like a brother, and he learned lessons of faith and commitment, which I never knew before. "
Kabu Then we can see, that young African, taught his master Stephen Merritt who ─ was recognized by many as a very spiritual man ─ about the Holy Spirit.
Some of the youth Sunday School had formed a missionary society called "Samuel Morris Missionary Society." Plants provide all the needs of Kabu until entering college, if it would provide free education Kabu. So, Stephen Merritt wrote a letter to the University, asking the same thing. Although the University had recently formed and had a large debt, he welcomed Kabu. And in December, came to Fort Wayne, Indiana to begin his studies.
immediately Kabu became a curiosity for the other students. I did not know eating lots of food and had to learn American customs and culture of their new home. In addition, there were strange things to him, as the snow is such a thing never seen in his native land so hot!
But suddenly, through their consecrated life, was accepted as a child of God. In the following event, is an example of how he could gain the respect of his new friends. Upon entering college, one teacher asked
-Samuel, what you want to use the fourth bedroom?
"Oh, Mr. Reade," said Kabu-any room is fine for me. If there is a room that nobody wants, give me that.
Hearing that answer ... the teacher had to mourn. After testified that, in all his years as a teacher at the university, I had asked more than one quarter what Christian students preferred, but Kabu was the only one who said he wanted the room that nobody wants.
Again, Kabu teacher taught her about the Holy Spirit.
Despite his inability to speak English well, sometimes preached in the church. His simple, quiet, natural and effective to speak to the audience captivated. But their "talks with his father" were those that won the respect of his co-students and teachers. While others slept, Kabuye prayed in the morning, at midnight, where and when wanted. Remained so absorbed in their prayers, that sometimes, many came to see the scene but did not realize Kabu. If you heard a knock at the door while praying, still praying to finish his talk with his father. Then with a smile, he opened the door to the visitor, saying
-Sign. I finished talking with my Father, for the moment.
addition to being a lover to prayer, Kabuye became a lover of the Word, although it was difficult reading. However, when you had the chance, read it, or if someone was visiting him, I asked her to read him a chapter. To Kabu, the Bible was another means to hear the voice of his Father.
A Kabu, liked living in the United States. But his desire was to return to their country to preach to his own people. His love for Christ was stronger than the love of ease. However, the desire was never realized Kabu. The bitter cold of Indiana, with temperatures 20 degrees below zero, his body was too much for Africa, in January of 1893, suffered a bad cold. During the following months, he studied, but could not completely overcome the disease.
Gradually, her body was losing strength. Kabu knew that his end was approaching, but it was not heard even one complaint. When asked of his desire to return to his country to preach, said
"Others can do the work better than me. It is not my work, is Christ, He has to choose their own workers.
Seeing that his death was near, he asked if he feared death. Kabu smiled and replied:
"Oh no, Mr. Reade. After I met Jesus, death became my friend.
then passed into eternity Kabu one day in May 1893.
His funeral was packed with hundreds of people, and many strong men wept without shame. Why? Kabu Was not only a poor young African?
Yes, Kabuye was just a poor young African. But this young man with no education, no money and no Christian upbringing had something that many teachers ─ even ─ lacked: an intimate relationship with the Living God. Kabu talked to God and God with him. Kabu walked with God.
Shortly after his death, during a meeting, several people were sharing how life Kabu had affected the lives of themselves. Suddenly, a young man stood up and said he felt that God was calling him to go to Africa to preach to the people of Kabu, instead of this. To sit this young man, another stood up and said the same. And, sitting second, third young man stood up and proclaimed that he too felt the call of God. Thus, the three men began preparing to go to Africa instead of Kabu.
The secret life of Samuel Morris Kabu is in its dedication, humility and faith. God is the same today. God is not looking for education, wealth, human wisdom and attractive personality, He seeks a total and simple faith. Whoever surrenders Him, receive the same as Kabu received: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in his soul.
