

### Walking With God for Over Fifty Years

Georgia Davenport McCain

Published by Ron McCain at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Ron McCain

Smashwords Edition License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied, and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to your favorite ebook retailer to discover other books by this author. Thanks you for your support.

Photo of the author on the right of front cover, taken by The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Alexandria, La. Used by permisssion.

Photo of author on left, was taken in 1949

Originally Printed 2002 by: Allegheny Publications, Salem, OH 44460

Dedication

Lovingly dedicated to my family: my husband, Carl; my sons,Ronald, Danny, Kenny, Randy, and Barry; my daughters, Donna and Jackie. My sons-in-law, Ken and Dan. My daughters-in-law, Dolores, Mary, Angie, and Tina. My grandchildren, Allison, Ryan, Carmen, Daniel, Laura, Kimberly, Bryan, Victoria, Jeffrey, Jessica, Jason, Chris, Kyle, Katie, Lindzee, Hayes, Lauren, Ashley, and Emily. To the memory of Nathaniel McCain.

Also, to a host of friends and relatives who are very dear to me but too numerous to mention.
Preface

Approximately thirty or more years ago, I wrote a book entitled Trials and Triumphs, which is now out of print. It contained many of my personal experiences with God, some wonderful answers to prayer. Requests have been made for me to have it reprinted. In considering it, I have decided to revise it instead, under another title, and add more of my personal answers to prayer, some taken from two of my other books, plus others that have never been recorded. This, too, upon request.

In writing and compiling what God has done for this unworthy servant, I will be enabled to leave a legacy for my children, grandchildren, and a host of friends and relatives. Knowing God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, they can be confident that just as He has been with me down through the years in my many trials and tests, and brought me through with victory, so He can be with them if they will yield their lives umeservedly into his keeping and trust where they cannot understand.

All who pray, know that prayer is not an easy task. Listen to what David said in Psalms 22: I and 2, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, -2- 0 my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not: and in the night season, and am not silent."

Sometimes, it seems our prayers are futile, that God is not hearing us at all. What do we do in a case like that? Do as David did -- keep praying. Read verses 22-24 of the same chapter. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; – glorify him; and fear him – for he hath not despised – the affliction of the afflicted: neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him; he heard." Praise God! Though it seemed as though God did not hear

David, he didn't give up. He decided to believe anyway and praise Him, in spite of feeling God had forsaken him. It has been said, "When we can't pray our way through, sometimes we can praise our way through." Try it. It works. Amen!

I have discovered that when night is darkest, the battle is waging the fiercest, the devil is fighting the hardest, all hope is seemingly gone, and it looks like we will go down in defeat in spite of all we can do, that is then time to put on the whole armor of God, "that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:11-12. Verse 16 of the same chapter tells us, "above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." "Praying always -- in the Spirit" Verse 18. Claiming victory through the precious blood of Christ. I remember just such a time as this when it seemed I was sinking beneath the waves. Everything seemed utterly hopeless, but I picked up the faithful Word of God and read these words from Romans 15:13: "And the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." To me, it seemed that hope was gone, but my faithful Saviour announced to me that bleak day that He is the God of hope and that He still had power to fill me with joy and peace in believing. Believing what? That He was still on the throne, that He still had control of my situation, that He still had power over the devil and all the imps of hell. The remainder of the verse informed me that I could abound in hope, not just skim by and barely keep my head above water, but have a vast supply of hope. How? Through the power of the Holy Ghost. No, not in my own puny strength but in His all-sufficient power. Praise God! How the precious Word of God lifted me out of the depths of despair and up to the heights of glory that Sunday afternoon. I turned a page in the Bible and read these words, "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly --" Romans 16:20. Within a few weeks I, literally, saw this promise fulfilled, the stronghold of the enemy destroyed. Amen! Our God is still the God of the impossible.

Sometimes in praying, we have to pray many long hours before the answer comes. Other times, the answer comes immediately. I remember such a time as this. I was driving down the road, and an awful storm came up. A burden settled down upon me for my parents' protection and I prayed, "Lord, protect my parents in this terrible storm." Later as I visited them, my mother told me, "When that storm came up today, I ran into the washroom to unplug my washer, and just as I pulled out the plug and stepped back, lightning struck where my hand was." How I rejoiced that God had burdened my heart and answered prayer for my precious mother. He is a loving and merciful God.

In answering our prayers, God does not do it because we're so special or worthy, but because our hearts are right with Him and we pray in faith, believing Him to do what we can't do. Personally, I feel like a weak worm of the dust, as I call on God, unworthy that God should even look down on one such as I, and hear my feeble prayers. Many times as I try to pray, Satan has a way to point out my many faults and failures, but as I search my heart and know I haven't willingly sinned against God, I resist the devil's suggestions and keep praying. Thank God! He does answer and has answered many, many times in my life. By God's grace and help, I want to record some of these wonderful answers, trusting it will encourage others to keep trusting and believing God as the end-time approaches. Other people's answers to prayer have encouraged me to keep believing. The enemy would love to defeat us. He is making his final bid for God's children. He comes at us sometimes as an angel of light, II Corinthians 11:14, and does his best to deceive us and overthrow us. At other times, "The enemy shall come in like a flood," but "the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19. Then the Bible tells us in I Peter 5:8 that he comes as a roaring lion sometimes, "walking about, seeking whom he may devour." Verse 9 tells us to resist him in the faith. Thank God! There's victory for God's children. Let us keep resisting Satan and believing God. Keep praying in faith. God still answers prayer in these last days. Praise His Name!

Table of Contents

Searching for God

Walking in the Light

A Deeper Need Revealed

God's Lesson on the Doing of Little Things

God's Leadership in Getting our Children into Christian Schools

God Promises Protection in our Travels.

Our Little Nathaniel.

God's Call to Minister to Rest Home Residents

On the Humorous Side

God's Leadership in Writing Books

God's Healing Touch

God's Mysterious Ways

The Joy of Giving

God's Messages through Dreams

Faith in God's Promises

Seeking to Win the Lost for Jesus

Letters from the Readers of my Books

Poems, Memorials, and More

About The Author

Books by Georgia Davenport McCain

Searching for God

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:for they shall befilled. Matthew 5:6

What an exciting evening for the little Davenport girls: Our parents were taking us to church. A revival was being conducted in our small community and our dad helped us to crawl up on his old flatbed truck that he used to make a living, and off to church we went. We attended several nights of the revival that week. This was the first (and sad to say, the last) time that I can remember our entire family attending church together. But as far back as I can remember, there was a void in my heart – an emptiness that only God, Himself, could fill.

I remember as a little girl, with much effort, climbing up onto the shelf of an old armoire, a chest-type piece of furniture, and reaching for a large family-sized Bible, which was kept on the top shelf. Inch by inch, I pulled it toward the edge until I could get a good hold on it, and then I eased myself back to the floor with my precious treasure. I remember flipping through the pages searching for something to satisfy my hungry soul but was unable to understand what I read, so I left the big book and went back to my play. But looking down from Heaven was a loving Heavenly Father who saw the hungering and thirsting of my heart for something to satisfy my longing soul. Placing His kind and loving hand upon me that day, He began to lead me in the way I was to go. Praise His wonderful and precious Name forever! Though it was years later that the need of my life was met, yet it was the day I took the big book down (which I still have as a treasured possession today) that the search for something to satisfy my soul began.

No one ever spoke to me about my soul, and if anyone ever prayed for me, I was unaware of it. Sometimes my sisters and I would attend the little church in our community, and once while yet a little girl, I joined the church, but sad to say, that deep longing of the soul was not satisfied, though I thought I had gotten saved. I listened to radio preachers, memorized Scripture verses from the Bible, and continued to attend the little church, the only one I knew anything about.

After graduating from high school, I left home and secured a job as a telephone operator. As long as I had lived at home, I had lived a more or less sheltered life, but after leaving, I began to try my wings, so to speak, and get a taste of life's pleasures. Needless to say, the yearning after God began to wane. I stopped attending church altogether and spent my Sundays working or in pleasure.

At the age of nineteen, I met a young guy (Carl McCain) who was later to become my husband. Because of my experience a few years back when I joined a church, I told him I was a Christian. He would not accept my "Christian" witness because I was committing the same sins he was. It would make me furious that he wouldn't believe I was a Christian. Later, in spite of our religious disagreement, we were united in marriage. With all the expense of getting started in married life, our money was very scarce, and as a result, we were unable to attend all the worldly places we had once enjoyed. As I stopped my worldly pursuits, once again I felt that deep yearning after God that had never been satisfied. I purchased a Bible, and at night I would read it to my husband. I was so ignorant concerning the things of God, but oh, so hungry for something to satisfy my longing soul.

In December 1947, one year and a half after we were married, our first son, Ronald Carl, was born, and for a while it seemed my life was complete. Oh, how that precious baby filled my life. It seemed I almost worshipped him, and as a result, my affections were so set on him that I had no desire for anything else.

For a long period of time, when our first baby was small, my husband worked out of town all week and was home only on the weekends. I would entertain myself at night by listening to the radio. One night, in God's divine order, I tuned in to a radio preacher. I had never heard preaching like this in my life. He wasn't beating around the bush, so to speak, but was telling very plainly what it would take to get to Heaven. Night after night, I listened as indescribable conviction seized my eternity-bound soul. The devil, no doubt, realized he was about to lose one of his deceived servants, for he moved in with all the powers of hell to fight any move I might make toward God. I became so mean and hateful that I could hardly stand myself. My husband would come home on the weekend, eager to be with his family, but he wouldn't be there long until we were arguing and fuming and fussing. I was always glad when he left, but once he was gone, I would feel so terrible and would purpose that things would be better the next weekend. But if any change were made at all, it would be worse. This kept up for weeks while the devil battled for my eternity-bound soul.

Oh, how he hated to turn me loose! But after many weeks of awful conviction, not even realizing what was wrong with me, I came to the end of myself. It seemed as if God just bared my poor old sinful heart to me, revealing that I was a lost and needy soul on the march to the judgment bar of God, that I had never been saved as I professed. Oh, what a day it was when I saw myself as God saw me. How it humbled my heart before God. I knew absolutely nothing about praying or confessing my sins to God, but I was willing to do anything to find peace. With a heavy and contrite heart, broken before God, I went into my bathroom, and though I had never been on my knees before to pray, I fell on my knees to God, for the radio preacher said we should get on our knees. I was speechless, I had no idea how to pray, but God had shown me that I needed to get saved, so I just looked up to Heaven and said, "Lord, save me." Those were the only three words I uttered, but God looked down from Heaven into my broken and penitent heart, so sorry for my sins and so sick of the way I was going, and so hungry for God to fill my life, and He just wiped my slate clean and wrote my name down in the Lamb's Book of Life. Praise His Name forever! I arose from my knees, a new creature in Christ Jesus. No one had to pat me on the back and tell me the work was done, for the burden of sin was gone. I felt as light as a feather, like I was going to sprout wings and fly. There was no big emotional feeling, just this feeling of lightness because the burden of sin was gone. As I recall this wonderful experience now, this blessed old song by Minnie Steele comes to my mind:

I remember when my burdens rolled away,

That had hindered me for years night and day,

As I sought the throne of grace,

Just one glimpse of Jesus' face,

And I knew that my burdens could not stay,

Rolled away, rolled away,

I am happy since my burdens rolled away.

I was so ignorant to the truths of the Bible, but as soon as I was saved, I began to witness to others of the saving grace of Jesus. There was something burning in my soul, and I had to share it with anyone who would listen. Upon recognizing that my life had been really transformed, some did listen, but needless to say, some were very scornful of my new way of life. I felt hurt that everyone did not immediately have their eyes opened to God's truths that I was telling them about, and turn wholeheartedly to Him. I thought everybody would want this wonderful life, but needless to say, in that day as in this day we're now living in, not too many were interested in my newfound joy.

Nevertheless, God continued to lead me step by step as I prayed and walked with Him. I would read the Bible for long periods of time each day, and a close relative really got concerned about me. She worked at a mental institution and faithfully warned me that if I didn't quit reading the Bible so much, that I would most likely soon be admitted into the mental institution where the other lunatics were who had lost their minds over religion. But I failed to heed her faithful warning. I had found the pearl of great price, and I refused to let anyone turn me aside from the path, on which God was leading me. There were nuggets of gold in the Word, and I was busy digging them out. Where once the Bible was a closed book to me, now it was being illuminated to my soul. I was feasting on food from Canaan Land, and it just suited my spiritual appetite. Thank God for the precious Word of God!

Walking in the Light

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:9

As I continued walking with God, He led me to a little church. Someone had invited my husband's niece, and when she saw the change in my life, she felt I would enjoy the freedom of worship in this church. I did. From the first service, I felt right at home among God's precious folk. Thank God for His faithful leadership. He continued leading me step by step in the way that I was to go, and though it was opposite from the way the world was going, how joyfully I followed His leadership, not caring what people thought of the drastic change in my lifestyle. Though I might have been slow in catching up with the light others may have known for years, my dear Saviour never lost patience with me but led me very gently step by step. When I blundered, He was there to straighten me out. When I stumbled, He would reach underneath with His everlasting arms of mercy and lift me up. When I would grow discouraged, He would send something or someone along to encourage me. It was several years before my husband was saved, and I had to walk alone, but my Jesus walked with me. He was (and is yet today) my constant companion instructing me in the way that I should go. I remember how He showed me that I should make restitution for wrongdoings in the past. Before I married, I lived with my sister, Oma, for a while after leaving home. One day her husband received a letter with a dollar bill enclosed. It was from an old school-chum and read something like this: "When we attended school together, I stole a quarter from you one day. Recently God saved me, and I feel I need to make it right. I am enclosing a dollar. Keep the rest for interest."

This letter intrigued me, but little did I realize that it was to play an important part in my life. After God saved me, He reminded me of the letter and dealt with my heart through it. He said, "If that man had to make restitution for things he had done wrong, don't you think you should do the same?" I had never heard of anything like this before, except through the letter, but when God so plainly impressed it upon my heart, all I could say was, "Yes, Lord, whatever You tell me to do, I'll obey." God, then, began to remind me of some dishonest things I had done in my life. One thing He showed me was this: I had worked for the telephone company as a telephone operator after leaving home. During the time of my employment, I would make long distant calls from a pay phone, and my friends, the operators, would return my money to me. I would render them the same service. This was actually stealing from the company, but at the time it did not bother me. Now as God faithfully dealt with my heart through His blessed Spirit, I saw it for what it was, stealing. God told me to reimburse the company for the calls. Though I had no idea how much lowed, God evidently did, for He told me to send them twenty-five dollars. I approached my husband, very humbly, about the money, but he was not a Christian at that time and had just started working for the same company, so he was quite reluctant about letting me have the money, stating that I would get him fired. Now what was I to do? I had no money of my own and times were hard, but still God would not release me from making restitution. A plan formed in my mind as I prayed about the matter. Each week when my husband left to go out of town, I was allotted a certain amount of money for groceries and household expenses. We had to be very conservative, as my husband wasn't making much money at the time, being a new employee. But I was determined to obey God even if it meant eating less. I can't remember how long it took, but each week I put back a dollar or so in an old navy coat pocket that hung in the closet. At last, I managed to save the twenty-five dollars.

I want to digress here long enough to say that God wasn't being a hard taskmaster to make me pay this restitution when it was such a struggle to get the money, but He was teaching me valuable lessons and had a wonderful blessing in it all for me.

But while God was helping me to obey at any cost, the devil was torturing me unmercifully. He told me I was about to get half the operators fired, that when I returned the money and confessed what I had done, they would have me name out everyone I knew who was involved in this cheating. "How will that make you feel?" he taunted. I had only been saved a short time and was so frightened by the devil's suggestions. I had no desire to get involved in a big mess; I only wanted to clear my soul. So in spite of all the devil's tormenting suggestions, with a fearful heart and yet a yielded will, I wrote a letter to my former chief-operator confessing my wrongdoing and enclosing the twenty-five dollars. In the letter, I witnessed to her, telling her that God had saved me and explaining how I was trying to make my wrongs right.

A few days later, my phone rang, and when I answered, I recognized the chief-operator's voice. She sounded so gruff (so I imagined) as she said, "We want you to come over to the office." I was almost petrified with fear as I hung up that telephone. The devil was on hand to remind me that what he had said was true, that they wanted me to come over and inform on the other operators. I had no one to turn to for advice and since I did not have the courage to go over and face them, I took the coward's way out. I called her back and asked, "Can you tell me what you want with me on the phone?" You might ask, "If God led you that far, could He not have given you enough grace to go and face them without you being so cowardly?" Yes, I'm sure God could have given an abundant supply of grace, but at that time, I wasn t concerned whether or not I was a coward. I just wanted to get that ordeal over any way I could. Anyway, when I asked her if she could tell me on the phone what she wanted, here is what she said: "I just want you to come over and get your money back. I talked to the manager, and he said there was nothing we could do with the money now, and we want you to have it back to give to your church. We also want you to know that we think it is wonderful of you to return this money and acknowledge your wrong-doing, but come on over and get it. It's yours."

Can you imagine how I felt? Hallelujah! Glory to God! The devil was proven once again to be a big liar and the father of lies, I'm so glad I didn't let him scare me out of minding God. Dear friends, don't be afraid to make restitution, for God will go before you every time. Amen! How I rejoiced when I hung that phone up! No doubt, God looked down on a babe in Christ who was doing her best to obey him in every detail of her life, and He just poured out a mighty blessing. The devil had tortured me, my husband had opposed me, but God was on my side. If God be for us, who can be against us? Amen! I just feel like saying, "Hallelujah! Glory to God!" Aren't we serving a great and wonderful God?

Perhaps some of you are thinking, "How about your husband? How did he react?" Well, thank God, the Lord took care of that, too. When he came home that weekend, I proudly showed him the twenty-five dollars. "Where did that come from?" he inquired. Remember, that money was very scarce in those days, and twenty-five dollars was a lot of money for us, at least, and there would be a special reason for me to have this amount. So I had a very wonderful testimony to share with him. I was so thrilled. Well, praise God! It pays to obey God's voice and leave the results in His hands.

Another important thing God led me to do after I got saved was to tithe. As I mentioned previously, my husband was not saved for several years after I got saved, and I had to walk alone. But my Jesus walked with me. He was my constant companion, instructing me in the way I was to go. He had to teach me things that some people are taught from childhood. I remember how he taught me to tithe, that one-tenth of the money we got belonged to Him. I had never heard this preached on, nor at that time had I ever read in the Bible in Malachi 3:10 where it says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse – and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Also, in verse 8 of the same chapter where it states the fact that we rob God when we fail to pay tithes. But though I was ignorant of many of the truths of the Bible, God had patience and ways to lead me. One night, a lady got up at church to testify, and in her testimony, she related how she and her husband were attending a certain church at one time. Although neither was saved, they were faithful tithers. Then she got saved and later began to attend the same church I was attending at that time. Her husband would not come with her but kept going to the other church. So she humbly approached him in this way, "Husband, according to our state law, half of what you make is rightfully mine. Would you be willing to allow me to pay half the tithes into my church?" He agreed and later he started attending the church she was going to. In fact, he was the one who invited my husband's niece to church, and she got me to go.

In listening to this lady's testimony, my heart was stirred, and I knew I needed to be paying my tithes, but since my husband didn't come to church with me, I didn't know how he would feel. Needless to say, he wouldn't agree to pay ten percent of his earnings to the church. I thought of what the lady said, and finally I picked up enough courage to do as she did and told him according to our state law that half of what he made rightfully belonged to me. Would he be willing to let me pay half the tithes into our church? Can you believe he agreed? It was none other than God who impressed him to agree, so for years, I tithed half his income, and God wonderfully blessed my feeble efforts. After he was saved, we were able to tithe it all.

One never knows when God will use a simple testimony or Christian witness to get a message across. I remember when I was a small girl, I had to be admitted into a hospital to have my tonsils removed. I was on a ward with probably two dozen more people. During visiting hours, I noticed a young girl going from bed to bed offering up prayer for those who would allow her to pray. She never did make it to my bed, but she made a lasting impression on me. I thought, "I wish I had what that girl has in her heart that would make me as courageous for Jesus as she is." It will take eternity to tell what our Christian witness means to others.

I was thrilled by a testimony given by a medical doctor at a camp meeting in Hobe Sound, Florida. He told how he was in charge of some terminally ill patients at one time and how fearful they seemed of death. But there was one who seemed to accept the inevitable, who did not seem afraid at all, as were the others. The doctor made it his business to engage in a conversation with this person and asked questions as to why he was not fearful as were the others. This one testified that he was a Christian, that he was obeying God in all He told him to do; therefore, there was no cause for fear as he faced death. He knew a better place was awaiting him where there was no pain or sorrow. This testimony so impressed the doctor that he, too, turned to God, and gave a wonderful testimony at the camp. This should encourage us to keep up our witnessing for our wonderful Lord and Saviour. Amen!

A Deeper Need Revealed

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification/ I Thessalonians 4:3.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

As I continued walking with God and obeying Him in all He showed me to do, He revealed to me a deeper need in my heart. There were carnal tendencies that I had no control over. At times I could feel anger arise in my heart. Though most of the time, God helped me to subdue it, keeping it under control, I knew it was there and because of it, I would feel resentful and peevish. I felt other stirrings such as carnal pride, envy, touchiness, arrogance, and bitterness from time to time. These things grieved me greatly and also grieved God. I felt it was marring my Christian influence. With God's leadership, I began to seek Him for the answer. He revealed to me through preaching, reading the Bible, and through the influence of those who had deliverance from these carnal traits, that there was help for me -- perfect deliverance through the precious blood of Christ. In Romans 8:6 and 7, it tells us, "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. For the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God,neither indeed can be." Since my carnal mind -was enmity against God, I wanted to be rid of it and have a spiritual mind -- in other words-be filled with God's Spirit. According to God's Word, this is called sanctification, and I Thessalonians 4:3 tells us, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification."

As the light dawned upon me, I determined, by God's grace, to have this experience. There was a deep yearning in my soul for all God had for me. For one week, I left off all unnecessary work and sought God's help to rid me of carnality. I wanted to be spiritually minded -- to be more like Jesus -- so that I could be an influence for true holiness and righteousness. I never again wanted to be a reproach to my loving Saviour who had died for me and redeemed me from sin. I confessed all the carnal traits and evil tendencies that I felt lurking in my heart as revealed to me by the Holy Spirit. Well, nothing happened. I picked up my Bible, and it fell open to these words from Isaiah 54:14, "In righteousness shalt thou be established." Six words, but there was a volume of truth there for me. The word "established" stood out to me. Could God take an unstable, wavering soul like mine and establish me in righteousness? The dictionary defined "righteousness" as purity. I began to rationalize because the words were spoken so plainly to my heart. I had read the Scripture in the Bible that said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6, and surely I was hungry enough for the infilling of God's Spirit, and had He not said that if we confess, He would forgive and cleanse? Had I not confessed everything I knew to confess? What was there left for me to do? I now had His promise that He would establish me. The dictionary defines the word "establish" as meaning to settle. So, at last, I got my eyes off my little weak self and what I could do and got them on the Almighty God and His mighty power. My unbelief began to fade as I trusted the Word and rested in my Saviour. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt at this point that I had done all I knew to do, so I just took my hands off. My complete consecration was in His hands, I was enabled to rest in Him. I could not pray anymore as I was at the end of myself. I knew I was completely yielded. My all was on the altar. I did not feel any different. The witness for which I yearned had not come, yet I felt assured that I had done all I knew to do, so the rest was up to God.

Later on that afternoon as I was going about my housework, suddenly I was conscious of a divine presence within. The Blessed Comforter had come to take up His abode in my unworthy heart. As in my conversion, there was no emotional stir but just a consciousness of the Blessed Holy Spirit coming into my heart to rule and reign my life. There's no words to describe the blessedness and sweetness of this experience after such a long struggle, not that God was not ready to give it, but because my heart was not ready to receive it. There was not a shadow of a doubt that God had met my need, had sanctified me wholly. It was real! Praise His Name!

I might add that though this blessed experience meets the deepest yearning of the soul, it does not deliver from temptation, but it helps us to overcome temptation. Many times, I have been severely tempted, tested, and tried, but God has been with me during these times and helped me to be victorious. Praise His Name!

God's Lesson on the Doing of Little Things

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

Time has a way of marching on, and as the years passed, the patter of little feet and the chatter of little voices were heard in our home. Most of my time was spent taking care of these little ones, and as I would take inventory of my life, I felt I was sadly neglecting my Christian duties. It seemed I did nothing for anyone except my family. When my husband went visiting the sick or the other things in Christian service, I would nearly always find it necessary to stay home with the little ones. I felt condemned at times and felt I was worthless in God's kingdom. One day as I was praying, I was lamenting the fact to God of how little I was doing in Christian service, that my whole life was taken up in rearing my children. Though it was a joy to take care of my little darlings, yet I felt I was neglecting God's work. Oh, how faithful is our loving Heavenly Father. I remember how He dealt with my heart. He brought to my mind the little things I did, so insignificant they seemed to me, as the sending of get-well cards as well as sympathy and birthday cards. He sweetly reminded me of phone calls I made to check on the sick and bereaved, letters of encouragement I wrote from time to time, and other little deeds that seemed so very trivial. Why, I had never supposed that God had even taken notice of such little things. He impressed on my mind how important just everyday living was -- speaking a word in season to whoever crossed my path: the insurance collector, the telephone repairman, the people at the grocery store, the bank, or post office. I had never once thought of this as being a ministry for Christ, though I had been given some wonderful opportunities. As a result of God's dealings with my heart, I took fresh courage and purposed to do what I could for Him. I'm so glad God is not a .hard taskmaster. He does not put burdens on us which are gnrievous to be borne. If he gives us a family, He expects us to take care of It. I've never had a regret that I stayed home and raised my seven children. True, we didn't have a lot of extras, but we had each other, which is worth more than all this old world could ever offer. Thank God!

