The Book of Heaven— the Bible

In April of 1832 a boy was born and given the tribal name “Thunder Rolling In The Mountain.” He was the son of Old Joseph, the leading chief of one of the largest Nez Perce bands.

Both old and young Joseph were among the early Native converts to Christianity. They were influenced by Pastor Henry Spalding at the Protestant mission on Lapwai Creek in the beautiful Wallowa, Oregon Nez Perce country. Young Joseph, or “Thunder Rolling In The Mountain,” and his little brother “Ollicut,” which means “frog,” spent much of their childhood around the Lapwai Mission. When “Thunder Rolling In The Mountain” was in his teens, he was baptized and given the Christian name of Joseph. Little did anyone realize  that young Joseph would become a mighty chief known worldwide for his character and courage.

Old Joseph tried to live by the Bible that he affectionately called the Book of Heaven. As the years rolled by, the Nez Perce people faced many disappointments and heartaches. Old Joseph was upset by hypocrisy and the unfairness of others. But he continually taught his young boys that if they followed the teachings of the Book of Heaven (the Bible), they and their children would always know prosperity and fulfillment.

Before Old Joseph died he called Young Joseph to him and said, “My son, my body is returning to Mother Earth and my life is very soon going back to the Great Spirit. You are now the chief of our people. They look to you to guide them. Remember to stay close to the teachings of the Book of Heaven and live according to them.”

Young Joseph would become a mightychief known worldwide for his character and courage.

Young Joseph buried his father in the beautiful Wallowa Valley, and then and there promised himself, “I will be true to the principles of the Book of Heaven and to the land that I love more than all of the rest of this world.”

Joseph always tried to live by the principles of the Bible. He found it to be important in leading his people through any difficulties or problems that arose.

Key Thought. Each year thousands of books are printed and millions of copies are sold. But the Bible, the Word of God, is still the most popular book ever printed. Why? First, it points out the way to eternal life. Second, there is “power” that comes when we read and follow God’s Word, giving us strength and inspiration to follow the example of Jesus. Third, it gives us answers to most of the questions we meet from day to day and helps us to know how to live a meaningful life. Every year the lives of thousands of Native men, women, boys, and girls are changed by reading the Book of Heaven. It is a letter of love and instruction to you from God Himself.