S E Q U E L
1981
"T E S T I M O N I E S’
"We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation."
-- 2 Thess. 2:13
BOB HOCKMAN’S BIRTH
Bob’s father, Dr. William Hockman, was a dentist before going as a missionary under the China Inland Mission. His mother was a nurse from England who had the privilege of nursing Hudson Taylor (the founder of the mission) in an illness in West China.
When Bob was due to be born, a young new missionary from another station came to help. It was her first maternity case, and she arrived with a bundle of nursing books under her arm!
She promptly told the father that the baby was already dead and could not be born.
"What should we do?" father asked.
"Well," she replied, "I have some chloroform with me, so I’ll give her some of that to ease her pain."
After three days the chloroform was all used up, and mother came to, asking, "Is it a boy or a girl?" She was told the facts.
Mother thanked the lady and suggested that she catch the next houseboat back to her station. The "nurse" left, books and all!
Three hours later, a beautiful healthy boy was born – very much alive! Then and there the parents prayed that God would use that boy as a medical missionary to help others in need. Little did they realize then what God had in store for that child.
As the Hockman children grew old enough for school, they had to leave home and attend the missionary boarding school in Chefoo. It was at one of the evangelistic meetings there that Bob accepted Christ as his personal Savior – the most important day in his life.
God had "from the beginning chosen" him to salvation, as well as to service. After all, salvation must come before service. Only that which the Lord does through His saved ones is acceptable to Him (Phil.2:13). There are too many who volunteer to some religious activities, but have never been born spiritually by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.
Only by faith in Christ can anyone become the children of God (Gal. 3:26), and to have faith in Him means to accept the gift of faith which God gives to us -- to have faith in His faithfulness (Eph.2:8-9).
He knows who will be saved, that is true; but He still gives us the choice. The saved are the "whosoever will," and the lost are the "whosoever won’t!" Yet, the believers are "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:30).
AFTER BOB’S GLORIFICATION
The story of this book does not close with the telling of Bob’s Graduation from the earth and Commencement in glory. His dedication has been multiplied and made manifold through all who have been influenced to heed the call to salvation as well as to service.
Many readers of the book: DR. BOB HOCKMAN: SURGEON OF THE CROSS have wondered what became of Bob’s family, as well as what effect this book has had on those who have read it. Therefore this sequel is being written.
To begin with, the book was read over the Moody Bible Institute radio station soon after publication, and thousands heard the message and identified with Bob’s parents who were teaching at the Institute at the time.
One incident was especially interesting. When Bob was an intern, he worked closely with a surgeon who cursed constantly while operating.
After the news of Bob’s death was in all of the newspapers, that doctor called the Hockmans and told them the following happening:
"Your son was my helper during many operations. I knew he was religious and going to be a missionary, but that did not deter my earthy language when I was working. One day, when I was cursing more loudly than usual, I looked up at Hockman’s face and saw that he was white above his hospital mask, and his eyes were like fire.
"‘What’s the matter, Hockman, are you feeling sick from the operation?’" I asked.
"’His reply was quiet as he looked me in the eyes, and said, ‘The operation does not make me feel sick; but when I hear someone talk about my Lord Jesus like you do, that makes me sick!’
"’I never forgot that reply," the doctor concluded, ‘and tried to quit swearing after that!’"
WINIFRED THOMPSON HOCKMAN
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace." -- 2 Thess. 2:16
Ever since she was
a little girl, Winnie dreamed of being a foreign missionary. At
the age of fourteen she gave her heart to the Lord Jesus as her
Savior. But it was not until she was on her way to Ethiopia that
she learned that her mother had been praying for many years that
her daughter would be a missionary.
After Bob’s death, there was a spiritual struggle for Winnie since she knew that she could not continue on alone in Ethiopia as a widow with a small baby. But her heart was still on the mission field.
The Lord finally gave her definite indication and resignation that she could be of spiritual service in America as well as in a foreign land.