After God's faithful dealings with my heart, I took fresh courage and did what I could when I could. Sometimes, I would take the children with me as I visited some of the neighbors. I remember having a neighbor who lived a mile or so from me who was dying with cancer. I felt the need to visit her but kept putting it off because it was a little too far to walk with my small children. At that time, we only had one car, and my huusband used it for work. One morning, God spoke very plainly concerning the sick lady, so I dressed the little ones and went out into the yard to pick some flowers for her. As I was picking them, my sister, Bertie, drove up. It was very obvious to her that we were dressed to go somewhere so she asked, "Where are you going?" I told her and she said "I've been wanting to go see that lady for a long time. Come on. Get in. the car. I'll drive you over." Well, God had my transportation ready the very minute I got willing to go. Isn't that Just like Jesus?

Another time, I felt impressed to go and pray for a lady who had recently lost her husband. Again, I dressed the children and started out to do God's bidding. I was rather reluctant, as I had never known the lady to attend church or show any interest .in religion, and I felt she would probably resent me coming into her home and seemingly taking advantage of her by offering prayer. But I was doing my best to obey the leadmg of God. After visiting a short time, I stated my mission, that I wanted to pray for her. She started weeping as I prayed, and when I had finished, she hugged me and told me how much it meant to her. Thank God, I didn't lean to my own understanding but obeyed the small still voice and defeated the devil.

The following incident shows how I sometimes failed God and the ones He intended me to help. But thankfully, He didn't cut me off when I failed but gave me other chances to do His bidding.

One morning, I started out with my two small children, who were not yet in school, to visit my aunt who had been in the hospital but was now recuperating at home. As I drove by a certain house, I felt a strong urge to stop and check on the people who lived there, an elderly couple. I reasoned that it was because I had not seen them for a while and it was just the human part of me that wanted to stop. So I stifled the voice, as I had started out to see my sick aunt and did not want to be detoured. After visiting my aunt and praying with her, I left and went by another widow's house and visited for a while. I felt I was in the line of duty. Had not the Bible admonished us to visit the widows and orphans? Before I realized it, time had gotten away and I needed to go home and prepare lunch. Besides, the children were getting very restless .So I had prayer with the widow and left. Just as I got into the car, a small, still voice whispered, "Go back to the house that you felt impressed to stop at this morning." It was so plain that I headed my car in that direction. When I got to the corner where I could see the house, I noticed several cars were parked at the house. Well, once again I leaned to my own understanding and began to reason that God surely would not want me to bring two restless children into a house where there were so many people, so I turned the car around and went home.

Later that day, my mother called. "Did you hear about So and So?" she asked. I almost held my breath in suspense as it was the man I had felt impressed to stop and see. She continued, "He just passed away." I can't describe how I felt. As far as I knew, the man had never even professed to be a Christian, and I had let him slip through my fingers without a warning. Even though God, in his abundant mercy has forgiven me, I will meet that dear man at the judgment. Perhaps I may not have been able to help him spiritually that morning -- I don't know -- but God had some purpose in wanting me to stop there, and I failed Him. This has been a very costly lesson to me -- helping me to never lean to my own understanding when God speaks.

I wrote the following poem concerning the little things used of God. Dear friends, let us do what we can. Most of us will never be able to do big, important things for the Lord, but we may be surprised when we get to Heaven, what some small deed or word may have meant to someone.

The Little Things

He was just nineteen but his life had been rough.

He drank liquor and gambled, pretended to be tough.

He cursed, cheated and lied as well,

He was wretched and miserable, bound for hell.

He longed to be different; he wanted to change,

He was not happy; he was tired of the game.

He longed for a friend, but none could be found,

So Johnny kept going down, down, down.

He had reached the bottom in utter despair

And it looked as if everyone would leave him there,

But a little old lady, her hair turning gray,

Met Johnny as she was on her way home one day.

He looked so dejected, so fearful, so lone,

She wanted to say something that would help him along.

"Good morning, Son, don't believe we've met.

Folk call me 'Granny,' don't know your name yet."

"Aw, go on," said Johnny. "You know about me,

Johnny, the drunkard, the bum. You see

I'm no good, so let no one see you talking to me."

"Tut-tut," said Granny, "such things you do say,

"Come, Johnny, come home with me today."

"Come home," this never before had Johnny heard

And his heart was touched by such kind words.

So Johnny went home with Granny that day

And she told him about Jesus along the way,

How He died for the drunkard, the murderers, as well,

How He gave His life's blood to redeem all from hell,

How He maketh intercession for all who will come

Confessing their sins in the Name of the Son.

They reached Granny's house and after a good meal,

She read him the Bible and together they kneeled,

In humble contrition, he opened his heart,

Confessed his sins and Jesus did His part.

He forgave all His sins and filled his soul

With peace and love and blessings untold.

Determined to help others who were outcasts like he,

Johnny arose from his knees, thrilled to be free.

He laboured for Jesus and everybody heard

How Johnny was won by just a kind word.

Yes, just a kind word to one so in need

Had served its purpose to sow a seed

In a poor sinner's heart so black with despair,

Jesus knew what was needed so He sent Granny/there.

So, friends, speak kind words whenever you can

And you'll receive your reward in that heavenly land.

She was in a hospital in a room all alone

And for days she had wished that she might go home,

But some bones had been broken in a wreck she was in

And she had to be laid up until they could mend.

She had many friends; they would come and go,

And oh, Mary seemed to enjoy them so,

But when darkness closed in and all were gone,

Mary with her thoughts was all alone.

She thought of her childhood, and then later years

How her life had been wasted. She shed bitter tears

Because of the past that she couldn't make right,

And she resolved to do better night after night.

Of all Mary's friends, not a Christian she knew

Who could tell her of Jesus and help her to do

The things that she could, read her Bible and pray,

So Mary grew more bitter with each passing day.

'Twas on Monday morning when an aide came in

With a card in her hand that someone had sent,

She handed it to Mary as she stood by her bed,

Mary glanced at the signature and then she read,

"Dear Mary, it is impossible for me to go

To the hospital to visit, but I want you to know

That the Lord whom I serve is with you each day

And He will save you just now if you will only pray

For forgiveness of sins, confessing them all.

Jesus waits just now if on Him you will call.

I love you, dear Mary, and want you to share

The assurance I have that Jesus is near."

Mary laid down the card and blinked back the tears,

And again her mind wandered back over the years.

Twas the first time either by word or by letter

That anyone ever cared for her to do better.

Mighty conviction came upon her soul that day

And for the first time in life, she started to pray.

She prayed best she could with the card as a guide

And nothing from Jesus did she try to hide.

She confessed her sins, the great and the small

And, Jesus, Blessed Jesus, forgave her of all.

Then she testified to her friends day after day

How the simple little card had pointed the way.

Yes, it was just a card mailed with a prayer

That one of God's faithful children had sent there.

God knew the heart of this girl so sweet.

Knew what she needed to make life complete,

A little convalescent card with a message so tender

Melted Mary's heart and caused her to surrender.

So, dear friends, send your cards to those not well,

And by these little cards, one never can tell

What good can be accomplished for our great God

Until our last step on this earth we have trod.

He was just a farmer, his ways were plain.

He lived on his crops, his vegetables and grain.

He was neighbor to no one, he lived to himself,

So it was no wonder that he had hardly a friend left.

But there was a Mr. Smith who lived next door

Who wanted to be neighbors, and what was more,

He wanted to win Mr. Brown to Jesus, the King,

So he waited for an opportunity in which to bring

The message of salvation to this simple old one,

But weeks passed and the opportunity didn't come.

But Smith prayed on Jesus' Name

Believing God to move when the right time came.

Now Brown had on his farm a mean old cow

Who jumped the fence and did devour

All the beans from our Christian friend's garden,

And Brown decided he had better go and beg pardon,

For fear Mr. Smith would be very mean

To the old cow that ate up the beans.

"Think nothing of it," said Smith with a smile.

"I'll help fix your fence and after a while

I'll plan some more beans right over here

For I don't think it's too late in the year."

"Don't need to bother," said Brown with a yelp,

"I'll fix my own fence. I don't need your help."

So Brown turned to go, looking very smart

While Smith prayed for God to speak to his heart.

Two weeks passed by, then Smith's big hog,

Broke into Brown's yard and rooted up the sod.

Brown was so mad he reached for his gun

And shot Smith's hog as he started to run.

Then he went to his neighbor's prepared for a fight,

But Smith assured him it was perfectly all right.

"I know it's upsetting having your yard

Ruined by a hog rooting up the sod.

I'll pay for the damage and fill the hole."

As he spoke, he prayed for Brown's soul.

Brown calmed down and laid down his gun.

He felt so low-down, he wanted to run.

"What kind of man are you?" he asked with a sigh.

A lump came to his throat, he wanted to cry.

"I've bemeaned you, I've cussed you, and what's more

I came to git you at your own door.

But you've always been kind, gentle and good.

What makes you like this? Tell me if you would."

Smith's prayers were answered; his chance had come

To tell Brown of Jesus, the crucified one.

Who could save him from sin and wash him so clean

That he would never again want to be mean

Smith testified freely of God's wonderful grace

And as he did, there was a shine on his face.

By now Brown was weeping, he was hungry for God.

But he looked across the fence at the broken sod,

At the big hog lying dead on his back

And he felt that his sins were much too black

To be forgiven, to be remembered no more,

So he looked helplessly at Smith who stood in the door.

"Come inside," invited Smith, seemingly reading his mind,

And he picked up the Bible and read him a line.

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow."

He read as Brown sat with his head bent low.

Then together they knelt and Smith helped him to pray

That Jesus would come and wash his sins all away.

The blessing fell as they prayed clear through

And Brown cried and rejoiced and testified, too,

How God had taken away the burden of sin

And gave him such joy and peace within.

He went to his neighbors he hadn't seen in years

And shook their hands and told them with tears

How he had been won by just a kind act

And as they looked at his face, none doubted the fact.

Yes, just a kind act, a kind word, or a card

May help to win some souls to our Lord.

So be kind, my friends, though your trials may be great

And we may meet some at Heaven's gate

Who was won by kind words, a card, or a deed.

We never can tell what will sow a seed

If we surrender our lives to be used of the Lord

And some day, thank God, we will receive our reward.

God's Leadership in Getting our Children into Christian Schools

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart/rom it. Proverbs 22:6

As the years went by and my children grew older, I had a deep longing to get them into Christian schools where the Bible was taught on a regular basis with the regular textbooks; where the teachers were born-again believers and could teach them to walk in the right paths, where most of their associates were taking the way with Christ and set right examples before them. I longed to give my children every opportunity to take the right road to Heaven, for I could not bear the thought of them spending eternity in hell.

This desire seemed like a dream, an utter impossibility, but I made it a subject of prayer, and God spoke to me from Isaiah 54:13, "thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children." God gave me the assurance that my children would go to Christian schools, where they could be taught of the Lord, that He had the situation in hand, though there wasn't a ray of light anywhere to lead me. But when we have God's assurance, that's all we need. Remember when Paul was being taken by ship to appear before Caesar, and it looked as if the ship, being exceedingly tossed with tempest would be wrecked. (Acts 27:21-25), but "after long abstinence Paul stood in the midst of them and said, 'I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you – For there stood by me this night the angel of God whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar; and 10, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.' Paul then exclaimed, 'Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. ' " Praise the Lord! Paul didn't have to see the answer before he believed. The ship was still reeling and rocking – the winds were tempestuous -- it was dark and very dangerous -- but Paul didn't have his eyes on the winds and waves but on God. Well, thank God. An angel didn't come down and give me the assurance, but the same God that sent the angel to Paul spoke to my heart and assured me there would be a way where there was no way. That's good enough for me. God said it and I believed it.

After the assurance was given, the next step was to determine what school they were to go to. God impressed me they were to attend Hobe Sound Bible School in Florida, which was 1,000 miles away. Now, how could my young teenagers go that far from home to attend school? The idea came to me that perhaps we were to move there, but the way never did open, though I spent countless hours in prayer concerning the situation. As the years passed, I was made to realize different reasons why God did not allow us to move. He does all things well.

In 1965, we attended a camp meeting in Mobile, Alabama, and my son Danny was converted. God dealt with his heart about attending the Bible School at Hobe Sound, and he yielded to the Spirit's dealings and told us of his desire to go. I wrote for information, and when I discovered the cost of a child attending a private school, it seemed an impossibility. It took all my husband made for us to live on, and now to pay monthly school bills, plus extra clothing and many other extras such as transportation to and from school, etc. Well, it seemed hopeless though it was the yearning of my heart. But had not God spoken? Well, it would be up to Him to supply the money to pay the bills. I went to prayer. "Dear Lord," I prayed earnestly, "I don't want to worry all the time about where the money will come from to pay school bills. Wilt Thou give me a promise that Thou wilt take care of the situation -- that somehow every need will be supplied?" I don't know how long I waited before God until He spoke this promise to my heart from Isaiah 45:3, "I will give thee hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel." Amen! Praise God! What was God promising me? Hidden riches of secret places to pay the school bills. I stood on that promise for nineteen years while my children were in Christian schools and can testify that God has never failed of His good promise. We have had as many as five in Christian schools at one time, and when the school terms were completed, all the school bills were paid in full. There were times when it was tight, and I would have to say, "Lord, I need some of those hidden riches. The school bills must be paid." Every time, not one exception, God sent it in. Just thinking of it now makes me exclaim, "Thank you, Jesus. You have never failed us. Praise Your Name forever and forever!"

One incident comes to mind that I'd like to share. The school bill was due, and I was determined to pay it, though it didn't seem feasible at this time. But when my husband got his check, I wrote out the needed amount for the school bill plus other obligations that needed to be met. After totaling it up, there were only five dollars left out of his check and two weeks to go before he got paid again. Well, that was fine except I hadn't bought any groceries, and there were a few other odds and ends that needed to be cared for. I remember looking up to God and saying, "Well, Lord, we're paid up for today." I, then, walked into the living room and picked up the Bible. It opened to the book of Matthew, and my eyes fell on Chapter six, verse 33 and 34, which reads like this: "--seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." The Blessed Holy Spirit settled down and talked to my heart in a wonderful way. He showed me afresh and anew that we were seeking first His kingdom by sending the children to Bible School, and He was well able to take care of us. He said, "You have the bills paid for today. Don't worry about tomorrow." Then He talked to me about the fowls of the air, how they sowed not, neither reaped nor gathered into barns, and yet He took care of them. God spoke so plainly to me in words like this, "My child, if I take care of the birds and grass, which are of such short duration, can't you trust Me to take care of your needs?" Well, I had read that Scripture many, many times but God blessed it afresh and anew that memorable morning. I had even attempted to try to find work for myself, but God spoke to me showing me so plainly that the fowls of the air did not work, and the lilies did not work, and yet he took care of them. He said, "You obey the Word, and I'll do the rest." Oh, how I rejoiced in Him that morning. It was a fresh revelation that He would continue to supply our every need, and He did not need my little puny help.

That day when I picked up the mail, there was a check for fifty dollars for some work my husband had done. We had been expecting twenty-five. I was rejoicing so much that I didn't open the other mail for a while, but when I did, there was another check for twenty-six dollars from an insurance company. They stated that they had underpaid us recently on an insurance settlement. Well, Glory! God just sent these two checks in – just at the right time --to strengthen my faith. Over and over again, He has sent in little extra amounts,"hidden riches in secret places," to meet our needs. It is wonderful to trust the One who has an all-sufficient supply. Praise His Name forever!

I'd like to mention a few incidents that happened while the children attended Christian schools.

The first Christmas Danny was in school, we decided to let him fly home. The plane ticket was only about $37 – student's rate in those days. The day he was supposed to get home, the weather was terribly foggy. There was no way a plane could land at the small airport in our hometown. They were flying on to Shreveport and renting cars and driving back. Oh, how I cried to God to clear up the weather, for our boy had been gone for several months, and we were so anxious to see him. Besides, we knew he was real anxious to get home once again with his family. But that night, when it was time to go to the airport, the weather seemed even worse. My husband and the children got ready to go, but I felt I couldn't bear to go and be disappointed. My cousin was on a plane flying into this airport two hours earlier and had been flown on to Shreveport. Oh, how low I felt! But just before my husband left, a small, still voice said, "Go with them." I could not understand why I was going, for I certainly did not have faith the plane would land, for none had landed all that day. If anything, the weather was worse. But somehow, I felt constrained to go, so I hurriedly got dressed and dressed my three-month old son, Barry. (He had been born after my son had left for Bible school, and Danny had never seen him.) As we drove along, I remember looking at the streetlights and noticing how hazy they appeared because of the dense fog. This only added to my misery.

When we arrived at the airport, my husband and children got out of the car and went into the airport, but I stayed behind. I was crying and praying, when all of a sudden, it came to me like a bolt out of the blue, about George Mueller praying for the fog to lift when he was on a ship. The captain had informed him that there was no way he could make a certain appointment, but he told the captain he had never been late for an appointment before, so he prayed for God to clear up the fog and He did. As this incident came to mind, I prayed with new faith, "Lord, if you cleared up the fog for George Mueller, you can do it again for another of your children." As this one last desperate plea escaped my lips, my faith took hold, and I was able to claim the victory for the plane's landing. In a very few minutes, the plane was on the ground. Hallelujah! It just seemed God made a hole for the plane to drop through. It was amazing. Well, since I had to get dressed in such a hurry to go to the airport, and since I had no intentions of getting out, I had worn my house slippers. When I saw the plane land, I jumped out of the car, with my house slippers, and ran over to the fence. About that time, I caught sight of my Danny Boy. He was stepping high and grinning like a pet coon. I forgot all about having on house slippers and headed for the door to the airport. As I entered the door, I saw him coming. What a reunion! Oh, how faithful our God is! He always comes in the nick of time (in spite of our weaknesses). I want to trust Him more, for He never fails the least of His children. Amen!

When my son graduated from high school, he longed for me to attend his graduation, but one would just have to know my circumstances to know how impossible this was. I explained to him how much I'd like to be able to attend, but under my circumstances, I just couldn't make it. But he felt there had to be a way, so he was quite persistent. I ventured to pray about it. One day I met with a Christian at church to pray. As the Spirit of prayer settled down, we agreed together about my going to the graduation, that God would make a way where there was no way. God heard our prayer and witnessed that a way would be made though I had no idea how. Now as sure as you get some encouragement from God, the devil will soon be on your trail. He said to me one morning, "If you run off to Florida and leave your children here in someone else's care, one of them is going to get killed on the road in front of your house, by a car, while you are gone." This came to me so forcefully, almost as if it was spoken audibly. I should have known it was the devil but somehow his suggestion really shook me up. I began to pray earnestly for God to give me a promise of protection. After praying for quite some time, He gave me the promise I needed from Psalm 91: 10 and 11. "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways." Well, Praise God, not only did He give me a promise for those left behind in my dwelling but also for my own protection in my travels. He was to send angels to watch over all of us. The dictionary defines "plague" as meaning "disaster, epidemic, nuisance, or trouble." Therefore, God assured me that my children would be left under His providential care, that no harm, whatsoever, would befall them. The devil was proven to be a liar again as the promise proved true just as God spoke it to my heart. In fact, I was perfectly at ease after God gave me this promise and was enabled, by His grace, to leave everything in His hands and trust Him wholeheartedly.

But now that the first hurdle was over, what about transportation? My loving Heavenly Father worked that out for me, too. There was a girl from Ponchatoula, Louisiana who was to graduate with my son, and her parents were going to the graduation. God worked it out so I could ride with them. I checked the bus schedule and the bus I was to ride would arrive in their town just a short time before they were to leave for Hobe Sound. God had timed it perfectly. But, wait! There was another surprise for me. My oldest son, Ronnie and his wife, Dolores, lived in Baton Rouge, and my bus was to stop there for just a few minutes. When I arrived, they were there waiting for me and informed me that they wanted to take me the remainder of the way to meet the people I was to ride with. So I was able to visit with my children while they drove me to Ponchatoula. We went to the bus station. The people I was to ride with were waiting, and we were soon on our way. We had a safe trip with no problems at all.

It was great to be with my son again and to be able to attend his graduation. While on this trip, he testified that God had called him to preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. God had prepared many good things for me to see and hear. There's nothing in the world like having angels to host a trip. Amen! It was a wonderful trip with memories I will always cherish.

Coming back home, we rode to Mobile, Alabama with a dear friend and caught the bus from there. When I figured up the expense for the whole trip, it was about the amount that it would have cost my son to fly home at a student rate. And thank God, all the kiddos were safe with no problems encountered at all. Thanks be to God for His wonderful love and mercy to His children.

There are several other incidents I could mention concerning the children at Bible school, but I'll leave them for later.

God Promises Protection in our Travels

For the Lord our God, he it is that-preserved us in all the way wherein we went. Joshua 24: 17

After enrolling our first child in Bible school in 1965, we traveled thousands of miles to visit them: to graduations, weddings, camp meetings, and other important functions. We didn't go in brand new cars; our cars were old with many, many road miles. I realized if we made it there and back safely, it would have to be with God's help. I asked Him for a promise to stand on for our travels, and this is what he gave me from Psalms 121:8 --"The Lord shall preserve thy going out and coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." This promise from God's precious Word was what I needed to trust God that we would never be stranded on the road on our many trips. Looking back, I can remember twice that we had trouble. The first time, God took care of it in this way. Once as we were going to Mobile, Alabama to pick up a friend who was to ride with us to the camp we were attending. The car broke down just as we got there. Here's the way God handled that situation. The friend offered to take his car so we left ours in Mobile, and a mechanic had it ready by the time we were to leave the next morning.

One other time, we went to Oklahoma because of the death of an uncle. When we started home, our transmission went bad. We could only get it in second gear. It was about two o'clock in the morning, and all the money we had besides a little gas money was twenty-five dollars in dimes, which we had taken from one of the children's piggy banks in case of an emergency. Well, it looked like we would be stranded unless God intervened, for where could one possibly find help in the wee hours of the morning? As we drove along in second gear discussing the matter, we saw a light up ahead. As we drew near the light, what do you suppose it was? A garage with two mechanics working on a car. When they heard about our plight, they left the car they were working on and fixed ours so we could get home. We had no idea what it was going to cost us, but our faith was in God to handle the situation as He had done before. Well, we were on our way by daylight, and what do you suppose they charged (not knowing anything about our finances)? Twenty-five dollars, which we paid in dimes. I feel like praising God, after all these years, for His faithfulness to His unworthy servants. Bless His Name!

There were times in our travels when the old car would start to act up, and I would claim God's promise. Somehow, God would straighten things out, and we would be on our way. I remember once, we had gone about seventy-five miles with over nine hundred more to go, when the car started missing and losing speed. I had been up since 3:30 A.M., so I was dozing in the back seat when I was aroused by my husband and son discussing the car's condition. As I listened, I could hear it making a peculiar noise. From the human standpoint, it looked as if we would be stranded before daybreak, but by the grace of God, I knew He would take care of it. As I looked to God, I prayed, "Now, Lord, You remember how You gave me a promise that You would preserve our going out and coming in from henceforth and forever more? I stand on that promise, Lord, and trust Thy Word for Thou art a God that cannot lie. I'm asking You to touch this car in Jesus' Name and stop this missing and let us be on our way. Amen!" Just a simple prayer but prayed in complete faith in the promise of God. "What happened?" you might ask. The missing stopped. The noise stopped, and we did not have another minute's trouble on the whole trip. I might say here that faith will not operate unless all our prayer channels are clear. If our life is full of unconfessed sin, we will be unable to claim God's promises in times like these, for He tells us in Psalms 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." But when we know that all is clear between us and God, we have a perfect right to take Him at His Word and claim victory. Praise His Name!

One last incident comes to mind. Some of my children, myself, and a friend wanted to attend a camp meeting over in Mobile, Alabama, but we would have to leave Sunday night to get back home as the friend was stationed at an airbase here and had to be back early Monday morning. I didn't want to buy gas on Sunday, as I believe in keeping the Sabbath day holy, and only in emergencies will I consent to buy anything. There came an awful fear in my heart (the devil instigating it) that we were going to run out of gas, and my small children and I would be left alone while the two older boys went to hunt gas. As always, in time of indecision. I turned to God, saying, "Lord, we want to honour the Sabbath and not buy gas, but it's a long way, and as you know, our old car is a gas consumer. We don't want to run out of gas and be stranded. Will You give me a promise that Thou wilt see us through?" After waiting before God, He spoke these words to me: "None that trust in Him shall be desolate." Psalms 34:22. The word desolate means forsaken, so God was saying in so many words, "I will not forsake you." I felt real relief and no longer feared the devil' s suggestion that we would be stranded. I just rested in God.

We went to the camp as was planned. We filled up our car on Saturday and started back home after the service Sunday night. When we were fifty miles from a town where gas could be purchased, my son who was driving said, "Mamma, we're about out of gas. We only have one eighth of a tank left." I answered, "Son, God assured me that we would not be desolate, so I know He will see us through. " We drove on a few more miles, and my son once again became concerned and said, "Mamma, the gas gauge is registering 'empty.' " We still had a distance to go before we could get gas. I said, "Son, I'm trusting God and His promise. Just keep your eyes off the gas tank and keep them on God." What a trip! It was exciting to say the least. We were riding on an empty gas tank and the promises of God. We drove all the way to Natchez, Mississippi and stopped at a red light and the car died. My son said, "Well, that's it!" But he got the car started again and pulled into the nearest gas station. A car pulled in behind us. It was two policemen who were checking to see why we had pulled into a closed gas station. When they found out our problem, they told my son to come with them, and they would show him where a gas station was opened. We emptied a gallon jug filled with water, and they took it and filled it with gas and brought it back to start the car with. It was now after midnight, no longer the Sabbath, and we went and filled up the car and finished our trip home. We had honoured God, and He had honoured us by keeping us from being stranded and by leading us to an opened gas station after midnight. "Now the Lord saith ... them that honour me I will honour ... " I Samuel 2:30.

God had blessed us for many years in our travels, and not one time have we been stranded where we could not get help. And on the authority of His promise, I never expect to be. I praise Him for His mercy extended to His unworthy servants.

