I cannot worship idols," with a gesture toward the temple door,
"that rats can destroy. I am not afraid. I love Jesus. He is my
Savior and Friend."

No, A Hoa was not "ashamed" any more. His testing time had come,
and he had not failed after all. And his brave, true words sent a
thrill of joy through the more seasoned soldier at his side.

That was not the only difficult situation he met on that journey.
The two soldiers of the cross had many trials, but the thrill of
that victory before the Kelung temple never left them.

When they returned to Tamsui they held daily services in their
house, and A Hoa often spoke to the people who gathered there.

One Sunday they noticed an old woman present, who had come down
the river in a boat. Women as a rule did not come out to the
meetings, but this old lady continued to come every Sunday. She
showed great interest in the missionary's words, and, at the
close of one meeting, he spoke to her. She told him she was a
poor widow, that her name was Thah-so, and that she had come down
the river from Go-ko-khi to hear him preach. Then she added, "I
have passed through many trials in this world, and my idols never
gave me any comfort." Then her eyes shone, "But I like your
teaching very much," she went on. "I believe the God you tell
about will give me peace. I will come again, and bring others."

Next Sunday she was there with several other women. And after
that she came every Sunday, bringing more each time, until at
last a whole boat-load would come down to the service.