/2002_02 by Uplook

TORONTO CONFERENCE

is in the works. See p.28

APRIL 2002

Founded in 1927 as Look on the Fields, UPLOOK is published ten times a year by Uplook Ministries, 813 North Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: (616) 456-9166 Fax: (616) 456-5522 Website: http://www.uplook.org E-mail: uplook@uplook.org ISSN #1055-2642 Printed in USA. © Copyright 2002 Uplook Ministries

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UPLOOK

UPLOOK magazine is intended to encourage the people of God in fidelity to His Word, fervency in intercessory prayer, labors more abundant, and love to the Lord. Believing in the practical Headship of Christ and the local autonomy of each assembly, this is not intended to be an official organ of any group or federation of local churches. The editor and authors take responsibility for materials published. For any blessing which accrues, to God be the glory. UPLOOK is copyrighted solely for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the material. It is not intended to limit the proper use of articles contained in the magazine. Please include the words: “UPLOOK magazine, by permission” on photocopies made for personal use. For large quantities or other purposes, contact UPLOOK.

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GOD IS ALIVE! David B. Croudace

GEORGE MÜLLER AND THE CRYING BABY

WHEN GOD SUPPLIES A “STARVING” H. A. Ironside

THE TEST T. D. W. Muir

THE BURNING ISSUE Ian Rathie

YES, WE HAVE NO BANANAS Vernon Schlief

GOD LOOKS AFTER HIS BUSINESS George D. Campbell

A ROSE AND SOME BANANAS Darlene Rose

GUIDING, PROVIDING, ABIDING W. P. W. McVey

NO FOGGY THINKING WHEN IT COMES TO FAITH

GOD’S SOVEREIGN PROVISION Tom & T. E. Wilson

JEHOVAH JIREH Paul & David Logan

PIONEER PROVISIONS J. J. Rouse

A SEASONED PIONEER LETS US HAVE IT J. J. Rouse

CAMEL’S HAIR & LOCUSTS John A. Bjorlie

D E PA RT M E N TS EDITORIAL My Faithful Friend FRONT LINES BOUQUET OF BLESSINGS: God is Faithful WHAT’S GOING ON?

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Volume 69 Number 2

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MY FAITHFUL FRIEND Little faith in a great God is better than great faith anywhere else.

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Where I grew up, faith in God was a well-stocked commodity. Doubting the Lord was like doubting the sun. It was so obvious, even a blind man could feel its warmth. At family gatherings we prayed to the God who provided, we sang of His faithfulness, and sat around hearing and telling stories about “His wonderful works to the children of men.” In our heritage there was an unbroken line of those Godfearing, Christ-loving, Bible-believing saints who practiced the divine injunction to “…tell it to the generation following” (Ps. 48:13). We were also encouraged to read first person accounts of the faithfulness of God. I’ll never forget Lydia Buksbazen’s They Looked for a City, and Gladys Alward’s Little Woman. I avidly read the exploits of David Livingstone (born in my father’s hometown) and George Müller and Mary Slessor, “White Queen of the Calabar.” I’ll never forget Jock Purves’ exquisitely written account of the Scottish Covenanters, Fair Sunshine, or Anderson’s thrilling Forgotten Heroes of Italy. I even survived the reading of the Glovers’ A Thousand Miles of Miracles in China— all 378 pages of it (with really tiny print!). It’s one thing to sing and talk and read about God’s faithfulness in others’ lives; it’s quite another to actually live like that. And of course it isn’t only itinerant preachers who “live by faith.” The scripture states: “Now the just shall live by faith” (Heb. 10:38). That seems fairly comprehensive to me, including every believer. I know you know how to trust the Lord, says Paul, because that’s how you were saved. God is to be trusted in the factory and the office, in the hospital and school, in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary events of our lives. In fact, “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6). How the Lord loves to “show Himself strong” on our behalf. I used to be quite a day-dreamer until I realized what a huge waste of time and brain power it was. God answers prayers, not dreams. In day dreams, we are the heroes (imagine what I would do for the Lord with a million dollars!). In prayers, God is the hero. Faith is that inclination of the spirit towards God that, knowing what a faithful friend He is, expects Him in grace to do for us far better than we ask or even think. When in life I have welcomed the Lord into the situation, waiting and watching for Him to do a Godlike thing, how He has delighted to surprise me with joy. But how often I have missed such blessing by foolishly acting independently of Him. Do I think He doesn’t care? Or can’t help? Or wants me to fumble on alone? Let’s remember that we not only receive from the Lord by faith; we also can give to others on His behalf by faith. And to be used by the Lord as agents of His faithfulness in the lives of others does not usually require large resources. But it does require largeness of heart and a soul sensitive to heaven’s directives. Often His work is still forwarded by widows’ mites, by little acts of kindness, a cup of cold water here, a helping hand there.This is not to discourage generous giving; often the widows’ mites are given without the widows’ spirit. I recall hearing a radio preacher address the following question: “My husband and I disagree as to whether we should give ten percent of our gross or net income. What do you think?” His sage answer: “I suppose it all depends upon whether you want net blessing or gross blessing.” May the testimonies to His faithful friendship in this issue inspire us all to trust more our trustworthy God.

WATCH for a new book, GOD IS FAITHFUL, with stories about our faithful Friend from the lives of the Lord’s servants. FALL ‘02 w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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God is Alive! The Lord’s faithfulness to a young missionary.

“You’re throwing your life away!” was my workmate’s retort, when I resigned my job as an accountant to follow the Lord’s leading to take the gospel to those who had never heard it. “Give up your career? How are you going to support yourself?” an older Christian barked out when I told him of what I believed the Lord wanted me to do. After spending my savings on further training, I graduated from the Missionary School of Medicine in London, and set out for Lukolwe in Zambia (then N. Rhodesia) to join John and Eleanor Sims in a new outreach. I took with me all that I owned in this world—a tin trunk not much larger than a suitcase, a small second-hand tent, two very old motorbikes, and the equivalent of about $8—all that was left of my savings. As I bumped along in a local bus for three days, getting covered in red dust, the questions I had been asked when I left my secular work kept coming back to my mind. After all, no one had promised to support me in any way! In fact I had been told by a group of elders, “Don’t look to us for support!” Thoughts kept coming: I could have still been back in my old office, responsible for administering over £2,000,000 each week. Yet here I was, heading out into the bush with no visible means of support. Was I throwing my life away? Had I made a terrible mistake? But I had heard my Saviour call and, having put my hand to the plow, there could be no going back. Furthermore, the Word of God graciously assured me that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). I realized that just as I had put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ some

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years before to save me, so now I must quietly go forward with my faith resting only in Him, the One who was sending me, and I must depend on Him alone to provide for every need. After some months of language study, I joined the Sims in reaching out into the surrounding area. This included a weekly motorbike ride of about 40 miles, on what were only “tracks” through the bush, in order to take the gospel to three schools. It was hot and tiring but thrilling to do the “circuit” each week and see the entire student body of young people crowding into one classroom, drinking in the gospel message—in spite of my faltering Luvale. Some turned to Christ in repentance and faith, and some of those who were saved then, are today elders in assemblies in distant parts of Zambia. Was my life being thrown away? On the last day of the school term I was riding home, when I hit a rather bigger bump than usual, and my precious motorbike broke right in half! I was shattered! It wasn’t the sixteenmile walk home or the loss of the bike so much as the thought that without transport I would no longer be able to do the rounds of these schools and give the gospel to these young people. The bike was so old that it had metal fatigue and proved to be beyond repair. The devil then reminded me of all the questions he had thrown at me earlier. While I had been commended to the work of the Lord by the elders of my assembly, no human being had promised to support me. I could not write to my elders asking them to send me a new bike. I poured out my soul to the Lord as I trekked through the heavy sand along the winding footpath, until I finally arrived back at my little grass roofed house on the station. I was reminded A P R I L

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again and again that it was the Lord who had sent me. Yes! Not only had He sent me, but He had also promised to supply my every need. I could give my “report” to Him. But what about the problems? Were they not too big for the Lord to take care of? After all, the schools would re-open in only three months time! I would need something to use if I was to continue in this outreach! Only three months! How could a new motorbike come to me in this remote corner of Africa in three months? Where would it come from anyway? How could I possibly find money to buy a new motorbike? As these questions and many others filled my mind, the Lord quietly reminded me that while there was nothing I could do about it, I could just simply tell it all to Him. Yes, just tell Him the whole problem and leave it there. He would know what to do. He knew about it anyway, but He delighted to hear one in need pour out his heart to his Lord. Needless to say, I did this many times in the ensuing weeks. Three months later when the schools opened, I was riding the “circuit” again—on a brand new Triumph Tiger motorbike! His ways are past finding out. He had had it all planned long before. There was a young missionary needing encouragement to continue living by faith. Far away there was a group of very new believers, whom I had never met, wanting to get involved in being “workers together with Him.” Without any requests or “reports” being sent, the Lord simply brought the two together—we met at the throne of grace. They had heard about the work at

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Lukolwe and in their first love for their Master, with their hearts in tune with Him, I guess He found it very easy to get their attention. Although I did not know them at all, they wrote and asked if I could use a motorbike! Not only that, but they sent it just in time for the school outreach to continue, without our missing a week! So there I was, back in the saddle, going down the same path through the forest, ready to tell the young people once again about the wonderful Saviour. The only difference, instead of the “cry” from my heart, there was now a “song” in my heart. I had learned in a very practical way that it is, indeed, no vain thing to trust the living God. Forty years have passed and Grace and I are able to echo the same song I sang that day, as we see the Lord alive and at work in so many ways in our daily routine. He seems to delight in such “three way” conversations. One morning, as Grace had her time of quiet with the Lord, she felt led to give a blanket and a dress to a certain very needy sister. So she put them together in a package. To her surprise that very sister came later in the day for a visit. As she opened the package which Grace handed to her and saw what was in it, her face beamed, and raising her eyes to heaven, she burst forth in prayer, “Heavenly Father,” she said, “now I know that You really do care for me. It was just this morning I told You about my need of a blanket and a dress, and You have already heard and answered!” We were as thrilled as she was, to be reminded that whether we live by faith, or give by faith, God is very much alive, hearing our prayers, guiding our giving and keeping His promises.

¨ GEORGE MULLER AND THE CRYING BABY George Müller of Bristol went one day to preach in the Free Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, and the place was packed to overflowing. A well-known agnostic, inspired by curiosity, pressed his way into the hall. Just when the preacher began to deliver his address, a young mother attempted to leave the building because her baby began to cry rather loudly, but the crowd was so great that exit was impossible. Mr. Müller came at once to the troubled mother’s help by saying, “Will that dear mother sit down, and we shall ask Jesus to put the baby to sleep.” The mother quietly took her seat, and the great assembly bowed their heads while Mr. Müller prayed as follows: “Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, be pleased to put this baby to sleep.” Immediately the child went to sleep, to the evident astonishment of the audience. The agnostic was startled beyond measure and said to himself, “If that man has a God like that, it is time for me to seek Him.” Under the power of the Holy Spirit he sought and found Müller’s God. He became a true Christian and an earnest advocate of the faith he so long tried to destroy, and God used him to win many souls to Christ. w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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When God Supplies a “Starving” An excerpt from HAI’s book, Random Reminiscences.

