October 31, 2007
After
the Wed. Bible study (Acts 20) for our older folk yesterday afternoon,
one of the older friends brought the following letter to be read out.
Talk about a modern day Acts 20!
*************
"Letter from Fritz Schwille, (a worker in Germany before World War 2)
September 22, 1941 Berlin, NW 40 Alt Moabit 12a
My dear sister Frida! My dear brother Wilhelm! All dear ones!
It
is my turn to write a few lines. Many thanks, Frida, for your letter
which I received the week before last. You worried about my health, but
that was not necessary, because I am well. The information that Hilde
received did not happen. The mother of Werner (Gebhard) and Susi
(Werner's sister) will have written to you, too. I rejoiced to be able
to see them briefly. I submitted (asked permission) for Marie S and
Hilde this week. I will be glad to hear about you through them. It is
better if you, Frida, don't make such a great journey, because of your
health. Pauline (Schnitzer) looked very poorly. You must not worry so
much about me. You will see Marie sooner than these lines reach you.
In
my case, there was only one step forward. Thursday, September 18, I
was at the Federal Military Court of Justice to stand trial. The
verdict was no surprise for me. I could not expect differently, and I
was prepared for it. Earlier, I thought that another way would open up,
yet it happened differently. The sentence is pronounced, but not yet
confirmed. Still weeks will pass until it becomes legal by law. The
last word has not been spoken yet. When the verdict is confirmed, I
shall go to a prison in Brandenburg, I was informed, where also some
more time may pass. So this may not be my last letter yet.
Now
I have only this one wish, that you be calm and trusting for my sake.
Although it may be painful, all can be overcome. I myself have
struggled, and with His help I have overcome. I am now resigned for
what is yet to come. For a little while I felt forsaken, although the
weeks and months were not all without joy.
Even
now at this point I could have the opportunity to turn back, but: "I
cannot now go back!" (Hymn 346 in the present English Hymnbook). I have
put my house in order., I don't worry too much when it gets closer to
Jordan, it will be only like a moment when I dive under its waves, and
then, all pain and sorrow will be over. Sometimes in my life I have
thought about this hour and longed for that rest. Father, mother, Karl
and Hans went ahead of us, and I would not wish them back from the land
where the faithful ones are at rest.
I
would have gladly stood by you both and other dear ones in life's
struggle, but the Lord will not abandon you. Just be brave and strong.
You still have work to do, and with the mercy of God, life shall bring
yet more joyful days than the present ones.
I
look back over my life which has brought me enough sorrow, but also,
not few of the greatest joys. In some occasions one has learned in life
about dying, and it gives a power that is stronger than death. Before
men I leave this world without honor. You will overcome this, my
disgrace. It will not be in vain in your life.
I
wonder if you, dear Wilhelm, are far away? I hope you return in
health, and that you are able to rejoice in many good things in life.
Salute Lina for me, dear Frida. May more joys return for you. I believe that the friends stand by you gladly. Be strong and composed. I was glad that Ricketante showed so much interest for me. Many greetings to her, too. Pauline will be staying with you for a while. Julie and the other friends are nearby, too. Maybe you can recuperate some at the friends, and on the mountain. Greet them all from me, from all my heart. I hope to write to you again later on.
To you both, and to all the dear ones in the Lord, many greetings from your brother, Fritz.
Greetings to the relatives.
Fritz
was sentenced to death because of too much love for humanity. Frida
and Pauline were imprisoned and Frida was shot to death because of her
brother, Fritz.
***********
Fritz Schwille was the German worker who was arrested because he refused to take up arms for Hitler.
This poem was with the last letter he sent to his family before being sent to the Russian front and his death.
Sept.. 22, 1941
Suffering cannot be separated from Loving on this earth
If you practice Loving, then you will learn suffering.
Loving and suffering must walk together on earth.
A life of sacrifice is the true substance of Love.
Who gives not of himself, can never free another.
Love is feeling the pain of another's suffering.
Love cannot separate from her heart another's grief.
Love must, while travelling along, bear the burden of brethren.
She is patient with others and is prepared to be hurt by others
With deep agony she sees corruption all around her.
She dies many deaths as she watches others die.
And may my poor life--bleeding from the wounds of strangers
Keep seeking the lost--to rescue from the floods.
What matters?
If only Love can keep loving until death.
When one has stayed true to the holy calling.
So it is better to suffer in the heart than to be without Love.
Someday the hour will come...
Then Love is separated from sorrow!
And when we have escaped from all pain
We will Love in eternal Joy.
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