A Piano In Answer to the Children's Prayers

It is most natural for children reared in true Christian homes to have faith in God, but for the dear little ones in the Children's Homes in Havana it has not been so easy as most of these boys and girls had never heard the name of Jesus except when used in blasphemy, and they knew nothing about answered prayer. After being in the Homes a few months and having attended the Church services where they saw and heard for he first time in their little lives, someone playing the piano, they had a great desire to have an instrument in the Home. They had often talked about their desire and when they understood enough about God, to know that He could and did answer prayer, they began praying for a piano of their own. It seemed they were never tired of reminding Him of this one thing they desired. It was nearing their first Christmas in the Home and as I saw them growing more earnest in their petitions, I asked the Lord to some way take care of this thing in a way that would build up their confidence in Him. Three days before Christmas a letter came for us from a pastor of a congregation in the North and a check for $70.00 was enclosed. The letter ran something like this "Dear Sister Stewart, a few weeks ago, I announced in our Sunday School that on a certain Sunday we were going to give a love offering to help make a happy Christmas for the boys anal girls in the Children's Home in Havana, and I asked that each eat bring a small offering. I thought that in this way we would be able to send you a few dollars for sweets for your large family. But imagine to my joy and surprise when the offering was counted and we lacked only a few cents of having $70. Someone at once put that in. So here is our gift and remember this is definitely for Christmas for your children."

Many things were needed in the Home, but as I held that gift in my hand, I lifted my heart to God for guidance and I knew that the Lord was making possible the piano. I knelt down and earnestly talked with the Lord about it. The following day, another letter came with $35.00 and this also was a gift for our children's Christmas. This second offering reached us about 9:30 a.m. on the 24th of December. About 11 o'clock the same morning Brother Villafane, our pianist, came hurrying in saying he could not stay long but that he had come to speak with me about a piano. One of his music pupils, an American lady about to return to the States, was selling out all her belongings. He said she had a good piano, and he knowing that it was worth much more than the $100.00 she was asking for it, felt he could not hold back and see it go to someone else for he felt we should have music in the Home for the children. I quickly asked how much it would cost to move it out and was told it would cost $5.00. God had sent the full amount, and not a penny more. That evening, the piano was moved into the Home and the children were almost overcome with joy when they really witnessed for the first time in their lives a definite answer to their own prayers.

Praying For Cows

The boys and girls in the orphanage were not having the amount of milk they really needed to build up their little bodies as it was impossible to secure the amount needed out where we lived. Many of them scarcely knew what milk was before coming to us and they could not seem to get enough to satisfy them. We had been trying to get them to the place where they would really listen attentively to the reading of the Scriptures and try to understand what was being read. One evening one of the older girls (in her early teens) was reading the Scripture lesson in the worship period. She had chosen the fiftieth Psalm and was reading the 10th verse when a boy of possibly ten years of age, sprang from his seat and called out, "on how many hills?" I at once caught the inspiration of the child and asked Rafaela to slowly read the last verse over. She read again "for every beast of the forest is mine, and tile cattle on a thousand hills" (this is verse 10). As he caught the words, his eyes grew wide with wonder and his innermost thoughts came out. "Oh, oh, and can't He give us some?" Another caught the thought and turned to me with a pointed question. 'Grandmother! (this is what the children in the Home call me) if we are good children and we pray will God not give us some of those cows?" (Oh, for the simple faith of a child.) I could only answer, "I believe He will."

They began praying with all the earnestness of their souls and they did not grow weary at praying as older folks often do, but they kept right at it. At last their childish faith conquered. A letter came from a Christian brother in a far-off State, bringing a good offering and saying that he was thinking about the children in the Homes and wondered if we had our own cows. He continued saying that if we did have, then we could use the offering for whatever else was needed, but if we did not have, then we should buy two cows. We called the children in and had a thanksgiving service, praising God for answering the children's prayers again, and then sent two men out into the country to buy the cows. Two good cows were bought, one with a calf. These reached their new home one morning during school hours, and were first brought through the front gate of the institution. As the cows called out their first greeting to the children. Every eye was turned in the direction from whence it came, and as soon as the boys saw the lovely animals, they forgot all about lessons and to the amazement of the teacher, they jumped over desks and took a short cut out to where the cows were waiting. School was dismissed for the day, as that was the greatest day the children had ever known and we did not want to quench their happy spirit. Later in the day, when the fever of their joy had worn off, we called them all together and again read the precious Psalm (that many of them call the "cow Psalm"). Then together we worshipped the Lord and praised Him for answered prayer.