In the summer of the year 1900, my wife and I went to Bakersfield (CA) for a tent campaign…The meetings went on for two months and were blessed to the salvation of a few souls, which greatly gladdened our hearts. When the time came to take down the tent, we went over to the station to get our tickets. Just before purchasing them, a very distinct impression came to me that I should not go through to Oakland, but should stop at Fresno. Now I know that it is a very dangerous thing to be guided by impressions, but…the more I prayed, the less I could shake it off, so I bought a ticket for my wife to Oakland, but a ticket to Fresno for myself. I should explain that a year before I had received a letter from a brother in the Lord from Fresno asking me, if circumstances ever permitted me to come to Fresno, to make my abode at his home…I had his address with me, and leaving my bag at the station, I went to the place indicated. What was my disappointment to learn from the neighbors that he was away for a summer vacation. I felt rebuffed and wondered whether I had not made a great mistake in following my impression. After several days of preaching in the streets of the city, my meager funds were expended and I removed my possessions from the cheap hotel where I had been lodging. A friendly druggist allowed me to leave my suitcase in his store until I called for it. How utterly alone I felt as I stepped out into the street! But I had a large supply of tracts so I crossed the Santa Fe tracks into what was the worst section of the city, and spent my time until two in the morning visiting the vile saloons and filthy dance halls until I had distributed about 3,000 little gospel messages. God gave the opportunity for testimony to quite a number of desperate souls.

But now the saloons were closing, my supply of tracts was exhausted, and I had no place to go. I tried to sleep in an empty train car, but could not get comfortable. The scripture came to me, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” and my rebellious spirit exclaimed, “Then why does He not do this?” About four o’clock in the morning I decided it would be more comfortable to walk, so I headed back into town. On the grounds of the courthouse I found a large weeping willow tree, the branches of which hung very low on all sides. I crawled in under them and managed to get two hours’ sleep where no one could see me. When I awoke God was speaking to me in regard to certain things in my life concerning which I had become very careless, and I knelt beneath the tree and poured out my heart to Him. The more I confessed, the more things came to my mind which required self-judgment, until I no longer wondered why God had not undertaken for me; instead I was amazed to think how very good He had been to me in spite of my many failures… A little later I went to the post office to look for mail and found a letter from my step-father. As I drew the letter from the envelope, I saw a postscript staring me in the face. It read as follows: “God spoke to me through Philippians 4:19 today. He has promised to supply all our need. Some day He may see that I need a starving! If He does, He will supply that.” Oh, how real it all seemed to me then! I saw that God had been putting me through that test in order to bring me closer to Himself, and to bring me face to face with things that I had been neglecting. And so I pass this little incident on to others, hoping it may have a message for some troubled worker who may be going through a time of similar need and perplexity.

A story for workers going through a time of financial testing

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MINOT, ND, OUTREACH Can you go? If not, you can still go to the throne of grace for them.

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Please continue to pray for the gospel outreach in this city of about 35,000. Gaius Goff (OR) plans to come for two weeks this July with his gospel tent. Pray for arrangements to be made, workers to help, and the preparation of souls. Pray also for the saints to be bold in the proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Since the Bulows moved from MN to Minot last summer with the burden to see an assembly planted in that area, they have been hosting Bible studies in their home. They continue to see new faces, including several young men from the local Air Force base. Several people attend regularly and are anxious to see worship of the Lord being carried out in a biblical way in the Minot area.

LADIES’ MISSIONARY CONF. The 25th Annual Ladies’ Spring Missionary Conference is planned for Saturday, April 13 at Oakwood Bible Chapel (2514 Cabana Rd. W., Windsor, ON). The invited speakers are Hilary Rennie, Della Letkeman, and an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship panel. The theme for the day is “God is in Control.” Registration begins at 9:30. The conference will run from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM with lunch served at noon. A nursery will be provided for children two and under. Contact Jan Gillis at: neilgillis@sympatico.ca

Call 414-771-1030 or: wauwatosachapel@juno.com

PROVING YOUR MINISTRY The annual spring conference of the Wauwatosa Bible Chapel (2200 N. 67th St. Wauwatosa/Milwaukee, WI) will be held Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Rex Trogdon (NC) has been asked to speak on the theme, “Proving Your Ministry.” If you plan to attend, please reply before April 15 to Joanne (Mon.–Fri. between 8:00 and noon).

PALOS HILLS SPRING CONF. Palos Hills Christian Assembly (1006 South 88th Ave., Palos Hills, IL) will hold its spring conference April 26-28, 2002. The invited speakers are William MacDonald (CA), Roy Houghton (ON) and another (to be announced). For accommodations, call Don Mowat at 630-789-1546. Bob Fiebig at 708-448-2552 rfiebig@ameritech.net

CONFERENCE IN INDIANA The annual spring conference at the Gospel Chapel (321 Cliff Dr., Logansport, IN) will be held April 20 with Art Auld (OH). Refreshments will be served at 9:30 with the first session beginning at 10:00 and the second session at 11:00. Lunch will be provided. Art will speak again on Sunday at the morning meeting. Ralph Garver 574-722-1012 Leegar@Lneti.com

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S. MICHIGAN LADIES’ CONF. The annual Southern Michigan Ladies’ Missionary Conference will be held, Lord willing, at Dexter St. Gospel Chapel (3617 Dale Ave., Flint, MI) on April 27 from 9:30 to 3:30. Contact: Tricia Edwards at 810-694-3387 thedish1000@hotmail.com WEEKEND in the WORD Tom Taylor (PA) will be the speaker at the annual Weekend in the Word conference to be held, DV, May 3-5 at the Bird-in-Hand Inn, Lancaster, PA. This conference will begin on Friday evening at 7:00 PM and conclude with a fellowship dinner on the Lord’s Day with the Monterey assembly. A special Saturday evening concert is planned. The cost is $149 (deluxe accommodations and meals). Contact honeyrock@juno.com www.gospelcom.net/knowtheword To register: Mark Kolchin PO Box 305 Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734 2 0 0 2

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will be the speakers, Lord willing. Join them for a spiritually refreshing weekend in God’s Word. The meetings will begin on Saturday, May 4 at 3:30 PM. Contact Ray Cummings 504-394-3087 or 504-393-7083 ibelievegodslove@juno.com

CONFERENCE IN FOREST The Forest Gospel Hall annual spring conference will be held May 3-5 in Forest, ON. Meetings are scheduled as follows: Friday at 7:30; Saturday, at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM; on Sunday, the Breaking of Bread will be at 9:30, FBH at 11:00 and afternoon ministry at 2:00 PM. Meals provided Saturday and Sunday. Expected speakers are John Aldom (ON) and Dr. Joe Mikhael (ON). For accommodations or more information, contact: Bill Brandon at 519-786-5518

GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSES Ramseur (NC) Gospel Chapel’s annual spring conference is planned for May 5-8. The subject is “The Eternal Purposes of God.” The invited speaker is Randy Amos (NY). For more information, call: Mike Moody at 536-824-5525

SW NEW YORK STATE The Bellevue Gospel Chapel in Schenectady, NY, and Northway Bible Chapel in Clifton Park, NY, will hold an annual spring conference at Northway Bible Chapel on May 45. The speaker, DV, will be Michael Thomas, director of Yonkers Gospel Mission. The meetings will begin Saturday, May 4 at 3:30 PM. John E. Smith 518-861-6486 or 518-861-5022 johnesmith@aol.com

PACIFIC NW WORKERS’ CONF. Men and women interested in the work of the Lord are invited to the annual conference at Lakeside Bible Camp on Whidbey Island in Washington State, May 14-17 (Tues.–Fri.). This year’s speaker is Alfred Adams (FL). Cost of the conference is $69 per person. For reservations or more information contact: LeRoy Junker at 360-867-9696 whitebeard@attbi.com

SPRING CONF. in REDFIELD, IA The believers at Hilltop Chapel (1413-1st St., Redfield, IA) will host their annual spring conference, Lord willing, May 4-5. This year’s speaker is Carl Dorner (NE). The conference will begin Saturday at 10:30 and will end Sunday afternoon. Join them for ministry from the Word and a time of fellowship. Meals and overnight accommodations provided. There will also be a canoe/kayak trip down the beautiful Raccoon River. Contact: Eric Barker at 515-833-2636

CLAREMONT, CA CONFERENCE The 11th annual spring conference is scheduled for May 17-19, at Claremont Bible Chapel, 432 W. Harrison Av., Claremont, CA. Speakers invited are Jim McCarthy (CA) and Randy Amos (NY). The conference begins Friday at 7:30, with services on Saturday at 10:00 and 1:30. On Sunday, the Breaking of Bread at 9:30, ministry at 11:00 and 1:30. Lunch provided Saturday and Sunday. Contact Henry Kamena at: 464 Stanford Dr. Claremont, CA 91711 909-445-1201

58th ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Lake Park Chapel in Belle Chasse, LA will hold its 58th Annual Bible Conference on May 4-5. Jeff Johnson (NC) and Bob Brown (LA)

PHILLY CONFERENCE The Olney Gospel Hall (314 W. P

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Chew St., Philadelphia, PA) invites believers to their Bible conference to be held, Lord willing, May 24-26. Randy Amos (NY), Mark Kolchin (NJ) and Tom Wilson (NJ) are the invited speakers. The weekend will commence with a prayer meeting on Fri. evening at 7:45. Breaking of Bread Lord’s Day at 10:00. Other meetings each day at 2:30 and 7:00 PM. Meals and accommodations provided. Please contact: H. W. Wiegand at 215-635-0822 321 Asbury Ave. Melrose Park, PA 19027 FARGO FOR MEMORIAL DAY The believers of Meadow Ridge Bible Chapel (West Fargo, ND) would like to extend a warm invitation to attend their annual Memorial Day Bible Conference. It will be held, Lord willing, Friday evening, May 24, through Monday, May 27, 2002. Speakers are Jim McCarthy (CA) and William Yuille (ON). For information on housing and directions, contact: Mark Jensen at 218-236-1879 MRBCconference@hotmail.com VESSELS OF HONOR 2002 The Vessels of Honor conference will be held, in the will of the Lord, Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27 on the campus of Baker University at Baldwin City, KS. This year’s theme will be “Vessels in His Hands” with an emphasis on personal growth and discipleship. The conference is open to singles and couples in the college and career age group (must be 18). General Session speakers are Mike Attwood (GA), John Heller (AR), and John Bjorlie (MI). Seminar speakers: general session speakers plus Bill Wortman (AL), Jeff Erb (OK), Shelly Cowden (IA), Kimberly Moffitt (OK) and others. Jim Lindamood at 918-663-1121

