Baldermo Rodriguez

September 3, 1944

Dear Mr. [Kelly] Barnes,
Please forgive me for not writing any sooner, but I have been on the move for nearly four months now. I have made another combat jump and came out alright—“Thank God.” It is the third combat mission in which I have taken part. Everyone has been very tough and in everyone, we have had a little fun with the [Japanese]. [I‘ll] be glad when this is all over because I have done some walking in my three years in the Parachute Infantry, and I have seen all the bullets flying over my head that I wanted to see. I am ready to take a rest out of the tropics and far away from the [Japanese].

I am sending a few pieces of Japanese money which they were going to use in their conquer of the world. Well, piece-by-piece, we are taking it all back. Some of the money is real [Japanese] money. [The] other pieces are nothing but invasion money.

Well, I have to close for today, but I will write again soon.

Sincerely,
Rodriguez

P.S. Give my regards to everybody at T. F. I.

10 Yen

Other side of 10 Yen

Japanese Money

Japanese Money

Letter to TFI

Letter to TFI

Dr. Wayne Gardner, President of Toccoa Falls College

Dear Friends,

Years ago, I had the opportunity to take a group of boys from an Explorer Post to Philmont Scout Ranch, which is just outside Cimarron, New Mexico. Our trek was ambitious: for ten days we would hike five to six mountain peaks over 126 miles with the altitude topping out at over 12,000 feet on Mount Baldy.

It was a challenge, but it was one we believed we could do. We realized we would be tested—mentally and physically along the way. This reminds me of how Satan will try anything to prevent God’s children from reaching the goals that He has helped us set for our lives.

We began the journey full of energy and excitement. During the third night out, a bear paid an unannounced visit to our campsite. Our confidence may have been shaken some, but we got up the next morning and headed back out on the trail. By the fourth day, the rations we had carefully packed suddenly seemed very uninviting. And even though it was the middle of July, we woke up each morning feeling cold and stiff. This is when I noticed several of the guys beginning to complain about being tired. They even hinted at quitting. What had seemed like a fun adventure a few weeks earlier was becoming a very tough experience.

On the sixth day, we set up camp at the base of Mount Baldy near an altitude of 10,000 feet. I decided that for us to make it to the top, we would have to get up at 4 a.m. and begin our climb. That next morning as we neared the tree line where we would start our final climb to the top, most of the boys began to grumble, “I’m tired,” one said. “I don’t think we can make it,” another chimed. “I just don’t want to go on,” someone said, followed by a chorus in agreement.

Honestly, I never thought about turning back, because I believe if God gives us a challenge, we must finish the course. Will there be difficulties along the way? Absolutely. This is just one of the principles I share with our students during chapel at the beginning of the spring semester. Often we don’t have the luxury of choosing an alternate or easy route. Jesus faced great temptations—ones that we could never face—but His determination to do the Father’s will kept Him focused and squarely on course. He is our supreme example of victory over possible defeat.

Charles Haddock Spurgeon said, “God never trains His soldiers on feather couches. He trains them by placing them in the heat of the battle with bullets flying past their heads.” The only way we can become more than conquerors is to take the life of Christ as our own and make a “once and for all” decision that we will not retreat no matter what befalls us.

Early that morning as I stood before this group calculating the cost of failure, I realized this one journey—this single event—could become a flag of victory to fly in each one of our lives. But we had to make a choice. We could go on to reach our goal, or we could turn back in defeat and settle for something much less than God’s best.

I turned to my senior patrol leader and said, “I’m going on ahead. When the guys ask where I am, tell them I am going to the top. Let’s see what they do.” Then I added, “Will they let an old man of 28 do something they refused to do?”

