Pastor Harnum

Remembering Pastor Ralph Harnum

The year 1956. I was a young man, starting out on the great journey of life, when I first met Pastor Harnum. I was one of five men from Brig Bay who had jobs arranged at a woods camp in Hawkes Bay and we travelled to Port Saunders on the coastal ship and by motor boat to Hawkes Bay. When we arrived the office staff told us the company portage truck would make the trip to our camp that evening. We had two or more hours waiting, so I told my friend I was going to walk to the town, a short distanse, and would be back within an halr-hour.

As I walked along I noticed a man in a dark suit coming my way and thought I might get directions from him. As we approached he called, "It's a great day, sir!" with a friendly smile. I acknowledged that it surely was a lovely day, and halted to make inquiry of my relalives who had relocated to this town recently. He helped me concerhing my relatives, and added in a pleastant way "I take it you're new in town; you are here to go to work, maybe." I told him about my work arrangements. He said that he was a pastor and welcomed me to his home. We shook hands and went our ways. From that chance meeting this man would eventually become an esteemed friend.

Paster Harnum would at times visit various comunities in the area. I remember one of these trips when he came to Brig Bay. He and his wife called at the homes in the community, passing out gospel tracts and having conversation with the people. He arranged to hold a evening service at Aunt Kate Sheppard's house that same evening. When my wife and I arrived, every seat was filled and several people were standing.

The Pastor and his wife were kneeling in prayer, praying softly. An air of respect and expectancy pervaded the meeting place. Presently they arose and were seated for a minute or two, with quiet praise and worship. Then they Harnum began to sing a chorus and others joined in, singing various simple choruses that increased the atmosphere of worship.

After the singing, Pastor Harnum stood up, opened his Bible, read a portion of scripture from Acts 9, and selected a text from verse 6, and Saul trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what will You have me to do?" NKJ.

I remember the message that he presented to us, with Saul nearing the city of Damascus, where the believers had fled for refuge from the persecution in their country. Anyone found there confessing faith and trust in Jesus would be arrested and taken back to Jerusalem for trial. They would be forced to publicly deny Christ, and failing this they would be imprisoned or executed.

But as they drew near the city gates, suddenly a light shone from heaven. Paul fell helpless to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And the voice said, "I am Jesus, whom whom you are persecuting". Saul trembled with fear and awe. This Jesus, whom he had denounced and fought fiercely, He is the Son of God! Suddenly Saul believed, and he received Jesus as his saviour and Lord. He said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" The Lord told him the first steps that he was to take in his new life. Everything changed for Saul when he accepted Christ. The persecutor had suddenly become a willing servant, eager to serve The Lord Jesus, whateve the cost. Saul would gradually be transformed by the Holy Spirit, into the mighty soul winner, whom we know as the apostle Paul.

"What do you want me to do?" the preacher repeated, as he addressed the congration. The song wwriter had the same thought when he penned the song, "All to Jesus I surrender". The Lord invites those who hear His word, "Come to me all wou who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. The Pastor invited those who felt the desire to come forward and accept The Lord Jesus as there Saviour and Lord.

Afterward a chorus was song, a prayer, and then the service concluded. All to Jesus I surender, all to Him I freely give, I will ever love and trust Him, in his present dayly live, I surrender all...

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