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jimlindamood@juno.com www.vesselsofhonor.org. TNT TEAMS—IRELAND Teach and Testify (TnT) Teams is a missions opportunity (May 28–June 20) in Ireland. The teams use various methods of evangelism including door-to-door, open air, children’s and friendship evangelism. They serve the local assemblies through many means including singing, testimonies, speaking, teaching children, and working with the Irish young people. The cost is $1250 CDN or $850 US, not including airfare to Ireland. Ron Hampton at 204-663-9628 TnTTeams@mts.net SUMMER CONF. in QUEBEC A summer conference is planned for July 13-14 at Bethel Bible Chapel (New Richmond, QC). The meetings will start on Saturday at 7:00 PM. On Sunday, the Breaking of Bread will be at 10:00 and ministry meetings with Joe Reese (ON) at 2:30 and 7:00 PM. Meals will be served at 12:00 noon and 5:00 PM. Joe Reese will also be ministering the Word at 7:00 PM on July 15 and 16. All are invited. Danny Dugas at 418-392-5723 Donn Harrison at 418-392-5002 CALIFORNIA BIBLE CONF. The California Bible Conference will be held in beautiful Yosemite Park July 14-21, Lord willing. The

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speaker will be Randy Amos (NY). Campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs are available. Reservations must be made before June 1. Fran Dixon at 626-337-8733 cfdixon1@juno.com

Glen Ellyn Gospel Chapel The saints formerly meeting in the Glen Ellyn Gospel Chapel (Glen Ellyn, IL) have sold their building and are no longer meeting together as an assembly.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION Columbus, OH Please pray for the Lord’s blessing on the weekly prayer meeting that has started in Columbus, OH with the desire and intent to start an assembly. If you know of anyone in the area that might be interested, or if you would like more information, contact: Abraham George at 614-529-0232 sageorge99@yahoo.com Thomas Pucheril at 614-766-0021 tpucheril@hotmail.com

COMMENDATIONS Robert and Joyce Clark Due to a change in the ministry of Robert Clark, the elders of Kenilworth (NJ) Gospel Chapel are renewing their commendation to include an expanding radio ministry which more accurately describes the majority of his work. Bob continues to minister to assemblies in Texas and other states. Bob and his wife, Joyce, are in fellowship at Manvel Bible Chapel (Manvel, TX).

Peoria, IL Any believers in the Peoria, IL, area interested in discussing the beginning of an assembly work, please contact: Barry Williams at 309-208-3827 bjwcfpc@earthlink.net Mammoth Cave, KY A couple who have moved to Mammoth Cave (between Nashville and Louisville) are interested in meeting others for fellowship. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Hahn 1283 Ollie Ridge Rd. Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 270-286-8186

Joseph Frimpong The fellowship of saints that meet at Shoreacres Bible Chapel (Burlington, ON) commends Joseph Frimpong to the work of the Lord in the country of Ghana, Africa. Joseph has been in happy fellowship with the saints there since 1994. He has shown a keen interest in the work of the assembly and has participated in many of its programs. He is a keen student of the Bible and helps out in other assemblies when asked.

OUTREACH IN SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA The saints in Sioux Falls are planning to have a gospel outreach the week of July 22-28. They are a small group and would be encouraged by any help in the effort. Larry Sax 605-582-8299 Larrsax@splitrocktel.net Tim Jordison 605-582-8470 T.S.JORD@juno.com

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He has expressed a desire to return to his native country and has made a couple of short-term trips there to help a small assembly. He intends to work with this assembly and to devote much of his time to visitation, teaching, and evangelism. Oli and Judy Jacobsen The saints at Hiawassa Bible Chapel (Orlando, FL) commend the Jacobsens to full-time ministry with New Tribes Mission, Sanford, FL. Oli and Judy have been in happy fellowship with the assembly at Hiawassa Bible Chapel for several years and Oli has been used regularly in a preaching ministry there as well as at other assemblies in the area and around the world. The saints believe that their work in the assemblies and with New Tribes is worthy of commendation.

Gospel Missions of India 810-247-7924 (day) 810-939-2141 (evening) email@gospelmi.org

secular employment, Brian desires prayer support in continuing his camp, youth, and Sunday School work and expanding his preaching and teaching ministry as the Lord leads. All in the Scottlea assembly pray earnestly that God will mightily use Brian for His own glory.

Andy and Michelle Shelor Andy and Michelle Shelor have been in fellowship for many years with the believers that meet at Fleming Chapel (Roanoke, VA), Andy serving as an elder there. The Board of Directors of Bethel Campground (Woolwine, VA) invited Andy to assume the responsibilities of director, and he has received leading from the Lord to do so. After prayerful consideration, the assembly commends Andy to this ministry.

Sam and Barbara Thorpe The oversight of Lakeside Bible Chapel (Lincolnton, GA) is pleased to announce, on behalf of the saints, the commendation of Sam Thorpe, Jr. to the work of the Lord on a full time basis. Sam’s ministry will be an expansion of his current service, ongoing for many years. This includes itinerant Bible teaching and the preaching of the gospel, church planting, writing and publishing Bible study materials, foreign mission trips, and Word Alive Southeast and Word Alive Teens. Over the past twenty-five years, while engaged in secular employment, Sam has served on the over-

Brian and Margaret Stapley The Christians who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ at Scottlea Gospel Chapel (St. Catharines, ON) commend Brian Stapley to the Lord’s work at home and abroad. Brian and his wife, Margaret, have been active in the Scottlea assembly, where Brian served as an elder since 1996. Having recently retired from

A thorough prayer handbook has been published of the 1250 commended workers from the assemblies of India. This 390 page book is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to pray in an informed way for the Lord’s work and His workers in India. The following information is included: name of the missionary and spouse, name and age of children living with parents, type of ministry, home address, phone number, commending assembly, and supporting agencies. Gospel Missions of India has offered this book to Uplook readers free of charge.

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sight of three local assemblies— Kalmia Hill Chapel (Aiken, SC), Believer’s Gospel Chapel (Augusta, GA) and Lakeside Bible Chapel, where he was involved in the establishing of the local testimony. Sam is a gifted Bible teacher and has a love for the saints of God and for New Testament principles. Please join in prayerful support of Sam and Barbara Thorpe as they look to the Lord and God’s grace to minister to the saints for His glory. Ralph and Lucy Vandemark The assembly of believers at Hiawassa Bible Chapel (Orlando, FL) commend Ralph and Lucy to full time ministry at Camp Horizon at Leesburg, FL. Ralph’s primary responsibility will be for building and grounds maintenance but he and Lucy will both assist in other areas as needs arise. They both have been very involved with the activities at Camp Horizon for many years.

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God is Faithful God’s school has tests, too. But He never fails His pupils.

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There are seasons in the lives of all when it is not easy to believe that God is faithful. Our eyes are bedimmed with tears and we can no longer trace the outworking of His love. Our ears are distracted with the noises of the world, harassed by the whisperings of Satan, and we can no longer hear the sweet accents of His still small voice. Cherished plans have been thwarted, friends on whom we relied have failed us, a professed brother or sister in Christ has betrayed us. We are staggered. We sought to be faithful to God, and now a dark cloud hides Him from us. We find it difficult, yea, impossible, for carnal reason to harmonize His frowning providence with His gracious promises. Ah, faltering soul, severely-tried fellow-pilgrim, seek grace to heed Isaiah 50:10, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” Though you cannot now harmonize God’s mysterious dealings with the avowals of His love, wait on Him for more light. In His own good time He will make it plain. “What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter” (Jn. 13:7). —A. P.

HE IS FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE SIN: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn. 1:9). HE IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP US SAVED: If we believe not, yet He abides faithful; He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim. 2:1). But the Lord is faithful who shall establish you and keep you from evil (2 Thess. 3:3). HE IS FAITHFUL IN TIMES OF PRESSURE: There has no testing taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested above that you are able; but will with the testing also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Cor. 10:13). HE IS FAITHFUL TO PROVIDE FOR US: God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:9). HE IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP HIS PROMISES: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised (Heb. 10:23). HE IS FAITHFUL IN TIMES OF SUFFERING: Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:19). HE IS FAITHFUL IN PROVIDING FOR THE BELIEVER'S ETERNAL FUTURE: Faithful is He that calls you who also will do it (1 Thess. 5:24). w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

In times like ours, we need to lay hold on fundamentals. One is trust in the faithfulness of God. Many things can be shaken but there are things that cannot be shaken. The God who guided the world in the past is still in control. When the tumult and the shouting have died, He will still be “our refuge and strength.”

Let one more attest: I have seen God’s hand through a lifetime And all was for the best. —Robert Browning If all things work together for ends so grand and blest, What need to wonder whether each in itself is best? If some things were omitted, or altered as we would, The whole might be unfitted to work for perfect good. Our plans may be disjointed, but we may calmly rest; What God has once appointed, is better than our best. We cannot see before us, but our all-seeing Friend Is always watching o’er us, and knows the very end. What though we seem to stumble? He will not let us fall; And learning to be humble is not lost time at all. What though we fondly reckoned a smoother way to go Than where His hand hath beckoned it will be better so. And when amid our blindness His disappointments fall, We trust His loving-kindness whose wisdom sends them all; The discord that involveth some startling change of key, The Master’s hand revolveth in richest harmony. —F. R. H. •

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Hypocritical Oath? So now can they kill with a clear conscience?

For 2,500 years, since medicine was first put on a scientific foundation by the Greek physician Hippocrates, those embarking on the medical profession have sworn to uphold a specific standard of ethics designed for those assuming the life-and-death responsibilities of being a doctor. The Hippocratic oath committed physicians to “do no harm.” The problem to today’s medical establishment is that the oath forbids both euthanasia and abortion. The medical profession has established a brand new code of ethics designed to replace the Hippocratic oath. The Medical Professionalism Project, consisting of a panel of physicians from around the world, after many years’ study, published a set of principles designed to guide the practice of medicine in the new millennium. The Charter is organized around three “principles.” The “principle of primacy of patient welfare” calls for “altruism,” saying nothing, of course, about the specifics of not performing euthanasia or abortion, or even “doing no harm.” It does say that “market forces” should not be allowed to interfere with the best interest of the patient. Much of the document is devoted to the “principle of patient autonomy.” Decisions have to be left to the patients. This formally enshrines “pro-choice” as the guiding standard for medical ethics. —World of “intelligent design theory.” Controversy began to flare when some members of the committee opposed limiting the study of life origins to evolutionary theory. No members are asking for evolution to be removed from the proposal, but some are asking that other viewpoints be included. Five of the nine

INTELLIGENT DESIGN in OHIO Science students in Ohio do not use the word evolution. They study “changes over time.” However, the Board of Education is developing new curriculum standards that suggest using the word evolution in the science class. The proposal has also ignited fresh debates over the validity

POPULAT ION EXPL OSION The world ’s populati on of 6.1 is projecte billion d to reach 9.3 billion according by 2050, to the United N Population ations Fund. All the growth in poor c will be ountries. In dustrialize tries’ popu d counlation will remain sta billion now ble. Two lack adequ ate food. B 4.2 billion y 2050, will lack b asic necess The report ities. said that 1 5.5 million people wo uld die fro m HIV/AID more next five S in the years in th e 4 countries than would 5 most affected otherwise case. be the —Pulse

EXICO D in M E E out S e G th handed s N r I e b W m O e S nts in hurch m Testame Local c w e N tribumillion The dis r. a e y over a t s ed by City la t launch c je o r Mexico p fa s part o tion wa for ue. g lanned p le Lea ib is B h e c a th e ar outre fter Easter. Th A simil a , o b ic l x il e rey, Me roject w p g n Monter lo r ple in this yea on peo li il m goal of a and h half stament c e a T e r w e to aN rey with dy the Bible. Monter stu ation to an invit

board members on the subcommittee favor adding intelligent design. The lone person against adding intelligent design, Martha W. Wise, says she is a creationist and believes in God. However, she said, those beliefs have no place in a science classroom. If intelligent design is added, Ohio would be the first state to do so. —CT

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The Test What do you do when you really need it but can’t take it? Born in Quebec to Scottish parents, T. D. W. Muir was born again in Hamilton, Ontario, under the preaching of John Smith and Donald Munro. He pioneered the assembly work in Detroit, Michigan.

