Chapter 15
Happy Commitments
The blustery March winds were causing the leaves on the silver leaf maple tree to glisten like diamonds as they danced in the bright sunlight. Katie sat on the steps, her arms folded together as if to protect herself from the cool wind. Mary and Sue were playing hopscotch in the yard when they heard a rumbling sound coming down the street. Glancing up, they saw a car approaching them. It stopped and Daddy and Jacky got out.
"Well, kiddos, how do you like it?" Daddy asked as they crowded around.
"Is it ours?" Katie asked.
"Yes, Katie, it's ours," Daddy answered with a pleased expression.
"It's very pretty, Daddy," Mary commented.
"It sure runs good," Jacky announced proudly. "I don't believe a brand new one would sound any better."
"It's good enough for me," Daddy said gratefully. "I'm so thankful the Lord made a way for us to get it. If it had not been for your help, Jacky, and Jimmie's, it would have taken me a lot longer to be able to get one. You have sacrificed to save your money toward the purchase of this car. I want you to know, Son, I deeply appreciate it."
"I'm glad me and Jimmie were able to help, Daddy. We were only trying to repay you for all you've done for us. Anyway, Daddy, I will be benefited by it as well as you and the girls. And I know Jimmie will be proud of it. I'll be glad when he gets home from work so he can see our car."
"Just think," Mary exclaimed, "We will be able to go visiting without having to ride a bus or borrow Uncle Jack's car. We can visit John and Alice now, can't we, Daddy?"
"Sure we can, Girlie. I'm anxious to go right away. It's wonderful what God has done for them. Alice said that when she saw how God had changed me so drastically, she became hungry to be saved like her Uncle Jim. Then when John came home that day with such a ringing testimony and cried and hugged her and asked forgiveness for all his meanness, she was quite overcome."
"Then Alice asked John to pray for her and he said he didn't know much about praying, for it was all new to him," Sue joined him in relating the happenings that meant so much to them.
"Tell us again, Daddy, how John helped Alice to get saved."
"I can't, children," Daddy teased; "for I can't talk like John."
"Why does John talk differently from us, Daddy?" Mary asked.
Daddy smiled as he answered, "Well, Mary, John is uneducated, as were his parents. His parents talked that way before him, so that's all he's ever learned." Lovingly he added, "John's just an old country hillbilly. But he's a good one since God saved him."
"Tell us just one more time about Alice getting saved."
"You children never get tired of hearing it, do you? Let me get a drink of water and sit down and I'll tell you one more time."
Sue ran to get the water for him while the others found places to sit near him on the porch.
"Well, as Sue said, John told Alice that he didn't know much about praying; but he told her, 'Alice, the preacher read something in the Bible about Jesus washing you white as snow. I reckon that's pretty white, but I believe my heart is just that white. The preacher said to confess your sins and Jesus would forgive you if you were really sorry. That's what I did, Alice. I told Jesus every mean thing I ever did, and then He just washed my heart clean. Alice, you've never been mean like me, but I reckon you still have to tell Jesus all about your sins. He'll forgive you because He said He would, and I know He forgave me.' “
"Then John got on his knees but said all he could do was bawl. Alice confessed her sins the best she knew how and asked Jesus to forgive her. Because she had done what John told her she was supposed to do, she just believed that Jesus saved her and He did. She was so happy that she just raised herself right up in bed. It was amazing how her strength returned and she was soon well again."
"Oh, Daddy, I'm so happy for all God has done for us," Mary declared. "I'm glad we have given our hearts to Him."
"So am I, Girlie." Standing to his feet, he said, "Come on, Kiddos, let's go for a ride."
"Let's go to Mrs. Greene's," Sue suggested. "Maybe we can hear from Alton. I miss him so much since he moved away."
"Rachal will be surprised about our car," Mary commented as they walked toward it.
Later, upon hearing a car honk, Mrs. Greene looked out the window, but did not recognize the car. She straightened her hair a little, smoothed her apron, and opened the door.