I began the climb. It was difficult; but on the way up I discovered that I had a sense of fresh energy. I was no longer focused on the condition of the path or the steepness of the grade or on the fact that I had been doing this for nearly a week. Instead, my eyes were set on the summit. I was consumed with one thing: reaching my goal, running with endurance, and finishing the course. The author of Hebrews admonishes us to “run with endurance the race that is set before [you], fixing [your] eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

I was about 500 feet from the top when I realized there were others with me. I turned around and looked and every member of our group was coming up the trail. I kept climbing.  When I reached the top, my best hiker was right there with me. We had all made it. No one had turned back. No one was left behind, and no one quit, because as a leader I had set an example. There will be times in this life when we are tempted to turn back. But even when the course before us appears difficult from our perspective, we need to remember that from God’s vantage point it is nothing more than a walk of faith at His side. He is our omnipotent Leader.

The students of Toccoa Falls College have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference in this world. I believe it is our mandate from God to offer the preparation they need to become godly servant leaders, who refuse to give up or abandon their faith and their goals.

People often ask me what they can do for the college. Prayer is essential and one of the first things I mention. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we plan for the future and that we will run the course that He has set before us with endurance and a steadfast faith.

I also want to update you on the reconstruction of Gate Cottage. It is well under way. In fact, we believe it will be completed by mid-April. The new counseling building is also scheduled to be ready for use by the first of that same month. You will remember that we were able to take the insurance money received from the Gate Cottage fire and build these two new structures. I rejoice, as I know Dr. Forrest would, that once again God has proven His faithfulness to Toccoa Falls College by giving us beauty for ashes. Thank you for your prayers for the college and for your continued support through giving. The work we do for the Lord today will have eternal results.

Together in His service,

Dr. W. Wayne Gardner
President
Toccoa Falls College

Missionary Amy Carmichael wrote, “Everyday we live we have to choose whether we shall follow in the way of Ahab of Elijah. If we put self first, whether in great things or small, we are like Ahab. And the habit grows with life till we end as Ahab ended. ‘The king died and was brought to Samaria’ — that poor little hill which never saw anything glorious till One, who was wearied by His journey, sat on the side of the well there.”

Like most of us, Richard and Evelyn Forrest came to a point where they had to make a choice. The place of temptation did not come as they helped to start a small mountain school in Golden Valley, North Carolina. Nor did it surface a few years later when that school was relocated to Toccoa Falls, Georgia. It came after all of this when they were settled and enjoying their ministry and vocation.

Suddenly there was an offer on the table—one that would have required them to move far away from the school that they had nurtured and the people they loved. And with that offer came the promise of financial stability—something they had never had. There would have been fresh opportunities along with titles that would lead to recognition and power in the educational field. Without a doubt they would have been “set for life.” But they turned the offer down. For one brief moment, Richard Forrest allowed himself the luxury of thinking how he could provide for his wife. They would move and she would never have to wear another donated dress.

“An all important thing for us to know,” wrote Evelyn Forrest, “is our own standing in Christ.” Richard and Evelyn Forrest knew “who they were” and what they had been given to do. But this very knowledge on its own was not enough to settle the issue. There had to be something deeper and greater than a simple knowledge or calling. There had to be a personal love and sincere surrender to the Savior or their knees would have buckled at every turn.

When we have a personal and intimate knowledge of who we are in Christ and what He has done for us, we will not be quick to turn to the path that Ahab took. Instead, we will choose the way Elijah took, which is the way to our personal Mt. Carmel.

Taken from the online devotional book A Present Peace © 2010 tfchistory.com. The quote from Evelyn Forrest was taken from her class notes.

Map of Iraq

Editor’s note—The yellowed map of Iraq clipped out of newspaper was discovered in Mrs. Forrest’s Bible. We had no idea of its significance until we read the following excerpt from her weekly radio program notes dated June 1, 1941.

“The home of Abram and his father Terha, was Ur of the Chaldees. How many of you noticed the war map on the front page of the Atlanta Journal last night? It was a war map of the near East, and the notation that the ‘British troops fighting in Iraq had reached Baghdad’s suburbs and pushed northward from Basra to occupy Ur,’ which is the birthplace of Abraham. The Gentile nations are certainly gathering around the Holy Land. In the New Testament we read, ‘When ye shall see all these things, know that He is near, even at the door. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh’ (Luke 21:28).”

