Sumatra Hears the Good News

About 1936, the pioneers in Java discussed how to expand the work to Sumatra​—the sixth-largest island in the world. This rugged island spans the equator and contains large cities and plantations along with extensive swamps and rainforests.

The pioneers agreed to send Frank Rice, so they pooled their meager funds to pay his fare. Soon afterward, Frank arrived in Medan, North Sumatra, with his two witnessing bags, 40 cartons of literature, and a little money in his pocket. Frank was a man of strong faith. He immediately set to work, confident that Jehovah would provide what he needed to carry out his assignment.​—Matt. 6:33.

During his last week of preaching in Medan, Frank met a friendly Dutchman who invited him in for coffee. Frank told the man that he needed a car to preach the good news throughout the island. Pointing to a broken down car in his garden, the man said, “If you can fix it, you can have it for 100 guilders.”b

“I don’t have 100 guilders,” Frank replied.

The man fixed his gaze on Frank. “Do you really want to preach to the whole of Sumatra?” he probed.

“Yes,” answered Frank.

“Well then, if you can fix the car, you can take it,” said the Dutchman. “If you get the money, you can pay me later.”

Frank set to work on the car and soon had it running smoothly. He later wrote, “With a car full of literature, a tank full of petrol, and a heart full of faith, I headed off to preach to the people of Sumatra.”

One year later, having covered the island from top to bottom, Frank returned to Jakarta. There he sold the car for 100 guilders and mailed the money to the Dutchman in Medan.