"Why, Jim, what a pleasant surprise! I couldn't imagine who was coming to see us in that strange car. Whose car have you borrowed today? It doesn't look like the preacher's."
"It's mine, Mrs. Greene. The Lord helped us to get a good deal. Well, may I come in?" he teased.
"Sure, Jim. Forgive me for not asking. I was carried away with your car. Well, here are the children. Come on in, my dears. My, how they are growing! I guess I will have to stop calling them children and call them young ladies and gentlemen. "
She asked them to be seated and then spoke again, "This is the second surprise for me today."
"What's the other?" Mary asked.
"I will show you," she answered as she turned toward the kitchen. "Come here, Alton."
They gasped as he came into the living room followed by Rachal. Mary flew over to him and he clasped her in his arms. Then holding her at arm's length, he said, "You're getting to be a young lady. I guess I will have to quit hugging you. My, it's great to see all of you again. I didn't realize I had been gone so long."
"We're so glad you're back," Mary exclaimed. "We've missed you terribly. Your return makes us so very happy."
Wait until you hear my good news and then you will be happy." he told her with a big grin.
"Tell us," she begged.
"Let me greet the others first." Shaking hands with Jim, he asked, "How are you, Jim? You're looking great. It's so good to be home again. How are all the other Reids? My, how you've grown up! You look wonderful."
"You, too, Alton," Jim replied. "What's happened to you?"
"I am no longer an alien from God and home; I am like the prodigal. But I have not only come home to Father's house, but to Mother's as well," he laughed. "God has gloriously saved my unworthy soul, and I am in a state of ecstasy over it. Praise His name!" Tears trickled down his cheeks as he continued, "I'm free at last. Free from the shackles of sin that have held me a prisoner for so many years. It is wonderful. Thank the Lord! I cannot understand why I was so rebellious and stubborn and gave up the sweetest girl in the world for my own selfish way, but I intend to spend the rest of my life making it up to God."
Jim's face was radiant as he sat listening to Alton's testimony. He wiped tears from his eyes as he said, "This is wonderful, Alton. You will never regret your decision to follow Christ." Then he asked, "Have you seen Bessie?"
"No, I'm ashamed to go see her after the way I've acted. Besides I've been away so long, she's probably forgotten about me."
"You silly fellow. If I'm any judge of the matter, I'd say Bessie still cares for you, Alton. I'm guessing she'll be the happiest person in the world to find out about your conversion. She's never stopped praying for you."
"She's never quit missing you, either," Mary chimed in, "cause I asked her one day and she said she still missed you but that God's ways were best."
"I agree with that one hundred percent now," said Alton. Looking at Jim, he asked, "Do you really think she would want to see me?" Hope shone in his eyes.
"I'd take my chances and find out if I were you," he declared. "Here, Alton, are my car keys. I didn't notice your car outside when we drove up. Drop the children off by our house and go see Bessie. I will stay and visit your mother and Rachal a while."
"Thanks, Jim, you are a real friend. My car is broken down about thirty miles from here. Maybe you can help me tow it in."
"I will be glad to, Alton."
"Wait a minute, Alton," his mother stopped him. "I need to go visit cousin Ruby. Would you mind dropping me off by her house?
"
"I'll be glad to, Mother."
Alton was all smiles as he left.
"God bless him," Jim said as he watched him until he was out of sight. He noticed tears in Rachal's eyes as he turned back to her.
Across town, Bessie was sitting on the porch trying to keep her mind on the book she was reading. She was lonely and, as she did often, she closed the book and started to pray.
"Dear Lord, I love Thee and love to follow Thy leadership," she prayed audibly. "Thy ways are best and I have no regrets in my decision concerning Alton. But, Lord, I yet miss him terribly and love him more than I like to admit, even to myself. I do not want to question Thee, Lord, as to why Thou dost not take away this ache within my breast, but if it can possibly be Thy will, please dull this pain or give me more grace to bear it. Deal with Alton wherever he is. Get glory to Thy name through all this heartache.