We had a baptism at Belle Isle, an island with a commodious beach in the Detroit River. After the baptism we had to walk through long grass which on that occasion had been drenched with rain. The women folks suffered most from this for it meant that their clothing was wet; and as the result of such a wetting, and the long walk from the island to the street car, and the slow progress homeward, my wife received a severe chill which ushered in a dangerous attack of bronchitis. For thirteen weeks she hovered between life and death, with three short intervals that made us hope for recovery, but with as many relapses, until at last a period of longer improvement ensued, and the doctor eventually said she might be allowed to get up from her sickbed. Then came the convalescence, and, as is often the experience in such cases, she had a longing for something to tempt the jaded appetite, “If I could only have some chicken broth, I think I would enjoy it,” she said. But that luxury was far from being a possibility because of my depleted purse. I had a plan, however, in my mind, which I thought under the pressing circumstances offered a solution, and this I determined to resort to without telling my wife. By selling my silver watch (a gift from an uncle of mine) I hoped to manage the financial problem nicely, and this I resolved to do. But she sensed my purpose, and charged me solemnly (as I was about to leave the house) to do nothing whatever without prayer to God, and then to leave the matter with Him. This injunction from my wife proved an effective deterrent for I realized that my purposed act would be tantamount to taking things into my own hands, and so I did not carry out my plan. But as I passed a butcher shop I saw a bargain—three pig’s feet for five cents— and as the price was within my means I made what I thought was a fine purchase. Soon I had some savory soup ready for the invalid, but to my surprise, instead w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

of being acceptable, it turned the sick patient’s stomach to even think of it, and I had to eat the concoction myself to demonstrate its great palatability. At that time the woodshed was just as bare as our cupboard: the last block of wood was used up, and I had to scrape together the bark and splinters to feed the fire in the little stove. After I did so, I knelt down on the bare floor and told the Lord of our desperate need, and pointed out the great necessity for fuel on account of my wife’s weakened condition and the danger of another relapse from being chilled. I then took the basket into the house and, as I had some business to attend to, I left this last lot of fuel in her charge to replenish the fire when necessary. I did not mention to her nor to anyone else the condition of affairs in the woodshed and went off. On my return, she greeted me with the question, “Why didn’t you tell me you had ordered a load of wood? I refused to allow the driver to deliver it because •

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I had not heard of your doing so.” My answer was that she knew as much about it as I did, for I had certainly ordered no wood. And then I learned what had happened in my absence. The driver of a truck had come to the door to find out the location of the woodshed and to get the key to the same as he had a load of wood to deliver. My wife told him, “There must be some mistake.” But the man was not to be moved from his purpose. “Is not this T. D. W. Muir’s house?” “Yes.” “Well, I am ordered to leave this load of wood here, and I intend to do as I was told. Show me where the woodshed is.” And so he piled it in, and when I looked I saw the answer to my prayer! Soon after, a knock brought me to the front door to see a stranger, evidently a well-to-do gentleman, for from his clothes I judged him to be a man of means. In response to his enquiry I gave him my name and when he mentioned his I realized that this was a banker from upstate with whom I had had some correspondence. I welcomed him into the room and when he was seated he made enquiry about my health which I was glad to inform him was very good. Then he enquired about my wife and I told him she was fairly well now, having just recovered from a long siege of illness. While we conversed together, I saw him taking mental stock of his surroundings—the carpetless floor, the curtainless windows, and all else in keeping with our early days in Detroit. I asked him if he purposed going to the Hamilton conference, and he said, “No.” “I thought perhaps you were on your way there.” “No,” he replied, and added, “There are some things in which I don’t quite agree with the brethren at that conference, and that is one reason why I didn’t go.” “What things, may I ask?” “Well,” he said, “Do you happen, to know Mr. B. who lives here in Detroit?” “Yes,” I answered, “And do you hold the beliefs that he holds in regard to eternal punishment?” “Well, yes I may say I do,” he replied. “Then,” said I, “I am sorry to hear it.” “Why?” “Because such doctrines as he and you believe are totally opposed to the teaching of the Word of God.” After some further discussion, he said, “I must be going. I am glad to have seen you, and I wish you to receive this and use it in the Lord’s work.” As he said

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so he produced a roll of bills held together by a rubber band and offered it to me for my acceptance. But I withdrew my hand and said, “I cannot touch that money.” “Why not?” “For this reason: What you have just told me severs my relationships with you. I cannot have any fellowship with one who holds the doctrine of annihilation as you do.” “But you have accepted such a gift on former occasions.” “Yes, that is true, but I did not then know that you believed these unscriptural doctrines, and so I cannot take that money.” “But,” he insisted, “the money is all right, if I am not. Take it and use it.” “No,” I said, “the money may be all right, but the source is not, and I cannot have anything to do with it.” “Well,” said he, “if you cannot conscientiously use it for the Lord’s work, nor for your own use, take it for your wife’s sake, and get her some dainties during her convalescence.” “No, sir,” I replied, “I cannot take your money for any purpose whatever, so long as you hold these doctrines that are opposed to the truth of God.” “All right,” was his final word, “I am sorry. Goodbye.” He went and that was the last I heard of him. I closed the door and sat down, and I felt like a cad, for here was within my reach just what I required for the needs of my sick wife, and the devil said to me, “Take it, man, and use it,” but the “way of escape” was there as well as the temptation, and the Lord gave me grace to silence the enemy. And again upon my knees I committed our cause to the God of all grace. Soon there was another caller. At the side door this time was a knock and when I went to answer it I found standing there a Christian woman, who had been recently saved at our gospel meetings. What do you think she brought with her? In one hand there was a pitcher filled with chicken broth, on her other arm a basket in which there was a cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and a loaf of homemade bread. She had walked all the way from her little farm near Belle Isle bridge bearing these good things to her sister in Christ. Again I withdrew and kneeled down to my heavenly Father who knew I had need of such things and who had so graciously turned my heartfelt prayers into heartfelt praise. A P R I L

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The Burning Issue Our real assets are fireproof.

I was brought up in Vancouver, Canada in Godordained surroundings, graduating at an early age as a school teacher. When about to apply for my first position as a teacher in the British Columbia schools, missionaries from the Dominican Republic, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Peterkin, came to our city on furlough, making known their need of a teacher for their children. To make a long story short, I was commended by my home assembly as a teacher and helper to the missionaries, leaving home at 19 years of age. Brother John Jenner had also been commended to the work in the Dominican Republic as a full-time worker from Victoria, BC. John and I got together to drive across the continent to New York in an old Overland touring car. The trip ended in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where I was rushed to the hospital with a ruptured appendix. In those days before antibiotics one out of ten recovered from that condition. The Lord’s continued faithfulness was manifested in His healing hand so that four months later, on February 8, 1928, I landed in Santo Domingo, ostensibly to teach some missionary children for a suggested two years. In my mind I had concluded that I was willing to sacrifice that space of time from my worldly ambitions and aims. There was no vision of a missionary care; no audible call from on high. Yet the two years became 64 in happy, soul-satisfying proclamation of heaven’s Good News to Dominican men and women, boys and girls. In great faithfulness the Lord thrust me out in spite of myself and my carnal motives, sustaining an unworthy servant for such an extended time. At the end of this term on the field as a teacher of the missionaries’ children, I made reservation on a small freighter to take me to New York. I was in Puerto Plata on the north coast, waiting to sail the following day, when I discovered that an exit permit was needed to sail, obtainable only in the capital on the south coast. Communication by telegram got the permit on a vehicle which would reach the interior city of Santiago that evening. This meant that we had to make the trip across the mountains to find the car or chauffeur. Where in that city could they be found? After stopping for prayer outside the city, we drove w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

down the street to see that the first car parked beside the road was the one we wanted! So a very happy passenger boarded the ship the next morning as it sailed for the United States. Previous to this, besides teaching the missionary children, I had taken the position as English teacher for two hours a day in the local Dominican high school. However at that time the government was unable to pay teachers’ salaries and was eleven months in arrears. Yet out of a blue sky, I received a check for the salary owed me. No one else in the whole country received their back pay. Now I had enough to pay my fare to Buffalo, New York, where I had arranged to meet and marry my engaged sweetheart, Dorothy Taylor. It was His provision at that time, and the Lord supplied every other need for that wedding in the Assembly Hall in Buffalo, from which Dorothy’s mother, Nellie Atkinson, later Mrs. Cuthbert Taylor, had been commended many years previously to Angola. Even a summer cottage in the Muskoka Lake District of northern Ontario was provided for a month long honeymoon. The “Hand that moves the universe” was clearly evident in such special provisions for poor missionaries. But if every day were cloudless, a desert would be produced. On our last Sunday evening of the honeymoon, we had gone to the dear friends’ house who had loaned us the cottage. Suddenly someone appeared at •

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the door, shouting, “The cottage is on fire!” It was too late to save anything. All I had in my pocket was the change from a ten dollar bill resulting from a purchase that morning. Everything—many wedding presents, a good sum in cash (the result of monetary presents) went up in smoke. All Dorothy and I could whisper to each other as we watched helplessly was, “The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job learned the great lesson: “I know that Thou canst do everything.” The Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. The poor missionaries who had a fire on their honeymoon also learned it. We had arranged to sail for Santo Domingo to be there for Christmas. It seemed impossible to buy everything to replace the loss in the time available. But the money was supplied abundantly by the One who took away and then

Yes, we have no

BANANAS Several months after our move to Belle Chasse, we ran out of both food and money at the same time. This was not an uncommon occurrence with us, but this time it seemed especially serious. We had a number of young men with us, and we had testified to them that God was our supplier. We had boasted of His great ability to supply our needs, and that our trust was in Him. It would be difficult to tell them that we had run out of food. Gladys and I drove into town to see if there might possibly be some money in our post office box that the Lord might have directed some saint to send. There was nothing. Now, we were really concerned as to what we would tell our young men. We were afraid they would not believe that our God was able. We stopped at a bakery that supplied day-old bread free of charge to us, and drove home, praying as we went. We asked the Lord to work a miracle to provide for us, so that the faith of these young men would not be hindered. When we walked into our house, we were surprised to discover that almost every room of the chapel and the men’s dorm was filled with bunches of bananas. There were bananas everywhere! Our young men told us that two ships loaded with bananas from Honduras were headed up the Mississippi

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restored. Sail we did, and on time, with every loss replaced: Glory to His name! Years later, I was invited to perform the wedding ceremony for the daughter of a son in the faith, Mariano and Pearl Gonzalez, in Chicago. After the wedding I took very ill and was rushed to the emergency ward in a nearby hospital. The diagnosis was that a heart operation was urgently needed. When told the operation would cost over $35,000, I told them I didn’t have such a sum. So they moved me to the county hospital; there the operation would cost less, they said. However, after the operation was performed, and I had experienced the Lord’s power to heal, I was told that the cost would be the same sum of $35,000. But in the meantime that sum had been provided by the One who fulfills His promise, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory.”

