Page 15 - Living Epistles

In 1923 Brother Weigh Kwang-hsi invited me to preach in Kien-ou in the
north of Fukien province. I had only about fifteen dollars in my pocket,
one-third of the traveling expenses. I decided to leave on Friday evening and
continued my prayer on Wednesday and Thursday. The money, however, did
not come in. I prayed again Friday morning. Not only was no money
forthcoming, but also I had a feeling within that I should give five dollars to
a certain co-worker. I recalled the Lord's words: "Give, and it will be given to
you." I had not been a money lover, but on that day I really loved money and
found it extremely difficult to give. I prayed to the Lord again, "O Lord, if You
really want me to give away five dollars, I will," but I was still rather unwilling
inwardly. I was deceived by Satan into thinking that after praying I would not
have to give away the five dollars. That was the only time in my life that I shed
tears over money. Eventually, I obeyed the Lord and gave the five dollars to
that co-worker. After the money was given, I was filled with heavenly joy.
When the co-worker asked why I gave him the money, I said, "You need not
ask; you will know later."

Friday evening I prepared to begin my journey. I said to God, "Fifteen dollars
was already insufficient, and You wanted me to give away five dollars. Won't
the sum be even more inadequate? Now I don't know how to pray." I made up
my mind to go first to Shui-Kow by steamer and then to Kien-ou by a small
wooden boat. I spent only a little for the journey to Shui-Kow. As the steamer
was about to arrive, I felt that if I would not pray according to my own
concept, the result would be much better. So I said to the Lord, "I do not know
how to pray; please do it for me." I added, "If You will not give me the money,
please provide a boat for me with a little fare."

When I arrived in Shui-Kow, many boatmen came to solicit business. One
asked only seven dollars for my passage. This price was beyond expectation;
the usual fare was several times more. I asked the boatman why his price was
so low, and he replied, "This boat is hired by the magistrate, but I am allowed
to take one passenger only for the space at the stern, so I do not care how
much the fare is. But you have to provide your own food." Originally, I had
fifteen dollars in my pocket. After giving five dollars to a co-worker and
spending a few dimes for the journey by steamer, seven dollars for the small
wooden boat, and a dollar or so for food, there was still a dollar thirty left
when I reached Kien-ou. Thank the Lord! Praise Him that His ordering is
always good.

After I completed my work at Kien-ou and was ready to return to Foochow, the