"Now, Jesus, help me to get Alton off my mind so that I can pray for others. I thank Thee for saving John and Alice. Help them to grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth. Help them to be a living witness for Thee. Deal with John's mother's heart. Help her to be hungry for Thee. And there's dear Jimmie, Lord. Wilt Thou help him to be obedient to Thy leadings, Lord? Somehow hold onto him. Get to his heart anyway you can. I'm thankful he raised his hand for prayer Sunday. Surely Thou art dealing."
Her prayer was interrupted by a strange car driving into her driveway. Who could it be? The car door opened and a man got out.
"Alton!" she gasped.
He came up the walk with long strides, up the steps two at a time, and onto the porch. A broad smile lit up his face as he stood before her. That same familiar smile that always caused her heart to beat faster. Why, oh why, did he come back? Would she have the will power to resist his charms once again?
"How are you, Bessie?" he greeted her. "My, you're looking wonderful." He caught her hand in his and sought her eyes, but she kept her face averted, praying silently for strength.
"I've missed you terribly, Bessie," Alton told her.
"I've missed you too, Alton."
He had not let go her hand but held it in both of his. She pulled it away and motioned toward a chair.
"Sit down, Alton. Tell me all about yourself. Aunt and Uncle are out calling, but they will be back shortly."
"Then you're alone?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad, Bessie, for I need to talk to you." He pulled his chair close to hers and reached for her hand again. This time she made no attempt to pull it away.
"Bessie," he spoke again, "I guess you're not surprised to know that I am still very much in love with you."
Bessie swallowed hard and looked away without commenting. Only God knew how much she loved him, but she did not want to tell him so.
"My dear Bessie, I'm so glad you took your stand the day I asked you to marry me. As you told me, it would not have worked, but at the time it broke my heart because you turned me down. I loved you so very much and still do, my dearest. I have come back to ask you again to marry me."
"But Alton, I--" she began.
"Sh-h, Don't give me your answer now. Let me tell you a secret first. When I left you that day, my heart was crushed. You were the only one I had ever loved, and you had refused my proposal. I tried my best to forget you in every way I could, but it was impossible. I would park down the street and watch you as you walked to work, for my heart longed after you. That's why I left, Bessie. I thought if I could just get away, I could forget you, but it didn't work. Out of despair, I started attending a little church and the Lord convicted me of my sins and saved my unworthy soul."
"Oh, thank the Lord," Bessie exclaimed as a heavenly radiance lit up her face.
"But that's not all. God has called me to preach. I felt so unfit and so inadequate that I had a tremendous struggle over it. But a week ago I settled it for time and eternity. Ever since then it seems I have had a pull back to Batesville. I can't understand it." She lifted her eyes to meet his teasing smile. Reassured he went on. "Do you suppose God has led me back here to take a wife? How about it, dearest darling, do you reckon you could be a preacher's wife?"
With glowing face, she said, "Alton, remember you told me the last time you saw me that maybe a preacher would come along and marry me? Well, it looks like he's here."
"Are you going to accept his proposal, Bessie?"
"I guess I'd better. It may be my last chance."
"Or maybe the last chance you want to take," he teased, smiling affectionately. "You have made me the happiest man in the world, my dear Bessie," he added tenderly .
It was a sacred moment. God had led through much sorrow, loneliness, and heartache to get a home started on a solid foundation.
Back at the Greenes, Jim had sat down beside Rachal on the couch.
"Tell me about yourself, Rachal," he opened the conversation. "There's so much I'd like to know."
"Like what, Jim?"
"Like why you have never married. A lady as lovely as you are has surely had lots of opportunities."
Rachal blushed slightly. "No, Jim, I haven't had lots of opportunities. I was desperately in love once, but things didn't work out for me."
"Why?" he asked simply.
