During some special meetings in S— in 1939, we had the joy of seeing B. find the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour. It was a happy case of conversion, and B. gave good testimony on returning to his home town and old surroundings. At that time he was a student in high school, and there he was not ashamed to confess Christ. His old companions soon learned from his own lips that he had been saved.
Frequently he took gospel tracts and Christian literature along with him to school and read them during spare time.
To come to the main point before us, however, we must pass over the intervening time of his employment and testimony there, and come down to the present time.
Today B. is in the government service and is assigned to a large hospital ship. There in new surroundings, he is witnessing for his Lord.
Shortly after B. took his place on this ship, the chaplain took special notice of him. It was the chaplain’s duty to censor the ship’s mail, and there was something about our young Christian friend’s mail that attracted him. Being a true Christian himself, he soon perceived from B.’s mail that there was a real child of God aboard; for his letters spoke of the Lord Jesus and of the precious things in the Word of God. The chaplain sent for B. and together they had some happy conversation about the Lord and His things.
After a time, B. asked the chaplain if they could have some prayer meetings aboard ship. The suggestion being approved, the first meeting was announced. There were only five present that first time—the chaplain, B., and three chief petty officers. It was not long, however, until more became interested and attended these meetings which has become a weekly occurrence. Later a Bible reading was started, and many of the men came. This real testimony aboard the large ship has continued through the months.
Recently B. wrote home that he had a wonderful opportunity for the gospel there. The handling of many sick and wounded gives a special opportunity for testifying to the saving grace of God. B. is meeting thousands of men who have come from all parts of the country, and is seeking in a quiet way, as the Lord may lead, to carry the message of the love of God, and a full, free salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord keep dear B. faithful to Himself and use him to the salvation of many.
B.’s family and the Christians with whom he was associated in his home town, miss him very much. Needless to say, B. also longs for them, and will be happy when the time comes that he can return. There is also the prospect that the Lord may come any day. Then all the redeemed shall be gathered Home together to see that blessed one who died for us. The difficulties and trials of the wilderness journey will not mar the happiness and joy of that scene of glory. We shall then be able to look back over all the way the Lord hath led us, and praise Him for His love, wisdom, and power. We shall bless the hand that guided, and the heart that planned, as we see how God has used the wrath of man to praise Him.
The Lord also encourages us now with the prospect of the rewards He shall give for faithfulness down here. It is true that love to the Lord should provide the motive for all service, but will it not be a blessed thing to receive His commendation? Will not many of these dear boys hear from His lips,
“Well done, good and faithful servant”?
May we all cherish such a prospect and seek now to serve and live for Him who died for us. The Lord has given to each of us a special place to fill, and a special service to perform.
“For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch” (Mark 13:34). Well may each one of us inquire,
“Am I doing the work the Lord gave me to do?”
A faithful servant will not seek to please himself, but the one who entrusted him with the service. It is also well to remember that serving the Lord means more than just lip service; it means being a testimony as well as bearing a testimony.
May those with whom we meet, not only hear from our lips a confession of the Lord, but take knowledge of us from our conduct that we have “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).