River to the New Orleans market. Somehow, they had become mired in a sand bar at a turn in the river, right at the end or our street. To lighten the ships, they had thrown hundreds of stalks of bananas into the river. When the men saw this, they went to a neighbor and borrowed a truck. Then they gathered a number of truckloads of bananas for us, as well as for the neighbor who loaned the truck. The story was published in the papers the next day quoting the shipping firm as being completely baffled as to how the ships could possibly have gotten stuck there. No accident of this kind had ever happened before or since, and numerous ships travel this part of the river daily. No doubt the Lord arranged this for us. We saw in this an answer to our prayer for food. Bananas still on the stalk last for months, remaining ripe and fresh until they’re separated from the vine. The mailman brought a special package for us, and it was a large container of well over 100 pounds of Wisconsin cheese from a friend we had known in Milwaukee. Now we had bread, cheese, and bananas to eat—not a bad diet. And there was plenty of it! We had bananas raw, cooked, baked, stewed, and every way Gladys could think of. We felt like Israel with their daily manna. We had cheese and banana sandwiches, and banana and cheese sandwiches. This provided food for a long time. Our God is a prayer-answering God! —from the life story of Vernon Schlief, excerpted from his autobiography, Our Great Adventure in Faith

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God Looks After His Business But don’t get sentimental over the equipment. When the boat came up for sale, we made an offer for that amount. The owners had wanted more, but they accepted it. The Lord confirmed to me that we were to have the boat by giving me Psalm 89:25, “I will set his hand also in the sea and his right hand in the rivers.” The “Northern Light” was used extensively along the Quebec north shore and farther along the Labrador coast for nine years. Wallace Buckle was the navigator for most of those years. Men who came with us on the boat learned valuable lessons about working with other men. Things they thought they needed, like privacy and showers, they found they could do without. We used the “Northern Light” to bring lumber and a tractor to Old Fort to use in building a hall. While we were there, we had a baptism. One of the new believers got hit several times by

William MacDonald, in his Foreword to Take the Challenge, the book from which this article is excerpted, wrote of his friend George Campbell: “There was something truly apostolic about his ministry. Together with his co-workers, he had seen a number of assemblies planted in Newfoundland and Labrador in the space of 30 years. I am not aware of any comparable work on the North American continent.…As we who knew him read the book, we will still hear his strong, earnest voice and sense afresh something of his passion for souls. But even more, we will hear a man who stood at the very gate of heaven, calling back to us to drop all the irrelevant things of life and go in for that which is eternal.”

I had been involved in the MGM* boat work for a number of years and was convinced that if one boat worked good, two would be even better. A boat came up for sale at St. Anthony that had previously been used as a doctors’ boat taking doctors and nurses to isolated villages. The boat was forty-seven feet long by thirteen feet on the beam and was a very seaworthy vessel. Two widows, one from Vancouver and the other a friend of my family, had sent us two gifts equaling $4,500. This money came before we knew the boat was for sale. We thought it must be for a new hall in Lanse au Loup. A thousand dollars in smaller gifts of five, ten and twenty dollars came in as well, bringing the amount to five thousand. people who were really upset over the baptism. Her husband, who was also baptized, put his Bible down on the ground and said, “You wouldn’t dare hit my wife if I wasn’t a Christian. I’d have you mopped all over the place. Just because I’m a Christian you have taken advantage of us. Let me tell you something. Before I was saved, I was a drunkard and had to be hauled in out of the snow. When I got saved, everybody was glad.

* The MGM was a boat purchased from a Scottish Christian boat builder. Its original name, Margaret Grace MacKenzie, was changed to Missionary Gospel Messenger and used for many years by Herb Harris, George Campbell and others in reaching isolated coastal settlements with the gospel. Herb Harris used to say, “God loves venturers.” w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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Since I’ve been going on for God and have been baptized, we are being ridiculed. As far as I’m concerned, whether these men stay or whether these men go, I’ve got my Bible, I’ve got my Christ, and I mean to go on with the Lord, no matter what happens.” The “Northern Light” was a great asset in the work along the Quebec shore and Labrador, but I can honestly say we never got sentimental over it. That was our safeguard. If we had gotten sentimental over it, we would have had an obsolete piece of equipment on our hands when its usefulness was past. A piece of equipment is only a means to an end. It has a termination. It is not something you keep going on with. The boat provided us living accommodation when we needed it, a means of transportation from place to place and a way to carry materials we needed. It even served as a preaching platform. But methods always are changing. We don’t commit ourselves to things, but to people. Summers on the boat were not pleasure trips. There was a lot of seasickness, dampness and personal pressures. After three or four months on a boat with a group

of other men, you had nothing to hide. Pioneer work calls for someone who will really work. Not just going out for a day or two and pitching a tent that someone else will guard, or traveling on a boat that someone else will take responsibility for—the pioneer is responsible for everything. If he makes a mistake, he is responsible for that. If he makes a hit, he is responsible for that, too. We made both. Thank God He didn’t cast us off when we made mistakes. I’m thankful, too, that He gave us the grace to be humble when there was blessing following. A man will make it or break it, depending on his vision. Often men start out and God gives them a place of blessing, and they stop there. They forget to branch out. Keep pressing on. Keep branching out. Our God is a big God and “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Ps. 126:3). The same God who provided the money for the first boat provided the money for the second. He provided the crew for each of them, too. Don’t box God in. Pray in faith and work with faith. Leave the results to God.

A Rose and Some Bananas While World War II raged on in the outside world, all Darlene Rose was aware of was her own struggle to survive. Taken from a Japanese labor camp, the young missionary was accused of being a spy and was thrown into solitary confinement where she awaited her execution. One day, I climbed up on the window sill so I could look outside. I saw a woman standing casually by the fence and the instant the guard looked away, a hand popped through the ivy holding a big bunch of bananas! I could practically smell those bananas! Oh, I wanted one so much. I got right down on my knees and prayed, “Lord, I’m not asking You for a whole bunch of bananas like she has. Could I have just one banana? Please, don’t think I’m not grateful for this rice porridge, I really am and I’m sorry if I’ve asked for a banana and You can’t get it in here to me.” I really didn’t know how He could do it. Just then I heard the footsteps of the guard. I was so weak, I prayed that the Lord would give me the strength to make a proper bow. I knew I couldn’t stand another beating if they weren’t satisfied. The door opened and there was the commander from my previous camp. He was smiling. It had been so long since I had seen anyone smile! “Oh, Mr. Yumaji,” I exclaimed, “it’s just like seeing an old friend!”

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Tears came to his eyes and he turned and walked away without a word. I think we were both remembering the day I had the chance to tell him about the Lord Jesus. I believe God did a great work in his heart, and as he stood talking to the other officers, their heads kept getting lower and lower. I think he was pleading my cause. At last, he came back and asked if there was a message for the women at the camp. “Just tell them I’m all right,” I replied. “I’m still trusting in the Lord. They’ll understand, and you will too, won’t you, Mr. Yumaji?” The door slammed, and he was gone. Then I heard the guard coming, and I realized that I had forgotten to bow. I quickly prayed for strength to bear another beating but, to my surprise, he opened the door and without a word laid them all out on the floor: Bananas! I sat down and I counted them. There were ninety-two bananas! I pushed them as far away from me as I could get them and I said, “Lord, I have no right to eat those bananas! Yesterday, I was telling You there was no way You could get one banana in to me!” He reminded me, “That’s what I delight to do—exceeding abundantly above anything you ask or think.” We live like poverty-stricken paupers when our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. All the gold is His. Bananas, too. —excerpted from Words of Faith A P R I L

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Guiding, Providing, Abiding Step by step. Stop by stop.

During 1948 there occurred two historic events of specourse I wanted. This I took to be further confirmation cial interest to Bible students, namely, the rebirth of of the Lord’s leading, and in due course set sail for Israel as a nation and the formation of the World Malaya (now known as Malaysia). Council of Churches. More importantly to me, howevShortly before my arrival in Malaya from the British er, 1948 was also the year in which I stepped into fullIsles, Miss Betty Dyer had come from the other side of time service for the Lord, believing He would both the world (Tasmania, Australia), and she too was guide and provide in the days ahead. And that is just engaged in Chinese studies. Later she became my life what He has so faithfully done from then until now. partner and co-worker in the service of the Lord. We As the end of 1947 approached and made our first home among a Chinese my days with the Department of community in the town of Seremban, Education were coming to an after wonderfully finding a house end, I felt sure enough about with a covered courtyard, taithe Lord’s call, but was by lor-made for meetings. no means sure what my In Seremban we soon next step should be. proved that the Lord not Where and how would I only goes with His serbegin? In that frame of vants, but actually goes mind I went to our weekly before them. No sooner prayer meeting and found a had we opened our home for stranger there. It was meetings than a young Leonard Mullan, who was just Chinese student came along, then preparing to leave for miswith evidences of divine grace sionary service in Japan. He had come already at work in his heart. How did he Hong Kong skyline specially to see me, in the hope that I would know about us? A very intriguing story. To join him in a gospel effort in his home town before he improve his English he had started to write to a pen-pal left. He explained that his sailing date was uncertain— in Canada, who had advised him to read the English not uncommon in the years following World War II— Bible with the help of a correspondence course. He had and he might have to leave at short notice, in which just completed his first course, and those who marked case I could carry on with the meetings alone. And so the papers told him about our meetings. He was still at it turned out. Leonard and I had a few happy weeks high school and, once saved, began to witness to other together before he left, and we were both greatly students and bring them to the meetings and they in encouraged to see souls won for Christ. turn came to Christ. For the next two years I had equally happy relations Then a girl, also a high school student, started comwith some older preaching brethren, from whose lives ing as the result of a letter from a Christian relative and lips I learned many needful lessons. One such was elsewhere in Malaysia. She likewise found the Saviour D. L. Craig, my father in the faith, a man who lived to and started bringing her friends to the meetings, most a ripe old age and prayed for me every day. But I being from heathen homes and strangers to the gospel. already had a deepening urge to go to the Far East, with And so we continued: the converts brought their the Chinese race specially in mind. Thinking in terms friends; we preached the gospel; and the Lord saved of a life-long commitment, I felt a knowledge of souls. We sometimes had uninvited visitors as well, the Chinese would be a real asset. So I enquired, and found quacks of stray ducks mingling with the Chinese and that the University of London was offering the very English of those early meetings as two linguistic w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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was deteriorating. Our re-entry visas, originally for one year, had been twice extended and time was running out. Were we to settle in Australia or return to Malaysia? Suddenly the Lord called Ruth to Himself, and our pathway became clear. Just at the right time we found a ship which would take us to Singapore and let us get back to Malaysia with one week to spare! It all worked out so well that we were able to rise above our sorrow and return to Southeast Asia feeling that the Lord had called us afresh to serve Him there. In 1969, we moved to Hong Kong, having in mind both the needs of the work there and the educational needs of our children. While settling in, we lived for a short time in a holiday home on a small island, and one afternoon the children brought along a young Italian trainee priest, a student in a nearby Roman Catholic seminary, who just seemed like ripe fruit ready to be plucked. He felt his studies were taking him further from God instead of nearer, as he had hoped. It was a sheer delight to pour into his hungering heart the great truths of Scripture, as he slipped out of the seminary

