Last month we promised to tell some current instances of the gospel being spread by the young men who are today in the various branches of government service. Letters of the alphabet will, of course, be substituted for the names of the men, and names of camps and locations must be left out for obvious reasons. We will begin with the case of A.
About seven or eight years ago, A. was saved. He was only a boy then. Now he is a young man, and in the army. While still living at home on the farm he had opportunities to speak of his Saviour to some he met. But he probably little thought that before long he would have the opportunity and courage to address a large crowd of men—possibly all unsaved. His case is only one of many that shows how God has used the present conflict and consequent scattering for the spreading of the gospel.
After his induction into the army, A. was sent to a large western camp. His valued Bible and hymn book were taken along. In camp he soon found another Christian in the same barrack, and the two young men had some happy fellowship together over the Bible.
One evening A. and his new companion sat in one end of their barrack reading their Bibles aloud, each taking his turn. This proceeded for a while almost unnoticed by the others in the barrack. At last a few noticed the two Christians reading, and went over close enough to be within hearing distance. This was the signal for more to come and listen; finally, all but two or three of the men were lined up listening to the Bible reading. The two or three had laughed and gone out.
Lifting his eyes from his Bible, and seeing his attentive audience, A. felt that he must use this opportunity to give them the gospel.
Calmly and quietly, A. told them of the love of God, and of the Saviour who died on the cross. The Lord gave him the needed courage and the words to speak. There, in one end of the barrack A. was preaching the Word, and telling lost souls of the only means of salvation. The men were reverent and respectful as the young Christian faithfully witnessed a good confession.
For the present, we shall have to leave the results with Him whose Word it is, and who has promised that His Word shall not return unto Him void (Isa. 55:11). We might even while here on earth learn of blessing from that testimony rendered by A., but who can tell how much fruit there will be displayed in that coming day in glory?
Now, dear fellow-Christian, let us not forget to pray for A. and the others who are in similar circumstances, that they may be kept faithful—not in word only, but in deed. We can also remember before the Lord the gospel testimony that is being borne in many ways and places. And may we at home be exercised to use the opportunities we have for the spread of the glad tidings.
“Let us not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
“Not in vain” is any service
Offered in the Saviour’s name,
Who to rescue fallen sinners
To this world of ruin came.
Jesus values each redeemed one.
And their praise and worship too,
Every service that they render
Precious is, in heaven’s view.
Be not weary, faint not, fear not,—
God assures in language plain,
Any service done for Jesus
Never will be done in vain.