Our Little Nathaniel

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21

When I answered the phone, I could tell by the excitement in his voice that the baby had arrived. Just as excited as my son, I asked, "What is it?"

"Guess!" was his reply.

"A boy," I answered, and so it was. Its name: Nathaniel Keith (Keith being part of his dad's name). The reason for the name "Nathaniel" was that it meant, "gift from God," so his mother explained. I thought, "How sweet," for surely he was a wonderful gift from God.

Little Nathaniel had a very exciting birth. When it was time for him to make his entry into the world, he was in a hurry. His dad alerted the doctor, then had to call an ambulance for fear they wouldn't get to the hospital in time. As the ambulance drove into the driveway of the hospital, the doctor was waiting. He hurriedly got into the ambulance ready to deliver the impatient little boy. Just as he started to check his patient, little Nathaniel (probably thinking "Enough is enough!!!") made his appearance right in the ambulance. What an exciting story my son had to tell on that memorable day, January 25, 1976.

When Nathaniel was three weeks old, we were privileged to visit him and his parents. My son was then the dean of men at Hobe Sound Bible College. Also, our youngest daughter attended school there, so we were able to visit her and my oldest daughter, who had married and lived a short distance away in Stuart, Florida. We were thankful to see them and also it was a great joy to see little Nathaniel for the first time. Can you believe we just fell in love with our new grandbaby – first sight? My son had his camera ready to capture our expressions as we saw him for the first time. Naturally, the grandparents had their camera, also, so we could have pictures to take home with us to show off. Someone had given me a "S.O.G. with P.I.P" book. This means Silly old Grandma with Pictures in Purse. You grandmothers know how it goes -- "Say, let me show you this picture that I just happened to have in my purse." Anyway, we got some good shots, but my favorite was the little darling in my arms with his head against my shoulder and his thumb in his mouth. Now, what could be cuter or sweeter than that?

Our allotted time, for attending the camp meeting that was going on at that time, and visiting our children, went by too swiftly, and it was soon time to return home. Oh, how hard it was to leave. I stood by Little Nathaniel's crib as I kissed him goodbye, and prayed, "Lord, get this little one to Heaven at any cost," and then tearfully walked away.

A few days before he was four months old, my phone rang. I recognized my son's voice though it was choked with emotion. I asked, "Danny, what's wrong? Did Brother So and So pass away?" (A friend who had cancer.) He answered, brokenheartedly, "No, Mamma, it's my little boy. He has meningitis." What a blow! It just seemed the old world caved in on top of us. My mother had just been operated on, which had been quite a strain on us, and now this. I just seemed to go to pieces.

It was decided that I should fly down to be with my son and his wife, as the baby wasn't expected to live. I thought, "I'm so torn up emotionally, until I can't see what good I can do," but I felt constrained to go, nevertheless. My daughter and son-in-law met me at the airport, and they told me how God was helping my son and his wife. We went directly to the hospital, and when I saw my precious children, whose hearts had, seemingly, been tom out by the roots, I was amazed at the sustaining grace of Almighty God. Their strength and fortitude gave me strength, and I was enabled to remain calm even though we were just outside little Nathaniel's room and could hear the sound of the respirator that was helping to sustain his slender thread of life. My son wanted me to go in and see him, and though it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, for their sakes, I put on a sterilized gown and mask and went in with them. The little darling, whom I had left nearly four months before with a prayer that God would get him to Heaven at any cost, was unconscious and seemed about ready to enter that Heavenly land. I did not linger long, for the scene before me was so tragic that I wanted to get away.

The doctor advised us to go home and get some rest. He said the baby could linger on for an indefinite period of time. He gave us no encouragement, whatsoever, that our precious little darling could get well and live a normal life.

About three days later, on May 25, the doctor called and requested that they come to the hospital immediately. I went with them, and as we went, with trembling voices, my son and wife sang the song, "How Firm a Foundation," while tears flowed unchecked down my cheeks. My son told me later that God had comforted their hearts through this song right after Nathaniel was diagnosed as having meningitis. He said he and his wife walked out of the hospital and across the street. There was a church there and the door was opened, so they went in and knelt at the altar to pray. They, then, picked up a hymnal, and it opened to this song. As they read the words together, they both committed their baby to God, in life or death. It was from this commitment that God reached underneath with His everlasting arms and sustained them in the darkest hour of their life.

When we reached the hospital, we walked to the nurse's station and they told us that the doctor would come and talk to us. As we waited, I saw a nurse enter our baby's room without a sterilized gown, and I knew what we had already suspected, that dear little Nathaniel had departed this life. The doctor soon came and confirmed what we already suspected.

We asked if we might see him and was granted permission. As my tears flowed and I sobbed brokenheartedly, my son spoke to me, "He's all right, Mamma. He's with Jesus, the first one of our family to make it to Heaven." What wonderful words of consolation! "He's with Jesus!" Safe in His keeping. And though he is sadly missed here, some day if we stay true to Jesus, we will be reunited again to part no more forever. Praise God for this precious hope!

When the write-up came out on the front page of the paper, hundreds of people read this confirmation of my son's faith. Quote, "I think of the hymn, 'How firm a foundation' and realize that faith is a firm foundation in a time like this. The Lord has a plan for our lives, and if that plan includes taking our son, then the Lord will provide a way to see us through,' McCain said quietly."

The family requested that instead of floral offerings that the intended money would be given to missions. God's people from all parts of the country stood by Danny and Mary in a wonderful way with their prayers, financial assistance, and words of encouragement. Sympathy cards came from far and near. Only God knows whatit meant to all of us.

The following was sent to encourage their hearts:

God's Little Missionary

God sent a young missionary to Hobe Sound on January 25, 1976. He was received well by the community and was much loved by his host and hostess. The mission he was sent to fulfill was to speak to those living in southern Florida and also friends and relatives of those he stayed with. When he became ill, news of his sickness drew many hearts nearer to God in prayer and soul-searching. Even though he wasn't able to master the language in the short time he was here, his host did all his public speaking. The messages were so moving they were printed in many of the newspapers and even on the front page of a large one. He spoke on faith, Jesus our firm foundation, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

His mission was completed May 25, 1976, when he went to his Heavenly home. His influence still lingers for many hearts are, and have been moved by his coming. Thank You, Lord for your nussionary.

The following is, my daughter-in-law, Mary's testimony of God's sustaining grace in their time of sorrow. It was taken from a speech she gave at a missionary's retreat in Nigeria, entitled, "The Refiner's Fire." This was the closing part of the speech.

I would like to close with an illustration of God's tender care and comfort through one of the times of pain in my life. I believe it was about my first time to begin comprehending God's refining process.

I feel my life has always been easy. I enjoyed the blessing of Christian parents and Christian schools and a wonderful Christian husband. Our first baby was born and was very special. We called him Nathaniel, which means, "gift from God." Pregnancy had not come easy, so we considered him a special gift from God. When he was almost four months old, we visited some friends who had also just had their first baby boy. However, he had contacted a fungus from the hospital and died when he was about six weeks old. As I held my little one, I thought, "How can Karen stand it?" and I cried many tears. The next week, our little son was a little fussy one night and had a slight temperature. The next morning, I felt something was wrong. I called the doctor, and he told me to bring him in. By the time we got to his office, Nathaniel could only weakly whimper. The nurse looked at him and immediately took him back to the examining room, bypassing many others who had been waiting for a while. Within a few minutes after looking at him, the doctor took my husband to the. office and told him, "I believe your son has spinal meningitis." We took him to the hospital for a spinal tap. By that evening, he had stopped breathing on his own. They immediately hooked hIm up to a respirator. The hospital was very kind to us and allowed us to stay in an empty room right across from his isolation unit. I remember the second day, beginning to comprehend the fact that God may be taking my baby from me. Burying my head in the pillow, I wept my heart out. But I felt the Lord's comfort when He sent my sister and another friend to stand beside me. At first, I resented them because I just wanted to cry in despair, but they didn't say anything, just let me cry. However, their presence soon helped me to quieten and feel the warmth of their love. I had never before realized the beauty of the family of God as scores of our friends came to wait with us the next few days. (I believe another way the Lord comforted us was by giving us so much to be thankful for. I had never gone and sat with anyone who was waitmg at the hospital, and I certainly never expected so many to come and sit with us. The feeling of thankfulness helped replace some of the feeling of grief.)

During one of the afternoons, Danny and I decided to take a walk outside. We had not left the hospital since we had arrived. There was a church across the street, so we walked there and found the door open. We walked to the front and knelt to pray. After a few minutes, my husband picked up a hymnal and opened it. It fell open to the beautiful hymn, "How firm a foundation." Listen to the message It imparted to our hearts that day.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord

Is laid for your faith in His excellent word;

What more can He say than to you He hath said –.

To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee – O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

Note especially this verse:

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee thy trials to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

This verse was the climax:

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee-I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

As our son died a few days later, I realized I had gained a new assurance from the comfort that God gives to those who suffer. In the past, as I had read or heard stories about those who were tortured for their faith, I always felt afraid. I didn't think I would be able to endure, to be able to stand the test, if the Lord ever asked me to go through something like that. I knew that God said, "my grace is sufficient" ... I knew that He said, "I will not allow you to be tempted above that which you are able to bear – " but I had never experienced that special presence of the Lord "Who comforts us in all our tribulations." II Corinthians 1:4. In this fiery trial, He helped me realize that I could trust Him through anything. God is truly sovereign. Zechariah 13:9 says God promised that after He had brought His people through the fire and refined them like gold, "they shall call on my name, and I will hear them; I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God."

By Mary McCain

Though God has answered prayer and worked miracles in thousands of lives and in various ways, yet sometimes, in spite of our pitiful pleas to Him, He does not see fit to answer in the way we pray, or else He just says "No" to our prayer. The Lord knows the future, which we do not, and usually His denial of our petition is the most loving thing our Heavenly Father could do for His trusting child though we can't understand, and it breaks our heart and causes bitter tears. Such was the case with our dear little Nathaniel. We cried brokenheartedly to God in his behalf, but God, in His infinite wisdom and foresight, did not answer our prayers the way we wanted Him to. But because we know He does all things well, we have graciously accepted His sweet and perfect will and are happily anticipating a grand reunion with our little darling, who is being well cared for, until we meet again. Amen!

For several years on the date of Nathaniel's departure from this life and his entrance into the Glory world, May 25, 1976, I sent the parents a memorial poem. Though they are imaginary, I'd like to share them with you.

Memorial Poem for Nathaniel

On the twenty-fifth of May,

Just one year ago today,

Our little Nathaniel left us for a better land.

Though it nearly broke our heart

From our baby to have to part,

Yet we knew God had the situation in hand.

We have often wondered why

Little Nathaniel had to die,

But we'll understand it better by and by.

Here we don't have to understand

But just leave it in God's hand,

He will answer all our questions in the sky.

In my imagination I can see

The reception our baby received

As he entered Heaven's portals in the sky.

Just inside the Eastern gate

A Heavenly band did wait

To welcome our little darling up on high .

Though on earth his loved ones miss him,

Yet there Jesus picked him up and kissed him,

And wiped away all the tears from his eyes.

His pain was forever ended,

His little heart was mended,

And never would he miss his earthly ties .

There were many boys and girls,

Just babies when they left this world,

Who were awaiting his arrival in that land.

They were at the gate to meet him,

And with joy they all did meet him

As he joined himself to their Heavenly band.

One of the first to take his hand

And lead him around that Heavenly land,

Was a little great uncle called "Little Bill,"

He departed this life long ago,

Oh, we loved that baby so,

The memories cause our hearts to sorrow still.

Then there's little Aunt Joni McCoy

Ready to welcome the little boy,

I can visualize her radiant, smiling face.

They will play around the throne

Of their beautiful, heavenly home,

How happy they must be in that lovely place.

Harold Wayne Roshto, a baby cousin dear

Will, also, be waiting very near,

For he, too, joined the welcoming committee.

Little Dickie, Aunt Dee's baby boy

Who is living in that land of joy,

Extends a hearty welcome to that city.

Can't you see them as they play

In that land of endless day,

All the babies who have gone on before?

Never a fuss nor a fight,

Nothing to mar, nor even night

Just one long eternity of peace and joy.

So be comforted dear Mary and Dan

For our baby waits in a better land.

We must strive to go to him when life is o'er

Jesus will give us grace

'Till we can see his face

Then we'll never think of parting anymore.

Two Year Memorial for Nathaniel

Two years ago today

On the 25th of May,

We bid farewell to our precious baby boy.

Though it caused us pain and grief,

Yet in Jesus we found relief

As He whispered words of comfort o'er and o'er.

"Dear Jesus, we humbly pray

Sit Nathaniel on Your knee today

And give him our message of good will,

That though he is yet so sadly missed

Yet now, he has a little sis

And the vacancy he left, she helps to fill.

"Tell him, Jesus, just to wait

Right inside the eastern gate,

For we'll soon join him in that land so fair.

Little sister will be with us

And other kinfolk near us.

What a reunion we will have up there!

"And Jesus, can You prepare

A nice big rocking chair

For Mommy, Daddy, and grandparents to take turns

To rock the little boy?

It will give us so much joy

As he cuddles close within our circling arms.

"There'll be friends and loved ones galore

Standing outside the mansion door

Awaiting their turn to caress the little boy.

To step inside the pearly gate

And be reunited with little Nathaniel forever more.

"Dear Jesus, as we close this prayer,

We know he's safe within Thy care

So we're patiently waiting 'til we see him once more.

Help us not to miss the way

F or it will be a grand homecoming day

When we meet little Nathaniel on that golden shore."

Three-Year Memorial for Nathaniel

You left us three years ago today

On this twenty-fifth of May

Our dear little Nathaniel lad.

Though we have accepted God's will,

Yet many times the tears flow still

As memories make our heart so sad.

You were four months to the day

When meningitis struck and took you away,

It was indeed a painful blow.

But God was near in that dark hour

And sustained us by His power,

His wonderful grace He did to all bestow.

We'll soon be reunited, dear little boy,

Then, oh, what happiness, what joy,

When at the feet of Jesus, our sorrows we will lay.

We'll sorrow no more, no never,

Our tears will be wiped away forever

And forgotten will be the 25th of May.

Four-Year Memorial for Nathaniel

I guess I'm just getting old,

At least, that's what I've been told,

For I can't think of a thing that will rhyme.

But though I'm old, I remember the 25th of May

Was when our little Nathaniel passed away

And I'll compose a memorial poem next year at this time .

God's Call to Minister to Rest Home Residents

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

One day while visiting a dear friend at a rest home, I noticed some of the patients were gathered in a large room, and a lady was teaching them from the Bible. It was as if a voice spoke to me saying, "This is something you can do," but somehow I didn't do anything about it at that time. The main reason was that I felt inadequate for the task. A few years later our church started holding services twice a month at the rest homes, and as I saw the eagerness and hunger with which the residents received the Word, the burden to start weekly Bible studies possessed me. Still I felt my incapability to start a work all alone. But as the burden intensified, I began to pray earnestly about the matter, and one morning I felt God's clear call to go and minister to those dear people. The Scripture the Lord gave me was this: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people -- Come now therefore, and I will send thee -- " Exodus 3:7,10. This word of command was forcibly given as I was reading from the devotional book entitled Streams in the Desert by Cowman. Oh, how inadequate I felt, but when I read the following comments concerning the verse, I realized God would go with me and enable me to do whatever He called me to do. It read like this, "This is the way of the Lord. He uses human means to divine ends. He pours His strength into a worm, and it becomes an instrument with teeth. He stiffens a frail reed, and it becomes as an iron pillow. And this mighty God will use you and me. 'Come now, therefore, I will send thee.' Thus saith the Lord, and He who gives the command will also give the equipment."

After receiving this definite call from God in 1977, I began to make preparations to go, I made arrangements with the rest home to come once a week and teach. Now that I was granted permission, the next thing on the agenda was to know what to teach. Well, it was the Easter season, so I could start by teaching the Easter story. The Lord helped this poor weak instrument in a wonderful way, and I spent several weeks teaching the Easter story. But after this was finished, I thought, "Now what?" The Lord led me to continue in the book of Acts. Week after week, God showed me what to teach and helped me in a remarkable way to give out His Word. Many times, I have come away encouraged in my soul, for as I taught the Word, God showed me truths that I had never seen before. I have seen tears in the eyes of the hearers as God's Word touched their hearts. I have seen conviction on the countenances of some, and I have prayed with some who have requested prayer for their souls. Many have gone into eternity who had their last chance in our little services. I especially remember a black man who raised his hand for prayer, and 1 went back to him and prayed for the Lord to save him. He died with a heart attack the next week. Another lady was broken during one of the services. We were in a revival at our church, and our pastor and evangelist had come to help out at the rest home service. The tears streamed down this dear lady's face, and after the service, our pastor spoke to her. She did not attend our next service and in checking, I found out she had dropped dead not long after attending the service just described. Oh, what an opportunity there is in a work of this nature. I took a special interest in a dear man whom one of the nurses said had no one to care. He looked so dejected and sad. I would invite him to the Bible studies but, for a while, he refused to come. But I kept inviting and he started coming. I would lay my Bible on his knee and tell him to take care of it while 1 got the wheel-chair patients in. It pleased him to do this little service for me. When he saw me coming, his face would light up with a big smile. Why? Because now someone cared for him. I got especially attached to him, but one morning the activity director asked me, "Did you hear about Mr. So and So?" (The man who kept my Bible.) I said, "No, what about him?" She answered, "He passed away suddenly."

My eyes filled with tears. He was such a dear old man, and yet no one seemed to care for him. Now, he was gone into eternity. Had I done my best for this precious man? Did he make it to Heaven? Will I meet him on the other shore and see his face light up with a smile as he recognizes the one who taught the Bible to him? These precious ones get a hold on my heart. So many have so few to care. Some are blind and cannot see to read their Bibles. They would never hear it if God had not sent me to read it. I remember a young man who was blind. He asked if I could have some messages put on tape. They appreciate our little service of love. Some tell me, "Please don't quit coming. You're all we've got." (I don't intend to quit until I have to. As of today, I've been going 24 years to one home to hold Bible Studies, plus, I've gone to others.) When I pray for the bedridden, I sometimes think, "This could be my mother, my father, a sister or brother." Oh, the love that God has given me for these precious souls.

One day, a dear saintly lady said to me, "I wish you would go visit my sister." I had often visited her but had not seen her for a while. I promised the lady that as soon as I finished my Bible study, I would go with her to see her sister. When we started to her room, her sister said, "One of the last things she said before she went into this coma was that she was a Christian and loved the Lord." She commented that she had not been responsive for several days now. We entered her room and stood looking down at her. Her mouth was gaped open, and she was breathing heavily as if she was soon to depart this life. Her eyes were open and staring unseeing into space. She wasn't aware that we were there. We talked a few minutes as we stood by her bed, and then I bent over and asked, "Do you know Jesus? Jesus loves you." The tears started coursing down her cheeks. I continued, "I'd like to pray for you." She said in a faint whisper, "Pray." As I prayed, she shook with emotion. When I finished, I looked at her and could tell she was rational, so 1 said, "Here's your sister." She seemed to recognize her. It was a wonderful miracle, all because of the power in the name of Jesus. A day or so later, she passed away, and 1 feel she's with the Saviour she loved.

There was an infidel in this particular rest home. Oh, how he seemed to hate the Bible and also hated me because I represented the Bible. He would get so mad when I would invite him to the Bible study and would yell at me and let me know he didn't believe the Bible. One day, I put a religious tape on a recorder and went to get the wheel chair patients. When I came back, I noticed he had pulled his chair up close to the door of the room where I was to teach and was sitting still so as not to be noticed (or so it appeared to me.) When I started my lesson, I stepped over to check and see if he was still there. I was careful to not let him see me. Sure enough, he was still there. I was so thrilled. I don't know how much he heard that day, but I trust God applied the truth to his heart. I felt that if the truth would reach a man like this that all my feeble efforts would be rewarded.

One day, as I was speaking on how God sometimes has to send tragedy into our lives to shake us awake so that we will obey Him, a lady named Velma raised her hand and asked to speak. I granted her request as she led an exemplary life for others to follow. She always sat on the front bench and brought her Bible to the services. Here is her story:

She related that when her first baby was born, that she was in labor three days and nights and was near death, as was her baby. Though she wasn't a Christian at the time, she begged God to spare her life as well as her baby's, and she promised to serve him the rest of her days. God answered her prayer and raised her up and spared her baby's life, but she said she continued on her wayward way and failed to get right with God as she has promised.

A few years later, she developed heart failure and once more found herself at death's door. The doctors gave her no hope at all. Once again, she cried to God for mercy, promising Him that if only He would give her one more chance that she would surely serve Him this time. Oh, the tender mercies of our loving Heavenly Father! He answered her prayer, healed her, and she returned home to her husband and baby. But her husband was unsaved, so she failed to take God's way alone and returned to a life of sin.

When her little boy, whom God had healed, was eleven years of age, some people from church took an interest in them and invited them to church. The little boy didn't have decent clothes to wear, so they bought clothes for him to wear to church. As he attended the place of worship, God got a hold of his heart, and he was wonderfully saved. He started reading his Bible at home and tried to interest his mother in going to church with him. She said she knew she needed to go with him to encourage him, but she kept putting it off.

Some time after her son started going to church, they went on an outing, and he was accidentally drowned. She told how she fell on her knees there on the shore and began to scream to God. She no longer cared what her husband or anyone else thought. She was desperate.

Someone went and brought her mother to the awful scene. When her mother found out her little grandson had drowned and saw Velma on her knees screaming out to God, she fell over dead. Velma said she lost her son and mother the same day, but that's what it took to shake her awake and get her to yield herself to God and get saved.

Thank God! Velma has hopes of seeing her little boy again, but what a cost! May all who read his true story heed the warning and not play fast and loose with God.

In our rest home ministry, we not only have the residents to minister to, but sometimes there are visitors who attend the service, and at times, I have been aware of God's dealings with the visitors through the precious Word. I remember one time in particular that God gave me a message from Matthew 7:13-27. We had in our congregation that day a young ministerial student and a black bishop, plus several other visitors. Needless to say, I felt nervous, but God helped me to give out the Word as He had prompted me to do. I don't know who the message was for that day, but I know I obeyed God. I have often thought that if God could use an old mule to get a message across -- Numbers 22:28 -- that he can use anyone who will put themselves unreservedly into His hands to be used of Him, even a weak, stammering, scared woman. After all, it's not what we can do ourselves but what God can do in us and through us. Amen! Eternity will reveal the results of the Bible Studies at the nursing homes for the past twenty-four years.

The following poem was written by me and read at a program for volunteer workers at one of the rest homes where I conduct Bible studies:

The Old Folks' Home

"The Old Folks' Home," that's what they call it, a dreaded place,

By older men and women of every kindred, every race.

As the first signs of old age begin to appear,

One thinks of the uncertain future with a fallen tear.

Here we find a widow, who is living all alone,

Except for the cat that helps brighten her home.

Her children check on her as often as they can,

But it's not the same as when she had her man.

Each day with effort, she gets out of bed

To face the new day with somewhat ofa dread.

She reaches for her cane as to the kitchen she starts

To brew her some coffee and toast her some tarts,

But with eyes growing dim, she could not help but ignore

The telephone cord that was stretched across the floor.

She tripped on it and fell with a mighty crash

Which caused over her eye a painful and ugly gash,

With the blood gushing, she tried to get up again

But she felt in her hip an excruciating pain.

She blacked out temporarily and lay there alone

Until a little later when she crawled to the phone.

The next thing shto the hospital she went

And from there to the "Old Folks' Home" she was sent.

With a broken hip, she had to go where it would mend

But it seemed to her that her world had come to an end.

Her thoughts wandered back to her comfortable home

And her dear little cat that was left all alone.

She thought of.her kitchen, lots of memories there.

All the meals she had served to her family so dear,

And there was the bedroom with her comfortable bed,

She must get used to another. It filled her with dread.

Her living room was furnished by her husband so dear

Now her furniture would be sold by an uncaring auctioneer.

There were other memories that brought pain to her heart,

As the little white church from which she'd have to part.

It was there at the altar that she surrendered to God

And vowed that forever in His footsteps she would trod.

Could it be that in His footsteps she could be following here?

To an "Old Folks' Home" could God be leading? Could He be here?

All at once, she heard singing coming from the Manor's meeting place.

What was that they were singing? Couold it be "Amazing Grace?"

As she listened, her whole being began to relax once more,

Maybe God was leading for there stood an angel in the door.

An angel in white with a loving smile on her face,

"We welcome you," she said gently. "We love you in this place.

We'll attend to your needs so carefully and see that you don't lack

A thing to make to make you comfortable. Here, let me turn you on your back."

The widow smiled lovingly, for beyond the nurse she saw once more

Her daughter with mixed emotions, standing in the door.

Her daughter's eyes were teary were watchng the reaction of her mother.

It had not been easy for her to place her in the care of another.

"Sh-h-h," a hush fell on the little trio as once again they heard

A sound coming from the Manor's meeing place,

The preaching of God's Word.

It rang out clear enough that these words could be heard,

All things work together for good to them that love God."

Closing her eyes, the widow again committed her life fo God,

She knew she only had a short time left on earth to trod.

Her daughter saw her resignation as the lines of her face relaxed,

And fresh tears swelled in her eyes as she tried to speak with tact,

"We love you," she whispered, "and want you to have good care.

That's the reason we brought you to the manor, Mother Dear,

At home, we don't have the facilities and other things that's needed,

But here you'll have the best of care, and by good personnel you'll be treated."

The widow reached out her arms to draw her daughter close.

Now she knew she wasn't just being put away from those she loved the most.

She was just moving into a new home, a temporary one

Where she could be loved and cared for until her life's work was done,

Why, this was not an "Old Folks' Home" as she had always said.

This was a Manor, a cheery home. There was no longer any dread.

"I'll adjust the best I can," said she, "and try not to complain at all.

I'll enjoy all my new friends and not be as lonely as before the fall.

I won't be in the Manor very long, even though it could by years.