Praying for Meat... When God Speaks, the Answer Must Come.

During the First World War, I was engaged in missionary work in far off dark India. Although I was active in general mission work my principal responsibility was in connection with orphanage work. A girls' home was first opened and some years later a similar home was founded for boys. During my first years there, although I was then connected with the Church of God missionary board whose headquarters are in Anderson, Indiana; and although they did at times send a little help for the work, yet during the first nine years of my labours in that field, our work was carried on by faith as the board assumed no responsibility in the financing of the work I was doing. They only sent in a brotherly way, what they could from time to time. Our experiences were so great and the many answers to prayer so marvelous, that I could write volumes and not tell it all. During those years we frequently had to say as did the Psalmist of old, "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof I am glad." However, I am not going to use much time or space telling of what great things He did for us twenty or thirty years ago but since He is "just the same today," I shall confine the testimonies of this book mainly to the manifestations of God's power in recent years. In this chapter for children, I am going to use an incident that happened in the work there, especially where His love and His care for His "little lambs" was so clearly manifested.

At one time, during the war, it was very difficult to get meat, and at one time the girls in the Home got very hungry for meat. Knowing as they did that those years of war brought on us what we did not have before, they said nothing to me or the other workers about their great desire to have meat, but a group of the older ones (then from 10 to 14 years of age) got together and went far out from the house under the shade trees and there they had a good prayer meeting, laying their desires right out before their heavenly Father in full confidence that he would grant their petition. Later, in telling me all about it, they said they at first had asked the Lord to send either money or meat, but after considering it awhile, one of them said to the other, "but girls if God sends money, Mama will not know it is for meat when there are so many needs, and she will surely buy something else with it." So they went in prayer again and asked the Lord not to send money, but to please send meat. I knew nothing about this simple, childish prayer, but I did know that for two days the girls kept right up around the house. Many times during these days I urged them to go out under the shade where it was cooler, but to no avail. About noon of the second day (after they had prayed) a man came to the home with a large basket of meat on his head. A note was brought from the sender telling me that the meat was for the children in the Home. The girls were even then on the back verandah listening to what the man was saying and by the time I got the meat back to them, they were simply overcome with the great joy that filled their young hearts as they realized their prayer was fully answered. I rejoiced with them, and we mingled our tears of gratitude together and adored our Saviour and Friend, as they related to me their experience of taking their desire before the Lord and then waiting for the promised answer. The following day, I called on Mrs. White, the lady who had been used of God to help answer the children's prayer. As I related to her how earnestly they had prayed, and how they had waited the two days in full assurance of faith, she wept bitter tears and said, "Miss Stewart, I am so ashamed of myself," and she continued saying that they (her family) had two sheep, and cared much for them, and that just two days before she had sent the meat, God had spoken clearly to her, telling her to have a certain one of these sheep butchered and to send the meat over to the Girls' Home. She told bow she had refused to do so, and that on the following morning when she went out to open the door of the little house where the sheep were kept, she found the very one God had called for, dead on the floor. At once, she was convinced that God had taken the animal because she had withheld it, and refused to obey Him. So at once, she and her husband called a butcher asking him to kill and dress the meat of the other sheep so that it could be sent to the Children's Home.

Thus God again proved His faithfulness in answering payer, although it had only been children who had their desires before the Lord. Has He not promised, "the desire of the righteous shall be granted?" Yes, thank God, and even children can love and serve the Lord and can get their prayers through and have them answered. And if prayer is sometimes delayed in its answer, never cast away your confidence, for "though it tarry, wait for it, for it shall surely come," Habakkuk 2:3.

God Answers Pray--And Stays the Rain

It was a Saturday morning, and everything in the Children's Home in India was in commotion. It had been definitely planned to take lunch and go to the riverside that afternoon, letting the children have a good time out in the open air. They were so happy about it all. But it was understood the work must all be done up nicely before going--so they were doing their very best. Everyone who was large enough was putting their strength right into the work, and planning on a wonderful time that afternoon.

