RON+Jenny

Name: Ernest Forster Age: 1876 - 1942 Gender: Male Occupation: American Missionary to Nanking, China & Professor Social Class: Middle Class Financial situation: Does not earn a lot of money, yet is able to live on luxuries and live a very rich life. Appearance: Forster always carries around a very stout expression as he is very deeply involved with the Lord. He has a gentle and kind expression that helps people to listen to his sermons with a calm mind. He has brown hair, hazel nut eyes, and usually wears his green vest around. Location ( [|map] ): Nanking Habitual locations: Texas, America Daily routine: 9:00 AM - Wake up and perform morning prayer 9:30 AM - Eat breakfast with other foreigners 10:30 AM - tend the sheep 11:00 AM - Attend church and preach the word to the people of Nanking 12:00 PM - Noon prayer and eats lunch 1 - 3:00 PM: Spare time 4:00 PM - records diary/writes letters to friends & families 6:00 PM - Dinner 8:00 PM - Scripture reading and reciting time 8:30 PM - prepares to sleep (night time prayer) 9:00 PM - is in bed by this time Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Known to be kind, gentle, and benevolent. Opposes violence and is determined to achieve and maintain peace throughout the world. He is known for his passion of sheep. Past/individual-family history: Mother died at an early age and his father was a doctor/missionary in America that travelled around. Family: Has a wife, Abbey, and two daughters at home in America. Social relations with your own and other classes (people you deal with or know about in other classes, AND your opinions and feelings about them): Practically loves and cares for everyone in this world despite how evil human beings can be. He is very closely associated with the head members of the Nanking Society, John Rabe and Wilson Plumber Mills. He is known to also have many ties here and there with the Chinese natives. He is friends with a Chinese Professor, Professor Chang. As they exchange letters. Religion: Christianity Education: Graduated at Stanford University.

= Diary # I: Calm Before the Stor m = July 10, 1937

Greetings my friends, How do you do, mother and father? Friends? I do miss you all terribly, and this letter is for the purpose of informing all of you that I am doing well in Nanking, China. Nanking is having its usual spell of humid weather which continues to suffocate me. However, the weather is not so much on my mind at this moment. China is once again engaged in another troublesome war with Japan, they call this the Second Sino-Japanese War. How terrible! Oh Lord, the Alpha and the Omega, what on earth has happened to the moral codes and rights of human beings? This is ridiculous...how could next door neighbors call upon each other to fight? China and Japan are critical countries that should be able to cooperate together as one when it comes to Asia. Dearest Father, please be with the ambivalent Chinese men and guide them during their unpleasant battles. Please be with the savage Japanese men as to my prayers, lead them astray from massacring innocent men, women, and even children. Please be with us, for my primary concerns revolve around my beloved wife, Flossie, and son, Kenneth. This war will not be pleasing to the eyes. There are many rumors that the Japanese have emerged out of their quiet society and turned rather repulsive and even more loathsome than before. These people must learn to establish a brotherhood amongst themselves. This world must learn to unite as one, for we all belong to the same household under one God. John Rabe has been elected as the new leader for the safety zone. John is a very sincere Nazi. Strangely enough, he supports the fascist government and Hitler, yet, he seems to only believe in it as a socialist organization. He does not agree to the prosecution of Jews. I plan on leading the gathering on Wednesday in the chapel and for today, I led a sermon in church and recognized a few citizens burst out crying. Everyone seems to have trouble coping with the fact that war was right in front of their noses. There is talk of many people fleeing northward, however, I will stay here. Many diplomats and others have called me aside today to warn me to run away from this Nanking area as soon as possible. I told them not to be so silly. I would stick with the people and die with them if I have to. Some of the natives have already accepted Christianity in their lives. Non - believers still join to listen to my sermons and sing praises of glory. They have been very warm and welcoming. I do not want to see these people endangered. We will all join in prayer and hope for the safety of everyone. I fear the day that the Japanese arrive. I have heard too many awful rumors of their new strength. I will speak more when I hear more news of the Japanese. Pray for us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.