Winnie and baby Ruth returned to Wheaton to make their home with Bob’s parents. Her own heartbreak could only be met by the Lord Himself, but in the ensuing years she was able to counsel and encourage many young people concerning serving the Lord as missionaries.
Beginning in 1940 Winnie spent eight years working in the Registrar’s office at Wheaton College. The next six years she taught Home Economics Management and Child Care. In later years she was responsible for student dormitory housing arrangements.
In 1951 the Lord provided a way for her to purchase her present home (fondly named, "Little Africa" for the many missionaries who had previously lived there while home on furlough).
Winnie retired from the College in 1971, but was not yet ready just to sit around and rock away the hours. So she continued to work part time as receptionist in a Christian doctor’s office until a few years ago. Now she is a faithful volunteer at her home church wherever she is needed.
She has been, and still is, a giving person, always thinking of some service she can render to someone in need; and she is a shining witness for her Heavenly Father Who has provided for her all of these years.
Hearty and helpful, loving and cheerful, Winnie is an unusual example of what a real Christian should be by the grace of God. No wonder Bob fell in love with her – everyone else who knows her loves her too!
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, Winnie entered Heaven on January 13, 2000, meeting her Savior face to face and being reunited with her husband, Bob.)
RUTH HOCKMAN BELL
"Stand fast, and hold the traditions (doctrines) which ye have been taught."
-- 2 Thess. 2:15
This is God’s command for all young people who have a Christian heritage.
Ruthie (as she is
affectionately called) has lived up to the Lord’s directions
as a loving, cheerful, and happy person with a sense of humor,
and yet with spiritual depth.
She remembers that the most important event of her life was when she asked Christ to be her Savior when she was seven years old. How true this is for all who know their salvation in Christ! This is a moment of decision, a day of spiritual birth, which all should remember with even more importance than any other anniversary.
Later on, it was with real financial sacrifice that Winnie enrolled Ruth in Wheaton Academy, a private Christian high school. But it was during that first year that Ruth dedicated her life to following the Lord’s will wherever He would lead.
While attending Wheaton College, Ruthie met Gordon Bell, who became her husband. She took her new role as a Christian wife as a serious responsibility, even as in accord with God’s Word. They have seen His blessing in so many ways through the years.
Gordon teaches Industrial Arts in Wheaton public schools, and has many hobbies that attract young people into their home much of the time. He also teaches 6th graders in Sunday school.
Ruthie worked as a medical secretary for some years until it became suitable for her to use her time in her church or in service to others in need. It is a special joy that Winnie lives only ten minutes’ drive away from the Bells. They have happy times together with family gatherings. Winnie has been a faithful praying mother and a good friend.
Never has Ruth forgotten her heritage of grandparents who loved her so deeply and who had given so many years in missionary work in interior China, and the heritage of parents whose lives were that of obedience to God.
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, Ruth and Gordon moved to Oregon, Illinois, in 2000, where they are committed to a small church plant in the nearby city of Rockford.)
DR. DONALD HOCKMAN
"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord." -- 2 Thess. 2:13
No man has been a greater example of total obedience to Christ to his brothers and sister than was Dr. Bob.
Through his Home going, a younger brother, Don, was stirred to surrender his life and talents for the Lord’s use. He entered medical school (the same one that Bob had attended) and interned in the same hospital that his brother had received his training.
By the time Don finished school, the door of Ethiopia had closed to missionaries. He set up practice as a Christian doctor. Living in Wheaton with his wife, Lorrayne, Don has his own clinic in a nearby town. Their daughter, Raynie, is now married and has a career with Eastern Air Lines. Their son, Robert William (named after Dr. Bob) is also a doctor and interning in the same hospital as his uncle and father. It seems to be a family affair! He and his wife live in Wheaton.
Dr. Don has a special ministry in recording and duplicating sermons and programs that he makes available to missionaries and shut-ins.
