Albert was a bright-faced young man in his late teens when he came to the small college town to complete his education. His high scholastic record, abetted by his athletic prowess while in high school, were good indications that this was a student who would "make the grade.”
Not far from the college lived a couple with an only son, also a "teen-ager," who, his parents felt, would benefit by close association with an energetic Christian youth. To further this thought, they registered with the college, expressing their desire to open their home to a deserving young man of this type.
Some days went by before an applicant appeared. It was Albert who presented himself to the lady of the house. As she received him, she was favorably impressed by his deportment and general appearance. However, on questioning him, she soon learned that he came from a home where, since his mother's death, thoughts of God and eternity had no place. In fact, the lad himself had only a vague idea of what he called "religion." Disappointment showing on her face, the lady exclaimed: "But I asked for a Christian!”
"Well," came the hopeful answer, "I don't smoke!”
Smiling to herself at this ingenious rejoinder, the lady had a sudden thought. Had the Lord sent this young man to her for his blessing? perhaps being in a Christian home where he would be continually exposed to the Word of God in family worship and in attendance at gospel meetings, his heart would be opened to the knowledge and love of God. He might even be led to accept the Lord Jesus as his Savior.
And indeed that proved to be the case. Received into this Christian home as one of them, Albert quickly adjusted to their way of life, and before long became a true follower of the lowly Nazarene.
In the joy of his salvation, the young man's thoughts turned to the dear ones at home, and he sought to awaken in their hearts a sense of their need of a Savior; but Satan, the god of this world, had indeed blinded their minds to the eternal truths. However, when his brother later visited Albert in the little college town, and saw for himself the full and happy life that was now his as a Christian, a deep longing for similar satisfaction was awakened in his soul. Surely the blessed Spirit of God had begun a good work in him, a work destined for completion after many days.
Years passed, and the young student, grown to manhood, became a teacher in a neighboring school. In the meantime God had blessed him with a sweet Christian wife and a loveable young family to bring up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He sought to be faithful to the Giver of all good, and constantly prayed for the salvation of those so dear to him by nature's ties. He knew that his brother had realized his lost condition when the gospel had been set before him, and that his father's attitude towards God and His dear Son had softened somewhat in the intervening years; but how he longed to have the certainty of their eternal salvation! Confident that his prayers for them were according to the mind of God who is "not willing that any should perish" but that all should come to a knowledge of the truth, Albert bore them up continually at the throne of grace.
One cold wintry morning just before day, the jangle of the telephone bell aroused Albert and his sleeping family. What could it mean? Good news? Bad news? Most likely, "wrong number." Grumpily sliding out from under the warm covers, the half-awake professor mumbled into the receiver a grumpy "Hello"!
Quickly his grumpiness vanished as he recognized the happy voice of his brother. "Al, I had to call and tell you the good news before I go to work. I'm saved! Thank God, I know I'm saved; and I know you will be as glad as I am. I'll be writing to tell you all about it, but I had to let you know as soon as possible. Now we can pray for each other—no longer a one-sided affair.”
It was a happy "Al" who went back to bed to await the dawn of a new day and the promised letter. As he lay there, his heart was full of gratitude to God for His long-suffering and grace in thus bringing his dear brother unto Himself.
Not long afterward the expected letter arrived, giving Albert the heart-warming details of the work of the Holy Spirit in his brother's family. He read:
My Dear Brother:
As you know, it was many years ago when I was first introduced to Christ. From that day in Brighton to a few days ago here, I have traveled a troubled path of doubt and indecision— of trying to believe in God and to hang on to Christ without letting go of sin— of knowing there must be a living God, and yet letting Satan deceive me, through my own conceit and foolishness, with doubting that He could exist. Now, praise to His name, my doubts are gone and my path is clear. As I entered the baptismal waters last night I prayed that the Lord would relieve me of my doubts and fears and help me to hold fast the truth.
I must say that since that day in Brighton the Spirit of God has never given me up. The Lord stayed with me, although I rejected Him again and again. Like a spoiled child I would cry to Him when I was troubled, and forget Him when He showed me His mercy. This breaks my heart to remember, but He proved His faithfulness.
Here's how it all came to a head: My children had been attending a little Chapel in the West End, most of them undoubtedly for a picnic or outing now and then; but the oldest, Sonny, seemed to be so earnest and happy there, and requested time and again that Mother and I go with them. In our shame we finally went, first Mother, and then at her request I went too.
The first hymn sung was "Life Is Like a Mountain Railroad"; and, brother, I could feel the Holy Spirit there. I could almost hear our dear Mother, for I remember, even after all these years, that song was dear to her. Al, that is probably the poorest congregation in the world in material things; but when they raise their voices in song' there is none richer in spirit. This song took me back many years "years that the locusts have eaten.”
Soon afterward some of the brothers came to visit us, and last week the pastor came. I asked him if he would baptize me. To my surprise, mother had already asked him to baptize her, and so we made it a family affair.
The rest I have told you. I know your prayers have been with me all these years and I have loved you and thought of you so much all the time, although you couldn't know it from my actions.
May God bless you for your patience and love, and may He comfort and encourage you and your family. Pray for us, and write to us as soon as you can.
Your brother indeed, in Christ, George
Dear Al and Family:
I am so happy to be able to tell you that we have given our lives and hearts to God. I didn't realize one could be so happy. I don't feel like the same person, and I want to tell everyone what they are missing if they don't know Christ.
Sonny had been going to this mission for a long time. Suddenly he stopped going and stayed away for several weeks. One Saturday night I told him I was going with him the next morning to get him started back again. He answered me with a question, "What do you think I've been waiting for?”
I feel that God was directing in Sonny's seeming disinterest in the little mission and used my concern for him to stir me up to a sense of responsibility. As a result my dear husband and I are saved, and we all go as a family. I am so thankful to God for this.
Remember us in your prayers, as we do you and yours in ours. May God bless you always.
Your sister in Christ, Mary