= = = =

Diary # 2: A Knock at the Gate
November 30, 1937

Greetings my friends, I have found another chance to quickly write this letter. I am once again quite well, although, my mind is not nearly at rest as it had been since the last time I've been able to write to you all. I've finally come to the realization that the whole world is simply engag ing in war. We call this "total war". I am currently staying at the Nanking Safety Zone. You may not understand the concept of this area that we created, so I will be briefly explaining the idea of a safety zone. Oskar Schindler, a Nazi, had used his fortune to save thousands of Jews from the horrible camp, Auschwitz. Many were influenced by this movement and so, an example was set up by Father Jacquinot de Bessage, a French Priest, in Shanghai where he created a neutral area. He called it the Safety Zone and he was able to shelter 450,000 Chinese according the the media. A small band of Americans and Europeans gathered to also create the International Committee for Nanking Safety Zone. W. Plumer Mills was the primary leader as well as twenty four other people. I believe God had shined the path to the foreign inhabitants of Nanking to gather together and lead the city out of misery. After all, there were Americans, Germans, Danish, Russian, and Chinese people that set this up together. We had thought this idea would be a huge success until the Japanese army actually showed up.

Many were frightened when they heard that the Japanese Amy had arrived on the coastline. A lot of diplomats became terrified and made plans to escape elsewhere out of the city. They also urged the members of the Nanking Safety Zone Committee to join their escape. However, we cannot escape this zone. We must protect the people living here, otherwise, everyone would end up dead. We must do something; we cannot just leave these people behind. Now, many Americans got ahold of an American gunboat, the USS Panay. Zone leaders, diplomats, journalists, and western refugees are invited. However, zone members, including me, politely declined this offer. The plan launches on December 9, 1937. Dearest family, to be quite frank, I am actually considering the option of taking the USS Panay. I wish to see you once more before I perish in this war. But of course, we have to remain positive even if we are broken up and apart from each other. I think it's best if I stay in Nanking, China and support those that are at a loss here. They need so much more help and I cannot be selfish and return back to my folks out of self greed. Please wish the best of luck to me my friends. For now, I have decided to join with the Zone leaders and address issues of building tents for those that will take refuge when the Japanese actually reach the city. I will be discussing in more detail with John Rabe.

Here, I will end in a short prayer for our brave soldiers that are fighting in battle.

Oh heavenly Father, Do you hear me? Do you hear us? The whole country is shouting with rage for your salvation. I pray to you, for the whole country, China, to be safe. Those who take refuge in you will look into their day with gladness and will forever reach out and shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they are discharged to their duties. Protect the people of this country. Protect them with your shield as your strength is so overflowing that it is indescribable. We, humans, cannot forge your holiness. We dare not. However, we need Your protection, we yearn for Your holy presence, we survive our days through Your love. May the power of your love enable the soldiers to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise You for Your loving care. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Diary # 3: The Gates Come Tumbling Down
December 12, 1937

Dark Greetings my friends,

Only Heaven knows what will happen next. I have found some time to scribble down a few insights of what had been going on the past week or so. Things have gone terribly...to be honest, things have gone completely wrong. We had created this safety zone as I mentioned in the letters before, but this neutral area is completely ignored by the Japanese. We created it next to many important buildings such as the hospital and Nanking University, but who cares when the actual zone is ignored anyway. This idea is not universally accepted and this crushed many people's hearts. As the enemy troops arrived, the people flooded with tears and pleas to abandon and run away from the zone. I have terrible news of what happened to the USS Panay gunboat. God had saved me from a terrible fate that could have happened to me. The Lord helped me choose the right path and decision to stay in Nanking and help the Chinese people. The USS Panay safely started off towards the north on December 9th. However, the Japanese bombed it just four days later on December 12 killing many. This is very ironic because on the boat was proudly put up an American flag. The Japanese aviators certainly could not have missed it. This brings up many troubling suspicions, but let us not get onto such horrid notions. Although the Japanese had been ignoring the neutrality of the Safety Zone, they seem to watch for their actions. I believe this must be because of John Rabe, him being a German Nazi that heavily supported the socialist movement of fascism. The Lord must certainly be with him because although he strongly supports the German fascist government, he does not agree with the massacring of the Jews or of any other race. In fact, Mr. Rabe seems to hope for peace. Anyway, the Japanese imperial army has allowed the Safety Zone to be pushed aside although they patrol the area heavily.

