About His Conversion
My heart was filled with joy. I wouldn’t have traded places with anyone at that time. Oh, what a great joy it was to know that I was saved, that God has forgiven me of my sins and that I had become “partaker of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4, kjv). Though I was unworthy and sinful, I had “redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7).
Hunger, starvation, and a freezing cold prison cell no longer had horrors for me. They would be only for a passing moment. Even death could hold no threat when I knew that God had saved me. Death is just one more trial that I must go through before I can enjoy the pleasures of eternal life. There will be no pain, no suffering, no sorrow, no loneliness in heaven. Everything will be perfect with joy forever. I had the promise of being like Jesus who is God’s Son. In that day, I will know all things, for I will then be a partaker of immortality.
About God's Commandment to Love
I had seen people who could show a beautiful attitude in very trying circumstances, but I did not know that we can all have this kind of love that is long suffering, kind, and patient. However, if we are given the commandment to love one another, it is surely possible for us actually to do so. Since God has given the commandment to love, our part of the transaction is to put forth an effort and try to have love for others. This would be a wonderful world if we would all try to love one another. If we would honestly try and if we would recognize Jesus as God’s Son and our Savior, God will be pleased with us. I made up my mind to try.
About Trying
How easy it was to make a friend out of an enemy because I had just tried. God’s way will work if we try it out. Jesus was not an idealist whose ideals could not be realized. When He told us to love one another, He told us the best way to act, and it will work. His way will work out better than any other way which could be tried, but people and nations still try some other way to their own confusion.
About Going to Japan as a Missionary
This time I was not going as a bombardier, but I was going as a missionary. Now I had love and good intentions toward Japan. How much better it is to go out to conquer evil with the gospel of peace! The strength and power must come from God, but God's promise is, "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it" (Revelation 3:8). I have tried God's promises out in the past, and God always keeps his promises.
My brave little wife was ready for the fight. There might be hardship and trouble, but there would be no turning back on her part. This is God's battle and God says, "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude." To fight with God gives confidence and victory, and the victory will be glorious. People who find Jesus are never sorry. Jesus gives a better life in this world and the sure promise of eternal joy in the next.
About His Life Insurance Policy
(a note written in 1972, just discovered by Florence, March 22, 2008):
To my Beneficiary, this is due after my departure for Glory Land. Hellelujah! JD
All but the last quotes are from the book, DeShazer by C. Hoyt Watson, published in 1950 by Light and Life Press, Winona Lake, Indiana.