"Well, I--uh--he--uh-" she stammered.
"You don't have to tell me, Rachal, if you don't want to." He reached over and took her hand in his. She made no attempt to withdraw it. There was silence between them for a few moments.
"Jim, Rachal broke the silence, "I suppose you should know some things about me." She sighed and then began.
"Alton told me that you already know all about the tragedy with Bud. Well, Jim, during the time they were drinking and carousing around, they nearly drove all of us crazy. My parents thought it would be better for me if I went to live with my aunt at Cypress Hills a while. My aunt lived alone and was glad to have me come. Since I was able to secure a good job as a receptionist at a clinic, I just stayed on. I regret I didn't come back after the tragedy, but my parents insisted I stay on with Auntie. They are such dears, Jim, and wanted to spare me all they could."
"I agree, Rachal, you have a wonderful family. Had it not been for them, I don't know where I'd be today. I only wish we could interest your parents in going to church."
"Keep praying, Jim. Mother was really touched after hearing Alton's testimony. Dear Alton! I wonder how he and Bessie are making it?"
"Knowing how Bessie has fought to forget him, I think I can answer that, Rachal. They're making it fine. But let's get back to you. You haven't told me about yourself yet."
"Oh, Jim, why don't we forget it?"
"Because I really want to know, if you don't mind telling me." He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Well, it was during the time I was staying with Auntie that I met this guy. He came into the clinic often because he was having problems with his back. I never had paid much attention to guys, but I took a liking to Glenn. He was always teasing me and doing little things for me. He wasn't the most handsome guy in the world, but something about him captured my heart. We dated for several months, but he never wanted to go any place. Always he preferred to just stay at Auntie's on our dates. The few times that I got him to take me out, I noticed that he was nervous, but I trusted him completely. I loved him very much, and he claimed to feel the same toward me. I would have married him in a minute, but he never asked me. Well, Jim, to make a long story short, we were in a cafe once and this buddy of his walked up to the table and started talking to Glenn. He was visibly shaken.
" 'Meet my sister,' he introduced me. “
" 'Your sister?' I blurted out.”
" 'Now, Rachal, don't put on your clown act,' he said to me in a stern voice. 'You'll make Bert think things about me.' “
"I was completely speechless, and as soon as we could get away, I demanded an explanation.”
" 'Aw, Rachal, can't you take a joke? Didn't you know I was only kidding? Bert knew I was joking. We're
always teasing each other. You shouldn't be so touchy.' “
"'Glenn, I'm no fool,' I told him. 'You're hiding something from me. You may as well come clean. What is it?' I demanded.
"He saw I wasn't going to be put off, so he confessed he was married. It nearly killed me when I learned the truth. And then to make matters worse, I--uh--I--" She turned a crimson red as she stammered around trying to finish.
Jim waited with sympathetic understanding but did not speak.
"I discovered after I had broken off with Glenn," she said sadly, "That I was going to have his child." She pulled her hand from Jim's and stood up. Walking over to the window, she pulled the blinds and looked out. With her back toward him, she continued, "Only God knows what I went through, as well as my dear family. My poor, dear parents! I don't see how they have lived through it all. We have put them through enough to kill them." Turning around again to face Jim, she said, "You see, Jim, why I've never married. I never could trust another guy after that."
"Do you trust me, Rachal?" he asked simply.
With a forced laugh, she answered, "I guess I knew everything there was to know about you, Jim, before I ever saw you. Mother wrote me all about you." In serious tones, she said, "Oh, Jim, I'm so sorry and ashamed of my past. No one here knows about it but my folks and Rev. Delaney and his wife. I confided in them when I was saved. I know you probably think I was a tramp--but--but--it really wasn't that way." She fought to hold back the tears that had filled her eyes.
Jim stood to his feet and walked over to her.
"What happened to the baby?" he asked.
"She's with my aunt. She's seven years old and my aunt adores her."
"How about you? Do you adore her, too?"