The Japanese turned out to be even more aggressive and violent than comprehended. I cannot believe what is happening in the city. I would not dare speak of the countless incidents in this letter or else I would faint of gory shock. Many Japanese men prove to act savagely against the people of this country as though they are trying to boast about of their violent, inhumane sides. I understand that is their duty, but sometimes their actions go a little too over the line. There were massive rape attacks. The Japanese murdered anything that moved! Thank the Lord we had created the Safety Zone. God is surely with us and all of China. Despite the violent attacks that China recieved, God must have a purpose for He is the everlasting, the divine, spiritual figure. One must not question his authority and presence. I feel despair and my heart aches to think of the families that have been hurt so far yet...even the Japanese. The Japanese people must certainly also feel despair in having to commit to such horrifying deeds. May the Lord be with us. Amen.

**Diary # 4: Through the Gates into Hell**
January 7, 1938 Dearest Professor Chang , I am delighted to hear from an outsider away from the Safety Zone! My friends and family from America have not replied to my letters yet...this either means that my letters are not getting sent or I do not have access to letters that come from the outside. It is surprising that this letter has made it through many secret messengers that have swiftly moved in and out of the zone. I must plead with you to please evacuate wherever you are staying and quickly, but silently rush for refuge towards where I am. I am unsure whether you may receive this letter. I have been trying to contact as many people as I possibly could recommending them to take refuge in our Nanking Academy for we have changed the basement as a home of refuge to manyof the Chinese people. You are certainly welcome to come, in fact, as I urged you before, I plead you to come. It is beyond life - threatening what the Japanese soldiers might do to you and your folks. Their actions are unpredictable as I have witnessed so many repulsive accounts. In fact, few members of the Zone were able to broadcast the horrifying actions of the Japanese to other countries of the world. Anyway, I will gather with the Zone members and add you to a list of prayers for safety. I understand you might not have been able to attend church, in fact, I don't expect you to! You must be out of your mind. I do hope you understand what the Japanese soldiers have been doing to Chinese women. It is indescribable. Such sinful beings, humans can be. They have practically clubbed or bayoneted everyone in their sight. I have heard that other cities were razed to the ground. Just promise me that you will be praying to God everyday and ask Him to join you in hardships and help all of you endure this painful encounter. Professor, I must say, you are a brave woman. However, at this rate, women are very vulnerable to the Japanese soldiers, so I recommend you carry some sort of weapon with you in case you are attacked. I must warn you, the Japanese soldiers' behaviors are unpredictable. I pray to God that He may be with you at all times. May you find comfort in Him and accept his love and power to protect you and give you the warmth and strength you need. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Di ary # 5: A Survivor
July 10, 1948
 * Dear Diary, **

media type="youtube" key="iqH47MIpuoA?fs=1" height="385" width="480"
 * I cannot express my gratitude how thankful I am of the Lord. Despite my loss of a limb (my right leg) and other countless injuries, I have made it. The Lord has answered my prayers and He has here with me when I was going through hardships. I am back in Texas, America with my family. However, so many people are at a loss...they have lost hope. In order to get a better understanding of what the Japanese were specifically doing to the Chinese, watch this video..the events were too brutal for me to record and discuss on here: **
 * Although the war is over, not many have been able to recover from the mental state of pure gory and brutal fear. I have witnessed too many things and I do not thing I can look at the world the same way I did before. I witnessed with my bare eyes, live burials, mutilation, death by fire, death by ice, death by dogs, and finally, The Rapes. Although our Safety Zone Committee might have seemed to be a huge success where thousands of Chinese were able to take refuge, in the end, they had no escape too. Wherever they were, the Japanese Imperial Army was always able to get their hands on them and sabotage the people. The Japanese in a matter of weeks had complete control over the Safety Zone and made sure all Chinese inhabitants were held hostage, usually killed. And in a matter of months, the whole city, Nanking, fell. It is said that a total of approximately 600,000 to 700,000 Chinese people had been killed in Nanking. This is to be honest, quite absurd. I just wish we could all stop with these foolish wars and work to prevent them from happening. I have kept in close contact with ** Wilson Plumber Mills and he agrees that there was not much we could have done and that we should be well content with all that we did achieve. It's better not to turn back to the round of events that have already occurred. I am only thankful that my family is still alive in America and that I have another chance to spend the rest of my life with them. However, I plan on returning back to Nanking to help those that are also damaged, hurt, in shock, those that have lost family members, those that need help, I will come in God's name and help them to reestablish their homes as well as renew their hearts and souls. All I can do is thank our Savior for being with us. In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.