God’s light in the concentration camp

From Then for Now: Stories That Still Speak

In Van vroeger voor nu, we share old stories that still resonate today. This time, two short reflections from Corrie ten Boom. In her 1976 book, she recounts playing in a church with her cousin Dot and how God was present there. Years later, she and her sister Betsie found themselves in a concentration camp. Was God also present there?

1899

“One afternoon we were playing again, and it grew later than usual. Before we knew it, shadows in the church had cloaked everything in darkness. I looked around. Through the beautiful stained glass windows, I saw the glow of lanterns shining in. Only the outlines of the Gothic pillars were visible.

‘Let’s go home,’ whispered Dot. ‘I’m scared.’ I wasn’t afraid. I walked to the door of the home where Uncle Arnold (Dot’s father) lived. I felt a Presence comforting me  a deep peace in my heart. Even in the dark, amidst the dusty, damp air of that large building, I knew that the ‘Light of the world’ was with me. Was the Lord preparing me for a time in the future when I would need certainty that His Light conquers all darkness?”

1944

“Betsie and I walked to the courtyard of the concentration camp for roll call. It was early  not even morning yet. The head of our barracks was so cruel that she sent us out into the freezing cold a full hour too early.

Betsie’s hand was in mine. We took a different path to the courtyard than the rest of our fellow prisoners. There were three of us  for we were walking with the Lord and speaking with Him. First, Betsie spoke. Then the Lord. How? I don’t know. But we both understood Him. It was the same Presence I had felt years earlier in that old church. He was with us and comforted us.

The only light we saw was from the brilliant morning stars. The cold winter air was crisp. Faintly, we could make out the shapes of the barracks, the crematorium, the gas chamber, and the towers where guards stood with their machine guns.”

“‘A glimpse of heaven, don’t you think?’ Betsie said. ‘Lord, this is just a tiny foretaste. One day we will see You face to face, but thank You for the joy of walking and talking with You now. A glimpse of heaven in the midst of hell. Light in the darkness.’”