Mrs. Forrest’s radio program was broadcast each Sunday afternoon from 3 to 4 p. m. over WRLC in Toccoa, Georgia. People through Northeast Georgia and South Carolina wrote regularly to tell her how much they enjoyed hearing her.

Both of us slept late this morning. It has stopped rolling for the first time since we struck the ocean. Perhaps that is the reason we did not hear the breakfast bell. The stewardess very kindly sent us breakfast even though it was late.

I unpacked the trunk and put on my blue dress for lunch. Sent the brown one and Richard’s suit to be pressed for the Captain has invited us to tea in his cabin at 4:30 p.m. During lunch, a heavy fog settled over us and the boat had to slow down and sound a warning whistle every few minutes. It became very dense, and the Captain had to postpone his tea party because he was needed on the bridge. The fog lifted about six and we passed some immense icebergs. They certainly looked ominous. Remember the Titanic.

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Friday, May 16, 1930
On the Atlantic — S.S. Andania

Fog and rain of last night is repeated again today. It is a little warmer than yesterday. We seem to have passed beyond the arctic current and out of danger from icebergs now.

Although the fog is pretty heavy the Captain held his “tea party” today and we had a very enjoyable half an hour over our teacups before the hurried summons to the bridge brought it to an end abruptly. An officer in a dripping-wet slicker saluted the captain said, “Your presence is needed on the bridge, sir.”

Dressed in my brown evening dress, blue beads for dinner, and the musical concert tonight. It was very much enjoyed by all the first class passengers as well as those in the tourist cabin. Then I read until midnight.

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Saturday May 17, 1930
Andania in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence River

It was so foggy that we had to stop from 2:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. Then it was daylight, but we could proceed only by great blasts from the fog whistle every few minutes. In 114 days we have covered 26,699 miles—by water 18,186 miles. On land we have traveled by auto and train 8, 219 miles and by air 294. The average has been 228 miles per day. We have been in countries run by 20 different governments. Passed through 16 different tribes in Africa (of which there were five French colonies—Guinea, Ivory Coast, Haute Volte, Soudian and Senegal).

The sun is shining now, the fog has lifted and we are steaming ahead full speed. Now in the St. Lawrence River the scenery is wonderful. Wrote many cards and letters.

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Sunday May 18, 1930
Andania in the Gulf of St. Lawrence River

No Service today and everything is full of bustle and expectancy. We are to reach Quebec about 1:30 p.m. A letter from J. D. Williams announces the death of Dr. W. M. Turnbull by auto accident. This is certainly a very strange providence—one of the mysteries we will never be able to understand until we meet Jesus face to face.

Spent most of the day in the lounge reading. The scenery is beautiful on either side of the river the snow-covered mountains lift up to the sky—their heads high above the peaceful river. The quaint little villages are nestled in among the hills.

6:00 p.m. We went ashore at Quebec and enjoyed an auto ride. Sailed again about 8:00 p.m.

In the Lower Admiralty Group near Lost Channel, St. Lawrence River, Canada

It was very rough all night. We did not have a storm but she [the ship] is just out of dry dock and has practically no cargo, for she did not have time to load. Therefore, we are rolling and tossing around like an eggshell. Not a very bright prospect if we are to have nine days of this. Richard woke early and had me ring for our breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The stewardess came and told us it was early, we should have turned our watches back one hour and forty minutes last night. We had but he was hungry. She brought them at 8:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. We attended service upon deck A. The rest of the day we spent quietly reading. I forgot the “life belt drill” at 11:30 a.m. Many are seasick. We went to bed early for it was still very rough.

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Monday, May 12, 1930
S.S. Andania

Richard got up for breakfast this morning, but I had mine served in the cabin. Our cabin is so small it is impossible for us both to dress at the same time. It is still very rough so I am not going to bother about opening the trunk. I will wear this same dress all the way across if it keeps on like this.