The tears that she had been trying to hold back, coursed down her cheeks as she answered, "Oh Jim, she's the sweetest little angel in the world. Your little Mary reminds me of her though Mary's a little older. It's so hard to stay away from her, but I didn't want to bring any more disgrace on my dear parents by bringing her home."
"If you had a home of your own and a husband, would you keep her with you then?"
"Oh, I guess I would, Jim. I don't know--uh--I'd love to, but what would people think of me?"
Again Jim took her hand in his. "Rachal, my dear, you are going to have to forget what people will think. Your little girl belongs to you and deserves a home with at least one parent. I want to offer you that home and offer that little girl a daddy. I love you very much, Rachal. Will you marry me?"
'Jim, you mean after knowing all about me, you still--". She was completely overcome.
"Rachal, we have both made mistakes in our lives, and sinned against God. I was a no-good drunk. But Christ has forgiven us and wiped our slates clean, so can't we forgive one another and start over from here?"
"Oh Jim," she was crying softly, "You can't imagine what this means to me."
He gazed at her adoringly and squeezed her hand slightly. "Dear Rachal, you didn't answer my question. Will you be my wife?"
"Yes, Jim, there's nothing I would like better than to become your wife. I love you so dearly."
"There's one problem, Rachal--the children. It might be hard for you to adjust to being a mother to so many."
"I love your children, Jim. They are such well-behaved children. We will get along fine. And little Jane will love Mary. I can hardly wait to tell her about her new home and brothers and sisters.
"And Daddy," Jim teased as he tilted her chin so that he could look into her radiant face ..
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Georgia Davenport McCain
Mrs. McCain died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident at age 87 on December 9, 2013. She maintained her Christian commitment and ministry, as well as her writing skills, until the time of her unfortunate death.
At the time of her death, many of her books were out of print. To preserve the books and allow many new readers to enjoy, the books are being converted to e-books by her family. To increase relevancy and impact to a more contemporary and international audience, minor edits to the original text have been made to some of the books.
The following article was published in the Cenla Focus in October 2012 prior to Mrs. McCain's death, and provides a synopsis of Mrs. McCain's life as an author. It was authored by Holly Jo Linzay
Georgia McCain, an author of 10 published books, recalls the day she felt the Lord Jesus lead her to start writing. "I was standing in the kitchen, and God asked me, 'What is that in your hand?' " McCain remembers, and answered, " 'Only a pen, Lord.' Then He asked me if I would use the pen for his honor and glory, and I said, 'Yes, Lord, as you direct me, I will write for the glory and honor of God.' "
That very night, her first short novel unfolded completely from beginning to end. "The Lord gave me the name of the book and just opened up the story for me from the first page to the last," notes McCain about her first book, Through Troubled Waters, which was published more than 40 years ago. Her first book is a work of fiction interwoven with Biblical truths. McCain has sold thousands of copies, and has received letters from people all over the world expressing how the book touched their hearts. "I never dreamed about writing a book, let alone getting one published,” McCain notes.
As a child, McCain wrote poems and made up short stories. In the ninth grade, as her teacher was passing out Christmas gifts to the class, she called McCain to the front of the classroom. She told the class that Georgia had a gift for all her classmates. Stunned, McCain realized her teacher had made copies of a story she had written and shared it with the class. From time to time, she would write another short story. Later, she was asked by a preacher to write a story that would continue and develop in a religious paper. “I told him that I couldn't just sit down and write a story. God had to give me the thoughts”, McCain recalls, remembering it was later that night that she heard God question her about writing. When her son, Danny, came home from college, he read her story, Through Troubled Waters, and encouraged McCain to get it published. "Everything I write, I want it to honor God,” McCain says with conviction.
The 84-year-old author is a woman of prayer, and has lived a life in pursuit of holiness. Growing up as one of 14 children in the rural community of Rigolette, McCain graduated from Tioga High School. At 19 years old, she met and started dating a young man named Carl McCain. He worked as a lineman for South Central Bell, and she was working as a telephone operator. After a whirlwind courtship, the two were married on July 1, 1946.
