A missionary living in Kashmir, North India, had received a shock. He had been informed that his permit in the country would not be renewed, and he had to leave in three months time.
He had planned to do so much, and what was especially on his heart was a visit to Tibet with the Tibetan Gospel of John which had just been printed. Could he make the journey before he had to leave Kashmir?
He worked it out that the journey would take him six weeks, so he decided to go. Preparations were made, and he set off with his camp cot, a sleeping bag, some roasted barley flour, and the precious Gospels for the people of Tibet.
After traveling for three days the unexpected happened. A police offer caught up with him and showed him a written order from the Chief. He was ordered to return home and not to go to Tibet. He had to obey orders, and feeling sick at heart he returned to the mission station.
He then prepared to leave Kashmir. Leaving the hundreds of Gospels at the mission station, he told those who remained behind that the opportunity might come when the books could be given away. Little did they know how God was planning the distribution of the Gospels.
Two weeks after the missionary had left, four hundred Tibetans arrived in the area to do three months military training. A lady missionary who was still at the mission station gave some of the new soldiers a Gospel of John. The news spread like wildfire, and soon all the soldiers crowded into the station to get a copy of the Gospel. Then they came back to hear a gospel message, and listened attentively.
After hearing the message of the Gospel and had all received their booklets, they were ordered to appear before the garrison commander. He told them that plans had been changed, and the order to do their military training had been canceled. They were no longer wanted, and could return home. So it was that each soldier returned home carrying in his breast pocket the precious Gospel telling them of God’s love and of His way of salvation.
The missionary had been spared the long, dangerous journey into Tibet. Instead the Tibetans had come to Kashmir and were able to hear the Gospel and received the printed Gospel of John.
Truly “God’s way is the best way, He knoweth best.”
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Stories From Other Lands
ML-02/26/1978