FROM THE moving caboose I noticed a man standing beside the rails, his arm stretched out. We were riding slowly down the track in the Irving Railroad yard on a through-freight to Sherman.
As it was obvious he had something for us, as we approached I held out my hand. In it he left a small metal coin. I turned it over to look at both sides. I had never seen anything like it before. I was flabbergasted!
While in the Service I lived in sinful ways. Many times I wanted God, but I realize now I didn’t find Him because I wanted myself more. I didn’t want to give myself up.
Back in civilian life I began work on the Frisco Railroad. At this time I became very much depressed. One day it even occurred to me that suicide was the way out. I mulled it over, trying to think how to take my life without causing embarrassment to my family.
Then I met Utah Rogers. It was he who gave me the coin that day on the caboose. It had no monetary value but was covered with fine type. I read the words.
“My, my,” I said to myself, “this is really something!” I was kind of flabbergasted, you know. Yet at the same time I was encouraged.
That was the beginning. Utah Rogers began handing me coins and literature whenever he’d see me. I really didn’t know what to think of him. But I was interested in this type of individual because it seemed he knew what he was talking about. Besides, he was so sincere, kind and helpful.
I decided to change my way of life and try to play the role of a Christian. I went to church and took my family. I actually became one of the leaders in the church, but all the time I knew I wasn’t right.
Utah kept plugging away at me. Finally one day I decided to do what the coin advised, and call on the Lord Jesus Christ for help. I realized I had come to the end. There was nothing I could do to help myself, but the Lord Jesus had done it all for me. He was just waiting for me to give in to Him.
Do you know, as soon as I called on Him He came into my heart just as he said He would. I knew right then that I had eternal life and that I was saved. The load of guilt was lifted. My sins were gone forever.
It was a battle, but I had it out with the Lord and I have been a happy man ever since. He speaks to my heart as I read my Bible each day.
It’s the most wonderful thing in the world to have a Saviour and Friend like Jesus.
Utah and I are co-workers for the Lord on the Frisco and we want others to know and love Christ too, to possess eternal life.
On the railroad we don’t have a regular schedule, but we often stop what we are doing and say “Let’s gather around and give thanks to the Lord.”
I find there is real encouragement in this. My strength comes from the Lord.
The Christian Railroader
ML-09/16/1973