“No one seemed to know how to give her lessons in Bible history, nor to teach spiritual realities to a girl who seemed quite retarded and who was both deaf and mute” (p. 19). Such is the dilemma which Gertrude Hoeksema faced when she was asked to teach Lori Holstege, a twenty year old, deaf-mute, mentally retarded diabetic. How much could such a girl understand; would she be able to grasp concepts such as sin, grace and salvation? Yet, God is sovereign in His grace and He can make a girl, who cannot hear the earthly sounds around her, hear the heavenly voice of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Read the touching tale of how Mrs. Hoeksema (wife of Prof. Homer Hoeksema) meets Lori, how Lori learns New Testament history, Old Testament history and the Heidelberg Catechism until she makes public confession of faith before Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church on her twenty second birthday. Learn how Lori and Mrs. Hoeksema overcome the obstacles to her participating in public worship. Observe how she reacts with a mixture of astonishment, joy and simple childlike faith at each new discovery from God’s Word. Be moved at the hardships she faces during her short life. Rejoice with her and her church as she confesses her faith before the elders and the congregation and partakes of the Lord’s Supper.
“Who then can be saved? … With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:26-27).
REVIEW
Lori, Gertrude Hoeksema; Reformed Free Publishing Association, Grand Rapids, MI, 153 pp. (paperback). [Reviewed by Prof. H.C. Hoeksema]
Truth is stranger than fiction, it is sometimes said. This true story of the conversion of a deaf-mute and mentally impaired girl is certainly a confirmation of that maxim. If some of the details of this story were found in a novel, they would probably be characterized as unbelievable and non-realistic. But this deeply moving account of the instruction and conversion of a dear child of God is truth, not fiction.
You probably think that as the husband of the author I am a biased reviewer. I freely concede this. And from that point of view I gladly allow the book to recommend itself. Besides, the rather overwhelming public response to this latest RFPA publication also serves as a recommendation.
However, from my position as the author’s husband and as first-hand observer of many of the events recounted in Lori, I am also able to confirm the facts of the story. It is safe to say that, if anything, the author has underplayed the drama of the events, possibly because sometimes words were inadequate to describe them.
In conclusion, two things. First of all, this little book should encourage us—parents, churches, schools—to do all in our power to furnish biblical and spiritual instruction to the handicapped among our covenant seed. Secondly, we should not underestimate the ability of the Spirit of Christ to drive home and to apply that instruction. If this book serves to underscore these two items, then, in addition to being a moving and highly interesting true story, it will serve a positive purpose.
