Page 16 - Living Epistles

problem arose again: I did not have sufficient funds for traveling expenses to
return. I had decided to leave on the following Monday, so I continued praying
until Saturday. This time I had a feeling of certainty in my heart, recalling that
before I left Foochow, God had asked me to give five dollars to a co-worker,
which I then begrudged giving. At that time I read Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will
be given to you," and I laid hold of this sentence. I said to God, "Since You
have said this, I beseech You to provide me with the necessary money for
traveling expenses according to Your promise."

On Sunday evening a British pastor, Mr. Philips, a true brother, assuredly
saved and loving the Lord, asked Brother Weigh and me to dinner. At dinner
Mr. Philips told me that he and his church had received great help through my
messages, and they offered to be responsible for my traveling expenses both
ways. I replied that there was already someone who had accepted this
responsibility, meaning God. Then he said, "When you get back to Foochow,
I will give you The Dynamic of Service written by Mr. Paget Wilkes, a gospel
messenger greatly used by the Lord in Japan." I soon felt that I had missed a
great opportunity; what I needed then was money for traveling expenses, not
a book. I somewhat regretted that I had not accepted his offer.

After dinner Brother Weigh and I returned home together. I had refused Mr.
Philips's offer for my traveling expenses so that I might look solely to God for
help; nevertheless, there was joy and peace in my heart. Brother Weigh was
unaware of my financial situation. I had a slight thought of borrowing money
from him for my expenses and then reimbursing him when I returned to
Foochow, but God would not allow me to divulge this matter to him. I was
under full conviction that God in heaven is forever dependable, and I wished
to see how He was going to provide for me.

When I left the following day, I had only a few dollars in my pocket. Many
brothers and sisters came to see me off, and some carried my luggage. While
walking I prayed, "Lord, surely You wouldn't bring me here without taking me
back." Halfway to the wharf, Mr. Philips sent someone with a letter. The letter
read, "Though someone else has assumed the responsibility for your traveling
expenses, I feel that I should have a share in your work here. Would it be
possible for me, an aged brother, to have such a share? Please be good enough
to accept this small sum for this purpose." After reading the letter, I felt I
should accept the money, and I did. It was not only sufficient for my return
expenses to Foochow, but also for printing one issue of The Present
Testimony.