And after my stay here, I'll move to my Heavenly home, she smiled throug her tears.

On the Humorous Side

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

A time to weep: and a time to laugh-Ecclesiastes 3:4

Though we always consider God as a very serious being, sometimes I wonder if He smiles during our humorous blunders. Like the time I was to fly to Hobe Sound, Florida to visit my children who were attending Bible School there. I had never flown on a plane before, and needless to say, I was scared. I didn't even like to go over high bridges and would close my eyes and ask my husband to let me know when we got to the other side. Why heights always terrified me, I don't know, but thank God, through Him, I finally conquered my fear.

But to fly away up in the air on plane! My, my, I felt panicky. I prayed, "Oh God, give me a promise that Thou will go with me and help me." This is what He gave me: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage and He will strengthen thine heart." Psalms 27:14. Well, I had certainly waited on Him and had done my best to be courageous, so now I had His promise that He would strengthen my heart. I said, "Thank you, Lord," for I certainly needed my heart to be strengthened.

Later on, I was busy getting the house in order to leave when I passed by a promise box. I was feeling the same old fear about this time, and I prayed, "Please, Lord, will You give me a promise to put in my purse to take with me?" I reached over and took a promise from the little promise box, and here is what I read, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me--" Psalms 23:4. Oh, how quickly I put that promise back into the promise box and told the Lord I would be content with the first one He gave me. Someone told me after I related this incident to them, that they would have never gotten on that plane after that, but I felt that in spite of all my fear and trembling, somehow God was going to take care of me. Had he not supplied my need to go and was seemingly leading me every step of the way? Besides, there were three precious children and a dear daughter-in-law who would be waiting for me at the end of my journey, that compelled me to go through any difficulty to be able to spend a few short days with them. I had written my son that I was coming but told him I wanted to surprise the girls. The day I was to leave, I received a letter from my youngest daughter, and here is what she wrote: "I dreamed the best dream last night. I dreamed you came to see us. It was such a good dream. I wish it was true." It touched my heart very deeply as I felt the longing of a young girl who wanted to see her mother. I was so glad God was allowing me to go. My son told the girls he would go shopping with them but would have to go by the airport to pick up a lady. They never imagined that the lady was their own mother, especially since they knew how afraid their mother was of heights. They never thought I'd fly. How well do I remember their dear faces with such surprised looks, their excitement and joy at having me come. How wonderful is our kind, Heavenly Father to make a way for me, not only that time but many times since, to visit my children.

I was lying in bed one night after returning home meditating on the goodness of God, when a voice whispered to me, "You should be ashamed to take money to fly to see your children when you could have paid it on their school bills." At first, I didn't recognize the old accuser as he came as an angel of light, but soon God helped me to know it was the enemy. He wasn't at all interested in whether or not the school bills were paid; he just wanted to bring me under condemnation, But thankfully, he did not succeed.

Speaking of Bible School days, I was testifying to someone about how God so wonderfully supplied the money to pay the school bills – how He had given me a promise to stand on for eighteen years, and when the school year was completed, all the bills were paid. My husband and son were listening. My husband spoke up and said, "Yes, God paid the bills by giving me overtime. I made time and a half when working overtime." He was a repairman with the telephone company and during storms and serious crisis, he would sometimes work all day and all night. My son, Barry, spoke up and commented, "Yes, when Mamma needed money to pay the bills, all she had to do was pray, and God would send a big storm to knock down some telephone poles, and Daddy would works lots of overtime and have money to pay the school bills."

Regardless of what means God used to pay the bills, His promise, "I will give thee hidden riches of secret places," never failed – no, not one time. Praise His glorious and gracious Name forever and ever!

Another amusing incident happened one day as I was taking my daily walk. My husband had repeatedly warned me that I should be careful walking on a road where there were only a few houses and a long stretch of wooded area. His admonition went something like this, "Someone is going to grab hold of you and pull you off in those woods some day and hurt you." Scary, yes, but somehow I just wasn't afraid. I had lived in this area all my life, and it was so relaxing to walk that road, up a steep hill, glancing from side to side, looking at the honeysuckle and wisteria, the hanging wild grapes and muskedines that I often gathered to make fresh jelly. This daily walk was something I looked forward to and helped me physically as well as emotionally. I loved it. But one day, I heard a motorcycle coming up the road. I heard it slow down and looking back, I saw it pull off into the woods behind me and stop. The motor was turned off, as if he were waiting for my return. Was I scared? I'm afraid so. I was petrified with fear. My husband's words kept turning over in my mind. What could I do? Pray of course. "Dear Lord," I prayed, "Thou didst promise to send angels to watch over us. Will you send me an angel right now to protect me from this man?" I heard a truck coming, and it stopped across from me. I glanced across the road, hoping it wasn't someone else stopping to harm me. Guess who it was! My own dear husband! He had heard the motorcycle stop and had come to see about me. Well, I had never thought of my husband being an angel, but was I glad to see him! I ran across the road and hastily got into the truck. "I was praying for an angel," I told him. "You don't look like an angel, but am I glad to see you!"

Did you stop walking on that road, you might ask. Yes, needless to say, I thought it best to listen to my husband's warning and find another place to walk.

And now, here are some cute little incidents concerning children that should fmish your laugh for the day --your dose of medicine -- "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

One of my grandsons lives with my husband and me. One morning, I woke him up to go to school. He sat on the side of the bed and very sleepily looked up at me saying, "Grandma, you're lucky. You're old and senile, and you can go back to bed and go to sleep." He couldn't understand why I found that so funny.

He loved to gather the eggs our hens laid. One Sunday morning as it was being stressed about keeping the Sabbath Day holy, he leaned over to my husband, whom he was sitting with and asked, "Pap-paw, do hens lay eggs on Sunday?"

The following was given to me by a friend and entitled, "The things children say." They were quotes from a Catholic elementary school where the kids were asked questions about the Bible. The answers are below and have not been retouched or corrected.

In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off.

Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.

Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals came on in pears.

Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.

Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is bread without any ingredients.

Aren't children wonderful and unpredictable?

And how about this? Though it may be off the main theme of the book, yet I feel you will get great enjoyment from it as I have.

When my niece, Robi (Miller) Cohenour, was in kindergarten or first grade, the teacher instructed them to observe their mother as she cooked during the Christmas holidays, and when they returned to school, to give her a recipe that their mother had used, and they would make a cookbook to give their mother on Mother's Day. Upon returning to school, she called the children one by one to her desk, and here are some of their recipes. Try them and let me know how you come out.

Hamburger

1 hamburger

3 french fried

2 macaroni

15 oils

Cook it all on top of the stove for 15 minutes

– Nina Halford

Chicken

7 chickens

1 egg

Cook for 16 minutes in the oven at 6 degrees.

– Paul McWilliams

Blackberry Dumplings

A whole bunch of blackberries

7 # sugar

1 spoonful flour

1 cup water

Put in a big pot and cook it for half a day. Eat some and give some away.

\-- Craig Bergeron

Chocolate Pie

A little bit of flour

3 chocolates

5 Broccoli

3 eggs

1 tsp. Salt

6 drops whipped cream

Some more flour

Put it all in a pan. Put it in the oven at 200 degrees for 10 hours.

\-- Robin McMichael

Chocolate Cake

1 cup cake mix

1 tsp Water

1 egg

1 spoonful butter

1 can icing

1 cup full pecans

Put in a bowl and mix with a beater for 10 hours. Put it in a pan in the oven for 10 minutes at 3 degrees. Take it out the pan and put the icing on it. Then you put your pecans.

\-- Kelly Simmons

Beans and Rice

10 quarts sausage

1/2 gallon salt

11 gallons beans

Put it all in the pan at one time and cook it on top of the stove for ten hours.

\-- Rodney Buras

Fried Fish

10 fish

1 gallon grease

2 gallons salt

4 dozen flours

2 eggs

Mix it all together and cook it on top of the stove for 10 hours.

\-- Dean Davies

Fried Oysters

14 oysters

6 chickens

1 package spaghetti

2 cans macaroni

1 onion

Put it all in the pot on the stove and cook 'til 9 o'clock

\-- Amy Williams

Eggs

1 egg

Crack the egg over the pot and cook for 30 minutes.

\-- Deron Scarabin

Meatballs and Pesketti

1 # plain meat

1 pkg. Tomatoes

1 cup gravy

1 cup salt

About 1 pkg. Pesketties

Some thing of salt

Put the tomatoes, salt and pepper into a pot, and the meat. Put the sketties in with it. Cook about one hour on top of the stove.

\-- Robi Miller

Tea

2 tea bags

2 spoons sugar

A lot of water

A lot of milk

Cook some water in a pot, put in the tea bags for 3 hours. Put the tea bags in the garbage. Give the tea to me and my little brother. 1 put in my own milk and sugar.

\-- Rhonda Eymard

Fried Chicken

3 chickens

1 lil' cupful of grease

1 Iil' pot full of white stuff

Little dozen of pepper

Cut the legs off and everything, put in the white stuff, and then put it in a pan of grease. Cook for 15 minutes on top of the stove.

\-- Leslie Deakle

Stew

10 # meat

1 cupfull pepper

10 # potatoes

1 spoon salt

1 # rice and 1 # sliced carrots

1 cup gravy

Put it all in a big pot on top of the stove and cook for 2 minutes.

\-- Clifford Stumpp

Trust you have had your laugh for the day!!! If not, here's one more:

I was in the hospital after my last child was born when the telephone by my bedside rang. It was a man from our church calling to check up on us. He asked, "What did you name the baby?" I answered "Barry Preston." (Preston was my doctor's name who had delivered all seven of my children.) The man who had called was hard of hearing and when he hung up the phone, his wife asked him what we named the baby. He answered, "I think she said, 'Very precious. ' "

After "Very Precious" grew up to be a little boy, he and his older brother got into trouble one day. I got my switch and switched the older brother and started after "Very Precious." He had gotten on the lower bunk of a bunk bed where I couldn't get my switch up very high. As I started to switch him, he said, "You're sweet, Momma. You're sweet."

How could I switch a little fellow telling me how sweet 1 was? He is married now with three little girls. I told his little girls that when he started to spank them to tell him how sweet he is. It would probably keep them from getting a whipping.

God's Leadership in Writing Books

I remember the day when God asked me a simple question, "What is that in your hand?" "Only.a pen," I answered. "Will you use that pen for my honour and glory?" He asked. "Yes, Lord, as you direct me, I will write for the glory and honour of God," was my reply. This leadership from God – the small, still voice directing me – was the beginning of my writing for God's Glory. I refuse to write any book that does not glorify God. One would think that someone with absolutely no literary training would never be so bold as to attempt writing and publishing books, but with God's divine leadership, it is amazing how folk will launch out to do impossible things.

I remember, as far back as the sixth grade, writing poetry and short stories. I'm sorry I don't have one to add to this book, but things have a way of getting away from you over a period of time.

In the ninth grade, as our teacher was handing out Christmas gifts to the class, she paused and looked at me. "Now," she said, "I want Georgia to come forward. She has a gift for everyone in the class." I could hardly believe my ears. This teacher was telling the students that I had a gift for everyone in the class when I was so poor that I barely scraped together enough pennies to buy a small gift for the name I drew. I sat and looked at her with a stunned look on my face. She said again, "Come to the front, Georgia." Feeling terribly backward and perplexed, I got out of my seat trembling and walked to the front. She handed me a handful of papers with typing on them. She then smiled and said to the class, "Georgia wrote a story that I want all of you to read, so I made a copy for each one, a gift from her." Smiling, she told me to pass them to all the students. What a surprise! I don't even know where she got a copy, but I obediently handed them to the students. That was just another step in my writing career.

From time to. time, I wrote other stories. Once I wrote the comments for a Sunday School book. A preacher, being aware of my writing, asked me to write a continued story for a religious paper, which he hoped to get started. My first reaction was, "Well, I can't just sit down and write a story. God has to give me thoughts." And He did. God knew exactly how to lead and get me started in writing. That night after going to bed, the thoughts came and I got up and started writing. My first book, Through Troubled Waters, was written in a short time. For some reason, God knows, the Sunday School paper never did materialize, so I just laid the story aside, not knowing what else to do. I never dreamed of trying to get it published, but later, my son, Danny came home from college, and he read the story and encouraged me to get it published. Though I had never even considered such a thing, I gave it some thought, at his insistence. He gave me the name of a publisher to contact. I planned to get two hundred copies printed. I felt that would be all I could ever possibly get rid of. But upon contacting the publishers, they informed me that I had to get one thousand copies, so I decided to forget the whole thing. But after much prayer, I felt God's nudge to go ahead and leave the results with Him. The publishers themselves bought the first two hundred copies. They, also, published the book, chapter by chapter in a Sunday School paper each week until it was finished. Surely, it was above all I could ever imagine. With God's help, at the present time, I have sold and given thousands of copies of Through Troubled Waters to people throughout the land and some foreign countries. I have received many letters of the help it has been to different ones. Several have been saved through the reading of this little book. No, it wasn't written by a well-educated, talented person – only someone with a surrendered will to God's will – obeying Him – whatever the cost, God has led all the way. He has done exceedingly above all I could ever ask or think.

My next book, Trials and Triumphs, was written upon request. I was standing in a lunch line at a camp meeting in Hobe Sound, Florida, conversing with a friend, testifying of the many things that God had done for me and the prayers He had answered, when she asked, "Why don't you write these things down?" I had never given it any thought, but during the rest of the camp and after I returned home, the suggestion lingered, so once again, I took my pen in hand and wrote a book, this one concerning my own personal experiences with God. I've never had it republished after the thousand copies were disposed of, but the book that you are now reading has many of the incidents recorded in Trials and Triumphs.

I next wrote Shattered Shackles, and after a period of time, I began to feel a strong impression to write a book about twins. I didn't know if it was indeed an impression from God or just my own thoughts. One night as I washed dishes, I asked God, "Lord, if it's Your will that I write a book on twins, let twin names pop into my mind right now." The names "Connie Eileen" and "Donnie Eugene" came to mind as soon as I uttered the prayer. So I immediately took pen in hand again and started writing the book, In Straight Paths. Years passed and again I began to have a feeling that I should write a sequel to In Straight Paths. Connie, being the main character in that book, I felt I should write one with Donnie as the main character. For weeks I tried to get started, but only the first part came to mind, plus a few thoughts which would be about the center of the book. Somehow, though, I couldn't shake the thoughts of writing this book, so I finally told my husband, "I will take my pen in hand, (I had no computer or even typewriter in those days) and start writing and see how far I get. Would you believe that in one and a half weeks, the book was finished? Isn't it wonderful how God leads us? Praise His Name!

Since writing four novels (directed by God) and one book of personal experiences, I have compiled three books on prayer by other writers as well as my own answers to prayer. I intend to use most of my answers to prayer in this book. I desire to have them all under one cover for my children and grandchildren's sake, as well as a host of friends and relatives.

Again, I stress the fact that God deserves all the honour and Glory for anything accomplished through the writing and reading of these books. He has faithfully led me all the way, (as He is leading in the writing of this book), giving me the inspiration, the help, the strength, the time, and the will to do His sweet will. May our loving Heavenly Father use every book I have written-this being the ninth-to accomplish His divine purpose. Praise His Name forever and ever!!

God's Healing Touch

I am the Lord that healeth thee- Exodus 15:26

The prayer offaith shall heal the sick-James 5:15

Not only is God the Saviour of the world to redeem us from sin and fit us for Heaven, but He is the divine healer of those who have faith to believe Him to do the work. Multitudes of people can testify to this fact. I have a close friend who was instantly healed when told by doctors she had a very short time to live. The faith of her three-year-old daughter touched through to God when she asked Jesus to heal her mother saying, "I need my mommy, Jesus." God, in mercy, heard this child's earnest plea, and her mother was healed and jumped up and dressed for church, astounding all the people at church who were waiting for word of her death.

I heard a young lady give her testimony at Hobe Sound, Florida camp meeting about how God instantly healed her when the Christians prayed for her. She, too, was told it was only a matter of days before her departure from this old world, but the last time I heard from her, she was alive and well and engaged in missionary work for her Lord.

One day, my little eighteen-month-old son was playing around in the house as I was busily engaged in my daily housework. I would check on him from time to time, but I felt secure in the knowledge that there was nothing around that could harm him in any way. Suddenly, I heard an awful scream, and rushing toward the sounds, I was made aware that he had climbed into the bathtub and turned the hot water on, which was pouring on his sensitive skin. The water was very hot, and when it struck his sensitive skin, it just, seemingly, cooked it. First, it hit his stomach, and he turned to get out of the way, and it scalded his back, also. When 1 saw the condition my baby was in, I momentarily went into shock. I rushed to call my doctor, but when he answered I was unable to tell him why I was calling. The nurse had recognized my voice since we had used the same doctor for years, and she had told him who was calling. He could hear the baby screaming, he told me later but couldn't get me to speak up. He told me he was contemplating trying to get a hold of my husband as he knew something awful had happened, (which my husband didn't know at the time) when I finally came to my senses enough to tell him what happened. He told me to get him to his office as soon as possible. (In these days we would have taken him to the hospital immediately instead of a doctor's office. As you know, times have changed.) I called my parents who lived about two miles from me, and my dad drove me to the doctor's office, though the baby's condition completely unnerved him.

It must have been an hour from the time the baby was burned until we got him to the doctor's office, and the whole time, the baby was screaming constantly. My dad and I were both in a terrible emotional state by the time we arrived. The doctor took the baby from me while the nurse held smelling salt to my nostrils to try and revive me. What a terrible ordeal!

The doctor gave little Randy something to relieve his pain and then applied a medication to soothe it and then bandaged his bums. We were to take him home and bring him back in a day or so. Again, I say things would have been different in this modern day, but then, it was the best we could do.

What a time we had at home! Every move the baby made caused the bandage to rub a burned place, and he cried most of the time in a most pitiful manner. This was on Friday, and the rest of that day and the next day and on into Sunday, we went through this ordeal. I would sit for hours holding him on my lap, trying to keep him still, while the tears would run down my cheeks, as I suffered along with my baby. I could hardly eat or sleep because of his awful agony. How gladly would I have taken those burns onto my self if it had been possible. I'm sure I suffered as much as he did-his physically, mine emotionally.

I was sitting in my rocking chair on Sunday afternoon holding my suffering baby, when a car drove up, and some good Christian friends, who had heard of the terrible tragedy, came to see us. They offered to pray for my baby, and as we called on God in the behalf of my precious son, God touched him instantly and he crawled down off my lap and started playing. We removed the bandages, and by the next day, even the redness was gone. He was healed without a scar or even reddened skin. To God be all the Glory!

On April 17, 1999, I was involved in an awful car wreck. My right foot was twisted all the way around. It was on my leg backwards. My knee was shattered. My bottom teeth were broken. I received a terrible lick in my chest causing me to have difficulty in breathing. My face was bruised and swollen. I was in the hospital one week and admitted to rehab for four more. Though God didn't see fit to heal me instantly as He had others, He was with me every hour of the day. Friends and loved ones stood by me, coming to visit, sending flowers and cards and calling me on the phone when I was able to talk. So many flowers were sent to me that a nurse asked me if it was my birthday. I answered, "No." She said, "You have more flowers than anyone in this hospital." My, it made me feel good that so many people loved me enough to send such lovely tokens of their love. And the cards I received, I still have them. How could I throw away such beautiful sentiments of caring people? I like to get them out every once in awhile and read them. It brings back sweet memories of those who were concerned and holding on in prayer for me. I was hardly able to pray for myself in my weakened condition, but others were praying for me. About all I could do was rest in the Lord. But what sweet rest! God took control of my mind and though I had great responsibilities at home, He took charge, and I didn't worry one minute. Thank God for His marvelous watch care over things that I thought no one could handle but me. He proved to me that He had perfect control over all.

While in rehab, several visitors and hospital personnel spoke of the sweet presence of God they felt in my room. A preacher, who visited from another state, told me it was as if he had gone to church, God's presence was so real. What was it? The prayers of God's people. When I felt I couldn't pray, but just kept my heart lifted up to God, He moved on others to pray and His presence surrounded me, as unworthy as I am. Praise His sweet and Holy Name!

God brought people into my life during those weeks of convalescence who have become some of my dearest friends. I remember how God told me once that if I wanted friends to "shew myself friendly." And I have practiced this ever since He showed me. Not only at rehab but everywhere I go, I try to show a friendly attitude and love to all I meet. Jesus bid us to love one another, and thank God, I have a love for people that is not artificial but real, and I'm thankful for those who love me. In fact, just recently, I walked into a grocery store and a precious friend handed me the following poem, which she said she wrote especially for me. It made my day.

To the woman that I know --

When you walk in, there's the special glow.

You light up my life in a special way,

When I talk to you, you make me feel things will be OK

You have your own problems that I am aware,

But you still make time to show me you care.

I want you to know that you are loved,

Not just from me, but from God above.

Thank you so much for being my friend.

I look forward to seeing you again.

Now isn't that sweet? Thank you, Dear!

After five weeks of being in the hospital and rehab where God gave me many opportunities to witness for Him that I would never have had, had I not gone through this crucial test, I was discharged and sent home. For awhile, I was on a walker, but thankfully, I was soon able to get rid of that thing. Now I was walking on my own and doing very well except for an awful dizziness. Doctors told me I would have to live with it from now on, that I had knocked off particles on my brain and inner ear in the wreck and nothing could be done. I tried to cope, but it got worse and worse. At times, I would almost black out. I realized that next my driver's license would be taken away, as it would be dangerous for me to be on the highway. I needed my license, not only for my personal business, but also for God's work – visiting the sick and afflicted, holding Bible studies in different nursing homes, and for various other reasons. I asked a doctor friend what I could possibly do, and he referred me to a physician who was a specialist in dealing with this sort of thing. I made an appointment and went to see him. He explained that dizziness was hard to treat but told me to come back the following Tuesday to run tests. I wasn't too hopeful upon leaving his office. In the meantime, I had requested prayer from some of God's people for God's healing touch, and I, too, was desperately praying for God to take over where doctors seemingly could not help me. On a Sunday morning before I was to go back to the doctor on Tuesday for tests, I sat up on the side of my bed. Usually, I had to sit there awhile before I could trust myself to walk, waiting for the dizziness to subside. But that morning as I sat up, I felt no signs of dizziness whatsoever. It was as if "Is this me?" But I got up and walked around, and there was no sign of dizziness at all. God had wonderfully touched and healed me. Hallelujah!

I went back to the doctor on Tuesday for tests as the doctor requested but told the lady who was to take the tests that God had healed me, that I had had no sign of dizziness since Saturday. She didn't know what to do, so told me she'd go ask the doctor for advice. He told her to go ahead and take the tests. When I went back on Thursday for results, I told the doctor upon entering his office, "Doc, the Lord has healed me. He saw I had all I could take for fourteen months and He healed me." He didn't know what to say. He had a bunch of papers in his hand, and I asked, "What's on your papers?" He looked over them and said, "I see you have a little hearing problem." I answered, "Oh, I hear fine, but my husband talks loud so it's all right anyway." He stood up and shook my hand and told me to call him in a month. I told him I was glad to get to meet him, and he answered, "The pleasure is all mine," and went out the door. Well, I haven't called him yet, thank God! When I got the bill from him, I sent him a check and commented in a joking way, "Just think, Doc, God healed me and didn't even send me a bill." Shortly afterwards, he sent me two checks amounting to about one hundred and thirty dollars. I suppose it was his part of the money I had mailed to him. God bless this dear doctor!

One more thing I'd like to mention about the wreck is this. There were two people, a man and a woman, who stood by me while I was waiting for an ambulance. The lady held my hand and encouraged me to trust in God, that He was going to see me through. She was so kind and caring and I appreciated her very much. A man stood behind me and held me, as I was half out of the car, one foot on the ground and one inside the car. He was trying to keep me from collapsing and also trying to encourage me. Often afterwards, I wondered where those dear people were as I longed to express appreciation for what they had done and to tell them how much it meant to me. After recuperating, I went out one morning and a lady came up to me, saying, "I know you. You were in a car wreck, and I stood by you, holding your hand and trying to encourage you." I hugged her, thanking her for her kindness and letting her know what it meant to me. Later, I was purchasing a plane ticket to fly somewhere when the man behind the ticket counter remarked, "I know you. You were in a car wreck, and I held you to keep you from falling while we waited for the ambulance." So my dear Lord gave me opportunity to meet and personally thank both of these precious people for their kindness shown to me when I needed someone so badly to stand by me. Isn't our God wonderful?

One other incident concerning God's loving care for me: I had to be admitted into the hospital for a hysterectomy. For some reason, which I still do not understand, I had this strange feeling for days before the operation that I was going to die on the operation table. I felt I was ready to meet God, yet I felt my mission on earth was not yet complete, so I spent much time in prayer asking God if it was His will to spare me. The morning I was admitted, the strong feeling of imminent death still possessed me. I was silently praying and opened my Bible to try to get some word of consolation from my Saviour. The Bible fell open to Psalms, chapter 118, verse 17. These are the words that stood out to me, "I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord." Praise God! Such peace came to my soul! I marked the Scripture verse and put the date by it and laid it on a stand by my bed. I, then, lay back and relaxed. When my doctor came in, he found a happy, peaceful patient, resting in her Lord. Amen! Later while I was in surgery, my son found my Bible with the verse marked and showed it to my husband, and they, too, were enabled to relax.

One last incident of divine healing concerns a lady from Arkansas. I received a long distance call asking for prayer for an unsaved mother who had given birth and was hemorrhaging to death. They had already given her twenty-eight pints of blood, some that wasn't even a match to hers, because it was such a desperate case, and they had run out of her type. She was reported to have died twice and no hope was given that she could possibly survive, but the pastor who called me and his people were holding on to God in her behalf. When I hung up the phone, the burden for this lady began settling down on my heart. I tried to put myself in her place as she had several children as I did. I thought, "Now if I were in this condition, I'd certainly appreciate someone praying for me." I went into my bedroom, got on my knees and began to earnestly call on God in the behalf of this precious lady. I opened the Bible and these words from Ezekial 16:6 stood out to me, "And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live." Praise God! He was hearing. As I continued to pray, turning in the Bible for God's words of encouragement, I turned to Zechariah 3:2 and read, "And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" A great calm came over me, and I was enabled to rest the case in the hands of God. I knew He had undertaken and the lady would live. I later heard that the wife of the pastor who called had also felt some assurance that God was taking over.