No sooner was dinner over, than the clouds began to gather and the sky darkened. Then the rain began to fall. What a disappointment it was to all. But these dear children had before this learned that God was their Father, and also that He definitely answers prayer--for those who trust in Him. It was not many moments until the children themselves had a conference, and then away they went, some to one bedroom and some to another. They began praying, but every few moments some child would slip out on the verandah to look up at the sky to see if it was clearing. And sure enough, the rain suddenly stopped, and then although the sky was still dark, the faith of these children could not be daunted. God, their Father, had answered their prayers and stopped the rain, and could they not trust Him to finish what He had begun? They insisted that it would not rain and began getting ready. So we honored their faith, and started. However, at that time we had a sister missionary from another part of India visiting in the Home, and she took her umbrella with her. The children remonstrated, but her faith was not equal to the test. The children, knowing they had asked "in faith" for God to clear the day so they could go, and He had stopped the rain, they were certain He would not then disappoint them. Why should anyone take with them something to protect them against the rain--just as if they did not expect a full answer. (This is the way the most of God's grown up children do.)

The riverside was soon reached and oh, what a joyful time they all had! They played and sang had their lunch and near night they all returned to the Home. Not a drop of rain had fallen during all that time, giving them a happy afternoon in answer to prayer. But just as they entered the Home the rain began pouring down and it rained all that night. This was even more convincing to the children that God had in His plan an afternoon of rain, but He held it back in answer to their childish prayer of faith.

What a lesson to these dear little ones. They could never forget it, and it was deeply engraved on the tables of their hearts that God loves to answer prayer. This should be a lesson to the Lord's BIG children also, and we should all take Him at His Word, rest on His promises, and honor Him by asking largely that our joy may be full, and also that His dear name may be lifted up among the people.

God Can Answer Prayer or He Can Withhold

During my years in Mission Work in India we had some marvelous experiences in God's dealings with us in the children's work, and I am writing his experience for the benefit of little children everywhere. God is not only the God of the older folks, but He is just as truly FATHER GOD to all the little children who love Him and trust Him. But it is absolutely necessary for children (as well as older ones) to keep their little hearts and lives clean if they want God to answer their prayers.

What I am going to write about now contains TWO precious lessons for all the dear boys and girls who shall read this chapter. My prayer for you is that God will bless and help each one to understand both these lessons, and your lives will be richer and fuller if you do.

In the Girls' Home in India the children soon learned that God was their Father, and that He loves them and would answer their prayers. They usually loved to pray and ask Him for the things they needled--and they just expected to get them in answer to their prayers, for He had answered them so many times.

One day a group of them came to me asking if I thought God would send them a lot of candy if they were to ask Him--for they said they really were hungry for some good candy. This was during the First World War, and things were very hard with us, and naturally we could not afford to buy this for so many children. They feared that since it was something they did not really need, He might not answer their prayers. God reminded me of the verse that says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart" Psalm 37:4. 1 reminded them of the verse and had them memorize it, for their own use. At last their faith was lifted up, and they went in payer for the candy. They prayed earnestly and believed, and in a few days they were not at all surprised when a big car drove in front of the Home, and a gentleman came in saying that his young daughters were just home from boarding school, and that they had been making some good candies, and had brought them over for the children. We did not know this family before but God did know them, and had used them to answer the prayer of the children. And what a large amount they had brought! Oh, what a happy time they did have and how they did enjoy those sweets. First, naturally, because they were so delicious. But that was not all. These children had learned to love the Lord so much, and knowing He had heard their payers and had sent them, made them so happy while they were eating them. They really did thank the Lord for this lovely gift.

But after this entire beautiful lesson in faith was learned, they had a very hard experience as the devil tried to spoil it all for them. At the time the wonderful treat of sweets was brought to the Home, two of the teachers were away and their sweets were put on a plate, and placed on the table in the workers dining room. When the teachers returned they were told about the visitors, and what they had brought, and that their portion was kept in the dining room for them, they were so thankful and hurriedly went to get the sweets. But to our amazement, there wee NO sweets for them. The plate was there--but it was empty. What a surprise! Knowing that no one else had entered the home, we rang the bell and called the children all together and tried to find out who was guilty of stealing someone else's candy. No one confessed—all said they knew nothing about it. A gloom and sadness settled down over the Home, for TRUTH had been held at a high standard there. Days passed, and at last with the heavy work that always belonged to the Institution, and other things that naturally came with each passing day, many forgot this incident of "the stolen sweets," but a few of us could not forget it and prayed earnestly that a lifetime lesson would be brought to the children in some way. Covered sin grieves God, and too, He has said "to be sure your sin will find you out," and this is true. Sin just cannot be long covered.

