DURING the early summer months, there had been no rain in central Hupe. Ten thousand rice fields were growing yellow and sickly for lack of the necessary water, while famine, with all its untold miseries, seemed as a specter to loom up before the eyes of the villagers. Most naturally the minds of the people turned for relief to the heathen customs of their ancestors. A favorite proceeding in time of drought is the marching of a dog through the streets in front of the village idol, the idea being in accordance with a Chinese proverb which says, “A laughing dog brings response from heaven.” This method, and many others, they employed for weeks; but still the sky remained cloudless, and no rain came.
Selling Tracts as Admission Tickets to Gospel Meeting
Then one day our evangelist, an elderly man of deep piety and faith, decided that God could be glorified before the heathen. He therefore called a meeting at our chapel, to which he invited all the townspeople who wished to come and join the Christians in praying to the God who lives. The evangelist read Elijah’s experience in praying for rain, after which the believers joined in earnest petitions that God would hear and answer if it were to the glory of His name.
The meeting closed, and the people returned to their homes, watching the sky closely for any signs of rain. Towards night, a small cloud was seen arising, which so strengthened their faith that some closed their windows and doors before613retiring to rest. Nor were they disappointed, for during the night the much needed rain came in torrents, and the life-sustaining rice crop was saved. Many idolaters were convinced of the power of our God, and several straightway decided to cast in their lot with the church. Thus again we are reminded that the God who lived in Elijah’s time is the same to-day, and the faith of those who have forsaken their idols moves His almighty hand.