After this assurance came to my heart, I could not pray any longer for her healing. I could just thank God that He had heard. I waited a few days but did not hear from anyone concerning her condition, so I decided to write a letter expressing my belief that God had touched her. Oh, how the devil ridiculed me! "You are making a fool out of yourself," he taunted. "That woman is dead, and you're writing a letter saying you believe God has healed her." Well, the assurance was so real that I wrote the letter in spite of the devil's suggestions. It turned out to be just as I believed it. God had touched her and wrought a mighty miracle of healing in her life. The hospital personnel called her the "Miracle lady." Later she went to church and was saved, truly a brand plucked from the fire. Praise God for the wonderful miracle of healing power that is yet bestowed on us today as we pray and believe.

God's Mysterious Ways

The Lord moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.

Sometimes along life's journey, something will come to pass that is a complete mystery to us. We are unable to solve it, can't understand it, so the only thing we can do is hand it over to God and as the song says, "We'll understand it better by and by." Maybe over on the other shore, if God deems it necessary, He'll explain to us the mysteries of life. But I'm prone to believe that they will not be important there. I suppose that we will have forgotten all about God's mysteries in our life when we see Him face to face. What a day that will be!

One thing I have never solved is the mystery of my pink jacket. I mentioned earlier in this book that I was in a serious car wreck in April of 1999. It was a little cool, and I had worn my favorite jacket, which was pink. After the wreck, when I had reached the hospital, they started cutting off my clothes. The first thing that was ripped off me was my jacket. It literally made me feel sick to see them cutting my favorite jacket to shreds. They placed it with my other belongings, and later I, personally, threw it away. I remember how sad I felt as I held my shredded jacket in hand, looking to see if it could be fixed anyway, but I realized that all I could do was pitch it. It couldn't be fixed. Later, when cool weather set in and I was able to get around again, I looked in a closet where our coats and sweaters were kept, to try to find something suitable to replace my pink jacket. I thought my eyes were deceiving me – there hanging in my closet was a pink jacket, identical to the one I had personally discarded. I yanked it out with mixed emotions. It wasn't new so no one could have bought it and replaced my other one, but it was used just like my other one. It was my pink jacket, which I still wear today. I cannot explain it; neither can anyone else. It is one of God's mysteries.

Every year before I was disabled in the wreck, my husband and I would go some distance to pick up sweet potatoes left in the fields after the owners had picked up all they wanted -- this by permission of a friend of ours who was a friend to the owners. The potatoes were the good baking size and very delicious. We would load the open bed of the truck with all it would hold and have all the good potatoes we could eat. What we didn't need, we sold and gave the money to missions or needy people. I called it "my giving money." One day, we started home after putting about fifteen bushels or so on the back of the truck. We had not gone too far when it started pouring rain. I sadly told my husband, "I'll have to spread all those potatoes around somewhere to dry or they will rot." It rained heavily all the way home as I sat feeling sorry for myself and what was ahead of me. As we drove into our driveway, I told my husband, "Back up to the water hydrant and I will spray the rest of the dirt off," since I felt they were already drenched. Then I would have the task of trying to find some place to spread them out, turning them often so they could dry. He backed up and got out. "Those potatoes aren't even wet," he yelled. I couldn't fathom that, as I hurriedly got out of the truck. Sure enough they were as dry as they were when they came out of the field. Only God could have worked such a miracle. It just seemed He spread His invisible tarpaulin over them. He saw how tired I was and kept His child from hours of extra work, knowing that the money from the potatoes was going for His cause. Another of God's mysteries! Praise His Name!

My grandson trains lab dogs. One day, he went with another dog trainer to do some training and upon returning home, he told my husband and I, "Mr. So and So suggested I take my dog to the vet as his eyes are all matted up, and this could turn into something serious." I realized that this could turn into an expensive deal before it was over with. We didn't want to spend a lot of money on a dog, so I went to the place of prayer and prayed, "Lord, will You take care of this for us? Thou dost know that we don't want to put out so much money on a dog." It just seemed I handed it over to God. Later that day, another dog trainer came by to see us. He had never been to our house before. After visiting awhile, he started to leave. My husband asked him if he would mind looking at the dog's eyes and tell us what to do. He agreed to do it. In a few minutes, they returned with big grins on their faces. My husband said, "Tell her what you just told me." He looked at me with this big smile and said, "Why did I come by here at this time? And why did I happen to have some drops for dog eyes in my pocket?" I said, "Because God sent you. I prayed for God to take it in hand." He agreed wholeheartedly, and the dog's eyes were healed in a day or so with not one penny's cost to us.

Because of the car wreck, I was involved in, my right foot swelled up to be one-half size bigger than the left one. I would buy a pair of shoes the size for my right foot and the left would slip up and down and be very uncomfortable. One day, I bought a pair of shoes and when I tried them on, they both fit perfectly. I wore them all day and every once in awhile, I would comment on my comfortable shoes. That evening, my husband said, "Let me see those shoes." I pulled them off and handed them to him. The right one was size 8 and 1/2 while the left was size 8 – the correct size for both feet. I went back to the store to let them know, as I thought I had messed up another pair. She assured me it was all right – that someone else probably had sizes different and had taken the ones they wanted and put the ones I bought in the same box. I felt God had directed me to them.

Speaking of shoes, my son, Danny, a missionary to Africa, was home visiting, and I noticed he needed shoes. My daughter was visiting, also, from another state, and we decided to go to a garage sale near our home. The first thing I saw was a pair of shoes exactly like the ones my son wears. His size is 10 and 1/2. I asked, "What size are those shoes?" She answered, "Size 10." I thought, "Oh, what a shame." But I felt I should check them out. I picked up one and checked it out. The size was 10 and 1/2, and they were like new. I asked, "What do you want for these?" "Fifty cents," she answered. I was so thrilled and hurried home. I looked my son up and said, "I bought you some shoes. Try them on and see if they fit." "Mamma," he answered, "I don't have to try them on. If God gives me a pair of shoes, I know they will fit." And so it was – a perfect fit.

I lost my car keys and had looked everywhere I knew to look. I needed to go somewhere badly, but I knew that unless God undertook, I was stranded. I prayed, "Dear Lord, Thou dost know right where my car keys are, and I need them so badly. Will You help me find them?" That unmistakable small, still voice said, "Look in your coat pocket hanging in the closet, and you'll find them." He even told me the color of the coat, which has left my memory now. (Maybe it was pink) Anyway, I went in and reached into the coat pocket, and they were right where I had put them.

Another day, I was looking through some pictures and found one of my dad and his mother. I was so glad to find it and kept it out to show to different people. But it mysterously disappeared. I searched for a couple of days, but It seemed it was gone --that I may as well give up. But I couldn't. It was my dead dad and his mother. I felt I had to find it. All day on a Sunday, I lifted my heart to God about my treasured picture. After church Sunday night, I couldn't relax to go to bed and go to sleep. My picture was gone. I said, "Please, Lord. Thou dost know where it's at. Please help me find it." I felt a sudden impression to pull back my dresser and look underneath. What was it? The voice of God directing me, for there underneath my dresser was my treasured picture. Thank you, Lord!

One day, I was cleaning my bedroom and picked up the small wastebasket to empty into a larger one. I held the small container over the middle of the larger one and turned it upside down. I noticed something fell out and somehow cleared the side of the large basket and fell to the floor. After shaking the container in hand, I looked down to see what had so mysteriously fell over the side of the large container. What a surprise to find a roll of dollar bills! How it got into my wastebasket, I'll never know, but God saw that I needed them more than the flames, which would have soon made ashes out of them.

When we were visiting my daughter, Jackie, and family in Florida, we went to a Saturday flea market. My grandson, Jeffrey, discovered, upon returning home, that he had lost a ten-dollar-bill. Naturally, he felt bad, and we helped him search for it but finally concluded that he had lost it at the flea market. "But," he protested, "doesn't the Bible say that if we ask, we receive?" Well, we couldn't argue with the Bible.

After going to bed, my husband and I decided to give him at least half of the money he lost. When we got up the next morning before we had discussed it with his parents, Jeffrey came out of his bedroom holding a ten-dollar bill. "Where did it come from?" we all wanted to know. "It was in the front of my closet when I got up," he replied. "Impossible!" his mother declared, "I vacuumed there last night." "But Mom, it was there in plain view when 1 opened my eyes this morning," he declared. His parents thought we had put it there, and we thought they had put it there but neither was the case. Where did it come from? You tell me! "Ask and ye shall receive." The mysteries of God!

And this! We were flying from Florida on a plane. The turbulence was terrible! We were bouncing up and down. It appeared that everyone was very frightened, by the way they were conducting themselves. Were we going to make it? But at last, the plane landed in Atlanta. The thought of flying on a much smaller plane to Alexandria in the awful turbulence was terrifying. After getting aboard the plane, I noticed an empty seat right in front of me. I said, "Jesus, You sit in that seat and keep this plane smooth." After taking off and flying awhile, my husband commented, "This plane sure is smooth." I said, "Sure, Jesus is sitting right in front of us." When we landed, I said, "Now, Jesus, come home with me." And he did!

The Joy of Giving

He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:6-7

Give, and it shall be given unto you. Luke 6:38

How I praise God for a desire, motivated by my loving Heavenly Father, to give-to help others who are needy -- to feel their lack and be able to reach out to those whom I can. It gives me great joy to give as I feel led. Eternity will reveal the results.

I know what it is to be poor. There were eleven children in our family. My father struggled to supply us with food, and we were blessed if we had even a change of clothing. I recently heard one of my sisters tell how she went a whole year of school wearing the same dress every day. Can you imagine such a thing? But, yes, it's true. Many of the old timers who lived in the Depression can remember these hard times. I remember, as a child, needing a penny to go with one penny I had, to buy a postage stamp. I knew better than to ask my dad. His pennies were scarce. But I had heard once, in one those times I went to church, that if we asked our Heavenly Father and believed him to do it, he would give us what we asked, so I prayed to God for the penny and just trusted Him to give it to me. I started walking and looked down at my feet, and there was my penny Years later, I was in a store and bought something and lacked one penny in change having enough money to pay for it. The clerk told me not to worry, that she would take care of it. I related the above story to her and took a step to illustrate the incident. I looked down at my feet and once again, there was a penny, which I handed to the clerk. She was astounded.

Because of the condition in which I was raised and the love of God in my heart, it gives me great joy to do for others. My husband says that if he dies before I do, that I will give all his insurance money away within a month. Be that as it will, I know my God will take care of me regardless, for He tells us to "Give and it shall be given you." I've seen this come to pass over and over and want to pass on to you a few of the times when this happened.

I remember one time that I was so concerned about the needs of others that I just overdid it. I gave all I had, and from the human standpoint, it looked as if I would be broke for awhile. But I just looked up to God and turned the palms of my hands upward toward Heaven and said, "Lord, I need some more money." The same day, a man called and ordered some of my books, and my part was nearly $200. I said, "Thank You, Lord." He has never failed me yet though He may not always answer so quickly.

There were times when the desire to give seemingly overwhelmed me, yet I had nothing to give. My husband had a good job, but it took about all he made to pay the bills and support his family. Then, too, I didn't feel as free to give of the money he made as I did my personal money. I always had a concern for missions, and one day I had just a dollar or so of my own and was addressing an envelope to send it to missions. I had the record player on, and at this point, the song, "Little is much if God is in it," rang out. How it blessed my soul! God was taking notice of the few little mites that I had to offer, and I like to think that when I get to Heaven, some soul from a foreign country will walk up to me and say, "It was because of that little mite you sent that day when you had nothing more to give, that I'm in Heaven." Wonderful imaginary thoughts!

Years ago, when my son Danny was in Bible School, he had a roommate whose mother had passed away. He was in Bible School because it was his mother's heart's desire for him to attend. He was just a young lad, as was my son, and I longed to help him financially. But with a large family and our responsibilities and school bills, there was just no extra to spare. But I would write and try to encourage him like his mother would have done, had she lived. One day, I sent him a promise from God's Word, "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19. Later, he left the school, and I lost track of him.

One morning some years later, I received a long distance call. The voice with a northern accent said, "Hi! Can you guess who this is?" I answered, "No, I'm sorry, but I have no idea who you are." He quoted, "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Then he asked, "Now, do you know who I am?" I answered, "I'm sorry, but I still do not know who you are." He then told me he was my son's previous roommate and reminded me of the promise I sent him, which I had long ago forgotten. He continued "You will never know what this promise has meant to me down through the years. I have stood on it for years and have seen God move in wonderful ways in supplying my needs." How his testimony encouraged my heart! I remembered how much I wanted to help him financially but was unable. But I had given him what I could, a promise from God's Word, and it far surpassed anything I could have done financially. The Scripture from Acts 3:6 comes to mind, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I unto thee." Had I money to give, it would have been gone, but the precious Word of God had endured down through the years. Praise God!

Once again, this young man faded out of my life. I often wondered where he was and how he was doing spiritually and otherwise. I would write him in care of his grandmother, but I never received an answer. One day I asked God to let me hear from him again, and the phone rang one night when I was sick in bed. It was he. How faithful is our God!

Again, years rolled by, perhaps eighteen or twenty, when again I got a call from my young friend. He had been backslidden, but the prodigal had come home to his Father's house, and he wanted to call and share the good news. Then a few years later, I was at Hobe Sound camp meeting in Florida, and someone walked up to me and asked, "Are you Sister McCain?" "Yes," I replied. To my surprise, it was my long lost friend. Our paths had crossed again, and if they never cross again on earth, I hope to meet him in Heaven.

One day, a man drove up to my door with his wife and children and showed me a letter saying he was going to Houston, Texas, for a very serious physical condition and didn't have money for gas. Would I help him out? My husband has always admonished me not to help strangers, for we never know if they are honest or just trying to use you. I didn't know what to do, but seeing those little ones in the car tore at my heart, so I gave him some money. When my husband heard about it, he was upset with me, as were others whom he told. I felt bad but was only doing what I felt was right. Within a day or so, from a very unexpected source, God sent me three times the amount that I had given the man, as if He was telling me, "Though others condemn you, yet not I. Give and it shall be given you."

I was at a doctor's office one day, and something was said about blueberries and how tasty they are. I mentioned that we had some blueberry trees. The young lady I was speaking to told how she would just love to have some blueberries. She mentioned it several times with such a wishful look in her eyes. That afternoon as I picked my blueberries, all I could think about was that girl and her desire for blueberries. I only got about a quart, as they didn't bear very well that season. Two days later, as I started back to the doctor's office to get the results of some tests that they had run on me, I got the blueberries to take with me. "What are you going to do with those berries?" my husband asked. Very sheepishly, I answered, "I'm taking them to the girl at the doctor's office." "What?" he asked in surprise. "You're taking all the berries you've got, and we will have none. I can't understand you. As much as we love blueberry pies, and you're giving away all our berries." I answered, "If you could have seen her face when she was talking about those berries. I haven't been able to get her off my mind." He knew his wife well enough to know it was enough said. And oh how appreciative she was of the berries. She hugged me several times, expressing her appreciation. It made my day that I had made her so happy -- better than blueberry pie.

The next day, a friend came by, and as we talked, something was mentioned about blueberries. I said, "Our trees didn't bear well this year. Our whole crop amounted to about a quart or so." He said, "Do you want some blueberries? Come to my house. My trees are loaded. You can have all you want." So the next day, I went and picked many gallons for the freezer. We had all the blueberry pies we could eat and lots left over. "Give and it shall be given you."

A similar incident happened concerning peas. My husband loves to plant a garden. He planted his favorite, peas, but it being a dry season, not too many of them grew, I had read in Exodus 23: 19 where it says that the first fruits of the land, thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God, so I picked what peas we had and took them to our pastor. After this, the vines dried up and seemingly, that was the end of the peas, not even a mess for our family, but I felt I had done what was right according to the Word of God. A few days later, my phone rang and a masculine voice said, "Do you want some peas?" I was shocked. "Yes," I answered. "How much do you want for them?" "Nothing," he answered. "Come over and get all you want. They are free to you." I hardly knew the man but had brought his wife to church as a little girl. I went over and he and his son came out and helped me pick three bushels of the very best of peas. I had given my little to God, and He had returned it to me with good measure, pressed down and shaken together, and running over. "Give and it shall be given unto you."

One more! During the Christmas holidays, I became very burdened for our missionary offering at our little church. I wanted to give a good offering so that our missionaries and those they ministered to could have something extra for the holidays. One morning as I was praying about it, God gave  
me a vision of missions until I was broken up and weeping. I realized then how little I had actually done for missions, though I felt I had always been faithful to do what I could. I said, "Lord, I have never made a real sacrifice for missions, and I want to do so with my whole heart. What wilt Thou have me to do?" He said, "Give one hundred dollars of the money you are saving to get your book published." I don't know what I was expecting, but this came as a surprise. I guess I had just supposed that God understood that the money was for my book, and He wouldn't expect me to give that. Now when he told me to give it, I drew back momentarily. I said, "But, Lord, that money is to have my book published." God was so understanding and did not rebuke me for being hesitant, for He knew how I loved to give to His cause, but He spoke so tenderly, "You give the hundred dollars, and I will give you the money for your book." I said, "Yes, Lord, I will gladly give what You ask of me." I ended up giving the other hundred to missions also. Our missionary offering amounted to over six hundred dollars.

God kept his word as He always does, and here is how He gave me the money. My parents had died and left some property, which was inherited by their children, but due to hindering causes, we had been unable to sell it and make a settlement. But after God promised to give me the money for my book, the hindering causes were removed, and the property was sold, and my part amounted to much more than was needed for the publishing of my book. Praise His Name!

God's Messages Through Dreams

Not withstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside-- Matthew 2:22

Once in a while, God uses dreams to deliver His messages, though in general, dreams are of no significance at all, and am I glad? I dreamed once that a big snake was in bed with me, and woke up with my heart beating at a very rapid pace. Oh, how glad I was that my dream wasn't a reality! But on several occasions, I have had dreams that I knew were messages from God.

At one time, God was trying to encourage Gideon that he had naught to fear in going against the Midianites. He sent him into their camp at night and let him overhear a man relating a dream unto his fellow. This man said,

"Behold, I dreamed a dream and lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along." And his fellow answered and said,

"This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian and all his host." And it was so when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, "Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian." Judges 7: 13-15

This dream was used to give Gideon the courage needed to win the battle he was facing, as at times God sends us dreams to show us His will and purpose.

One night, I dreamed I was cooking a big meal (which I often do). I had several pots on my stove. While I was in the midst of my cooking, a young couple came to visit and came on back into my kitchen. This couple was very dear to us, and at this particular time, the young man was in graduate school, and their money had to be budgeted very carefully, in order for them to make it financially. Well, in my dream, as they entered my kitchen, they seemed very hungry. I was surprised to see the wife lift the lid from one of my pots and look into it very longingly, as if she wished the food would cook faster. It seemed as if they could hardly wait to be fed.

When I awoke, the dream was still vivid in my mind . All I could see was two hungry young people. I couldn't shake it. The dream wouldn't leave me so I told it to my husband. I said, "This couple must be in need. They evidently don't have money for groceries. I think we ought to send them some money." He was preparing for the ministry. My husband agreed with me so I mailed them a check and told them about my dream and how I felt God was revealing to me their need, that they were, evidently, praying about. Later, when I got a return answer, it was just as I had suspected. She wrote that they didn't have any money for groceries, and that all they had left in the house to eat was a can of rice soup. So God used a dream to supply this couple's need. How faithful is our loving Saviour!

Another time, I dreamed I was in a religious service and the presence of God was so real. It was during the time when we had been without a pastor for quite awhile and there seemed to be a spiritual drought on. Anyway, as the Spirit of God was manifested in the service, a preacher whom I knew led out in the song, "He never has failed me yet". I awoke about this time and felt as spiritually refreshed as if I had been in a real service. For days, the song, "He never has failed me yet" lingered with me, and I felt it was a special message from God to me of His never-failing love and power.

About two weeks later, we went to Hobe Sound, Florida to attend a graduation for one of our children. On Sunday night, God's Spirit came into the church service and as God's people were rejoicing in the Lord, the preacher on the platform led out in the song, "He never has failed me yet." I immediately recalled my dream and felt blessed to think how God had permitted me to enjoy a similar service in a dream a couple of weeks before this. Praise His Name!

As I mentioned earlier, we were without a pastor at our little church for a long time. Our attendance had dropped considerably. We had considered closing the church doors, but God encouraged us to keep on keeping on. Once I was alone at church praying, and I was lamenting the fact that we had been so long without a pastor and what a struggle it was to keep going. As I had my heart lifted to God, I opened the Bible that was on my lap. God spoke through His Word to me that morning that settled it forever concerning closing the church doors. As I read Rev. 2:10, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." I said, "Yes, Lord, I will be faithful, and we will do our best to keep the doors of the Tioga Wesleyan Methodist Church open as long as I have any say at all."

Sometime after this, God gave me a dream on a Thursday night. In my dream, I was at church and there were several extra people there. The Lord's presence was in the service making it very refreshing. When I awoke, God spoke to my heart, saying, "I'm sending you folk some help, some more people to your church." It was so real that I related my dream to several people telling them God was going to send us some help.

On Sunday morning, since there were just a few of us, we would just have Sunday School and dismiss the service and go home. The Sunday after my dream, I finished teaching the Sunday School class and told them, "God has not sent the extra people yet as He promised He was going to, so all I know to do is dismiss. About that time, I looked at the door in the front of the church and there stood a man whom I did not recognize. I said, "Yes?" He said, "This is the church we've been looking for. I will go get the others." It was amazing! Out of the ones who came was a piano player, which we needed, a song leader, which we needed, a young man who was called to preach who helped out in the preaching service. Also, someone who was able to take my place teaching the adults so that I could teach the younger ones. They sang specials and oh, how God came in the services to encourage and help us. All of this proves it doesn't pay to give up even when it seems useless to keep going. If we're living for God and holding up the bloodstained banner of righteousness, God will be with us until the end. We have everything to look forward to. Not only will we see Jesus on the other shore but we have hopes of meeting our loved ones who have gone on before. I was driving down the road one day, meditating on the good things of God, when, seemingly He gave me a vision. I got a glimpse over into the Glory-world. I saw Jesus standing inside the gate and my little brother who left us when he was only fourteen months old, was standing right behind Him. I started weeping for joy. I thought Jesus was getting ready to take me home, but He didn't. But, oh, what a revelation He gave me! It will be worth it all to make it to Heaven, whatever the cost. Be true, my friend! It pays. Jesus is about to return for His people. I intend, by His grace to be ready when He comes! Amen!

Incidentally, God has sent us a wonderful pastor with a precious wife and three sweet children. Praise His wonderful Name forever and ever!

Faith in God's Promises

Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 12:6

The following are answers to prayers that God helped me to pray in faith and believe that the answer was coming though it tarried.

Some years back, we were going through a terrible drought. I walked out to our garden and realized that it was drying up from lack of moisture. Also, our pasture on which our cows grazed was in the same condition. The Scripture, "ask, and it shall be given you," Matthew 7:7, flashed through my mind. I looked up to God and prayed a simple prayer, "Now, Lord, Thou did say to ask and it would be given. You see how our garden is dying from lack of rain, and our cows need some grass. According to Thy Word, I'm believing You to send rain before this day is over. Amen!" I just took God at His Word and He gave me faith to believe though there was not a cloud in the sky and not a hint of rain anywhere. Later a friend called and I testified to her that I that I believed God would send rain before the day was over. When my husband came home for lunch, I told him, "God promised to send rain before the day is over. He told me to ask and it would be given." He gave me a very questionable look, but I held on to my faith though it appeared I was very foolish for doing so.

Later that afternoon, I walked over to my neighbors and as we sat on the porch visiting, the clouds began to gather. I told her, "I must get home before I get wet for God promised to send rain today." As I walked back. home, a few drops began to fall, and then there was a mighty "gully washer" (as we, southerners call it). Oh, how I rejoiced m the wonderful rain God sent. How it revived our pasture and garden, but more important, did it revive my faith in the wonderful promises of God Amen! "Ask, and it shall be given you."

At one particular time, we had a problem in our church that was threatening to turn into a very serious issue. God placed a tremendous burden on my heart to fast and pray. Oh, how I cried to God for most of the day. About three o'clock that afternoon, a small still voice seemed to whisper, "Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for him." Picking up my Bible, it fell open to these words in Ruth 3:18, "Sit still, my daughter ... for he will not rest, until he hath finished the thing this day." The blessed assurance came to my heart that God had heard prayer and was going to answer before the day ended, for had He not said He would finish the thing that day? A friend had joined me in prayer over the matter, and I called her and told her how God had witnessed to my heart. I said, "He will answer today for He told me He would finish the thing today."

That night, I went to church fully expecting God to work. I wasn't disappointed. The Blessed Spirit of God came in mighty power during the song service and the altar was lined with people seeking after God. God took care of the problem. The one who was causing the trouble evidently got help, for the problem was finished that day. God took care of it just as He said He would and from that day until the present, it has never come up again. Oh, that we could learn a lesson to get on our knees and let God solve the church's problems. When He does it, it is well done. Amen!

My telephone rang, and a man of our acquaintance asked me to pray for an unspoken request. "Try your best to get under the burden with me," he pleaded. He sounded quite desperate. I knew he was a man of prayer and prayed and fasted when he was in desperation, as he seemed to be now.

But somehow, his faith just would not reach through and claim the answer. I dropped whatever I was doing and went to prayer for his request. God assured my heart that He had the situation in hand. He spoke to me from Exodus 3:7,8. "I have seen the affliction of my people -- and have heard their cry -- and I am come down to deliver them--" I just rested the matter in the hands of God, and when my husband came home from work, I told him about the call and that I knew God had it in hand and was going to answer for the dear man, for He had witnessed to my heart.

