Bless Others if You Can

MAY 2020    |    2.5 MINUTE READ 
BURNIS H. BUSHONG, RETIRED GLOBAL WORKER & HQ STAFF

God continued to answer prayer during WGM’s early years. He continued to place the undeniable call to missions on the hearts of His people. At times, answering that call seemed like it would be impossible, but God provided in miraculous ways. One such example appears in Robert Smith’s story of being called to Africa in 1927, when WGM’s only ministry location was China. This story first appeared in The Best of the Story: Miraculous Answers to Prayer by WGM retiree Burnis H. Bushong and has been adapted for this issue.

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness.” Isaiah 42:6 (NIV)

Four college men were visiting the windy city of Chicago. Their mission was clear: God had called them to Africa. They had driven from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, with great faith that God would provide a way. Little did they know there were big obstacles that only God could move.

A Chicago traffic cop pulled alongside their Model T Ford on Michigan Boulevard to give a blunt word to the four college students: “Either drive faster or get off the boulevard!” The students had put down the top of their car to see the sights of the big city, but sightseeing was incidental to their Chicago visit. They had driven to meet the World Gospel Mission Board of Directors in its 1927 session. Their plea before the board was, “We are called to Africa. Will the mission board consider sending us?”

The treasurer frankly stated that the China field, which was the only field, was not adequately supported and funds were low. However, Mrs. Beatrice C. Beezley, “Mother of WGM Prayer Bands,” had a word of faith in her response: “It is not how much money we have, but is it God’s will for us to open work in Africa?”

Rev. C. W. Ruth, president of the board, suggested prayer. Each one prayed fervently for clear guidance. As the quartet of young men left the room, Rev. Woodford Taylor of the China field put his arm around Robert Smith and reassured him, “Don’t be discouraged. I believe God is in this. Hold steady and He will get you to Africa.”

The next morning, Rev. Ruth broke some electrifying news before the board and the college students, who had returned to hear their decision. “After we dismissed the meeting yesterday, the mail came. In it was a letter from an attorney in Iowa who was settling an estate. He told us there would be $5,000 from this estate ‘if and when you open work in Africa.’” This God-timed letter convinced all that God was guiding their thoughts regarding work in Africa.

Three of the four men did get to Africa. Robert Smith became a pioneer missionary among the Kipsigis people and led the WGM missionaries in Kenya for many years.

You never know how God is going to use your gifts and support to bless people. An unsolicited gift from an Iowa man permanently altered the trajectory of WGM, the three men going to Africa, and the people that God used them to reach.

Please take a moment to support missions around the world by making your gift below. You never know how God may use your gift!