The young couple made their home in Rigolette and raised their seven children--Ronald, Danny, Kenny, Randy, Barry, Donna and Jackie. The family attended Tioga Wesleyan Methodist Church, where Georgia and Carl served in every ministry they could. They have 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The two were married for 62 years before Carl passed away. Her home is a testament to a close-knit family with photographs vying for space on shelves stocked full with mementoes from the grandchildren. A legacy of love is showcased with framed drawings from the kids alongside epic poems written by McCain about her family.
In between her serving at her church and raising seven children, McCain found time to write more books. Her second book, Trials and Triumphs, is non-fiction and relates many of her personal experiences, including the loss of her four-month-old grandson, Nathaniel, to meningitis. Her third book, a fictional novel, Shattered Shackles, deals with alcoholism and its affect on a family. "My daddy was an alcoholic, who would say he was tapering off when he was trying to quit. Later, he did sober up," McCain says, adding that her real-life experience probably played a role in the book.
Another of her books, God's Little Lambs, is a compilation of stories written for children that can be read as bedtime stories or for family devotions. At one time, McCain says she felt impressed to write a novel about some twins. In Straight Paths, the story of fiery-tempered "Connie Slocum" unwinds as she struggles with heartaches, persecution, separation and loneliness. In the book's sequel, Pluc
ked Out of the Net, Connie's twin brother, "Donnie Slocum," is featured in a story of redemption.
Three of McCain's books have dealt with prayer and answers to "prevailing" prayer. "It is absolutely amazing that God has spoken to me over and over, and keeps giving me books to write. He has faithfully led me all the way," notes McCain. In all, she has written 10 books, and family and friends are after her to write a book of poems. She has written long poems with clever rhymes marking nearly every milestone in her and her family's life.
It does not take long to get caught up reading one of McCain's books, and believing the incredible stories of faith in the non-fiction books. Written in such honest prose, her words flow from her heart and from a life seeking after holiness. If her books inspire and encourage or cause someone to "seek the Lord," then McCain says the books have served their purpose. "God deserves all the glory for anything accomplished through the writing or reading of these books," she emphasizes.
A woman of faith, McCain has taught Sunday School and Bible studies in just about every ministry at her church. In addition, for the last 34 years, she has taught three different Bible study groups at three different nursing homes. McCain has been honored and received numerous awards for her volunteer service from Ball Senior Citizens Center and various nursing homes. In 2001, she was named the Volunteer of the Year of Tioga Manor and named "Most Faithful" volunteer at two other nursing homes.
When her husband Carl served for a number of years on the Rapides Parish Police Jury, McCain supported him by participating in a variety of ways in the community. Known as a great cook by her family and friends, her daughter, Donna, presented her with a cookbook of the family recipes on her 50th wedding anniversary. Besides serving the Lord, McCain says her most important role in life has been as a wife and mother. She said all her children are “successful and love the Lord," and that they never gave her a "lick of trouble" because she kept them in church and a "switch on their behinds", if needed. Her son, Danny, who is a missionary in Nigeria, even calls her every day.
McCain says she is "blessed beyond measure by the Lord" with family and friends. Some have called her a "prayer warrior," in seeking God's will in her life. One piece of advice she freely gives out to all who will listen is the same encouragement she offers in her last book, Walking with God for Over 50 Years, "Sometimes when we can't seem to pray our way through, we can often times praise our way through to God. Try it."
Books by Georgia McCain
Trials and Triumphs
Shattered Shackles
In Straight Paths
Plucked Out of the Net
Through Troubled Waters
Remarkable Incidents & Answers to Prayers
Amazing Answers to Prevailing Prayers
God's Little Lambs
Walking With God for Over 50 Years
Celebration of Life, Family, and Faith – Collection of Poems, Tributes, and Stories
In addition, many of her family recipes are provided in the following book, compiled by her daughter, Donna McCain Wilson, on the occasion of her 60th wedding anniversary:
Still Cooking After Sixty Years
Plans are to make all available via ebooks. Stay tuned.