That night, I received a call from him, and he happily told me, "the Lord has answered your prayers." "No," I told him, "God has answered your prayers. You folk did the praying, and God just helped me to do the believing." I continued, "God told me He had seen your affliction (suffering, distress) and heard your cry and had come down to deliver you. So it was your prayers that God answered." He was quite elated that God had heard and answered, regardless of whose prayers had touched through to God.

One morning as I was ironing, a tremendous burden settled down on my heart. I kept ironing and trying to be faithful to the burden as I ironed, but the burden grew so heavy that I turned off my iron and knelt by a chair in my living room and began to fervently call on God. I had an awesome feeling that someone was about to drop into hell, and God had put this awful burden of intercession upon me that I might stand in the gap to keep this individual out of hell. I prayed earnestly, though I can't remember how long, until God lifted the burden. I had no idea whom it was for. I was just trying to be faithful.

Later that afternoon, I lay down to rest awhile and was still meditating on the awful burden. I prayed, "Lord, wilt Thou somehow reveal to me what this is all about?" He spoke to my heart from Proverbs 29: 1 "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." These words were impressed on my heart, "You were praying for a backslidden preacher."

On the following Sunday morning, I stood up to testify in church. During my testimony, I told of the burden and how God told me it was for a backslidden preacher. When I finished and sat down, a dear lady stood to her feet weeping. She said, "You were praying for my husband (a backslidden preacher). He was involved in a car wreck and there's no telling what may have happened, had God not put the burden on your heart and had you not been faithful to it." I was so glad that I had not let my work hinder me that morning but had stayed on my knees until God assured me that He had the situation in hand. Oh, the faithfulness of our God! How He longs for someone to stand in the gap for never-dying souls . How we should praise Him for His love and mercy for the souls of men.

Our God is also, concerned over the temporal needs in our life. I remember when we first moved to where we live now, we had a bad water problem. There was a shallow well on the place, but it did not furnish enough water for our use. My husband bought large cement tiles and dug the well deeper and wider and put these tiles in to make a greater volume of water but we still ran short. Next, he got a well construction company to come and drill for water. After going down one hundred feet in our back yard and not being able to strike water, they moved to the edge of our property and drilled again. This time, they struck a gusher. We were thrilled after having to be so scarce with water for so long. But our joy was short-lived. The water had so much iron in it that it turned my clothes, kitchen utensils, bathroom facilities and about everything else except our skin, brown. What a mess! We contacted a water softener company and they installed a water softener but it was not effective. The water would clear up a short time and then we would have the same problem again. When the water was clear, I'd buy dye remover and bleach my clothes white again, and then the water would go bad again and my clothes would be ruined. Oh, what a trial! Many times I felt like crying as I hung up my brown clothes (probably did sometimes) I would be so embarrassed for anyone to see them. We finally decided to buy a nine hundred-gallon rain tank to catch the rain water to wash in. But, this, too, turned into an ordeal, for I had to carry water from the rain tank to fill up my washer, and it being automatic, you can imagine what a chore this would be with several loads of wash daily. Many times, I would have a bucket of water in one hand and a baby in the other. I would grow so weary and wonder if there would ever be an end to water problems.

One day I had carried water all morning to wash and I was exhausted. I sat down in a chair in the living room and was crying and praying. The Scripture from Isaiah 33:16 was flashed through my mind, "bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." I took this as a promise from God that He was going to give us water some way. I was to the very end of myself with our water problems.

Well, God did move in our behalf. We had tried and tried to get city water that was about a mile from our place, but the water district would not agree to extend the water line far enough to reach us. But after God gave me His promise, He sent us the money in a very unexpected way, to buy the pipe ourselves and hook onto the city water line. They gave us permission to do it, so at last we had all the good, soft running water we needed. Thank God, there comes an end to trials, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers," I Peter 3:12.

The final prayer answer that I will mention concerns a young girl who was the roommate of my daughter at Bible School. She had come to Bible School trusting God to supply her need and pay her school bill. She wanted to prove to an unsaved loved one who was very skeptical, how God would supply as she trusted Him to do it. Near the end of school, I became very concerned as I learned from my daughter that she still owed a few hundred dollars on her bill. I requested prayer at church, relating enough of the conditions that they might know how important it was for her bill to be paid. I knew that if believing and united prayer would reach the throne of God, that He would surely answer. After I made the request, the pastor's wife suggested," Why not put feet to our prayers and give an offering to this young girl?" She didn't even know her, nor anyone else there knew her except my family, but God began to speak to hearts, and though we only had a small church, God gave us three hundred and fifty dollars (which in that day went a long way) to pay on this girl's bill. When I sent it to my daughter, she said that she had never seen anyone as happy as her roommate was when she received the money. God had not let her down for she had come to school by faith, and had done all she could. What she couldn't do, God did for her. He will do it every time. Praise His wonderful name forever and forever!

Our God has great delight in answering His children's prayers. When we wait before Him in earnest expectation, He will never disappoint us. Andrew Murray gives this admonition in waiting on God:

One of the chief needs is our waiting on God, one of the deepest secrets of its blessedness and blessings is a quiet persuasion that it is not in vain; courage to believe that God will hear and help, we are waiting on a God who never could disappoint His people.

"Be strong and of good courage." These words are frequently found in connection with some great and difficult enterprise, in prospect of the combat with the power of strong enemies, and the utter insufficiency of all human strength, the blessings for which we plead are spiritual and all unseen; things  
impossible with men; heavenly, supernatural, divine realities.

Let nothing in Heaven or earth or hell – let nothing keep thee from waiting on thy God in full assurance that it cannot be in vain.

Seeking to Win the Lost for Jesus

He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him- Psalms 126:5-6

I wish I could tell you that I've won many, many souls for Christ, but that is not the case, at all. But I have attempted over the years to do whatever I could to point men and women, boys and girls to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Below are a few incidents where some have heeded and turned to our wonderful Saviour.

One of the most thrilling conversions was my eighty-eight-year-old father-in-law. In 1970, a young evangelist was conducting a revival at our little church in Tioga, Louisiana, and God placed a burden on my heart for this dear man. He had never been saved and I had never known him to go to church in the twenty-four years that I had been in the family. Though he was a humble and caring person, he just never attended church. I spoke to my husband concerning the burden God had given me for Papa, and he agreed that we should invite him to church and offer to furnish him transportation, as he was too old to drive the distance to our church. (My mother-in-law was deceased) Not only did Papa agree to come to church that night but was back the next night. Our wonderful God placed him under old-fashioned conviction, and he was gloriously saved the second night he attended, a mighty miracle of God's divine grace. Rev. Glenn Griffith made the statement later at our church that he was the oldest convert he had ever known, as people's hearts are usually hardened by the time they reach that age, and it's hard for God to get to them. We were thrilled beyond measure at God's mercy to Papa, and so happy he heeded God's voice when he spoke to his heart.

Papa lived eighteen years after this and went to church as long as he was able. He was a blessing to all who knew him. The last few years were spent in a rest home where he had to be tube-fed, but he was a patient sufferer. He died at the ripe old age of one hundred and six years old. I'm looking forward to meeting him in the Glory-world. Praise God forever!

I think of another dear man who was saved late in life but not as late as Papa. He was a neighbor and lived in the same community in which I live. For over thirty years I visited this man and his wife as I felt God's leading. I would invite them to church but they started going to another church in the community in which we lived. It looked as if I may as well give up, but I knew they had a church background similar to mine so I kept calling once in awhile as I felt led. At long last, they started attending our church and during a weekend revival, he gave his heart to God. He didn't live long after this, but he had a good testimony until the end. I continued visiting his wife who was later bed-ridden, as long as she lived and prayed with her each time I visited. Eternity will reveal the results of being faithful to lost and needy souls.

There was a man who lived near the church that I attended who was a very sinful man. Our pastor was faithful to him, but the man could be quite ornery to him at times. When our pastor moved away, I felt God wanted me to visit him and be as faithful as he would allow me to. I was quite surprised when he accepted me very graciously and allowed me to pray each time I went to visit him and his wife. He told me he had a mother in Heaven. I told him he should prepare to meet her some day. Time passed. He and his wife separated, and he became very sick and was admitted to the hospital. A preacher from another state was visiting our church, and I asked him to go with me to visit this man. We found him very sick and being tube-fed. I spoke to him and saw that he was comprehending what we were saying, as he would nod his head when asked a question. I reminded him of the time he told me he had a mother in Heaven waiting for him and told him I would like to see him in Heaven, too. He began to weep. I asked him if he wanted us to pray that God would forgive his sins and prepare him for Heaven. He nodded his head, "yes". We prayed and I asked him did he feel God had forgiven him and again he nodded "yes". I hope to meet this dear man in Heaven some day rejoicing around the throne with his dear mom.

My husband's brother was in the hospital with cancer and was to be operated on the next day. I was concerned as he never went to church or showed any interest in the things of God. We were holding a prayer meeting in my mother-in-law's house one night and she got him to come. When the Spirit settled down, he got up, took his wife by the hand and left.

We decided to go see my brother-in-law and try to help him spiritually. When I walked in the door, he reached for a Gideon Bible and handed it to me and said, "Georgie, can you find something in here to help me get ready to meet God? I'm facing tomorrow what could be my death, and I'm not ready to go." Then he added, "Don't let anyone tell you when they get to this point that they are not scared. They might put on and act unconcerned when all is going well, but when they come down to death, it's a different situation." I took the Bible and found a passage to help him, but about that time, an orderly came in and told us we had to leave--that visiting hours were over. I promised to be back early the next morning. I went home and called our pastor to go see him and then spent a good portion of the night in prayer. Early the next morning, I was at his bedside, as was the pastor. He asked me to lead in prayer, and as we prayed, my brother-in-law surrendered completely to God, and with a big smile told me, "I'm not afraid to die now." He lived a few months longer and stayed true to Jesus in his last days.

Someone very close to me was very ill and admitted to a nursing home. I felt she wasn't going to make it and was very concerned about her spiritual condition. I requested prayer at church and a young man told me later he felt he had prayed through in her behalf. As I was visiting one day, I asked her if she was ready to meet God. She said, "No." I told her that I was going to pray for her and for her to repent of her sins -- tell Jesus she was sorry for her wrongdoings and ask His forgiveness and mercy to be given her. After talking to her a bit about repentance, we bowed our heads and I prayed for God's mercy to be extended to this poor soul. After praying with a burdened heart, I opened my eyes to find her sound asleep. I didn't give up and every chance I got I would put in a word about her salvation. She continually grew worse. One morning at 2 AM I awoke and God told me to go to the rest home where she was. I awoke my husband to tell him. He was reluctant for me to go alone at that time of morning, but I felt God leading. I got there ten minutes before she passed on. I didn't have a witness that she had made it to Heaven, but I felt so at peace about her. A few days later, my sister told me that not too long before she died that she asked her if she had made peace with God. "Yes," she answered, and my sister said she felt there was a presence in the room as she testified of her salvation. Thank God for His long suffering to this dear soul.

Another time 1 had prayed for years for a certain individual who seemingly had no concern for his soul. He died and as far as I knew, he had made no profession at all. Our pastor came to me at the funeral wake and told me that the man's son-in-law had told him that the sick man said not long before he died that a man stood by his bed in white and held out his hand and said, "Come." "I came," he said. "Tell my people not to worry about where I'm going." Oh, how 1 hope to meet him in Heaven!

Most of these are deathbed repentances, but thank God for mercy that follows a person until his last breath is drawn. I wouldn't want to take a chance of death-bed conversion for death comes very suddenly at times, but oh, how thankful I am that God will do everything in His power to keep a person

out of hell, especially one whom we pray for year after year. But He will never save one against his or her will. We must humble ourselves and repent of our guilty past if we ever want to make it to Heaven. May God deal with anyone who is reading these lines who is not ready to meet Him. May they yield themselves unreservedly unto the Master of their soul.

The following concerns young people whom God did everything in His power to turn in the right direction:

On August 15, 1987, during the night, a tremendous burden settled down upon my heart. Though I couldn't discern the reason, I knew God had a special purpose for it. I felt distressed and began to desperately call on God to reveal Himself to me. Two days later, on Monday morning, I arose early and went to prayer. Opening the Bible, my eyes fell on a portion of Scripture, which spoke to my heart concerning the burden. God showed me that it was for a young man, a close friend of the family, who was not a Christian, and God was trying to get to his heart. After God revealed the burden, I spoke often to the young man, prayed with him, and read him the portion of Scripture that God had given me for him.

I spent much time in prayer and fasting, beseeching God to answer prayer. Day after day, I prayed. Days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, but the burden still remained. I could not seem to prevail with God, though He spoke words of encouragement to my heart and admonished me to keep holding on and not to faint in prayer. I searched my heart to see if anything in me was hindering God from answering, for at times the burden would be so heavy that I could only groan and weep before God. He brought me down lower and lower at His feet. At times, it seemed the devil was turned loose to defeat my prayers from getting through to God. Things would look so dark and hopeless and seem to be going in reverse. I read every book I could get on prayer, and over and over I would read about God placing burdens on people: as they faithfully prayed, God would lift the burden and answer prayer. Almost always, it was an immediate answer, yet I had prayed for months and could not, seemingly, get an answer. I would grow discouraged at times, and always the devil was on hand to accuse me, saying if my heart was right with God, that He would surely answer for me as He had done for others. There were days when I could not gain any ground but fought hand to hand conflicts with the old accuser of the brethren for hours on end. I would claim promise after promise, write them down and hold them up to God .

One Sunday afternoon, I went to my bedroom and cried out to God in anguish of spirit, "Oh God, are You hearing my feeble prayers?" In an unmistakable, still, small voice, He spoke to my heart, "The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer" \-- Psalm 6:9. A great peace flooded my soul. I just knew God was going to answer my prayer immediately, for had He not said in John 5:14,15, "if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him." But the answer yet tarried. It did not immediately come to pass as I had read in the books. I thought, "Oh, if I could read just one incident where God delayed the answer even after giving the assurance that He had heard." I continued to hold on and trust God. Later, I bought a book by Charles Finney entitled, Answers to Prayer. Under a chapter entitled, "Patience in Prayer," he recorded an incident much like my own experience. Though he had earnestly prayed about a certain situation, things grew worse instead of better. He was astounded that he couldn't break through to God. But finally the darkness gave way, and God spoke "yes" to his heart. A peace came to him as it had to me when God assured me He had heard. Just as I had, he expected an immediate answer, but it was months before he saw what he had believed for. I took fresh courage after reading this account and purposed to wait patiently for the answer that was sure to come.

One year and some few days after God placed the burden on my heart, the blessed answer came. One year of waiting before God daily with a burdened heart, praying as I could. It seemed an eternity, but oh, I'm so glad that I didn't give up. I'm so thankful that I continued to pray when at times it was so dark and things seemed to get worse a instead of better. I'm so glad that God enabled me by His grace, to keep believing that the answer would come. Not only did the young man, for whom I was burdened, get saved, but two of my sons and their wives were also converted. We were in a continuous revival for many weeks. I remember during this time I was walking the floor, praying for my wayward children one Saturday afternoon. The next morning, the front door of the church opened after the service had begun, and one of my sons who had not come to church in years, came in. He had his two small children, one in each arm. He began to make restitution for things he had done wrong even before he got saved. It wasn't long before he plunged into the fountain. His wife, at that time, also turned to God and made restitution to the mayor of the city for wrong she had done on a job she held. It was in the newspaper. People weren't used to this type of thing. I remember when one of my sons got saved at an early age and made restitution about stealing a plum. This, too, was on the front page of the newspaper. Maybe someone who stole a cow may have seen it and paid for the stolen cow.

Another daughter-in-law came to me under deep conviction. I suggested we pray, but she got up and left. But that night, she went to church and came home with me after church. She said, "I wanted to pray today but didn't know how to pray." I instructed her that she could just get down on her knees and talk to God just as she was talking to me. "Tell Jesus your sins and how sorry you are for the way you're living and ask His forgiveness. I'll kneel by this chair over here and pray for you." She did as she was instructed and was soon rejoicing in sins forgiven.

We were to start a revival two nights later, and she said, "I wish my husband would go with me to church." I said, "Invite him and we will pray. If you put pressure on him, he will rebel." She answered, "He plans to go to a ball game." I again answered, "We'll pray." I had been fasting for several days beseeching God to keep working in our midst. Others were praying. The very first revival service, my son came to church with his newly saved wife and a few nights later was gloriously saved. Oh, the mercy of Almighty God -- How He delights to answer His children's prayers and save precious souls from eternal damnation. If we continue to walk in the light as I John 1:7 tells us, "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son c1eanseth us from all sin." But if we fail to walk in the light as some have done, we fall back into sin and condemnation.

May God help all who are reading these lines to purpose in his heart to obey God whatever the cost. He will give grace for every trial. Praise His Name!

Letters from Readers of my Books

The following are excerpts from some of the many letters I have received from my readers from different parts of the country from as far away as Alaska. Also, God has seen fit to place my books in several foreign countries, namely Haiti, the Bahamas, Republic of South Africa, New Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Taiwan, England, and South America. I have been encouraged time and again upon receiving letters from people relating how God used one of my books to help them spiritually. Some have been saved, Some sanctified, some edified, strengthened, and encouraged. Again, I say, "all glory to Jesus!" He, it is that gives me a nudge when it's time to write another book. And though I'm a very busy person in the work of the Lord, plus all my other duties as a housewife, when I feel God leading, I let many things go undone and busy myself with my writing, which I enjoy as God helps. I've often thought that if only one person would walk up to me in Heaven and say "It was your book that helped me to turn to Jesus and helped to enlighten my way to Heaven," it would be worth all the time and effort put forth in writing them. One soul is worth everything.

I have a son who is a missionary to Africa. A few years back, he visited a man in jail named Olusegun Obasanjo, and gave him one of my books entitled, Amazing Answers to Prevailing Prayer. Later Mr. Obasanjo got saved, straightened out his life, and ran for president of Nigeria and was elected. Whether or not my book had anything at all to do with Mr. Obasanjo's salvation, I know not, but later after he became president, my son visited him, and he told my son that his mother's book was very inspirational. Later, the president wrote a book entitled Women of Virtue: Stories of Outstanding Women in the Bible, and my son brought me a copy on one of his trips home. So one never knows how far their works for Christ will reach when we put it in God's hands and take our hands off. It will take eternity to tell any good my writing for God's Glory alone has accomplished.

Trust you enjoy the following letters from my readers.

1 have just become a Christian and your books have helped me so much. I have four and am wondering if you have written anymore. I really like In Straight Paths and Through Troubled Waters. Will you pray for me? I need more help spiritually.

Your six books arrived for the Stephen D. Herron Memorial Library, and we feel honored to place them in the memorial room. I trust that the people who use the room for study and prayer will profit greatly from reading them. You have always been a great blessing to each of us.

I cried most of the time while reading your book Shattered Shackles because many happenings had been a reality in my life. I've had lots of heartaches.

I am a young person who likes to read but am quite selective in what I read. So many of these so-called Christian novels are so aimless and mushy, it's disgusting, but I would recommend your books to anyone. The explanation of holiness is very good.

I am so happy to know we have dedicated writers such as you who are willing to do the hard work of hammering out a good clean book for people to read. May God bless you as you use your talent for Him. We may never write best sellers but as long as we keep His smile upon our work, it is a best seller. Keep up the good work. (From another writer)

A note to say thanks for the books. Couldn't put them down. Now that's what I call talent. They were really enlightening. Thanks a million.

I read your book, which was a great inspiration to me. I never dreamed anyone could even imagine or dream up so much adversity and heartache as I have been through. Your book lifted my spirits in a very dark and lonely period of my life.

I've read two of your books in two days, as I couldn't lay them down after I started. I will pass them around and I'm sure others will enjoy them, too.

I was happy when I came across your book entitled Through Troubled Waters. I read part of it, but the owner took it away before I finished it. My troubles are so great that at times I feel it may be I have sinned. I do not know what to do. The portion of your book I read inspired me greatly. Could you send me a copy and any other that will help me solve my problems. (This came from Ghana, West Africa, and I sent him a copy)

I just finished reading your book, Trials and Triumphs, and felt real impressed to write and tell you how much it encouraged me. I have been asking the Lord to give me more faith and this book helped me so much. Thank you so much for writing it.

A dear sister gave me two of your books, and I really enjoyed both of them. I feel they have helped me spiritually. I really crave good reading that will draw me closer to God.

Just finished your book, In Straight Paths, and it was such an inspiration to me. I was encouraged and excited when I finished reading it.

I received your book at church as a Mother's Day gift for being the youngest mother. It's a real life book where I really feel like I can see me at times. It is indeed wonderful and makes me feel that God will help me, as I need it. Pray for me! God bless you.

Your book answers a need out in the public for explaining what real heart holiness is. There is much confusion at this point.

Have read your book, Through Troubled Waters, over and over. Very good.

I believe your book Through Troubled Waters is the best book I've ever read and the most spiritual for religious fiction. Keep writing books as they help many people.

Thank God for the old-fashioned way of salvation and holiness and for people like you who can write beautiful stories that holds high its banner. May God richly bless you.

Thanks so very much for your books. I read In Straight Paths once again and am now reading the sequel, Plucked out of the Net. I enjoy them so much. Praise God for blessing you with this gift! I pray it will always glorify Him.

I am writing to you in regards to your books I purchased in Findley, Ohio. I gave one to a lady who wasn't saved.I later sent the other book Shattered Shackles to her. She has read them, and they have been a help to her. She has gotten saved and doing her best to walk in the light.

Hope you will write more books. I really appreciate how the Lord has helped you to entwine the gospel in your stories.

Enclosed is a money order for your book, Plucked Out of the Net. Sure appreciate your writings. So good and stay close to holiness emphasis. So much today that is called Christian fiction isn't Christian at all. May the Lord bless you is our prayer.

I'm happy to have the opportunity to receive another book of yours. They have all been excellent and wife and I have read and reread them during the long winter evenings.

I've enjoyed your books much and have shared them with others. In fact, they are all out now. I would like to order your latest one. We need more good Christian books for our young people. Also, us older ones enjoy them.

A friend of mine loaned me two of your books. I enjoyed them so much that I would like to send them to my brother who is in jail in North Carolina. One of the books reminds me of him.

I am so happy to have your books where interested and hungry souls can get them. I'm sure your writings are blessing many. The book Through Troubled Waters has been mentioned several times at church illustrating truths of the message given.

I thought you might like to hear of one incident where a young man was kept home from church because of illness in his family. Someone had loaned him your book Through Troubled Waters and he read it. The next week he testified how God had mightily dealt with his heart. The church prayed for him until he felt a clear witness.

I'm writing to see if you have written another book. I just read one and think it is wonderful. It has been a real blessing to me. I praise God for people like you that can write such a book, especially the teaching on holiness. If you have written another book, let me know.

The book, Through Troubled Waters, has been such a help to me in many ways. I wish I had what the nurse in the story had. I would gladly give all I had. She is so pure and good. Would that this old world had more like her. Wish I could talk to someone like the nurse but I'm afraid it's too late. I'm not young anymore. I'm 37 and 112. (Thank God, there's help for anyone who truly wants God in their life. I contacted the lady and did my best to help her. Author.)

Your book came yesterday. I read the inside information but haven't read the contents yet, but will and also, will let others read it. Your talent came from your sixth grade teacher. ha!ha! (He was my sixth grade teacher.) I'm sending a contribution to help with your good work. Keep in touch!

God sure did inspire you as you wrote the book, Through Troubled Waters. Everything that you tucked away here and there as you wrote was amazing. How anyone could think of so much to fit into a story!! I was very much pleased with the way God helped you to use the Scriptures to teach sanctification. There are many who will read it in your book that never would study along that line any other way. I feel that this was the main reason God helped you to get this needful book out. I feel that souls will make it to Heaven because of it -- souls that you would never have come into contact with, otherwise.

It usually takes me a week or ten days before I finish a book but finished yours in three evenings. The clear guidance into sanctification is the best I've ever read and helped me a lot. The story is so true to life. It holds you completely in suspense all the time. Thank you very much for the book.

We never dreamed we would get to see the author of that wonderful book, Through Troubled Waters. I have wanted to get a copy to send to a real good friend in South America and now I have it. So your good book will perhaps go around the globe.

My family and I have really enjoyed your first four books. The holiness movement needs more writers like you.

Your book, Shattered Shackles, is so touching. After reading some in your book this morning, I was so moved on by the Spirit to pray for those that are so shackled by drink or drugs. God can surely move on their heart to bring them to Christ.

I am fifteen years old and am writing to compliment you on your book, Through Troubled Waters. I am reading it the second time. I'm going to write a book report on it for school. I'm sure your book has helped many people.

I think you are brave to address the divorce and remarriage issue in your book, Plucked out of the Net. Our young people need that. Lots of people are getting awfully lenient about it. My husband and daughter read the book and really liked it. I think we all agree that it is the best yet. The message is real good.

We wanted to thank you for the privilege of reading your lovely little book. Our youngest daughter in California has just read hers and found it very profitable reading. We did, too. Of course, unless you truly loved the Saviour, you couldn't have done such a book.

I praise the Lord for giving you such a beautiful gift of writing and for your willingness to share it.

I sat right down and read your book and I truly enjoyed it. We all have our problems and I am no exception. Your book came to me at a time when I was depressed and so unhappy. I received a real blessing from it. You have a wonderful talent in telling of God's love through stories of life as we live it every day. Thanks!

I would like to tell the world what God and your book has done for me. Praise the Lord! It made me stop and realize there is a God and He truly loves me, regardless of the sins I had committed and the wrong I had done. God was calling me for one of His children. Before I read the book, I had so much hatred and bitterness in my heart. At times I even hated myself. Just as I put the book down, I had a strong urge to fall on my knees and ask the Lord to forgive my sins and to take the hatred and bitterness out of my heart. Praise the Lord! He immediately answered my prayer.

Believe the Lord has ordained the writing of this book for his people who are in troubled waters.