We spent the whole day reading. I finished The Golden Land and started on Aggrey of Africa. It is such a large volume—will take some time to finish it. The only time I stopped reading today was to eat lunch and dinner. Went to bed early. Many are still seasick and have never been in the dining room at all. We are both well.

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Tuesday, May 13, 1930
Atlantic Ocean, Andania

This boat would take the prize in pitching and rolling. It is almost impossible to walk straight or dignified. Suddenly we go fast and then slow. We found a quiet room today where “no smoking” signs keeps most of the people out and we spent the entire day reading. Both read All Quiet on The Western Front, and I started Cimarron by Edna Farber.

It has certainly been a real treat to read all day without interruption except for lunch and dinner. They had a “Carnival Dinner” tonight and all who were able to get to the dining room were very happy and gay. The people at our table are very congenial. Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Miss Galloway, another Miss, who has only appeared once, and Mr. and Mrs. Iris.

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Wednesday, May 14, 1930
On the Atlantic Andania

Breakfast of grapefruit, eggs, toast, and coffee served in my cabin. Then another good hot salt bath and I am ready for my book and easy corner. Finished Cimarron before I slept. Richard says he has read five books already. I thought it was rough yesterday, but this is the worst since leaving Glasgow. Many are seasick again today. So thankfully, we have both escaped thus far. I do not think there is any danger for us now, as long as she keeps right side up! It has rained a part of everyday since we left.

Andania

This is sailing day. Praise the Lord! We will both be so glad to get home. After breakfast, we packed our things and I wrote a few letters and cards. Richard both wrote and called his mother. Then went to see the American Consulate about our passports. He says they are all right for Canada, U.S. or anywhere in the world.

2:00 P.M. we went out to Paisley again, took some pictures of the Lindsay family. Then they spread a wonderful “High Tea” for us and three of them came all the way back to Glasgow with us and over to the boat. They wanted to go aboard and see our cabin. But they were not permitted to do this on account of the great crowd there to see the football boys off. All aboard the Andania!

Andiania, the boat Richard and Evelyn Forrest took from Scotland to Canada

It was a White Star Line ship the same as the Titanic!

Andania

Had another fire this morning for it was still cold. After breakfast at 9:30, we went for a walk to the castle; from there one has a good view of the city. There were many things of interest at the castle, especially the room in which Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James, who later became James I, King of England and who gave to the English speaking world the King James Version of the Bible. This room with the prayer of John Knox for the infant remains as it was the day he was born.

1:00 p.m. Left Edinburg for Glasgow arriving there at 2:02 p. m. After seeing our baggage safely deposited in the George Hotel, we started out to find Paisley and the mail from home. Went out by bus; it was not a long ride. Found the Lindsey home at 134 Lockfield Rd. without any difficulty. They live in a very pretty new suburb. The houses are built mostly in flats with very attractive yards—filled with flowers, evergreens, and rock garden plants in full bloom. Mrs. Lindsey and the two children James and Neal were the only ones at home. Mr. Lindsey and his two sisters were at work. We arranged to go return tomorrow about 2 or 2:30 to see them.

The mail was a shock, two letters from Lorene, a card from Edward Gilmer, an Easter card from Matilda, and a cable from Kelly announcing the death and burial of Father Forrest on April 14. Mother has gone to Chicago. We cannot understand why they waited so long to let us know. Leaving Paisley we went at once to Bells Hill to see if we could find Theresa’s grandmother and Aunt Margaret. The grandmother, Mrs. Bullock had moved to 33 Gleeb Street. She was happy to see us and wanted to make tea but we declined for we had already enjoyed “high tea” with Mrs. Lindsey.

Mrs. Bullock took us to see Aunt Margaret. Her husband has been out of work for months and Aunt Margaret is supporting the family by her leather handcraft work. She gave us a purse to take to Theresa. When we reached the hotel it was about 8:30 p.m. and we were very tired. Immediately after dinner, we went to bed.