groups broke bread together. Our three children were born while we were living in Seremban—two girls and a boy. The second girl, Ruth, had a congenital heart defect, which was discovered when we arrived in Australia for our first furlough. With such poor circulation Ruth was unable to stand the cold of the approaching winter in Tasmania. So, where should we go? Like a bolt from the blue we received a letter from sunny Queensland, from a lady we had never met. She was a Mrs. Madill, and had just lost her husband, through whose ministry my old friend D. L. Craig had been led to Christ. Mr. Craig had sent her a letter of condolence explaining that Mr. Madill had a “spiritual grandson” in Australia. Hence her letter. And what did it say? Her brother had a holiday home by the seaside near Bundaberg, which he would be glad to place at our disposal. This was our first introduction to the state of Queensland, where we now make our home. A few years later we were back again in Bundaberg on furlough and much cast on the Lord. Ruth’s health

No Foggy Thinking When it Comes to Faith Charles Inglis, the well-known evangelist, tells the following story of George Müller: When I first came to America, thirty-one years ago, I crossed the Atlantic with the Captain of a steamer who was one of the most devoted men I ever knew, and when we were off the banks of Newfoundland he said to me, “Mr. Inglis, the last time I crossed here, five weeks ago, one of the most extraordinary things happened that has completely revolutionized the whole of my Christian life. Up to that time I was one of your ordinary Christians. We had a man of God on board, George Müller of Bristol. I had been on that bridge for twenty-two hours, and never left it. I was startled by someone tapping me on the shoulder. It was George Müller. ‘Captain,’ he said, ‘I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec on Saturday afternoon.’ (This was Wednesday). ‘It is impossible,’ I said. ‘Very well, if your ship can’t take me, but I have never broken an engagement in fifty years.’ ‘I would willingly help you. How can I? I am helpless,’ said the Captain.

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‘Let us go down to the chart room and pray,’ said George Müller. I looked at the man of God, and I thought to myself, what lunatic asylum could the man have come from? I never heard of such a thing. ‘Mr. Müller,’ I said, ‘do you know how dense the fog is?’ ‘No,’ he replied, ‘my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God Who controls every circumstance of my life.’ He got down on his knees and prayed one of the most simple prayers. I muttered to myself, ‘That would suit a children’s class where the children were not more than eight years old.’ The burden of his prayer was something like this: ‘O Lord, if it is consistent with Thy will, please remove this fog in five minutes, Thou knowest the engagement Thou didst make for me in Quebec for Saturday. I believe it is Thy will.’ When he finished I was going to pray, but he put his hand on my shoulder and told me not to pray. ‘First, you do not believe He will; and second, I believe He has, and there is not need to pray.’ And, as George Müller said, the fog had lifted.”

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and came to our home nightly during the hour allocated for watching TV. His new-found faith soon surfaced before the eyes of his superiors, and he was expelled from the seminary and sent home in disgrace. Before he left, however, we had the joy of baptizing him, afterwards linking him with some missionary friends in Italy, where he became a blessing to many. The Lord had undoubtedly led us to the right place at the right time for this unforgettable case of conversion. As we continued in Hong Kong a fresh challenge presented itself in a refugee area, when the premises of the old Peace Clinic became vacant, and we began to think about moving there to start another work. Some felt it was not an ideal place to take a small family, but we kept praying, and the answer came in a most unexpected way. Our landlord gave us notice to leave the flat where we were living! He alleged he needed the flat for a relative coming from Taiwan, but we felt sure he intended to re-let the place at a much higher rent. To us, however, he was the Lord’s messenger. But that was not all. The premises to which we moved needed considerable renovations for the work we had in mind. Where was the money to come from? Again from a totally unexpected source. An aged sister in Northern Ireland had passed away and, because of some relatives who had been saved through my ministry, she had left us some money in her will. And how much? Just the right amount to cover our renovations. Thus the old clinic got a new lease of life but under a new name—On Fook Centre (On meaning “peace” in Chinese, and Fook meaning “blessing”). We turned it into a study center where high school students from the neighboring hillside shanties could come and do their homework in quietness. At the same time we gave them the gospel, and the Spirit began to work among them. Once saved, they had no desire to hurry back to their cramped homes. So we had nightly prayer and Bible studies with them, and it was just delightful to see their progress in spiritual things. Naturally we soon had thoughts of starting a new assembly, but hesitated at first on account of another group of Christians having begun to meet in a little bungalow nearby. We therefore asked the Lord for special guidance, and it came—in singular form. A truck ran out of control on a steep hill and plowed through the bungalow, resulting in its ultimate demolition and the site becoming a garbage collection point. This left us in no doubt about what our next step should be. As the On Fook believers continued to grow, our w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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children were also growing, and we decided the time had come to make a home for them in Australia. Again we looked to the Lord to guide and provide, for we had put all we had into the work in Hong Kong. In which city should we settle? Where could we find a home? Once more our heavenly Father solved the problem, and in a way which quite surprised us. While living temporarily in Brisbane, I was asked to speak at the funeral of an old sister who had always displayed a keen missionary interest. After the service, her son took me aside and enquired about our plans for the future and our need of a home. He explained that, because the city of Bundaberg was encroaching on his farm, he was going to sell some land and would soon be in a position to buy a house to put at our disposal. Here surely was a real answer to prayer, and a cause for much thanksgiving. So we settled in Bundaberg for a few years while I commuted regularly between Australia and the Far East. At the end of 1984, we stood at the crossroads yet again. We had always thought of returning to the mission field after our children had married and branched out in life on their own, and many possibilities were running through our minds. Malaysia? Hong Kong? Or elsewhere? There was also ample scope for an itinerant ministry throughout Australia. With such thoughts we sat down to breakfast on January 1, 1985. The phone rang—“a telegram with sad news.” Bill Decker, who had built up a fruitful school work in Hong Kong, had suddenly passed away. I returned to the table in a very pensive mood because, more than once during my periodic visits to Hong Kong, Mrs. Decker had enquired about the possibility of our returning to take over the school work and allow Bill and her to retire. Things now seemed to have fallen into place, and the words of Acts 16 came forcefully to mind: “we assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us.” With this assurance we were soon in Hong Kong again, administering the Decker Schools, and helping in other areas of work as well. Those last few years proved a real blessing to our hearts and, we believe, to others also. We are now listed as retired missionaries, but our God has not retired, nor will He change with the passage of time. Men come and go, but He remains. Our faith takes fresh courage from His enduring faithfulness. He guides, He provides, and He abides. His mercies in the past drown out all fears about the future. “This God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death” (Ps. 48:14). •

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God’s Sovereign Provision From an interview taken shortly before this veteran’s Homecall. Q: Tell us about some of your early experiences. A: I was saved on May 3, 1918, and two weeks later was baptized and received into the assembly at Donegal Road in Belfast. I was sixteen years of age at that time. In that same year I went to Harland and Wolf Shipyard and contracted for a five-year apprenticeship as a shipwright. But at the same time, during the five years I was in that apprenticeship, there was a Bible reading carried on by two men. Both of them belonged to area assemblies. For five years, every working day, I was at that Bible reading at lunch time. At the same time I engaged in Sunday school work and open air gospel work. That was where I learned to preach. A group would go off to the villages around Belfast and have open air meetings. Q: Did you have feelings then for the mission field? A: A short time after I was saved, I committed my life to the Lord for full-time service. I was very interested in pioneer gospel work. As a young Christian I heard Fred Lane give an account of a journey just before coming home on furlough. He told about an unreached tribe in Angola and asked for prayer that someone might be raised up to go to that place. That was the first seed planted in my heart about going to Angola.

Q: Now it is seventy years later. Do you still have the two half sovereigns?

Q: What happened then?

A: Yes, in all that time, I have never been in debt for one penny and I have never asked or even hinted about money to anyone. During World War II, there was eleven months when the Portuguese would not handle our mail. During all that time we never missed a meal. As I said, in seventy years, we have never been in debt for one penny to anybody. The story of the sovereigns was not known until at our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Mr. Fred MacKenzie had heard of it and asked me to tell the story. I was able to put my hand in my pocket and produce them for all to see. That night Dr. Bier was there, too, and he presented me with a tin of sardines. It is good to be able to look back and remember the faithfulness of God.

A: In October, 1923, I told the brethren of my exercise and shortly afterward they gave me a commendation to the work. I made preparations and booked passage to Portugal for language study. When I was getting on board ship to go to Portugal, Tommy Robinson was at the dock, bidding me goodbye. As he was shaking hands, he put two gold half sovereigns in my hand and said, “If you are ever down to your last penny, there is something to fall back on.” Q: What was a sovereign and what was it worth? A: It was the equivalent of one English pound and was then worth five American dollars. At that time, there

were several books that made a deep impression on my life. One was the book on George Müller written by A.T. Pierson. I was impressed that he had never asked for money even though he had all those orphans dependent on him. I felt that I would like to follow that example. I made up my mind then that never would I mention money needs. I was not known to anybody except a few people in the North of Ireland, mostly just those at the Donegal Road assembly, and it was just a small assembly of working-class people. After eleven months in Portugal, I had been able to gather the camping equipment I needed—a cot and a little tent. I also bought a case of sardines that were very cheap and thought that at least with sardines and African “mush,” I would not die of starvation. With £24 pounds that Donegal Road had sent me, I bought a third class ticket for Angola.

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A: Yes, I still have them. They are over one hundred years old now. Q: Don’t you think Tommy Robinson would be pleased to know that God has so cared for you that you have not needed to use them?