Enjoyed your book thoroughly. I want five more copies.

We all have our problems and I am no exception. Your book came to me at a time when I was so depressed and so unhappy. I received a real blessing from it.

Surprised and happy to receive your book. The Lord certainly used you in writing it. It is interesting, emotional and evangelistic, very well written, and I'm sure it is a blessing to all who read it. I am interested in ordering some more copies. (This one from Alaska).

We agreed to use your book for a part of our yearly youth Reading Course. Each year, we recommend four or five books for the spiritual edification of our youth and sell them as a package to each youth society. I am heartily recommending it to our youth for two reasons, one is the danger of not obtaining holiness of heart and the other is the need of more personal workers on a one-to-one basis. The book is well written and I'm sure will continue to bless many lives.

Finished reading your fine book. It has an evangelistic message that is up to date and practical. Its message is desperately needed by thousands today, a 10,000 or more circulation among the various holiness churches.

The story is so true to life. It holds you in suspense all the time. I really enjoyed reading it. The clear guidance into sanctification is the best I've ever read and helped me a lot. My copy will be passed on to others as the Lord guides, and pray with me that many will be brought to a better understanding and to the blessing of sanctification.

I read your beautiful book and was truly blessed by it. Magnificent! It really inspired my mind as well as my heart. Thank you! I will pass this wonderful book on, for truly it's a soul winner.

If possible, we sure could use more books in this place. May God continue to bless you. (This letter is from the Louisiana State Prison at Angola. I sent more books.)

May God bless those who have taken time to write to me over the years concerning my books. I deeply appreciate it. There are more, but we will sign off for this time. (Author)

Poems, Memorials, and More

There are times when I can sit down and write a poem as easily as I can write a letter. I would like to include some of these. Also, perhaps a few memorials, as God leads, and perhaps another article or so.

In 1984, my husband was elected to the office of Police Juror, the same as a county commissioner, in our area. Though he enjoyed it immensely, at times it was a sore trial to me. The following is a poem I composed at that time, which was published in our local newspaper.

Tribulations of a Politician's Wife

I am the wife of a local politician,

(I have reasons for this admission).

Read on and you will know the reason why.

Now, I wasn't elected to my present position,

Neither did I volunteer (under no condition),

But I was drafted, so I've accepted. Why cry?

Now, my housework has not diminished,

I still have a time trying to get finished

With all the chores that housework demands.

Even though my husband won the election,

(It was what he wanted, it was his selection),

It doesn't pay enough to hire a helping hand.

Now the point I'm trying to make

Is that I have more responsibility to take

In answering the telephone many times a day.

It often wakes me up in the early morn,

And at night when I'm so weary and worn,

But I always answer in a most friendly way.

I take down numbers by the score,

And listen to complaints, and take messages galore

As I hook the telephone snugly under my chin.

The cord is so stretched, it's a sight to be seen,

As I pull toward the stove to keep from burning the beans,

But, of course, you callers can't see what a fix I'm in.

My washing machine buzzes, my load is all done,

My telephone rings just as I start to run,

My dryer turns off just as I answer the phone.

My perma-press clothes are a sight to behold,

Been too long in the dryer, crumpled into folds,

I'll have to press them. (You should hear me groan).

I don't want you to think you're not free to call,

It's my husband's job and he enjoys it all,

But the reason of this little poem is this:

Since I'm always kind and courteous to all

No matter what time of day or night they call,

I'm asking the same of you, in fact I insist.

I do not appreciate hearing you swear,

I'm a Christian and it's obnoxious to my ear,

If you don't like my husband's decisions, tell it to him.

He asked for this position, I did not,

He enjoys his calls, it's fallen my lot,

So please guard your tongue when I answer for him.

Also, I don't like to be chewed out

About things that I know nothing about.

Please air your gripes to my husband alone.

I'll take your number and have him call

But to bawl me out is not nice at all,

So bite your tongue when you don't find him home.

Now before I end this little rhyme,

I want to take the time,

To say 'thank you' to all who have been so nice.

Most of you callers are very kind

And these I don't at all mind,

But to the others I say, "Will you please think twice?"

A Poem to my granddaughter in Nigeria, whose dad

is a missionary there, in answer to a letter received from her.

Carmen, Carmen, a great task you have asked of me,

To write a letter and send a poem, for don't you see

I'm getting old and I'm very forgetful and slow,

My mind gets all confused, plus I'm kinda senile, you know.

These excuses should be enough to get me off the hook

But since you insist, I'll stop and take a look,

And work at the job and try to send a poem to you.

It will be the answer to the letter you sent me, too.

I greatly appreciate you taking out the time

To write your old grandparents a few lines.

Even though your brother came to tease and pester you,

It didn't seem to affect your writing, for you came through

With an interesting letter which we surely did enjoy .

We didn't realize you were being pestered by a boy.

Anyway, I'm sure he meant no harm to you in anyway at all,

As reflected by your mirror, innocent, handsome and tall,

Showing him why all the girls had flipped and fell,

That great smile of his and other great features, as well.

I'd better quit teasing my grandson before I make him sad.

I'm just having fun, Daniel, so laugh and be glad.

How is Laura doing? Is she old enough for the boys?

Or is she waiting a few years, and for now, playing with her toys?

Naturally, I prefer the latter, for there's plenty of time yet

For her to meet Mr. Handsome and become his little pet.

To get back to your letter, Carmen, I'm really proud of you.

Your grades are very good – the C+ in algebra will just have to do.

For "algebra was invented to torture people," now isn't that what you said?

But really, it's not that bad, is it? Or many people would be dead.

They usually come through like you did when they have done their best,

Though their grades may not be as good as you did on your Bible test.

English, Spanish, Typing, Choir and all your other grades

Makes old grandma proud of how you've worked and what you've made.

So let me congratulate you on your first year of high school

I guess the teachers are impressed with the American, as a rule.

Now, I will try to get back to the rest of your letter,

And hope that what I say will do till I can do better.

You asked if I had read the book, Anne of Green Gables,

I guess I haven't. I should add it to my other fables.

As for Anne of Avonlea, I have never heard of such,

But of course by now you know I don't know very much.

About my summer plans, they probably wouldn't interest you at all,

For nothing very exciting has happened which is worthy to recall,

Unless it was picking blackberries, blue berries, peas and beans,

Shelling, snapping, washing, putting in the freezer, a sight to be seen.

Dish-washing, house-cleaning, washing clothes and all that good stuff,

I doubt you want to hear more. You're probably saying, "Stop! That's enough."

One thing that might interest you, I'm thinking of taking a trip

To Pennsylvania for a camp meeting, if one thing I could skip,

And that is the plane ride, of which I'm very much afraid,

If it wasn't for that scary part, I would have it made.

It's nice you're learning to drive, Carmen, but be careful as can be

For wrecks happen so fast, my dear, as some day you might see.

I was in a terrible wreck when I wasn't much older than you

And was disabled many weeks, but thankfully, I pulled through.

But, hopefully, you'll be a safe driver, as careful as can be.

We will pray to God that a wreck you will never see.

I hope you enjoy your class as "Hausa" you try to learn,

But I'll stick with English, for as for "Hausa" I do not yearn.

When you come to see me, "Hausa" I don't care to hear,

For I'm an English-speaking lady and "Hausa" is foreign to my ear.

Your reports on Physical Science and "Atlantis," I would like to see

Bring them with you when you come and read them both to me.

You must inherit Pap-Paw's ability for the spelling of words,

He's the world's worst speller, I'm sure you've already heard.

Now, you're the one who said you weren't good in spelling,

But don't be discouraged, all of us have certain failings.

Now about your adventure of walking in the dark,

I think that you, Ruth, and Maria weren't very smart.

Take an old lady's advice and don't try that stunt again,

Or next time you may not escape without a little pain .

I'm glad to hear you plan to write some books some day,

Keep that vision before you and never let it get away.

It's so rewarding to see a book you write in print

And to get letters from people commenting on its contents.

I recently received a letter from a girl in another state

Who read my books and got back to God, this she did relate.

I appreciate the poems you sent, you are quite a poet,

But I guess I don't have to brag on you, for you already know it.

I love composing poems when it's as easy as it is tonight,

But sometimes nothing seems to rhyme or to come out right.

But in spite of the struggles, I have many poems stashed away,

And when you come to visit, we'll read them some day.

I long to write another book, I want to write on "Prayer",

But when I take my pen in hand, the thoughts are just not there.

I guess my age is part of it, my busy life is against it, too,

So it's doubtful that I'll ever write again, I really don't know what to do.

Folk don't understand, you see. They think all I have to do

Is sit down and start to write and the Lord will see me through.

But I can't seem to get going anymore, so I guess it's time to quit,

But if God had not helped me before, I never would have made it.

Well, Carmen, it's late at night and I am ready for bed,

If I don't get some sleep tonight, tomorrow I'll feel nearly dead.

Thanks again for writing us, it sure did make our day,

I hope my answer satisfies you and you won't throw it away.

Keep it for your scrapbook, it will be fun to read these lines,

For it's not likely you'll get another for a long, long time.

Oh, I almost forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday,

May you have many more. This is all I have to say.

Much love and prayer

From here to over there.

To Miss Carmen Ruth McCain

From Me-Maw (last name the same)

P.S. Please excuse all mistakes. I'm not a typist so errors I make.

This next poem is a memorial given by the author, upon request for my sister, Dee, at her funeral. Though it was hard to do, God gave me the strength and grace.

Delia Irene Davenport Gottfried, that is her name --

We called her Delee, or Dee, to her it was all the same.

Born into a large family, she was the fifth sister.

We, who are left behind, are surely going to miss her,

As we miss our sister, Billie, who's been gone a short while,

It's so hard to give them up and keep going on with a smile.

Dee was very attached to Billie, she took her under her wing,

When she was taken away from us, oh, the heartache it did bring.

The vacancy it left in Dee's life, she was reaching out to have filled,

She wanted to mother someone, to love and help them as she willed.

Dee was once a mother to a little boy, to whom she gave birth,

But he, too, was taken from her, only a short time did he live on earth

Her first husband died in service, they hadn't been too long wed,

And her last husband, as you know, has for a few years been dead.

So Dee was a very lonely person, as all of us well know.

She enjoyed doing deeds of kindness, trying her love to show.

She liked to make different kinds of jelly, working at it most all day,

And then, bless her heart, she would give it all away.

At Christmas, she'd make candy and other types of treats

And give them to her doctor, nurse and others. I thought that was so neat.

I loved to see her face light up -- just like the noon day sun,

When someone showed appreciation for something she had done.

When one of the sisters had a birthday, she's the one who called

To let us know of the party. We'd meet together and have a ball.

She was ready to help when needed whatever the task would be,

I had a garage sale once and who showed up to help but faithful ole Dee.

Once I had some peas to shell, I think it was a bushel or two

And Dee came and shelled peas like she had nothing else to do.

I have childhood memories of Dee as she was a little older than me,

We would work and play together from morning until eve.

Most of the times, we were best of friends, but sometimes we would fight,

But however the day would go, we would usually make up by night.

Dear Dee! How terrible she suffered sometimes at the rest home.

Sometimes she would cry to God begging Him to take her home.

Or she would pleadingly ask God to somehow ease the pain,

Then she'd say, "You pray, Georgia," and I'd pray in Jesus Name,

Asking Him if it could be His divine and precious will

To touch her painful body and if He could see fit to heal.

But God, who always knows best, didn't see fit to heal our dear sis.

She's gone now and oh, how greatly she will be missed.

We'll miss her love, her calls, her thoughtful deeds,

We'll miss her coming to us when we are in need.

Dear Dee--your vacant place cannot be filled by another.

Though we're thankful to have six more sisters and two brothers.

Just how soon we'll leave this earth, only God, Himself is aware,

Some of us may go as dear Dee did, others may meet Jesus in the air.

For His coming is just around the corner, it is very, very near.

Let us be ready to meet Him, then He'll wipe away the tears.

There will be no more grief or heartaches as we're experiencing right now

As we say, "Good-bye, dear Dee, we love you, we'll miss you", but God will help somehow.

The next is another memorial poem for a faithful member of our church for many years. This, too, was read at his funeral at the request of his wife,

Our dear Brother Simmons:

His seat is vacant, not only in the home, but in the second pew,

There's been an empty spot in church for several weeks now, and we're wondering what to do.

Not only in the church pew, but out on the parking lot, also,

The space that held the blue Toyota truck will eventually be occupied by another, we know.

Brother Simmons was always the first to arrive at church and Sunday School.

If his truck wasn't there when we drove up, he or his wife was sick, as a general rule.

Dear Brother Simmons, our Sunday School Superintendent, is gone beyond this vale of tears,

But he has been so faithful to carry on for so many, many years.

Now who will we ever find to take Brother Simmon's place?

Who can ever fill his shoes to help us in this Christian race?

Who will ever be as faithful as our dear friend and brother,

To do the little deeds of love neglected by so many others.

Who will turn the heat on in winter when it's bad,

And have the church all cool in summer to make our hearts so glad?

Who will do the little things unnoticed by most everyone,

And never brag or boast saying, "Look what I have done,"

Who will? You tell me -- who else do you know

That can take our beloved brother's place and to the world can show:

That Christianity is doing little things like helping someone in need,

Whether in church, on the street or in homes, he was a man of good deeds.

Never will we forget the load of wood he brought when my husband was sick in bed,

He didn't ask if we needed it, just hauled it to us instead.

He didn't ring a bell as the hypocrites do, and announce, "Look what I have done."

He just backed up his truck, unloaded the wood, and left as he had come.

But it wasn't always the big things like a load of firewood,

He saw the need in little things and helped whenever he could.

Everyday when the postman passed, Brother Simmons, without fail

Would check his widowed sister-in-law's mailbox and take to her the mail.

A little thing! No: This meant a lot to Mrs. Reiff,

The daily thing was a great help and a bright spot in her life.

He was devoted to his sick wife and did for her what he could,

Whether it was buying groceries, wiping dishes or bringing in the wood.

Dear Brother Simmons:

His memory began to fail him in his last few years,

Leaving him ofttimes frustrated and very close to tears,

But he didn't let it get him down, just kept doing the best he could,

And if things didn't turn out right, he just left it with God.

Brother Simmons was loved by all, his stepchildren, grandchildren, relatives and friends,

His easy-going way, his faithfulness and non-complaining attitude, we will remember till life shall end .

We now come to the parting of our dear friend and brother,

Dear, faithful George Clinton Simmons, we will miss him as no other.

His life's work is ended, he has gone to his reward,

Hear Jesus' glad welcome, "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord".

The next two memorials were given by the author at funerals: the first one for my father-in-law and the next one for a dear friend who attended our church for as long as he could.

A Tribute for William F. McCain

(Given at the funeral of my fathher-in-law, January 2, 1989)

By Georgia McCain

Due to the fact that the church Papa attended as long as he was physically able, The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Tioga, is presently without a pastor, the family of the deceased has requested me, as one closely associated with Papa, and also a member of the same church he was affiliated with, to say a few words in his behalf. Also, I am representing my son, Danny, who for years expressed the desire to preach Papa's funeral when he passed on but is presently serving in missionary work in Nigeria, Africa. He doesn't even know that Papa is deceased.

In preparing this little memorial, several thoughts came to my mind concerning Papa. First, his relationship with God. Second, his meekness. Third, his love of peace, and fourth, his loving, his caring, and sharing.

In Revelations 3:20, we read, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

There was a time in Papa's life when he heard the knock of Jesus on his heart's door and let Him in. It was during a revival at our little church in the year 1970. God placed a burden on my heart for Papa. Though he was an exceptionally good moral man, didn't smoke, curse, or steal, was kind and considerate and worked hard to support his family, Papa had never been saved. In fact, I had never known him to go to church. I spoke to my husband telling him of my burden. We agreed to invite Papa to the revival and furnish him with transportation. He agreed to come, and the second night he came, he was converted.

After his conversion, he attended church regularly, always sat on the front bench and was prompt to testify at every opportunity. His testimony usually went something like this, "I want to stand up here and tell you, I am a Christian. I was saved right here at this church." And he would always add, "and I'm still saved."

Once an older evangelist held a revival for us, and he made the statement that Papa was the oldest convert that he'd seen. Papa commented, "I'm glad I'm that person." He was happy in his newfound experience.

After church, our family always took Papa home for dinner. His favorite food was turnip greens and cornbread, which I added to our menu every Sunday. He would always show appreciation for the meal by commenting, "A good dinner, Georgia, a good dinner."

Papa always asked for prayer as long as he was responsive. When we would visit, he would say, "Will you pray for me before you go?" Of course, it was a pleasure.

Oh, the great mercy of God to reach down to an old eighty-eight year old man and pluck him as a brand from the burning. If any of you are up in the years and feel your life is spent, and you have left God out, and there's no home, just consider the mercy extended Papa and know the same God will extend mercy to you, if you will give Him a chance .

The second thing I want to note about Papa was his meekness. Let us read a few verses from Numbers 12:1-9:

And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, "Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?" And the Lord heard it. 3 \-- (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) 4 - And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, "Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5 -- and the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 -- And he said, Hear now my words: If there will be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 -- My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8 -- With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9 -- And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.

We notice in the first two verses that Moses' brother and sister spake against Moses, but he did not retaliate in any way, nor did he complain to God. Verse 3 says the man Moses was very meek, above all the men, which were upon the face of the earth.

When it came to defending God's cause, Moses stood straight and tall like when the people made the golden calf to worship. Moses renounced it boldly, but when it came to defending himself, he said absolutely nothing. But though Moses said nothing, God did. His anger was kindled against Aaron and Miriam. He defended his servant, Moses.

I feel sure that many times God took notice of Papa when people would perhaps criticize or misunderstand him, and Papa would say nothing. If Moses was the meekest man on earth, Papa must have run a close second. I have been in the family for 42 years, and not one time have I seen him ruffled. I've never heard him argue or fuss with anyone. Never has he tried to defend himself. He had an excellent spirit as did Daniel and was gifted with the virtue of meekness. I Peter 3:4 tells us that a meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price. I Timothy 6:11-12 exhorts us to "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life."

I feel that Papa has laid hold on the eternal life he has striven for and is now at rest with Jesus.

The third thing we want to notice about Papa was his love of peace. Romans 12:18 reads, "If it be possible as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Proverbs 16:7 reads, "when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

If Papa had an enemy, God evidently kept him at peace with him for he was one person on earth who, seemingly, had no enemies. He strove to get along with everybody. He expressed his love for peace in an interview for a newspaper on his ninety-fifth birthday. I quote, "W.F. McCain, Pineville, does not want to hassle anyone, and he doesn't want anyone hassling him." "Avoid confusion," he often repeated in an interview Monday. "It's not necessary to always be arguing and fighting. Treat everybody right and go to church. Avoid confusion." End quote.

Not only was Papa a peace-loving man, but he was a non-complaining person. Though the last two and one-half years of his life was spent in bed with tube feeding, not once did he ever complain. Never did you hear Papa say, "this old tube stuck in my nose is driving me nuts -- this bed is too hard-these bed sores are hurting me -- my roommate is a nuisance – I'm too hot or too cold." All the legitimate complaints of an elderly rest home patient were never expressed by Papa. It was always, "I'm doing pretty good. Come back to see me."

On his 105 birthday, Papa was given a party and he knew everyone. Talked to them and asked about different members of their families and seemed so pleased to have everyone come and visit.

Not long prior to that, my husband and I visited him in the hospital, and he named all his children by name and one of his nephews, and said, "Tell all of them I love them and to come see me."

Yes, Papa was a dear. In all the years I've known him, I've never known him to complain once. Though he never had more than the bare necessities of life, he accepted it without murmuring and complaining. He was content in whatsoever state he was in.

Lastly, we want to mention Papa's Loving, Caring, and Sharing. James 2:15-16 reads, "If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, not withstanding, ye give them not those things which are needful to the body: What does it profit?"

Years ago, when times were very hard, Papa's sister-in-law, a widow, passed away leaving several orphan children. Some wanted to put them in an orphanage, but Papa and his beloved wife took them into their home, fed them, and did the best they could for them, loving them and sharing their meager existence with them though they had a large family themselves. Papa didn't say, "Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled," but he reached out loving hands to them and shared such as he had.

Life has been rough for Papa, as a whole, but today he has laid his old armour by, and I feel sure as the rewards will be meted out, that Papa will be in the forefront to receive his rewards, the greatest of which will be hearing Jesus say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joys of the Lord."

Memorial for David Leo

(Memorial Tribute to Christian Friend)

My husband and I have been close friends of the deceased, David Leo, and his precious wife, Corrine, for a number of years. I feel it an honour to be able to give a memorial address in his behalf to honour his Godly life.

Brother Leo was saved at the age of forty-one. The pastor of the Nazarene Church in his community, whom they called Blackie Edwards, brother to the former Louisiana governor, Edwin Edwards, took an interest in him and invited him to the Fort Jessup Camp where Reverend H.E. Darnell was then conducting a revival. David Leo's wife and children had other plans that night. They were going to a movie where all the children got in free so were looking forward to this entertainment. But their Daddy made a choice that night and went to camp with Brother Edwards. It was all new to him. "People were praying everywhere," he remarked later. But, thankfully for him, the praying and straight preaching put him under conviction and shortly afterwards, he knelt by his bedside and gave his heart to God.

About a year later, he was sanctified wholly as he worked at his carpenter's job on Front Street. He told of being so happy and blessed at this time until a passerby, a lady, remarked, "Something has happened to you."

Yes, something had definitely happened to David Leo. His life had been transformed by the grace of God. In II Corinthians 5:17, we read, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away: behold, all things are become new."

Not only was there a change in Brother Leo's life, but there was a change in his home. Instead of taking his family to the movie theatre, he now took them to church.

"We walked two and one-half miles one way to church," his wife told me, "A total of ten miles every Sunday. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, we went to church."

Brother Leo sat on one end of the pew and his wife on the other, with nine children in between. What a beautiful sight this must have been to Almighty God and to those who had prayed for and encouraged Brother Leo to get saved.

One daughter added, "After Sunday School some of the children of other families went outside to play. How we longed to follow them to have a big play, but Daddy never allowed us to go out. When our Daddy spoke, we knew he meant what he said. He only had to speak once."

A family altar was set up in the Leo home where devotions were held both morning and night. Brother Leo loved the old-fashioned way and hated every form of compromise. He held onto the old-fashioned principles of holiness until the end. Over and over in church or in the home, we have heard Brother Leo testify of his love for Christ and tell how good God had been to him. He loved the Bible and often quoted Scripture verses as we visited together.

Brother Leo was a firm believer in prayer. His family mentioned how he would go every Saturday night after he got saved to meet with other men of like faith to pray. I have heard him speak of fasting and praying for those he loved and carried a burden for. "Many times while Corinne was working and I was alone," he stated, "I would spend the time in fasting and prayer. I would walk back and forth through the house praying to God." Not long after my son, Kenny, had gotten saved, Brother Leo told him, "I pray for you every day." This meant a lot to him. He just recently mentioned it to me.

As often as they could, the Leos would visit our little church at Tioga. Sometimes the song leader would ask, "Does anyone have a special selection they would like us to sing?" "Number 120," Brother Leo would always answer. "Is not this the Land of Beulah?"

As we would mingle our voices together in song, the tears would course down his cheeks as he lifted his hand in praise to God and said a hearty, "Amen, Praise the Lord."

And no wonder. Listen to the words:

I am drinking at the fountain where I ever would abide,

For I've tasted life's pure river and my soul is satisfied.

There's no thirsting for life's pleasures nor adorning rich and gay

For I've found a richer treasure, one thatfadeth not away.

Tell me not of heavy crosses nor the burdens hard to bear,

For I've found this great salvation makes each burden light appear,

And I love to follow Jesus, gladly counting all but dross,

Worldly honours allforsakingfor the glory of the cross."

Yes, Brother Leo forsook all worldly pleasures and honours, and embraced the cross of Jesus. But today he has laid the old cross down and is rejoicing in Heaven because of the choice he made.

His wife commented, "I haven't a doubt in my mind where David will go when he passes on. He lived the Christian life every day. It was all he talked about." She had utmost confidence in her husband, and who is closer to you than your companion?

Death did not slip up on him. He knew what he was facing, but he did not look on death as something fearful, mysterious and full of dread. Instead, he thought of death as a glorious homecoming. I can almost hear him shout as he crossed over, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?" Brother Leo was looking forward to Heaven. He had no sad stories to tell. One came away encouraged after talking to him. 1 heard him say once, not long before he passed on, "I want to look up Saint Paul and have a long talk with him. Paul went through a lot and I want to talk to him."

In Numbers 23: 10, we read, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Thank God, what wonders await the righteous. Even now, Brother Leo might be knocking at Saint Paul's mansion door. But whether he is or not, we know that he is having a wonderful time. We wouldn't want to call him back if we could. But, thankfully, we can go to him if we will choose the same path he trod, the path to Glory. It will be worth anything we have to give up here to make it to Heaven.

In closing, let me tell you a true story ..

There was a wonderful Christian lady who lived in Georgia. She had three unsaved sons who marched off to war during the Second World War. She promised with tears running down her cheeks to pray for them everyday. While they fought on the battlefield, they were encouraged at mail time to receive a letter from their old gray-haired mother back home. She told them that every day she went to a special place of prayer in the woods, and like Jacob of old, she would take a stone and place it in this special place as she prayed for her boys. The days passed and the monument of stones representing her prayers for her boys grew bigger and bigger.

Then one day, the boys returned home. God had answered the burdened mother's prayers. But sad to say, the boys continued on in their sinful ways. But their mother had prayed that God would save them at any cost.

Soon after the boy's homecoming, the faithful mother took sick and went to be with Jesus. After the funeral, the boys with laden steps, returned to their mother's home. O, how sad it was without her. How empty and lonely was her chair.

