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After I Found This Treasure
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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In this sermon, Basilia Schlenk shares her personal journey of seeking godliness and finding the key to living in the heart of God. Despite being active in Christian work, she felt a longing to be closer to God. After seeking advice from respected Christians, she discovered the key to this treasure was absolute obedience to God's commandments. Through uncompromising discipleship and obedience, she experienced the fulfillment of her longing and a deeper relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, and the promise that all things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).
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God lives and works today. Whoever can testify to this from his own experience has found the greatest treasure there is, a treasure he would never trade with anyone. But how can we acquire this treasure? Normally, when you want to find a treasure, you have to go on a treasure hunt. Listen to today's meditation by Basilia Schlenk called After I Found This Treasure. Not only in fairy tales do people try to find a certain treasure. No, this happens in the Christian life too. I was a Christian active in the local city mission and led the youth work there. But I sensed that I did not have the godliness that would enable me to live completely in the heart of God. I sought the key to this treasure. I asked respected Christians who played an important role in the development of my spiritual life at that time. I tried everything they advised me, but without success. My longing, nearer my God to thee, wasn't fulfilled at all. Then, in his great mercy, the Lord showed me the key to this treasure, absolute obedience towards the commandments of God, uncompromising discipleship. For Jesus says, If you keep my commandments, I will reveal myself to you. I will love you. I will come to you and make my dwelling with you. And what were his commandments? For example, it is written in Luke 6, verse 38, Give, and it will be given to you. I can still remember the first time I picked up this key in obedience to the word of God, not caring what people would say. At that time, I was making speaking tours throughout Germany and holding Bible courses. I had completed my doctoral work at the university as well as practical training in Christian service, so could have demanded to be paid accordingly. But the word of God says, Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Matthew 6, verse 33 So I told my employer that I would be glad to accept a lower salary. From this time on till today, going this way with all our sisters without having any personal salary, we have experienced that the Lord acts according to his word. All these things shall be yours as well. As is Jesus to see whom I love, whom I live for, for now I follow not those in his footsteps, the path that he trod here below. I only desire what he gives me, and only his way I will go. My heart is at peace and so joyful, for all I desire he supplies. I look now for nothing but Jesus, who all of my hopes satisfies. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlink 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!
After I Found This Treasure
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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.