Don served in the medical corps during World War II in China. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after some years in the Reserves.
Dr. Don writes the following concerning his brother:
"It is said that the passage of time now lends perspective to current events. This is probably true; but forty-five years may tend to blur accurate details of recall.
"However, there is no fading of my impression of Bob Hockman from the standpoint of an adoring kid brother. Bob was a true hero at home in private, even regardless of public recognition.
"Bob’s Christian life was his strongest testimony. So consistent was his righteousness that it could be sensed even without his preaching. It is not easy for a man to impress his own family, much less a smart-alec kid brother! But in all truth, from right up close, day in and day out, I’ve seen Bob in his share of hardships and problems and hurt; and he was always completely saintly.
"His reaction to profanity was intense. He would likely become tense and silent. Occasionally if the offense continued he would likely respond, firmly and quietly, with fire in his eyes, speaking out for the Lord. People who knew him would respect this and avoid further provocation.
"Bob was not an aggressive "button-hole" type of zealot, but took every legitimate opportunity to testify and share his faith.
"During his years in medical school Bob was one of the original members of a group of medical students from several Chicago schools who began meeting each Saturday noon for prayer and Bible study. Over the years this organization has grown nationwide, with ministry to the whole world.
"Bob was very particular to observe the Lord’s Day without work or studies. After the noon family dinner he would often go to minister to inmates of the county jail, and was a regular participant.
"Bob’s Christian life and testimony were founded on close communion with God. Early in the morning, before heading out for school, he would regularly take time for private devotions of scripture reading and prayer.
"These have been observations of a hero by the younger brother who loved and admired him profoundly. Truly Bob was the finest person I have ever known – I am blessed to have known him so well."
The author of this book echoes, "Amen, and Amen!" Praise to the Lord of glory!
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, Dr. Don Hockman went to be with his Lord in 1985.)
KATHLEEN HOCKMAN FRIEDERICHSEN
"…Stablish you in every good word and work". – 2 Thess 2:17
Bob’s sister, like her brothers, had experienced the deprivations of missionary penury during childhood as well as being left in boarding school for many years without seeing her mother. That was what missionary life meant to her.
When Kay eventually arrived in America at the age of sixteen, she had decided that she would never be a missionary. She knew too well what such a life entailed!
She married a preacher, Paul Friederichsen, and decided that was "good enough. Everyone didn’t need to become a foreign missionary!"
Paul and Kay were in the pastorate and had two small sons when the news of Bob’s death reached them. Immediately Kay set about to write the account of her brother’s life and sacrifice: DR BOB HOCKMAN: SURGEON OF THE CROSS. Just writing the book was itself a challenge to her heart. Paul and Kay asked the Lord to show them if He would want them to volunteer for foreign service. Up to this time Kay had not been willing even to consider such a thing. The Lord was working.
Bob’s mother was the one who brought to their attention the need in the Philippines for missionaries. They applied to the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism; were accepted; and sailed away – another trophy of God’s working through Bob’s glorification!
A few years later World War II broke out and the Philippines were taken over by the Japanese; so most of the war years were spent in concentration camps with deprivation, intimidation, starvation, and eventually the battle for Manila.
It seems that the Hockmans have had their share of wars – beginning with childhood when the missionary family had to hide out from stray bullets of bandit armies who fought among themselves in China; then Bob’s experience; Don’s work in the battle area in Korea; and then the Friederichsens’ years of imprisonment.
Paul and Kay returned to the Philippines twice since their liberation to continue their work of establishing indigenous, fundamental Baptist churches through tent evangelism.
They are now representing their Lord in America by "every good word and work," even though retired.
Kay has written eight books besides this one, and teaches several Bible classes each week. One son, Doug, is a preacher; the other, Bob (named after his uncle), teaches Graphic Arts in a Christian college. There are five grandchildren.