One day we found the food supplies were very short, and by the evening meal there was only about half enough, and although we prayed, God did not send any more. This condition continued for four days, each day just enough food coming for the smallest children to have their full supply, but for the others a very skimp supply, until they were really hungry. This had never happened before in the Home. We prayed, but we knew something was hindering.

The climax came on a Sunday afternoon. We knew the children were hungry, and oh, how we suffered in realizing this, but our great burden was for God to clear the spiritual sky in the Home as we knew prayer had not gone through. That evening after the smaller ones were tucked in bed, all the others gathered in the living room, and as I sat there in a low chair, most of the girls were sitting on the floor, Indian fashion. I talked heart to heart to them, and told them we knew God was withholding and that there must be a real heart searching to find out who was guilty. As I talked on, one dear girl about 10 years old, broke up in the deep of her little heart, and arose and said, "Oh, pray for me--I am the guilty one. I stole those sweets long ago, and hid them and ate them. No one else had anything to do with it. I have suffered so much seeing you all suffer, and now I must confess my sin. Do forgive me, and pray for me."

What a breaking we did have, and how God did bless in that season of prayer. As we finished, and this dear girl gave a clear testimony of God's pardon we all went to bed, satisfied that God would now answer. Early the next morning the postman brought the mail, and one letter had a good supply of money. Oh, praise God, He does not fail! But imagine our surprise when we saw by the postmarks, that the letter had been in that Post Office just four days. God had kept it hidden, or in some way kept it from coming through--until the sin was out of the way. Then He quickly got it on its way, and supplied all the needs.

My dear children who are reading this--remember always that God cannot bless when you try to cover sin. Always be open hearted and sincere, and then when you have a need you can, with pure hearts call on God for help, and He will answer. From that day, we frequently heard the children speak of this incident, and of how necessary it was for them always to do the right if they wanted God to help them in time of need. So God taught us two very precious lessons through this experience.

CHAPTER 8

Divine Healing

"The Payer of Faith Shall Save the Sick" James 5:15

The Remarkable Story of E. Faith Stewart's Serious Illness and Healing

Some of we brethren who were eye witnesses of sister Stewart's serious illness and her remarkable healing in the spring of 1945 feel constrained by the spirit of God to write some of the facts concerning this healing as an inspiration to the faith of those who shall read it. However, let us say that it will be quite impossible for anyone who did not set her during her illness to really comprehend just what God did do for her. And our only desire in writing this is that God's name may be glorified and that poor, discouraged, suffering ones, reading this may be encouraged to put their trust in the One Who Never Fails.

On December 29, 1944 Sister Stewart, in closing a three-day ministers' meeting (in Havana, Cuba) preached the most powerful sermon on divine healing that we had ever heard her preach in the fourteen years she had been here in missionary work (up to that date). In her message she urged the brethren to lay hold and maintain at any cost the blessed doctrines of the Church of the living God. She spoke strongly of how the doctrines of the Bible had been lowered in the church in many places, but that we here in Cuba must see to it that every Bible doctrine be definitely TAUGHT and PRACTICED. She said that we as God's people here MUST hold the standard even at the very greatest in cost. And that many times God had to let sufferings come to the faithful ones that His Word be preserved, as the Lord had to have instruments through which he could work, and Sister Stewart continued saying that if God ever wanted her as an instrument through which to work out His glory, she wanted to be submissive and true.

She continued saying, "My brethren, if I ever get so sick that I am unconscious, where I cannot fight 'the good fight of faith' myself, I urge you for Jesus sake and for the sake of my reputation as one who for many years has definitely trusted alone in God as my header, to just leave me entirely in His hands. If I ever get to where you feel that medical help is the only thing that would save my life, then just let me die, going into His presence just as I have lived. For I would choose death in His will, rather than to extend life in any other way."

The day after having put this solemn charge on the church, she left for Punto San Juan, Camaguey, a distance of some 400 mile from Havana, to hold a two day assembly meeting with a few congregations in that district. She returned from there on January 3rd, and two days later was taken very ill. As we saw from the first that her illness was serious, a doctor was called just to examine her (to comply with the law). He said her condition was very grave indeed. He said hers was a case of gallstones, and that to save her life an immediate operation would he necessary--but he also said that her heart condition was so serious that it would not permit operating. What a sad condition she would have been in if her trust had been in the uncertain arm of flesh. How thankful we all were that we knew her trust was alone in God, and that He was able.

