Memory Verse: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
Dear Brother: You will be surprised to hear from me. It is now two years since I entered the Gospel Hall, and, thank God, I was saved that night. I shall never forget it. My conversion was most wonderful. Seven days before I was saved, I tried to take my life, but God kept me from doing so.
I remember I quarreled with my mother because she would not let me go to dances and shows; but I was determined and very worldly, so I told her I would leave home and she would never see me any more. I took the last train at night for the city where I thought I would not be seen, leaving behind all those who were dear to me.
When I got off at the station, I was quite taken up with the gaiety of the city. I was sure I would soon get plenty of companions, which I soon did. I got a job where I could get out almost every night, and I went in for everything that was worldly. There was scarcely a night that I wasn’t at a theater or a dance. I never gave a thought for my little home in the country, where a dear mother was praying to God to bring her wandering child back to her. Nor did I think of the many who were looking for me in vain.
Things went smoothly for three years without my parents knowing my whereabouts. Then my job ran out and I was left in the big city with a tarnished character, without a friend, and no money. I had wasted all my earnings on companions who turned their back on me when my money was spent. Then a dear woman I had known gave me a week’s lodging. I went to my room, threw myself on my bed and cried. Forsaken and alone, all the world seemed against me. Never in those three years had I thought of uttering a prayer or cry to God, until I was penniless and in utter despair. I had led a wicked life, and now the time had come, I thought, for God to punish me.
I was in this condition for seven days, and the last day happened to be Sunday. I could not sleep all night, and prayed asking God to forgive me for all I had done. When dawn came, I decided to end it all, but even as I walked up the street that day, I met a friend who asked me to go with her to the gospel meeting, which I did.
Never shall I forget that night, for I still hear the words of the preacher, “Prepare to meet thy God! This night thy soul shall be required of thee!” I was struck dumb at the words, but his message seemed to get sweeter, until he came to another text: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9.
I gave myself to the Saviour right then and there, and He did not turn me away, thank God. I went on my way rejoicing in the knowledge that my sins were forgiven, Jesus had saved me, and I was on my way home to heaven.
That same night I wrote home, asking Mother to forgive me. I was very anxious to get a letter back from her, but one never came; she came herself instead. Never shall I forget that day when we met after the long absence. She threw her arms around my neck, and cried bitterly. It was a joyful meeting.
I came home after that, but it was only to see her die. I had broken her poor heart. She is in heaven now, and many a time I sit down and cry when I think of all the bad I had done and the sorrow it caused Mother. But I know the Lord has forgiven me. I am trusting in His precious blood and am sure I shall meet Mother in heaven one day.
Now, dear brother, may God bless you and spare you long to preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. I remain, Your sister in our soon-coming Lord, L.I.
ML-09/02/1979