(Note: Since the sequel was printed, Kay entered Heaven in 1989. Her husband, Paul, joined her in 2001.)
DR RICHARD SCHEEL
"Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
-- 2 Thess. 2:17
At the memorial service for Bob Hockman in 1936 at the Wheaton Bible Church (which Bob’s father helped to found some years before), Richard Scheel gave his life for foreign mission service. He attributes his reading DR. BOB HOCKMAN biography as part of God’s leading in calling him to Ethiopia. He spent many years in that country before he was forced to return home due to the political situation there.
Today, Dr. Scheel is a physician in Wheaton and has five children. His eldest son was also a missionary to Ethiopia, and now he and his wife and baby are in the Sudan. A daughter is a graduate nurse and looking forward to serving on the mission field.
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, Dr. Scheel went to Glory. The date is not known.)
REV. MONROE SHOLUND
"Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
--II Thess. 2:17
It was after a very critical time of illness that the Lord spoke to Monroe’s heart about surrendering his life to invest in the things of eternity. He responded, "Yes, Lord! Of course, I will!"
In a wonderful way the Lord touched his sick body, and the restoration to health was spectacular.
Before leaving the hospital, someone had left the book, DR. BOB HOCKMAN on the bedside table. The reading of that book was a turning point in his life. He writes:
"Although I sensed an eagerness for service in Africa when I was in high school, yet my vision had dimmed, and my love for the Lord had waned, and my eagerness to allow the Lord Jesus to have full control of both my present and my future had nearly gone. That book was God’s call and challenge and a glorious reminder of His claim to my life. That book has accompanied me during these past forty years of service in the Congo, and now more than twenty years in South Africa.
"One of the first persons I was privileged to introduce my wife to on our first furlough to America, was dear Winnie Hockman, a gracious lady who had become one of my greatest encouragements and precious friend during my school days in Wheaton. The impact of Dr. Bob’s life continued to bear fruit.
"Many people, of course, have impacted my life in various ways, and I thank God on every memory of them all; but the life and death of a young American doctor in a Red Cross Camp in Ethiopia were the instruments God used to bring me to this land of Africa.
"Surely one of the glorious moments in "That Day Ahead" will be when, as we stand together before the Lord Jesus, Dr. Bob and I will meet for the first time!
"Link upon link, the chain of challenge, witness and obedience is drawing multitudes into the glad service for Christ to reach to the ends of the earth in obedience to His command. Oh, I thank God that the link in that chain to encourage my life, which Dr. Bob so indispensably represented, was strong!
"My prayer is that my life may be, in turn, a worthy teacher of the Gospel, committing this Word of Life to many other faithful men, who will in turn teach others also."
Rev Sholund has indeed seen a rich ministry as a lecturer in Bible at the Johannesburg College of Education for ten years (a position of strategic importance since it is the largest English-medium Training College in Africa): he founded the Rosebank Bible College, a school with a unique single-year course for the training of Lay-people; as well as an additional two-year course for the training of missionaries in both local and cross-cultural ministry; and a network of Evening Schools of the Bible which is expanding across Southern Africa.
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, Rev. Sholund and his wife, Doris reside in Plymouth, Minnesota.)
Why does God allow trouble and sorrow to come to His beloved children who have trusted Him for salvation?
Here are some of the reasons:
All trouble is allowed for the believer’s good and for God’s glory.
Then why does trouble come to the unsaved?
"He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." --2 Thess 2:14
Daniel and his
family have become dear friends of the Hockmans. He is an
Ethiopian who came to America to earn his doctorate in Higher
Education Administration from Michigan State University in
Lansing, Michigan.
This is how he met the Hockmans:
Ruthie’s husband has a brother, Norm, who was a professor at MSU where Daniel was schooling. In the course of conversation Norm mentioned to Daniel that he had an interest in Ethiopia since his sister-in-law’s father gave his life there as a medical missionary.
