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From Burden to Joy
Basilea Schlink
Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.
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Sermon Summary
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the prodigal son and how he turned his life around by repenting and returning to his father. The prodigal son's transformation serves as an example for all of us to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true joy and happiness, and by acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness, we can experience a profound change in our lives. The sermon also highlights the power of God to heal our character and soul, and encourages listeners to embrace the opportunity to become a blessing to others through repentance and transformation.
Sermon Transcription
God lives and works today, and He is the best psychologist there is, for He doesn't only diagnose our illnesses of character and soul, no, He can completely heal them. Listen to today's meditation by Basilia Schlink called From Burden to Joy. Some time ago I spoke with a young woman who told me, I can't bear it anymore. Because of my personality I'm just a burden for everyone and not a joy at all. Although her complaint was quite serious, I had to laugh and replied, Don't you know that every poor failure who makes life hard for others through his personality has a chance to instantly become a joy and blessing for them all? The girl looked at me in astonishment. I went on, Think about the prodigal son who was a terrible failure. He brought his father nothing but burdens and worry. However, overnight everything was changed and he became the greatest joy for his father. What did he do? Instead of just admitting his guilt and feeling sorry about it, he turned around and went home to his father. And as a result, the prodigal son has become a blessing for us all to this very day, for he shows us the way to help and happiness. Who makes us happy? Jesus, bless you. Therefore my heart brings joy in you. Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, you must bring all joy ever new. For heaven's joy to men comes for you. Jesus, all joy eternal. Kingdom of heaven is truly at hand where sinners for their sins do repent. Jesus, all joy eternal. You too can suddenly become a blessing for countless numbers of people. You need only say prayerfully before heaven and others, My father, I've sinned, but I'm still your child. I want to come home to you. You will clothe me in the new garments just as you did the prodigal son, and you'll give me all I lack. So take advantage of this opportunity, and all your sadness will disappear. May we enter now here on earth. Penitent sinners given to birth. Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, my Lord, my God, and my King. You fill my heart with praises of sin. Jesus, all joy eternal. Jesus, you are our glorious Lord. My heart said, Father, fill the Lord. Jesus, all joy eternal. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlenk of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
From Burden to Joy
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Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.