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Jehovah Jireh Some incidents in the lives of Wallace and Ruth Logan

“All dollar dealings suspended.” The message of the telegram was clear and it was enough to strike a cold, gnawing fear into any heart. The year was 1929, the time of the stock market crash. Six years before, Wallace and Ruth Logan had left their family and friends and also a thriving electrical contracting business in Buffalo, NY, to serve the Lord in a remote part of central Africa then known as Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). They had gone out without the promise of a penny from any individual or organization, looking to God alone to supply their needs. God had given them a family of three children and He had blessed their efforts among the Africans. Many had trusted Christ as Saviour. To meet the needs of a growing mission station, they had an extensive building program underway including the construction of a church building to seat 2000 people. Hired African workers would need payment at the end of the month. Now they held a telegram from their bank in Africa informing them that because of the unsound dollar, American money would no longer be honored. At that time all their financial support came from the United States and Canada. Not knowing how He would supply, they clung to God in faith trusting His promise in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Before the end of the month, when the workmen’s payroll was due, there came a check from a Christian they had never heard of in Ireland. The next month there was a gift from New Zealand, then Australia. And so it continued until the American financial crisis had sufficiently resolved so that banks in Africa would once again accept United States currency. Then, interestingly, the other sources quietly dried up. After that experience Mr. Logan would say, “Even if you quote Hebrews 13:5 backwards, it still holds true, ‘Thee forsake, nor thee leave never will I.’”

areas. One such extended trip was planned in the land lying to the west of the Zambezi River. In that remote region no fresh milk was available for their twin toddlers. The obvious answer was to take along powdered milk, but they had none and the nearest store was a 12 week round trip journey by river. Mr. and Mrs. Logan prayed, asking God to provide for the twins. At that time, the mail came by runner approximately every six weeks from the distant outpost of Broken Hill. The actual arrival, though, varied a great deal. The day before the long trek was to begin the runner arrived and in the mail bag was a package from a Christian woman in Canada. An accompanying note read, “Dear brother and sister Logan, I was downtown shopping buying milk for my baby when I thought of your twins and wondered if you might be glad of some too. I was planning on mailing it another day, but as I passed by a post office right in the store, the Lord seemed to say, ‘Why not mail it now?’ So I went right to the PO counter and mailed you the can of milk. I hope you receive it all right.” It was enough to last the whole time that they would be gone! Long before the need had arisen, the Lord had laid it on the heart of this woman to buy and send the powdered milk so that even with the slow mail traveling by boat, train, truck and finally for many miles on foot, it would arrive at exactly the right moment. The Lord even led her when to mail it. If she had purchased the milk, taken it home to wrap it, then mailed it at the usual post office a few days later, it would likely have

CANADIAN MILK DELIVERY—IN AFRICA! “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isa. 65:24). Their home base was Chavuma Mission but they would make evangelistic forays on foot to outlying w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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arrived too late. The timing of the Lord is perfect. THE LORD’S SPARE PARTS DEPARTMENT “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). There were no schools in that part of Africa in those early days. As their children grew, the problem arose regarding their education. The Lord answered this need for them and for many other missionaries through the opening of the Sakeji School which had two long terms a year. Of necessity, this had to be a boarding school. The 1200 mile round trip was taken four times yearly over rough dirt roads. On one occasion, the Logans were making this journey in their pickup truck. Being hundreds of miles from the nearest town, Mr. Logan would carry spare truck parts for things that were liable to break down. On this particular trip the vehicle sputtered and came to a stop. In the hot African sun he raised the hood and, as persistent honey flies buzzed around his head, he checked things out. He found that the fuel pump had chosen that moment to end its useful life. No problem, he had a spare one. When he tried to install it, however, there was no way it would fit. He had been sold the wrong size. Now what should he do? They were many miles from help on this remote African road. His young family was vulnerable. How would God provide here? The insects continued to buzz…but what was that other sound? Some of the children put their ears to the ground, African fashion, then excitedly said, “A car’s coming!” Yes, now there was the distinct hum of an approaching vehicle. As it pulled up they recognized the driver, an agnostic acquaintance. “What’s the problem?” “My fuel pump has broken and the spare one that I have is the wrong size,” Mr. Logan replied. “I have a spare pump,” responded the acquaintance, “but I’m afraid it won’t fit your truck since my vehicle is a different make and model. By the way, you should make sure you have the right part before you get out into the middle of nowhere!” “You’re right,” said Mr. Logan, “but I know the Lord will provide for us.” Unable to be of assistance, the man drove off. But shortly he was back. “In the outside chance that my fuel pump might just happen to fit your GMC pickup,” he suggested, “let me just check it.” He got it out and found to his astonishment that it was the wrong pump

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for his own vehicle, but exactly the right one for the Logan’s truck! The man exclaimed, “I wish I had a bit of Logan’s luck.” Mr. Logan replied, “You do not need ‘Logan’s luck,’ but what you do need is Logan’s God.” Soon the pump was installed and the family was on its way again. A LAKE JUST FOR US On another occasion they were hundreds of miles from their mission station, stranded in the sizzling African heat. The faithful GMC pickup had come to a stop with a horrible, grinding sound from the wheel bearing. The burnt smell in the air confirmed their fears—they could not move. In this particular section of Africa vehicles seldom traveled and it could be weeks before another might pass by. What was the family going to do? The gravity of their plight was apparent when they found that the back-up drinking water bag had developed a leak and had lost all of its precious contents. The bag which they had been using through the morning was almost empty. Mrs. Logan wisely rationed out the remaining life-sustaining liquid in teaspoons, but it wasn’t enough. The relentless African sun beat down without mercy on the forlorn group. Behind them lay many miles where there had been no rivers. Before them the distance to the nearest river was unknown. Running out of drinking water is not a pleasant experience. One’s mind thinks of similar instances. An elder from the assembly back at the mission station at Chavuma went on a trip, lost his way on a vast African plain, and ran out of water. Search parties found him on the third day close to death. It was said that his tongue had swelled up so much that he could not speak. As Mr. Logan was dismantling the burnt wheel bearing which had turned blue with heat, somber faces of the little children reflected their serious plight. “Mother,” said Paul, “are you sure there’s no more water?” The words tugged at the heart of the courageous missionary. Mother Logan was a godly woman who knew how to rise above trials. She had taught her children to look up instead of around. In an effort to cheer up the children, she got them singing choruses. However, this became a problem with their dry throats. The next thing she did was to put into practice the Scriptures, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you.” She gathered the children around in A P R I L

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a circle and each one prayed. What a never-to-be-forgotten prayer meeting! The earnestness of that prayer group of young and old in the burning sun left an indelible impression on the lives of the missionary kids. What a heritage she was passing on to her children! Although the wording of each prayer differed, the theme was the same, “Lord, we are desperate, please direct us to where we can find water and another wheel bearing.” This was one prayer meeting where no one stayed home to do homework. After prayer the group looked up the road and were delighted to see a bicyclist approaching. The children clapped their hands gleefully. “Look! The Lord has answered our prayer!” The cyclist was asked if there were any rivers in the direction from which he had come. His reply brought a dejected silence, “No, there are no rivers around here.” The disappointment written in their eyes was agonizing. What does one do when one prays and the heavens appear to be still, silently mocking? But this was a good opportunity for this missionary couple to demonstrate to their children in a practical way that God wants us to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Back to prayer they went. There was not flowery wording; no words to impress others. Hearts earnestly besought God’s help in this desperate situation. In fact, it seemed that they almost forgot the presence of the others and each one sensed the closeness of the Lord. The quietness was abruptly interrupted with a shot. “Look up ahead! Can you see what I see?” In the distance a traveler was walking toward them. The obvious question went through each of their minds, “If there are no nearby rivers, how and where would this pedestrian find water for his journey?” The group of stranded travelers, who had earnestly prayed, could hardly wait. The man confirmed that there were no rivers nearby. However, the next bit of news electrified the hearts of all. He went on to say that a short distance ahead, but off the road in the forest, was a lake where hunters were camping. He was willing to lead the missionary family there. Coming out to that hunter’s camp on the lake side was the most beautiful sight in the world! The hunters w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

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gave them drinking water, took them in their truck to their destination, and then took a long journey out of their way to obtain a replacement bearing. Regardless of the trials that God entrusts to His people, He does not forget those who live by faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). THE IDEAL TRAVEL AGENT In 1951, there were nine in the Logan family and it was time for furlough. The chapel at Chavuma Mission had needed major repairs and, as much as possible, all available funds had been poured into these renovations. It was the firm conviction of Wallace and Ruth Logan to neither ask for money nor to make financial needs known to anyone except God alone. They took Him at His Word in Philippians 4:6, “Let your requests be made known unto God.” They believed that changing the word “God” to “man” would deprive them of the joy of seeing God answer in His own special way. Enough funds were available for the family to drive 500 miles to the nearest train station and to take the train another 2,500 miles to the port city of Capetown. While in South Africa, God provided the wherewithal to take the ship to Southampton, England. Again while there the needed money, with little left over, was supplied to get the family to the United States. The ship docked in New York and the family was delighted to be met by some believers in Christ who through the years had been praying for the Lord’s work in central Africa. When the luggage was reclaimed on the dock, there was a fee of twenty-four dollars and a few cents. Mr. Logan looked in his wallet. There were four dollars and some change, but that was it. Wondering what to do next, he sighed and rested his hands in his coat pockets. He felt a piece of paper and recalled that one of the Christians who had met them had handed it to him. Pulling it out, he found it was a twenty dollar bill. Handing the money to the official, he said, “There’s your twenty-four dollars and twentytwo cents.” It was not long afterward that the Lord very wonderfully provided a new nine-passenger, six-door De Soto sedan in which the whole family could travel while on furlough. God is great enough for the biggest of needs. But He can also handle the smallest detail. “There hath not failed one word of all His good promises” (1 Ki. 8:56). •

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Pioneer Provisions He’s also the God of the tough times.

