Ancient Words: Heroes of
Renown, Dr. Louis Klopsch
The Christian Herald was a religious publication in England in late 1800’s under Charles Spurgeon, the notable evangelist of London. Soon an office was opened in New York City, circulation of 30,000. An enterprising teen, Louis Klopsch, born in Berlin, Germany, in 1852, found himself in America to study Journalism at Columbia University. His interest to work in the fields of publishing peaked with the opportunity to manage The Christian Herald and soon came into full ownership of the periodical in 1884. As Spurgeon’s sermons were printed in the British paper, Klopsch seized the opportunity to print sermons of notable American preachers, Dr. T. Dewitt Talmage, Dwight L Moody, and others. Dr. Klopsch announced a lofty business goal upon purchase, stating ¼ million would be achieved for weekly circulation. His plan proved true so by 1910, the date of his death, The Christian Herald had over 250,000 copies in weekly circulation, was read in every city/town (it was the largest weekly publication) in the U.S., and was read all over the world in English speaking countries, remaining in business until 2006.
The Spirit of God consumed Dr. Klopsch as publisher of The Christian Herald! He printed sermons (and songs) revealing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the kitchen tables of homes across the U.S. (and the world) through practical business and journalism skills of marketing and distribution. When he heard and saw the unfortunate plight of children and mankind both in the U.S. and abroad caused by famine, drought, natural disaster, disease, he appealed thru TCH for the hearts and purses of man to open and share in assisting to the needs of others. One dollar, 50 cents, a quarter, dime or nickel—-even a single penny was never rejected in contribution to the cause.
His first organized mission work of philanthropy was the Russian Relief of 1891. Securing a ship, at his own expense, he wrote of the need in Russia and received enough donations to purchase and ship 5,000 sacks of flour. Dr. Klopsch wrote, “In a land of ripe orchards and golden harvests it is an awful thing to starve. What a blessing that this Russian appeal comes at a time when our barns are full of wheat and our cribs full of corn…” The appeal by Klopsch thru TCH led to over 3 million pounds of flour donated to Russian Famine Relief over the next 2 years. Dr. Klopsch prayed over the initial sailing: “O Thou who didst walk the Sea of Galilee…walk beside (this ship) as it shall plow the deep carrying this mercy from a prospered nation to an afflicted land. O Thou who holdest the wind in Thy fist, let no hurricane whelm this treasure… ‘I was hungered and ye fed me.’”
Thus began God’s philanthropic work thru Dr. Klopsch: Russia, China, India, Japan, Italy, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Cuba, Finland, Africa, Mexico—-and other places world-wide in need. In the U.S. needs were addressed for San Francisco earthquake, Galveston hurricane, Western Famine, American Bible Society, Bowery Mission, Christian Herald Children’s Home, and many other works for orphans, hospitals, blind, poor, invalids, and our own Native Indians. Three successive Presidents publicly approved his work; governments and rulers of mighty nations were his allies as over $3,000,000 (1894-1900) was raised for world relief.
With his death at age 57——look what he accomplished! O, yes, I failed to mention that Dr. Klopsch created our renowned “Red Letter” Bible in his spare time with over 60,000 copies in the first printing—-and he accepted his invite to the White House! Thank you, Dr. Klopsch, Hero of Renown!
(Scott and Jane Johnson minister with ast Faulkner Church of Christ and BRG Bible. Bible questions can be sent to [email protected].)
• • •
Hakuna
Matata
It seems that the scripture and adage “there’s nothing new under the sun” seems to hold true. The 1994 Walt Disney movie “The Lion King” is making its return to theaters. The highly successful and much-loved movie featured a catchy song that found millions of fans young and old singing “Hakuna Matata!”
Hakuna Matata is a Swahili phrase that simply means “No Worries.” In the animated classic a meerkat and a warthog named Timon and Pumbaa teach Simba, the young lion, that he should not worry about his past mistakes. Instead, he should focus on the new him and look ever forward.
The chorus of the song is this:
“Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze
…
It means no worries for the rest of your days
…
It’s our problem-free philosophy
…
Hakuna Matata!”
What a wonderful song and message! Hakuna Matata-No worries! As believers we need to remember that in this life, we will have troubles and there will be problems, but we don’t have to worry because we serve a risen Savior who has already overcome the world. The Word says that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory (Philippians 4:19). So, when the storms come, when the enemy attacks and when life seems to get the best of you, give it over to the one who has what’s best for you!
“Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:4-7
Peace and Blessings,
(Captain Jason Perdieu is corps officer of the Salvation Army of El Dorado.)