A few days later Sister Stewart was removed to Buena Vista (another section of the city of Havana), where she would he closer to the congregation and could have better care. Soon complications set in and it required a group of faithful ones to divide their time, and care for her night and day. Two days after removing her, she lost all consciousness and also had a 'stroke', which made her entirely helpless. The church building was dose by, and the doors were never closed day or night during her entire illness, for groups of brothers and sisters were constantly there holding on to God in earnest united prayer for God to spare her life. Cablegrams were sent to many in the States and they replied that many there were also holding on for victory.

As we watched our beloved sister sinking lower and lower, another doctor was called in to examine her, so if she passed away there would be no trouble with the law. The first doctor who had examined her had turned so bitter because she was not sent to the hospital for the operation (although he could give no hopes), that we felt it unsafe to not call another. This one said her case was hopeless and that he could not understand how she was living, and said it then could he only a matter of a few more hours. Hundreds of brethren and friends from all over this part of the Island came in to see our sister, and looked on her with sad heart.

At last one night, about 10 o'clock, the toot of an ambulance was heard, and in walked a doctor and nurse with a friend of ours. This gentleman friend said to some of the brethren that he had personally paid for a private room in the hospital and had come to take Miss Stewart there to see what could be done. He said, "Miss Stewart is dying and something must be done at once." Several of the brethren answered and told them that before losing consciousness Miss Stewart had herself put on them the solemn responsibility of leaving her definitely in God's hands alone, if she got unconscious where she could not stand for her own desire, and they felt they could not submit to her being taken, knowing as they did that it was against her desires. Then the doctor told us that if she was not allowed to be taken to a hospital and if she died (as she would) some of the brethren would be handed over to the law for manslaughter. They also told us that the Federation of Doctors would take a hand in this. We pointed out to the doctor that all over the land, men are dying for the sake of principles which many times do not amount to anything--then what would it matter if some of us did have to suffer a little for standing for a principle of Divine Truth, founded on God's Word.

We do thank the brethren here and in the North who stood solidly during this long, severe test. The church in Cuba had never experienced anything like this before, but God gave sufficient grace. The first doctor who examined Sister Stewart said this case was a case of slow murder, and that when she died (for of course they knew she would die) he would see to it that not one of the several doctors who had examined her should give a certificate for burial. But thank God, while these were waiting for the hour when they could plunge God's people here into confusion (as they thought) and great trouble, God was working out His own great plan for the glory of His name.

Our sister lay in this condition entirely unconscious for 29 days. But the PRAYER OF FAITH PREVAILED. On a Friday night God gave the witness that prayer had gone through, and although slight signs of improvement were visible, still God let us be tested, and she remained unconscious until the following Sunday morning when to the great joy of those watching her, her eyes opened. This was the morning of February 9th, and as different ones rushed to her side and spoke, she recognized each one by their voice, although her vision had not yet returned. The first one who reached her side and spoke to her, was the friend who had formerly brought the ambulance and doctor, to take her away by force, to the hospital.

Sister Stewart had to learn to eat again, and had to learn to walk, etc. She was as one having been completely gone from this world, being restored. Praise our God forever. Glory be to His matchless name! Her strength began to return and one month later she was able to go in a car to the city to attend to some business. She had gone down in flesh from a weight of 168 pounds, to around 90 pounds. The day she went into the city, just one month after her healing, she was weighed, and had gained until that day she weighed just 100 pounds. What a mighty God we do serve! Oh that men everywhere would learn to trust in God for all things. Truly the mouths of the gainsayers were stopped, and our Christ was exalted among the people. And as Sister Stewart once more walked the streets of this city, going in and out among the people in her ministry of service to humanity, many were blessed and were made to believe in Our Living God as never before. Truly they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded or put to shame. Bless the Lord, oh, my soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name.

Signed:

MR. JOSE CAMPINS. Pastor,
Church of God, Almendares, Havana, Cuba

MRS. M. CAMPINS, Assistant Pastor,
Church of God, Almendares, Havana, Cuba

ERASMO TEXIDOR, Evangelist

MRS. AMERICA SUAREZ, Pastor,
Church of God, St. Fe, Cuba

This is one testimony of healing that I could not possible write, as much as I might want to, for I was so completely dead to everything, that I only know what the brethren tell me. As far as I know, no one who saw me during this illness has ever seen anyone else in the condition I was in, living on to tell the story. Never shall I forget the burden that gripped at my heart the 29th of December, 1944, when I preached in the last service of our three day ministers' and workers' meeting. Having watched the drift that had been coining in on the church in the States, and having suffered deeply over seeing the blessed standard of God's Holy Word let down, my soul was stirred and I did heavy preaching in that three day meeting, and my special burden was that we as The Church of God in Cuba, definitely take our stand (and keep it), to keep the full unadulterated Word of Eternal Truth right up in the place God, Himself, has put it, and not allow compromise of any kind to enter our work. My last message was on Divine Healing of the body, and that message of Truth burns in my very soul yet today. God's Word is unchanging; His promises are DIVINE (not human); therefore, they cannot be broken or changed.