As the boys sat in silence with bowed heads, they thought of how their mother had told them of the sacred place up in the woods where she had prayed for them. Somehow, there seemed to be a magnetic pull in that direction. Slowly, they arose one by one and walked up into the woods in search of their mother's place of prayer. There it was, a monument of stones deep in the woods. They could see the prints of her knees where she had knelt in prayer in their behalf. With subdued spirits and broken hearts, they knelt by the monument of stones and in deep contrition, they yielded their hearts to God. At last, Mother's prayers had been fully answered.

Brother Leo, too, has built a monument of prayer for his unsaved loved ones. No, not a visible pile of stones but an unseen monument of prayer. Day by day, the pile has been getting bigger and bigger. Now the last stone has been heaped onto the monument. His voice is stilled. He has prayed his last prayer for you.

Will his prayers be answered? Will you meet him in the Glory World? He will be waiting for you. The choice is yours. Wouldn't it be wonderful, if just as his whole family marched up the road to church, if all of you would some day march up the streets of gold to meet your dear Daddy on the other shore? What a wonderful homecoming that would be.

Praise God Forever. Let us purpose to make it to Heaven .

.-- Georgia D. McCain

A Mother's Prayer

Our Father, we thank Thee for the privilege of prayer,

We thank Thee because we know that Thou dost care,

We thank Thee for sparing us for another Mother's Day,

We praise Thee for keeping us in the straight and narrow way.

Lord, wilt Thou deal with mothers this whole land o'er,

That we might renew our efforts as never before

To try to save our children at whatever the cost.

Help us, Lord, to pay the price that not one will be lost.

"Is anything too hard for me?" Thou dost say in Thy Word.

Help us to grasp this promise and stand on it, Lord

Some things move only through praying and fasting,

But in hard cases like these, the results are usually lasting.

So just now, dear Father, as a mother of seven,

I purpose to do all I can to get my children to Heaven.

First there's our eldest son, Ronnie, who is many miles away,

Wilt Thou somehow be very near to him today?

I dedicated him to Thee when he was just a little boy,

And when he makes right choices, it gives me so much joy

He is a sweet, considerate son, and dearly loved by all,

But the most important thing is that he listen to Thy call.

Let him feel Thy touch just now, Lord, as we wait before the throne,

And when this life is over, may we be together in our Heavenly home.

Next is our son, Danny, who is also far away,

Help him in everything to let Thee have Thy way.

Thou hast called him to preach and we praise Thee with our whole heart.

Help him to be a fearless preacher and to all the truth impart.

Help him to launch out deep, Lord, and not play around the shore,

The lessons he learns and the depths he goes will help him forevermore.

Give him a great burden, Lord, and a vision for the lost.

Oh, may he seek to win them whatever may be the cost.

Stir him clear of any snare that the devil puts in his way,

Oh, Lord Jesus, lay Thy hand on our Danny Boy today.

Then, Lord, there's our daughter, Donna, who says she's heard Thy call,

Help her to be obedient in everything, and give to Thee her all

Oh, may she walk so carefully and daily to Thee pray.

May Thy loving hand take her hand and guide her along life's way.

Lead her to the proper field of service, Lord, for Thee,

And keep her from entanglements with a life blessed and free.

Help her to be humble, Lord, take her down so deep,

May Thy word be her guide, it's commandments may she keep.

Now, Lord, here's our little girl, Jackie who's still with us in the home,

Keep Thy hand upon her, Lord, may she never from Thee roam.

Help us to be able to teach her, Jesus, the right way in which to go,

May she have a humble spirit and a Christian love to show.

There's many snares laid out for her but help her to stay clean,

And when temptations dark assail her, may she learn on Thee to lean.

We can't forget to pray, dear Lord, for our other three little boys.

There's Kenny, Randy and Barry who have brought us so many joys.

May we have the wisdom, Lord, to guide their lives aright,

And help us, Lord, to pray for them every day and night.

Please grant that none of them will be eternally lost.

Oh, save them, Jesus, one and alL Save them at any cost.

We commit ourselves unto Thee, and our children, one and all  
We feel that Thou art listening as on Thy loving name we call

We know it won't be long, Lord, 'til Thou wilt call us home,

Grant that all seven of our children will meet us around the throne.

By Georgia McCain

Look to the Saviour

Have you friends whom you love and thought loved you

Who have turned their backs upon you and proved untrue?

Are you criticized because for Jesus you stand?

Then look to the Saviour, He understands

Is your heart so heavy for the indifferent and unconcerned?

For the backslidden and sinners, does your heart ever yearn?

Is your burden so heavy 'till about all you can do is cry?

Then look to the Saviour, He will answer by and by.

Are you weary and tired with the toils of the years?

Do you long for sweet rest and shed bitter tears

As you think of the work that yet must be done

Then look to the Saviour, He will soon come.

Is your body afflicted and you suffer much pain,

And it seems you will never be well again?

You can't understand why you're in this condition, Then look to the Saviour, He is the great physician.

The persecutions, afflictions and toils of the day,

The burdens and heartaches will soon pass away.

The Lord is taking notice from His home in the sky,

So look to the Saviour, your redemption draweth nigh.

A Tribute to My Family

(Written and read by me at our Fiftieth anniversary)

He was tall, not dark, but handsome, that young man I met,

It was April 12, 1946, and he wasn't quite twenty yet.

Two and one half months later, on July 1, we became husband and wife,

And though I don't advocate such a short courtship, it has lasted us for life.

Carl weighed one hundred twenty-five when I married him and was 28 in the waist,

But if you will look at him tonight, you'll see my cooking must suit his taste.

He's always made me a good living and helps me when he can; I am thankful for what God has given me for a man.

On December 27, 1947, one year and six months after we were wed,

A little baby boy was born to us. "It's a boy" is what the doctor said.

Little Ronald Carl had lots of black hair and a very lusty yell;

We were very excited and happy because all was going so well.

Ronnie, as a lad, was as frisky as a pup

And was usually into something by the time that he got up.

He got stuck in a bucket one day, and we couldn't get him out,

As you can see, we were in trouble, without a doubt.

"Don't cut it; it's my daddy's fish bucket," he kindly let us know,

But we had to do something though we had to take it slow.

If I'd done the right thing, I would have just picked up bucket and all

And set him in a corner all day and closed the door so I couldn't hear him bawl.

But we called Bobby Morgan, a neighbor, who knew what to do to a tee

And he sawed open Ronnie's daddy's fish bucket and set Ronnie free.

Ronnie is with us tonight with his children, Allison and Ryan, and Dolores, his wife.

He lives in Missouri, works for IBM, and seems to be enjoying life.

His daughter, Allison, has been in Nicaragua, working on a Master's degree,

But we're glad she's back in America and here tonight for all of us to see.

One reason everyone is glad to see Allison come,

Because when she comes I make her dumplings, and they all get some.

Danny Keith was our next son, arriving on January 9, 1951,

The only one born in the Cabrina Hospital, but we welcomed another son.

Danny didn't have much fight in him; Ronnie usually had the upper hand.

When they disagreed, Danny usually was defeated while Ronnie would be the one to stand

But one day Danny was challenged to a boxing match by his brother big and strong.

As I saw him don the boxing gloves, I wondered if this could be wrong,

But somehow Danny got braver and stood up straight and tall,

Till Ronnie started running while Danny chased him down the hall.

It was quite hilarious and laughter filled my cup,

For at last Ronnie had met his match; his little brother had beat him up.

Danny left home when only fourteen and went to Florida to Bible School,

And after a total of nineteen years of schooling, he is nobody's fool.

Danny's here all the way from Africa where he is spreading the gospel light

His wife, Mary, daughters, Carmen and Laura, and son, Daniel, are also with us tonight.

Carmen's living in Pennsylvania, going to college, her freshman year,

I'm sure she has missed her family and has shed many a lonely tear.

I want to say "thanks" to everyone who helped with the tickets on the plane

For Danny's whole family to be with us once again.

Four years after Danny's birth, Donna was the next one on the totem pole,

Our first little black-haired daughter was a joy to behold.   
Her birth was unusual, I'm bound to say,

I had no pain at all. What a day!

The attending nurse called to the doctor outside my door, "

Come see a lady having a baby without pain," she did implore.

Because I needed no anesthetic, my hospital bill was very low,

When the insurance paid its part, one dollar and thirty cents was all l owed,

Pretty cheap, huh? compared to prices today,

A dollar and thirty cent child -- that's my Donna Rae.

Danny was so disappointed because she was a girl and not another boy,

But when he got a glimpse of her, he changed his mind; she gave him such joy.

Donna was smart in her school work, but at home she wasn't so smart,

It took her hours to get the house cleaned once she would start.

She was so slow, it was difficult for her to ever get through.

In making a bed, this is what she would do,

She would fall across the bed to reach the side against the wall,

Then she'd stay and go to sleep, supposedly, for there she'd be when I would call.

Donna, her husband, Ken, and son, Brian, are with us here tonight,

As well as her daughters, Victoria and Kimberly, who is very, very bright.

Kim was the valedictorian of her class and won scholarships galore,

To Georgia Tech she will be going to study and learn some more.

My sincere thanks to Donna who has worked endless hours on this anniversary deal.

Had it not been for her efforts, we would have gone lacking, I must reveal.

Our second daughter, Jackie Lynne, came along after Donna Rae.

She was Mamma's little helper, worked for me both night and day.

One day I was ironing and felt like quitting and going to bed,

But when Jackie saw how tired I was, this is what she said,

"Mamma, I will pray to Jesus that He will strengthen you to do

All of this pile of ironing so that you can get through."

Down on her knees by the couch she went and prayed a simple prayer.

My strength renewed and I finished my work because Jesus touched me there.

Jackie is the one in the family, who never forgets a birthday,

From the youngest to the oldest, she remembers them in some way.

One little incident I would like to mention,

(I think it is worthy of our attention.)

Is the time when Jackie, as a wee little girl, left home all alone.

She walked a mile or two up the road;

She was mad as a stuffed toad,

Because she had to go to school that day and Donna stayed home.

Her school bus dropped her off before I got home,

And my neighbor informed me that she had left home alone.

As you can readily guess, I was terribly upset.

But she was found and returned by someone with a kind heart,

And I had a switch that burned her legs and another part,

And she never has run away again yet.

Jackie and Dan, her husband, are tonight with us here,

As are Jeffrey, Jason, and Jessica, all who we love so dear.

They came all the way from Florida in their big old van,

And Jackie, like Donna, has really lent a helping hand.

After Jackie, there were no more girls to grace our home.

The next was a boy, Kenny Paul, the fifth child we were to own.

As the four before him, he had a head full of black hair,

And from the first night at home, he let us know that he was there.

He bawled for hours the night I came home; it certainly wasn't funny.

The problem was, what I was feeding him was cramping his tummy.

We called the doctor and he said to give him a formula to take,

But I didn't have one, so Carl went-to Doug Sellers, though it was very late.

Doug and Ann had a little baby at that time too,

So borrowing a formula from them seemed the right thing to do.

Doug told people that Carl woke him up at one o'clock to get a bottle.

He didn't specify that it was for a baby, for he wanted to hear Carl holler.

Anyway, Kenny thrived and grew on what he had to eat.

I stacked five bottles by his bed at night; I thought that was neat.

But one night I came to the realization that it was time to quit,

So I gave him a pillow, threw his bottles away and let him throw his fit.

Kenny is the market manager ofWinn Dixie store at the Marksville store,

Drives many miles a week and puts in hours galore

We're glad to have Kenny tonight with his children three,

Chris, Kyle, and Katie, they are as precious as can be.

Eighteen months after Kenny was born, Randy came along.

We told the doctor that he was the caboose but that turned out to be wrong.

Randy was an easy-going little fellow and most of the time he was good,

But sometimes he would be rebellious and wouldn't want to do, as he should.

One day I was cutting his hair and it didn't suit him to a tee,

So he jumped out of the chair and ran off, he thought he'd show me.

I just let him go, got in the car and stayed gone most of the day.

He was sitting in the yard waiting when I returned and was glad to get his hair cut my way.

I remember another time that he was a very naughty little boy.

But he wrote me a note saying he was sorry, would be good tomorrow; this gave me great joy.

Randy's a fireman in Alexandria, works each month about ten days,

The rest of the time he's out making money in various ways.

He, his wife, Angie, and daughter Lindzee, are here with the rest.

I'm glad Angie didn't have to go to school tonight to take a test.

Now let's get to the last one of the totem pole.

Barry Preston, compared to some, he's not very old.

We named him after our doctor because he had delivered all seven.

We loved our doctor like a father, but he's gone now. I hope he's in heaven.

When Barry was born, a friend called and asked us his name.

We told him Barry Preston, but he couldn't hear good, so it didn't sound the same.

When he hung up the phone, his wife asked him, "What did they name the little boy?"

"Very Precious," he answered as he grinned at her with joy.

Barry was usually a very sweet little fellow, thoughtful and kind,

I have treasured in my scrapbook one of his little rhymes,

"Violets are red and roses are blue,

Sugar is sweet and so are you."

He wrote me a letter when I was in Florida visiting some of the kids,

On the back of the envelope, he wrote, "I borrowed a stamp from you, I'll pay it back," I read.

So you see he was an honest little chap even when he was small.

In fact, honesty was always taught at our house to one and all.

Barry has a good job with Centas; he has good hours too,

Also owns a sno-cone business. He works the evening through.

He, his wife, Tina, and their three little girls,

Lauren, Ashley, and Emily are here. One has lots of curls.

Emily is presently the baby of the McCain fam-i-ly,

We wonder how many more will join our family tree.

I appreciate all my family who have put forth effort to join us tonight.

It really helps our feelings, makes our golden anniversary very bright.

I didn't know what all you'd dig up on us to tell from our past.

So I thought I'd get a jump ahead, though this has been quite a task.

But in all sincerity, kids, we have tried to be good parents and rear you in the fear of God.

And we have no idea how much longer on this old earth we will trod.

But though we live many years, it's not likely that we'll ever meet this way again,

So from the bottom of our hearts, Daddy and I say "thanks for everything; we love you."

Until we meet again.

Lovingly, Mamma

PS: Before I quit, I want to express appreciation for the gift, A very up-to-date dishwasher; it will surely give us a lift. Daddy, too, is also very grateful for he usually helps with the dishes. So, thank you, thank you, children, for granting me my wishes.

Praises at Midnight

In coming to the end of this little book of true experiences of the author, I'd like to include one more article written by me for a church paper, The Eleventh Hour Messenger. It, too, deals with prayer. Sometimes when we can't seem to pray our way through, we can ofttimes praise our way through. Try it!

All of us realize how hard it is to proclaim the praises of God when our heart is, seemingly, breaking, the devil is pressing in and our prayers seem to rebound and smother us instead of reaching through to God. We are prone to shed tears of self-pity and wonder why "all these things are against us," when we have faithfully striven to do our best. God has appointed praise in such an hour as this to force open the gates of Heaven and obtain an answer to our prayers. Only a heart filled with God's Blessed Spirit can praise God in its darkest hour. This is impossible with a carnal heart full of self. But our God can put a song of praise and a shout of victory in a sanctified heart that's crushed with heartache, grief, and pain. Praise His sweet and Holy Name!

When the Moabites and the Amonites had set themselves in battle array against Jehoshaphat in II Chronicles, chapter 20, the Word says, " He feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast." He cried out to God, "O our God... We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do; but our eyes are upon thee." God answered, "Be not afraid nor dismayed ... For the battle is not yours but God's ... ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still and see the salvation of God."

Jehosaphat believed and trusted God and rose early in the morning and went forth to meet the enemy. He appointed singers unto the Lord that should praise the beauty of Holiness, and when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the enemy and they were smitten. If Jehoshaphat had failed to believe God and had failed to praise Him, the enemy would have, no doubt, prevailed, but the victory was won that day when they began to sing and to praise. If it worked in Jehoshaphat's day, it will work today. Praise God forever!

In the old Philippian jail, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at midnight. They prayed first and God enabled them to sing praises even though their feet were fast in stocks and their backs were bleeding from unjust beatings. A great earthquake served God's purpose this time to deliver His children. When God would deliver Peter from prison, He sent an angel, who quietly touched him and led him out with no one except Peter aware of his presence, but this time a different method was needed. There were eyes that needed to be opened and nothing but calamity could do it. So "there was a great earthquake," which shook the foundations of the prison and all the doors were opened and everyone's bands were loose. Glory! The old jailer would never have fallen down, trembling and saying, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" had Paul and Silas failed to pray and sing praises at the midnight hour. All of us would like to feel the angel's touch and hear his sweet voice in answer to prayer, but what about the earthquake? The calamity that touches our lives to shake people awake? Are we yielded to that?

Our prayers may still be unanswered, our health may be broken, the arm of flesh may have failed, money may have taken wings, the world situation is alarming, we're separated from our dearest loved ones, and it seems as if our hearts will be crushed beneath its load, but let us fall down before God and tell our loving Saviour that we're still trusting Him, that He knows what is best for our lives and what it will take to get us to Heaven. As our trust, praise, and adoration reaches the throne, the storm cloud will roll back like a scroll, and we will be enabled, by His grace to pray clear through and obtain an answer to our prayers, by faith. Hallelujah!

Conclusion

In concluding this little book, I feel like admonishing all who read it to draw closer to God. We are living in the end times, and I believe many who read this book will be here when Jesus comes. Let us make sure of our relationship with God, that we have truly been born again by the Spirit of God and are walking in all the light that He has shed across our path, for Proverbs 14:12 tells us that "There is a way which .seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Sad to say that many precious people believe they are ready for Heaven, but their lives do not measure up to God's standard of Christianity. Let us make sure. God is a God of love and mercy, and if anyone has doubts in their Christian experience, let them turn to God wholeheartedly in true repentance, and He will be waiting to forgive and help you to get on the right track.

A few years back, I started to a grocery store and came to a certain road that I knew was a short cut and I could get there much quicker. But there was only one catch! There was a sign that read, "Road Closed to Traffic." But I saw other cars turning on the road and some coming back down the road, so I thought, "If they can do it, why so can I." So I fell in line and followed the cars thinking, "Why should I go way out of the way to get to my destination when this route is so much faster? Everybody else is doing it, so why can't I?" Does that sound like the church-going crowd, as a whole? Go with the crowd! We're in a different age! Pay no attention to the warning! Everybody else is doing it. Why can't I?

As I drove along, turned several curves, I patted myself on the back. Why I hadn't run into any trouble at all. I would soon be to my destination. I was so happy that I had ignored all those old silly signs and followed the crowd.

Just about that time, I saw flashing lights and barriers blocking the way and a huge sign, "Road Closed." I was as far as I could go. I couldn't get through the barriers. I had to turn back.

It didn't matter that I thought I knew better than they did. It didn't matter that 1 thought I was on the right track. It didn't matter that I was following the crowd. None of that mattered at all. I was turned back. I had been faithfully warned, but I failed to heed the warning. Not only was I turned back, but all who were following me and all whom I was following.

It wasn't the Highway Department's fault. They had put up signs to warn us, but we were determined to have our own way. No one was going to tell us what to do. We had a mind of our own and would do as we pleased. But what were the results?

As I turned around and started back, I wasn't patting myself on the back this time. I was saying, "Old Gal, you are foolish. You were wrong. You didn't heed the warning. You were almost to your destination, but you were turned back."

Take heed! What will it be in that day when we come to the end of our journey? When we see the lights of home but are turned back? Why? Because we didn't heed the warnings along the way. God sent faithful messengers, signs, if you please, road blocks,but we kept going in the wrong direction -- following the crowd on the broad way that leadeth to destruction, instead of taking the narrow way that leads to eternal life. It will be too late then to turn around and get on the right road. Our destination will be sealed forever.

1 close with a prayer, "Dear Precious Father, bless and help all who read this book, Walking with God for Over Fifty Years. Use it for thy honour and Glory, letting folk know that Thou art still a prayer-answering and soul-saving God for all who will come to Thee in faith, believing Thee to do what we can't do. Help the readers to make it to Heaven by Thy grace .Amen!"

About The Author

### Georgia Davenport McCain

Mrs. McCain died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at age 87 on December 9, 2013. She maintained her Christian commitment and ministry, as well as her writing skills, until the time of her unfortunate death.

At the time of her death, many of her books were out of print. To preserve the books and allow many new readers to enjoy, the books are being converted to e-books by her family. To increase relevancy and impact to a more contemporary and international audience, minor edits to the original text have been made to some of the books.

The following article was published in the Cenla Focus in October 2012 prior to Mrs. McCain's death, and provides a synopsis of Mrs. McCain's life as an author. It was authored by Holly Jo Linzay

Georgia McCain, an author of 10 published books, recalls the day she felt the Lord Jesus lead her to start writing. "I was standing in the kitchen, and God asked me, 'What is that in your hand?" McCain remembers, and answered, "'Only a pen, Lord.' Then He asked me if I would use the pen for his honor and glory, and I said, 'Yes, Lord, as you direct me, I will write for the glory and honor of God."

That very night, her first short novel unfolded completely from beginning to end. "The Lord gave me the name of the book and just opened up the story for me from the first page to the last," notes McCain about her first book, Through Troubled Waters, which was published more than 40 years ago. Her first book is a work of fiction interwoven with Biblical truths. McCain has sold thousands of copies, and has received letters from people all over the world expressing how the book touched their hearts. "I never dreamed about writing a book, let alone getting one published,' McCain notes.

As a child, McCain wrote poems and made up short stories. In the ninth grade, as her teacher was passing out Christmas gifts to the class, she called McCain to the front of the classroom. She told the class that Georgia had a gift for all her classmates. Stunned, McCain realized her teacher had made copies of a story she had written and shared it with the class. From time to time, she would write another short story. Later, she was asked by a preacher to write a story that would continue and develop in a religious paper. 'I told him that I couldn't just sit down and write a story. God had to give me the thoughts: McCain recalls, remembering it was later that night that she heard God question her about writing. When her son, Danny, came home from college, he read her story, Through Troubled Waters, and encouraged McCain to get it published. "Everything I write, I want it to honor God,' McCain says with conviction.

The 84-year-old author is a woman of prayer, and has lived a life in pursuit of holiness. Growing up as one of 14 children In the rural community of Rigolette, McCain graduated from Tioga High School. At 19 years old, she met and started dating a young man named Carl McCain. He worked as a lineman for South Central Bell and she was working as a telephone operator. After a whirlwind courtship, the two were married on July 1, 1946.

The young couple made their home in Rigolette and raised their seven children--Ronald, Danny, Kenny, Randy, Barry, Donna and Jackie. The family attended Tioga Wesleyan Methodist Church, where Georgia and Carl served in every ministry they could. They have 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The two were married for 62 years before Carl passed away. Her home is a testament to a close-knit family with photographs vying for space on shelves stocked full with mementoes from the grandchildren. A legacy of love is showcased with framed drawings from the kids alongside epic poems written by McCain about her family.

In between her serving at her church and raising seven children, McCain found time to write more books. Her second book, Trials and Triumphs, is non-fiction and retates many of her personal experiences, including the loss of her four-month-old grandson, Nathaniel, to meningitis. Her third book, a fictional novel, Shattered Shackles, deals with alcoholism and its affect on a family. "My daddy was an alcoholic, who would say he was tapering off when he was trying to quit. Later, he did sober up," McCain says, adding that her real-life experience probably played a role in the book.

Another of her books, God's Little Lambs, is a compilation of stories written for children that can be read as bedtime stories or for family devotions. At one time, McCain says she felt impressed to write a novel about some twins. In Straight Paths, the story of fiery-tempered "Connie Slocum" unwinds as she struggles with heartaches, persecution, separation and loneliness. In the book's sequel, Plucked Out of the Net, Connie's twin brother, "Donnie Slocum," is featured in a story of redemption.

Three of McCain's books have dealt with prayer and answers to "prevailing" prayer. "It is absolutely amazing that God has spoken to me over and over, and keeps giving me books to write. He has faithfully led me all the way," notes McCain. In all, she has written 10 books, and family and friends are after her to write a book of poems. She has written long poems with clever rhymes marking nearly every milestone in her and her family's life.

It does not take long to get caught up reading one of McCain's books, and believing the incredible stories of faith in the non-fiction books. Written In such honest prose, her words flow from her heart and from a life seeking after holiness. If her books inspire and encourage or cause someone to "seek the Lord," then McCain says the books have served their purpose. "God deserves all the glory for anything accomplished through the writing or reading of these books," she emphasizes.

A woman of faith, McCain has taught Sunday School and Bible studies in just about every ministry at her church. In addition, for the last 34 years, she has taught three different Bible study groups at three different nursing homes. McCain has been honored and received numerous awards for her volunteer service from Ball Senior Citizens Center and various nursing homes. In 2001, she was named the Volunteer of the Year of Tioga Manor and named "Most Faithful" volunteer at two other nursing homes.

When her husband Carl served for a number of years on the Rapides Parish Police Jury, McCain supported him by participating in a variety of ways in the community. Known as a great cook by her family and friends, her daughter, Donna, presented her with a cookbook of the family recipes on her 50th wedding anniversary. Besides serving the Lord, McCain says her most important role in life has been as a wife and mother. She said all her children are "successful and love the Lord," and that they never gave her a "lick of trouble" because she kept them in church and a "switch on their behinds", if needed. Her son, Danny, who is a missionary in Nigeria, even calls her every day.

McCain says she is "blessed beyond measure by the Lord" with family and friends. Some have called her a "prayer warrior," in seeking God's will in her life. One piece of advice she freely gives out to all who will listen is the same encouragement she offers in her last book, Walking with God for Over 50 Years, "Sometimes when we can't seem to pray our way through, we can often times praise our way through to God. Try it."

Books by Georgia McCain

Trials and Triumphs

Shattered Shackles

In Straight Paths

Plucked Out of the Net

Through Troubled Waters

Remarkable Incidents & Answers to Prayers

Amazing Answers to Prevailing Prayers

God's Little Lambs

Walking With God for Over 50 Years

Celebration of Life, Family, and Faith – Collection of Poems, Tributes, and Stories

In addition, many of her family recipes are provided in the following book, compiled by her daughter, Donna McCain Wilson, on the occasion of her 60th wedding anniversary:

Still Cooking After Sixty Years

Plans are to make all available via ebooks. Stay tuned.
