Trying Conditions for the Missionary
By F. E. Stafford
Mighty Miracles on Heathen Hearts Ever since the revolution of last summer, Shanghai has been the refuge of hundreds of undesirable citizens. For a time there was a reign of terror throughout the settlement. Robberies, hold-ups, murders, thieving, and crime of every description took place almost daily in broad daylight, and seemed to be beyond the power of the police. In the midst of all this trouble, we have been able to carry on our program without any interruption, and the very conditions under which we are laboring have only served to emphasize the truth of the doctrine we present, that “in the last days perilous times shall come.” Thus the wrath of Satan and the wickedness of evil men are made to praise God, and bear witness to His truth. MIRACULOUS CHANGE OF HEART
One case may be mentioned to show how God is working on the hearts of those who only a short time ago were in heathen darkness. Mr. and Mrs. Z. M. Li, who were converted during the last evangelistic effort, were greatly pleased, about the first of January, by the advent of a son in the family. They carefully guarded it night and day, as it was their only child, they having lost two previously. On the eleventh day, the little one became violently ill, and they immediately called for us to come and help. We thought best to take the child to the hospital, where it could have constant medical attention. After all in the power of man to do had been done, we prayed that if it were the Lord’s will, He would restore the child. In less than twenty-four hours the child died. How to keep the grief-stricken father and mother from casting away their faith in the God of heaven, who they had confidently hoped would heal their child, in the face of the taunts and ridicule of heathen friends and relatives who assert that it is the result of their new belief in the “Jesus doctrine,” was the problem that God only could solve. A service was held at the house, and comforting words were spoken from 2 Sam. 12: 15-23; Rom. 8: 29-39; and James 1: 2-4. The parents were encouraged to trust still in Him who does all things well. The following evening, at the prayer-meeting, Mr. Li gave such a ringing testimony of trust and courage in God that it brought tears to all eyes. Not only he and his wife were rejoicing in the Lord in their new-found hope, but Mrs. Li’s mother is now willing to listen to the gospel, whereas she was persecuting and opposing her daughter before. Truly the ways of the Lord are past finding out; but when we see what can be accomplished for these heathen in the space of three months, we are led to take courage, and press forward with renewed vigor. It is these experiences that make this work “worth while.”