Although I had not said much about my physical condition, I knew well that unless God worked a miracle in my body I could not long be with the little church in Cuba, and my soul was heavily moved. Would they be able to stand in the persecutions that I believed were soon coming on us, and to keep up the standard of Truth where God wanted it kept, or would they weaken. Would their courage and faith hold out? So out of a burdened heart I spoke, and thank God the message of Truth had a definite response from the hearts of many of our number. Thank God for brethren who could stand such a test, and say with David, "Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we shall fear no evil, for thou are with us, and thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." At the time I took my bed I weighed 168 pounds, and when I got up, or when God touched my body in healing, I weighed around 90 pounds. After being well nourished for exactly one month (after getting out of bed) I made my first trip out in a car, and went to the bank. That day I just balanced 100 pounds. Thank God, He soon brought me back to normal, and I have now put in more than six years of the hardest work I ever put though. Never have I at any time in past life carried the amount of heavy responsibility and put though such excessive work as in these past six years. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, He is still the very same Christ of God, and none of His promised have lost any of their power. If you want a fulfillment of His promises in your life, be sure to live to the full standard, and to teach the full standard, and keep your life entirely hidden away in His will, and the promises are yours. Here in Cuba we are still going right on with the good old time TRUTH and it is good enough for us. We are not seeking any easier or broader way. Praise God forever! Yours in defense of the FULL GOSPEL.

Healing of Blind Eyes

Truly we are living in a day of infidelity and unbelief; and as children of God we need to seek every means possible to keep our faith in God and in His unfailing promises alive. If the devil can destroy faith in the great power of God, it will not he long until the entire plan of redemption will become vague, and the very foundation of everything spiritual will go right out from under us, and our religion will then be only a dead form, even denying the power of God, and we shall be carried into the whirlpool of sure destruction. My brethren, awake, and renew your search of the Holy Scriptures, and pray through until the fire of the Holy Spirit will be kindled anew in your hearts (if you have lost it) and His promises will become real to you, and you will be able to have the daily benefits of His power working in your behalf.

I personally know scores of men and women today, who at one time trusted God for their healing just as definitely as I do today, but who slipped somewhere along "life's highway," and today they not only do not trust their own bodies in God's powerful hand, but they ridicule those who really do get answers from the Lord. But if I believe the Bible to be God's inspired Word of Truth, then I must believe the promises He has given us, and must act like I believe it. The world of Sinners around us will never know anything of God's divine power, and of our privilege of living where the blessings promised may be ours, UNLESS we as Christians have a living demonstration of the fulfillment of these "promises" in our own lives. Let us let the Word of God be demonstrated through us, so unbelievers will be converted and drawn to our Christ.