In the spring of 1905 we moved permanently to Alberta to live and labor as the Lord would be pleased to lead and use us. My wife, family and I had a pleasant journey and arrived hail and hearty in Edmonton. It was not long before we settled down to the stern realities of life in new undeveloped country, where there are scarcely any railroads, and where the people had taken homesteads as far distant as one hundred miles from any railroad or town. First thing we did was to get a small four-room cottage beside a vacant lot in a suitable location. On this lot I pitched the gospel tent. Brother C. J. Baker of Kansas City not only supplied the tent, but also a large box containing thousands of copies of John’s Gospel, Two Roads and Two Destinies, and a variety of good gospel tracts, so I was well equipped for summer work. I erected the tent and began early in July. While at times faith was tried, God was with me and I had the peculiar joy of knowing I was where others had never been, and I saw signs following from the very beginning. On Saturday I would preach on the street, and every other night in the tent. Good companies attended and numbers were saved. Among the first was a young man and his wife. They were a pair of runaways from the middle States, where they kept a hotel and had financially failed. Like Onesimus who had run away from his master, the young man and his wife had run away from the relatives to whom they owed money. But they ran into the gospel in Edmonton and were saved. No one where they formerly lived knew where they had gone, but the Lord followed them, and they were living in a little tent only a block away from where the gospel tent was located. They attended the meetings every night, and before the second week was over, this young man and his wife were saved and were very happy in knowing

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their sins forgiven. She wrote to her mother in the U. S., who proved to be a Christian. The dear mother poured out her heart in her letter in reply, thanking God for not only letting her know where her daughter was, but most of all for saving her. This young man owned a beautiful team of horses and was working for the fastgrowing city of Edmonton making streets, and earning good wages. That autumn he showed me a draft for $500.00 he was sending back to the United States to pay some of his debt. Like Zacchaeus, upon receiving Jesus as his Saviour, he became a new creature in Christ Jesus and desired to show it by making his financial matters right. When people are saved by grace they are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). This was only the beginning of showers of blessing to follow. Meetings increased in numbers and interest. One of the things that was very difficult for the people to understand was how I lived, since I never took any collections. Several who attended the meetings made inquiry as to this. My reply was, “I have wireless telegraphy and sent the messages up to headquarters, from where they were dispatched, the Lord moving on the hearts of His people to have fellowship in His work, as carried on by the Lord in this scriptural way.” During that first summer we were, on more than one occasion, reduced until our financial supplies were gone when He met our need in a most miraculous way. Let me give you a few instances. In and around Selkirk, Manitoba, there lived a number of native peoples. Some of these had gone west, and among them were two men who went four hundred miles north of Edmonton where they operated a trading post. They supplied the Indians with food stuffs and clothes in trade for furs. A P R I L

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Twice a year those men would come to Edmonton— every spring with their furs, and every fall for supplies. The means of transportation was by wagon to Athabaska Landing, a distance of one hundred miles, and then by boat up the river. These men were descendants of Scotsmen who came to the west over one hundred years ago in the employ of the the Hudson Bay

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Company, and who had married Indian women. One night during our meeting these two fur traders came into the tent and sat down near the door. One of them was a big man weighing almost 300 pounds. After the meeting was dismissed, and the rest of the people had gone, these two men remained seated. I went to them and inquired where they were from, and

A Seasoned Pioneer Lets Us Have It While evangelists often fail by spending their time in assemblies instead of going into new territory, I have no doubt there are contributing causes, one of which is dependence on assemblies rather than on the Lord who sends them. This develops a system something like the denominations, that is, preaching and being paid for it. This does not entail living by dependence on the Lord, producing the strong spiritual character evidenced in those who were used in the early days of pioneer work. If one goes out into the world to evangelize, one will have trials of faith like Paul. He will know what it is to be abased and to abound, and to be full and to suffer need (Phil. 4:12). But that which casts one upon the Lord results in our spiritual good. However, there are two sides to every question. The assemblies also have their responsibility to act before the Lord intelligently as good stewards. Too often failure in evangelists not going out in pioneer work is because the assembly fails to think of those who are thus engaged. The assembly at Philippi in so many ways has for all time set a good example for other assemblies to follow. Although there were a number of other assemblies, Paul could say when he departed to Macedonia (which was new territory), “No church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Phil. 4:15). How this gift had cheered and comforted him as he was there carrying the gospel into the regions beyond. If the assemblies of today were more exercised in the matter of having fellowship with the work of the Lord in new places, it would have a two-fold effect. First, it would discourage the practice of men spending all their time in the assemblies, and second, encourage and stimulate pioneer work. Preachers are plentiful, but the harvest is great and the laborers are few. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

send forth laborers (not preachers) into His harvest” (Lk. 10:2), and let the assemblies be consistently scriptural in supporting such work. When nations go to war, the troops at the front are supplied by the people at home. So in connection with the work of the Lord we read, “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof?…Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written…” (see 1 Cor. 9:7-10). This is very plain language. Just as the laboring ox treading out the corn is not muzzled so he can eat the fruit of his labor, that he may be strong to continue his work, so with one laboring for the Lord in the gospel. When souls are saved and assemblies formed, the one whom the Lord has used should be ministered to by the assembly, as he goes on into other new fields. How often have we seen the sad spectacle of one laboring hard, only to be forgotten by those who were the fruit of his labor. When a true evangelist goes into new territory, he has travel expenses and his board to pay. He has gone forth for the sake of the name, taking nothing of the Gentiles, (3 Jn. 7), and it is his privilege and responsibility to do so in obedience to his Lord’s command. On the other hand, it is the responsibility and privilege of the Lord’s people in the assemblies to support the work thus carried on, that the gospel be not hindered. “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” (Ps. 126:5-6). —J. J. Rouse in Pioneer Work in Canada •

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they told me. I then asked them if they were children of God, and they said they were. They told me they once lived near Selkirk, Manitoba, and had come west, and how some old associates of theirs still living in Selkirk had been saved and had sent them some gospel papers. God had blessed His Word in these tracts to their salvation away in this remote part. This is surely great encouragement for tract distributors! During the terrible winter of 1889-1890, Alfred Goff and Richard Varder were preaching the gospel at a place called Poplar Point, MB, on the shore of Lake Winnipeg. Some miles beyond this was Balsam Bay. A resident of that place wanted to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his wedding, and to do this properly he considered he needed two gallons of whiskey, so he started for Selkirk—twenty-eight miles away—to obtain the liquor. The first day he reached Poplar Point where his parents and other family members lived. He decided to break the trip there. As it happened, his journey took him by the house where the gospel was being preached. That night he was saved, as the preacher spoke of “Christ, the Bread of Life.” Imagine his joy when he discovered that his brother and sister-in-law had been saved the night before! So instead of going on to Selkirk for the whiskey, the next morning he requested the preachers to come back with him. They agreed and so instead of two gallons of whiskey, he brought two preachers to help celebrate the anniversary of his marriage by having a gospel meeting in his home. Brethren Goff and Varder continued there for some weeks and many souls were saved and an assembly formed. Many believers from this family are in fellowship in Winnipeg-area assemblies to this day. It was from here the tracts came out to these men four hundred miles north of Edmonton, which were used in their salvation. We sat and talked for a while, and I took them into the house to meet my wife. As they left that night, the largest one of the two left $50. How wonderful are God’s workings and His ways past finding out. Our need was abundantly met. On another occasion when the supplies were low, I sat one day on the bank overlooking the Saskatchewan River from the street. There had been a rain that caused little streamlets to run over the bank. As I sat there

looking down over the bank, I saw a strange looking piece of paper with one end of it sticking in the mud. I bent down to see what it was and to my great surprise, I found it to be a $10 bill, and our need was again supplied. Who can have experiences like these and not have their faith in God strengthened and confirmed? I continued the tent meetings into October by putting baseboard all around the tent, tacking the canvas down to it, and by using safety pins to fasten the eave of the roof, also by getting a load of prairie hay or wool, as it is called, and spreading it over the tent floor, and covering this with burlap so that our floor was comfortably carpeted. I also put in a stove, so we were very comfortable in the tent until the real cold weather set in. Then we rented a little hall, seating about 125 people, into which we transferred the tent seats and stove, and in which we also built a tank to baptize people. Quite a number were baptized, and the assembly began to meet in Edmonton. In this hall we carried on meetings during the winter with further blessing, and there we had our first conference at Christmas time. Next spring the heavy tide of immigration began to flow. It was during this year also that the Canadian Northern Railroad came, which was the first railway to enter the city. A branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway came north to Strathcona on the south side of the river before this. Thousands of people flocked into the country in the spring and summer of 1907. Most of them went out to homesteads, while others remained in the city. The assembly was soon double in size by the arrival of Christian immigrants, and now there was plenty of gift to carry on without me. I continued travelling from place to place, preaching the wonderful Word of God. In a matter of a few short years, country which had so recently been a wild prairie soon became populated, and several assemblies of Christians gathering in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ were to be found.

THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CONFERENCE IN TORONTO JANUARY 1-4, 2003. DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT, BUT PLEASE KEEP IT IN MIND FOR YOUR LONG-RANGE PLANS AND PRAYERS.

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CAMEL’S HAIR & LOCUSTS Do clothes make the man? Is it true that you are what you eat?

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Considering the fact that John the Baptist was the greatest man born of women, little is told us about him, but we do know what he wore and what he ate. Usually we would say that it does not matter what people eat or wear. You cannot tell much if anything about what Noah, Moses or Paul wore, or about what Samuel or David ate, but in John’s case it is important enough that Scripture focuses on these details. John was “in the the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel” (Lk. 1:80) and “had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey.” Evidently there is a lesson here in the life of a man “filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.” For John, being in the desert meant being alone with God. It appears that this isolation in the desert was not forced on John. His parents had lived in society. But John was determined to keep himself uncorrupted and unspoiled by the prevailing attitudes in the surrounding society. And this self-imposed solitude showed in his demeanor. If his focus had been on acceptance by the world, he would have dressed differently; and if his focus had been on pleasing his natural appetites, he would have eaten differently. Instead he shunned luxury. His lifestyle was characterized by practicality, self-denial and contentedness. The clothing was durable and the food nourishing. He ate and wore what was close at hand. And while his menu was limited, we assume that John was not a complainer. “With food and raiment” John was content. When fame came to John, he did not alter his priorities or practices. He was not swayed by the winds of popularity. As a result, Herod’s court utterly failed to drape upon John their soft raiment. Had John succumbed to the debilitating self-indulgent influences of Herod’s court, he could never have spoken for God as he did. From our Lord’s praise of John we gather that he maintained his habits of self-denial to the last. Time spent with God, being filled by God, being taught in the school of God, walking with God, and being led by God were the reason for his resolve. True communion with God necessarily molds our habits of life. This attitude today will set a man apart as much as it set John apart in his day. And while the w w w . u p l o o k . o r g

details of John’s situation are unique, still the great idea applies now as ever. I know there is a reader who will object that the uniqueness of John disqualifies him as an example. John was extreme. Granted. His lifestyle was as extreme as was his communion with God. But “every man who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things” and certainly in that “all things” is included how we dress and what we eat. As a rule, holy men and women we have known are modest, practical, disciplined, and happy. By contrast we read about the fleshly, self-indulgent woman, that “she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.” Like the whore Babylon, who “has glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her.” “Woe unto you that are rich! for you have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for you shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for you shall mourn and weep.” It is to believers like John that our Lord is able to say, “Blessed are you poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now: for you shall be filled,” and “I know your poverty, but you are rich.”

John A. Bjorlie •

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I surely can witness to the faithfulness of God through the 70 or more years I have spent in the Lord’s work. The truth of Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” has certainly been proved over and over again in our lives, to His glory—even during the early years of the Great Depression. One strange experience stands out. In 1935, my wife had major surgery, and the doctor told me to be sure she had eggs for breakfast to help her restore strength. We had such little income in those days we could not afford that. Believe it or not, some neighbor’s chicken—which neighbor, I don’t know—strayed every morning into our yard, made a nest, and laid a fresh egg each day during her convalescence. I asked no questions “for conscience sake” (1 Cor. 10:25) but my wife had a fresh egg every day while recuperating. Love in Christ, John Bramhall