Daniel’s face lit up, and he asked, "That wouldn’t be Dr. Bob Hockman, would it?"
After that, Norm arranged for Winnie and the family to meet Daniel there in Michigan. What a happy time it was! He told about having read the book about Bob and how it had changed his life.
Now since he and his wife and children are all here in this country, they have found it impossible, for the time being with the upheavel in his own land, to return home. He is at present Advisor to the Dean of the International Christian Graduate University in California. His responsibilities include helping to establish a regional campus in Africa.
The following is part of his personal testimony:
"I was born in a small country town in Eastern Ethiopia. Both my parents died before I was five, and I grew up without parental devotion and love in boarding schools.
"Early in life I began asking such questions, as, ‘Why so much suffering and pain? Why death" etc…’
"High school continued to be a period of searching for meanings and answers. The turning point of my life came when I became a Christian during my last year through the ministry of my high school principal who was an American missionary.
"I went on to College and was busy with studies and sports, but managed to attend church on a regular basis. Looking back now, I can see that I was still suffering from spiritual deficiencies that I couldn’t understand at the time.
"My restlessness and search for better understanding of Christian things took me to reading Christian books, especially biographies, and I read every one I could get a hold of. These helped me to grow in my Christian experience.
"But one book in particular stood out and left a lasting impression on me:
DR BOB HOCKMAN; SURGEON OF THE CROSS. Dr. Bob’s life story had a special meaning for me and for other Ethiopians who shared the account in subsequent years. This is because the brief drama of his most unusual involvement in Ethiopia took place in the same general area of my birthplace, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Harar, Djigigga and Daggah Bur are all familiar places to us. Dire Dawa and Harar are towns full of memories of my childhood and adolescent days. How I’d love to go back to those places! Today they represent Bob Hockman!
"God used Hockman’s life to teach me the lesson that every Christian needs to learn – total obedience to the One Who died for us on the cross. This was a new dimension in my Christian experience.
"In my work with High school and College students in the past, I used this biography often, and have seen many changed lives.
"Now that I have met Mrs. Hockman and Ruth I intend to use this biography in more meaningful and effective ways when I return to Ethiopia – some day!
"Yes, Bob Hockman’s testimony lives on in Ethiopia!" Daniel Lema’s words give cause for praise to:
"Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us." -- 2Thess. 2:16
(Note: Since this sequel was printed, the latest residence of the Lema family is in Redlands, California.)
Throughout this chapter, the passage from Thessalonians 2:13-17 has been applied to the testimonies. How rich is the truth that has been given us in these inspired words of God’s Word!
There is the mention of the triune God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, Who is involved in choosing and calling and loving and sanctifying and comforting those who believe His truth of the Gospel.
The Gospel is the fact that Christ died to take the damnation that we have all earned and deserve (1 Cor. 15:3; Rom 5:8).
When we receive the Savior into our life (John 1:12; Rev. 3:20), all the blessing of the glory and good hope through grace are given to us.
And, the power of God is applied to help us stand, to teach us, and establish us to do His will. It is all of grace – God’s love in action!
What a heritage all believers have! This is not just a special legacy for those who are able to serve the Lord on foreign shores – this is for YOU, dear listener, if you ask the Savior to take your sin away and save you.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
The Lord has loved you, do you care?
And He has called you, did you heed?
The Savior died to save your soul:
So have you let Him meet your need?
If you will just believe His
truth;
The gospel in your heart is sown.
The Spirit sets the saved apart;
You’ll know the Savior as your own.
So comfort, grace, and hope is
yours;
And glory is a guarantee.
And you can know that God chose you
So far back in eternity!
No wonder, then, that you should
stand
And hold the doctrines He has giv’n:
Established in good words and works
To praise God on the way to heaven!
So why keep on in unbelief
–
Reject His sacrifice for you?
The Savior waits to save you now;
Oh, why not pray and ask Him to!
K.H.F.