In the year of 1923, while laboring in India as a missionary, I began to suffer much with my eyes. At first, I thought it was because I was at that time staying in Puri, where there was but little grass or green foliage to rest the eyes; but the great stretches of white sand, with the glaring sun casting its rays on this, and I thought that when I would return to Cuttack, India, I would he relieved of this trouble. But it was not so. I went back to the Children's Home where I had lived many years, but my eyes kept getting worse. The constant burning of the eyeballs was almost more than I could endure, and too, I could no longer see with the glasses I had. I then went to Calcutta to have glasses fitted. This was carefully done by one of the best opticians, and I returned to Cuttack to await the day when I would receive the new glasses, expecting them to be a great help. It was possibly ten days before the glasses came, and great was my disappointment when I found I could not see with them. Believing some mistake had been made, I was taken again to Calcutta to the same optician, and he carefully listened and then examined my eves again, and told us there had been a great change in my sight from the day I had been there before. Again le carefully the eyes, and I returned again to Cuttack to await the gasses, but this time with some doubts as to the results. When the glasses came, and I tried them on I could only weep, for I could not use them. There was nothing to do but to return to the city, and tell the doctor of my great disappointment all this time the suffering was increasing, and at times I felt I could not endure it longer. This time the optician said he would not make any attempt at fitting gasses to my eyes, until I would go to a specialist to whom he was sending me, and that if after examination he said I could he fitted, he would try his best. I was taken to this specialist, and was soon told that I would never wear glasses again. We all knew what that meant--and went back home with sad hearts. The day after reaching the Home in Cuttack I spent much time in secret prayer, deepening my consecration, and making my decision to be true in trusting God to the end, no matter what that might mean. He sent comfort to my soul, and I settled down to await His time. I had been suffering then about seven months, and at this time was almost blind. I could only faintly see objects, and daily the sight was dimmer. In about three weeks more I was blind, and remained this way nearly seven months. God only knows the suffering, and the sadness. But He did comfort, and help me to get adjusted to my lot, and I went on with as much as possible of my work. All the time I was meditating on the Great Promises of His Word, and feeding my soul on these, my faith was growing. Thank God for the Power of His Word. At last a time was set for prayer and fasting by the great Church of God at large. But even before the date set for special prayer--God by His Spirit laid the burden for my healing on many hearts and we began to get letters telling of this burden. Six days before the date that had been fixed for special fasting and prayer, a letter came bringing an anointed handkerchief. Some ministers who definitely believed then in the power of God to answer prayer had prepared this. When other missionaries in the HOME saw this, they rejoiced and read the letter to me, telling of how God had laid the burden so definitely on their hearts to have united prayer, and anoint the handkerchief, and send it to me, as the apostle Paul had done while in his ministry, (and others) and had seen the mighty results in the healing of the afflicted. As the letter was read we all felt that was God's day to heal, and our faith was definitely lifted up. Some faithful Indian brethren were called in for united prayer at 4 p.m. that day, and the anointed handkerchief was applied to my eyes. The power of God touched me and I saw "as through a mist darkly" but rapidly the mist cleared away and by bedtime I could see the stars of the heavens above. Praise God forever and forever. The next morning I took my Bible and sat down to weep and read from His Holy Word, the first time I had been able to do this in almost a year. Some five months had elapsed while I was losing my sight, and I then passed almost seven full months BLIND. I want to emphasize the fact that I was blind, and NOW I see! Glory be to His matchless name. I put emphasis on this, as it has been reported, and used as a weapon against God's holy cause, that I was not blind. God's Word tells us of a class of people who will even deny the very power of God, and still profess to be His, and the Word warns us just what to do to save our own souls. Let us read carefully from 2 Timothy 3:4-5, "Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; FROM SUCH TURN AWAY." Praise God this is what I had to do, and now His blessings still fill my soul, and thrill my being as I live in the place where PRAYER IS STILL ANSWERED for those whose hearts are perfect to-wards Him.

For the benefit of those who read, I am inserting here a letter that I received from the optician who had worked so hard to fit me with glasses, and failed because my sight was fast going. The healing of my eyes took place April 1, 1924.

FAITH STEWART HEALED Anderson, Indiana, April 3, 1924 A cablegram just received here announces the healing of Faith Stewart. No particulars are given. This information is being sent to inspire you and your congregation in the healing services of April 6. J. W. Phelps

Text of a mailing card that was mailed from Anderson, Indiana, prior to the April 6 meeting.

Healed of Heart Dropsy

In the winter and spring of 1936, I was in very poor health and found it almost impossible to carry on my mission work. I suffered greatly from shortness of breath and fatigue. My feet became more and more swollen, they were so bad that sometimes as I walked the streets people would turn and look back at me, and I have had brethren and sisters remonstrate against me trying to go out at all. I never did stop my activities in the Lord's work as long as I could keep going at all. My teacher in Spanish during my early days in Cuba happened to be a medical student, and by the time of which I am now speaking he was a practicing physician. When the time came that I felt my case was serious, I went to this medical friend to consult with him that I might know how to care for myself and what I could safely eat to nourish my body, but with no idea of accepting any medical aid and I frankly told him so. He examined me and was shocked at seeing me in the condition that I was in. He sent me home to go to bed and stay there, and told me he would come out the following morning to see me. How well I remember that visit. He told me that if I had a family here, I would never know what he was then going to tell me. Since I was absolutely alone in Cuba, he would have to come out frankly and tell me my true condition so I could personally do my best to help myself. Knowing me as he did, he knew it would be useless to even suggest medicine but he made out a diet, forbidding the use of any salt or lard or meats. In fact, in a few days, all foods but milk and juices were taken from me. I was propped up straight in the bed and forbidden to lay down at all, as the physician said I was in the last stages of heart dropsy and that even if I had wanted medicine, very little if anything could have been done for me. When the doctor gave his verdict, I was alone in the house with a small child who was staying with me. After he had gone, I had the child close my door and go out. There, alone with my Bible and my God, I fought the battle out. In tears, I asked the Lord to direct my reading and without knowing where the Bible would open I let it fall open to the 20th chapter of 2nd Kings and I began reading. As I read the first verse where the Lord sent the prophet to tell Hezekiah "thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live." I wept before God and searched my heart until the very presence of the Lord literally filled the room with His Glory. Then I said, "Oh, Lord, I thank thee that all is well with my soul. I have nothing to fix up." An hour like that is when hearts are truly sincere for they know they are very definitely in the presence of the Lord God. Glory filled my being and alone there I wept in joy. Later, I continued reading of how Hezekiah wept before the Lord and of how God sent the prophet again to tell him his prayer had been heard and that fifteen years would be added to his life (read from 2 Kings 20:1-6). Thank God yet today, God's true servants can pray through and by the power of prayer can change things. This is what we might call effective praying. Prayer that does something! Prayer that brings forth fruits! God still hears the heart cry of His children; He still sees the tears of confidence that flow from those who in afflictions press right through trusting Him to the very end. That morning God assured me He would heal me. But the battle was long and hard. Eleven weeks passed with me daily growing worse. All this time I was forced to sit upright against pillows. My legs became so heavy that I, of my little strength, could not move them to change my position. My body was rapidly filling up with poison and daily, my condition grew worse. How well I remember the day when the doctor friend (former teacher) told me very definitely that my days were numbered and that there was not one ray of hope for me physically. On getting this information, all my personal belongings were divided out and I was waiting to go (if that was His will). But during these long months my comfort by day and my pillow by night was John 15:7, "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you (then in this condition) ask what ye will, and it shall he done unto you." This promise is as broad as the entire span of life, and so deep that it reaches away down far below the deepest suffering we ever could have. "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bits' His Holy Name"--forever. At last from the poison that was filling my body, dark spots came out all over me. This doctor friend had to leave me on Sunday night for the States and before leaving, he made out my death certificate and called another doctor and showed it to him telling him that he would be notified when it was all over, and for him to kindly fill in the date and the hour. This happened on Sunday afternoon; I lived on but on Tuesday following, my feet touched the chilly waters as I was going down in the valley of the shadow of death when I could no longer speak to man, I still had communion with the Lord and I kept quoting John 15:7. "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be given." I would say in my heart "Lord, all I ask is extended life for Cuba." At last all I could do was to say, "Lord Jesus--John 15:7," and at last I could only say in my soul, "Lord, Cuba."

This was on Tuesday evening. That night a call was sent to Brother Calloway, at that time, pastor of the Church of God in Jacksonville, Florida. He was urged to come by the first plane as I was dying and they wanted a minister from the States. By 9 A. M. Wednesday, he was at my bedside and quietly prayed. At the close of his prayer, I said in a whisper "death is rebuked." I lingered in the same condition over two days and one night. Death was rebuked but there was no visible change. That second night the congregation met at the church to pray for me all night. Prayer prevailed. I was definitely healed. Through the early morning hours I slept as I had not done for three months. The weary watchers by my bed seeing the change went out to rest a little and from over-fatigue, they slept soundly. On getting up and finding me lying right on my left side, they thought I was dead but thank God I was healed--healed by divine power. Two days later I was taken for a long drive and ten days later when Brother Calloway left for the States, he left me in the pulpit in the Church in Buena Vista, Havana, preaching to the congregation.

Dear ones, would you like to have an experience as glorious as this one? You may have some day, but remember that to have this you would have to travel the same road of suffering and go all the way that the Lord marks out. Christ never could have passed through the glories of the Resurrection morning if he had not first gone through Gethsemane, and to Calvary.

The standard of healing has been so lowered through the terrible apostasy that has swept in among those who profess to be truly His, that it is not easy to obtain real healing for one does not even know (in many places) who to call to obey the Word (James 5:14) and pray the prayer of faith. Even among those who at one time trusted God for their own bodies, can be found many who will refuse to believe this testimony, but praise God forever, there are scores of people living right around us today who know it is true.