Letters from Readers of Georgia McCain Books
The following are excerpts from some of the many letters I have received from my readers from different parts of the country from as far away as Alaska. Also, God has seen fit to place my books in several foreign countries, namely Haiti, the Bahamas, Republic of South Africa, New Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Taiwan, England, and South America. I have been encouraged time and again upon receiving letters from people relating how God used one of my books to help them spiritually. Some have been saved, some sanctified, some edified, strengthened, and encouraged. Again, I say, "all glory to Jesus!" He, it is, that gives me a nudge when it's time to write another book. And though I'm a very busy person in the work of the Lord, plus all my other duties as a housewife, when I feel God leading, I let many things go undone and busy myself with my writing, which I enjoy as God helps. I've often thought that if only one person would walk up to me in Heaven and say "It was your book that helped me to turn to Jesus and helped to enlighten my way to Heaven," it would be worth all the time and effort put forth in writing them. One soul is worth everything.
I have a son who is a missionary to Africa. A few years back, he visited a man in jail named Olusegun Obasanjo, and gave him one of my books entitled, Amazing Answers to Prevailing Prayer. Later Mr. Obasanjo got saved, straightened out his life, and ran for president of Nigeria and was elected. Whether or not my book had anything at all to do with Mr. Obasanjo's salvation, I know not, but later after he became president, my son visited him, and he told my son that his mother's book was very inspirational. Later, the president wrote a book entitled Women of Virtue: Stories of Outstanding Women in the Bible, and my son brought me a copy on one of his trips home. So one never knows how far their works for Christ will reach when we put it in God's hands and take our hands off. It will take eternity to tell any good my writing for God's Glory alone has accomplished.
Trust you enjoy the following letters from my readers:
I have just become a Christian and your books have helped me so much. I have four and am wondering if you have written anymore. I really like In Straight Paths and Through Troubled Waters. Will you pray for me? I need more help spiritually.
Your six books arrived for the Stephen D. Herron Memorial Library, and we feel honored to place them in the memorial room. I trust that the people who use the room for study and prayer will profit greatly from reading them. You have always been a great blessing to each of us.
I cried most of the time while reading your book Shattered Shackles because many happenings had been a reality in my life. I've had lots of heartaches.
I am a young person who likes to read but am quite selective in what I read. So many of these so-called Christian novels are so aimless and mushy, it's disgusting, but I would recommend your books to anyone. The explanation of holiness is very good.
I am so happy to know we have dedicated writers such as you who are willing to do the hard work of hammering out a good clean book for people to read. May God bless you as you use your talent for Him. We may never write best sellers but as long as we keep His smile upon our work, it is a best seller. Keep up the good work. (From another writer)
A note to say thanks for the books. Couldn't put them down. Now that's what I call talent. They were really enlightening. Thanks a million.
I read your book, which was a great inspiration to me. I never dreamed anyone could even imagine or dream up so much adversity and heartache as I have been through. Your book lifted my spirits in a very dark and lonely period of my life.
I've read two of your books in two days, as I couldn't lay them down after I started. I will pass them around and I'm sure others will enjoy them, too.
I was happy when I came across your book entitled Through Troubled Waters. I read part of it, but the owner took it away before I finished it. My troubles are so great that at times I feel it may be I have sinned. I do not know what to do. The portion of your book I read inspired me greatly. Could you send me a copy and any other that will help me solve my problems. (This came from Ghana, West Africa, and I sent him a copy)
I just finished reading your book, Trials and Triumphs. and felt real impressed to write and tell you how much it encouraged me. I have been asking the Lord to give me more faith and this book helped me so much. Thank you so much for writing it,
A dear sister gave me two of your books, and I really enjoyed both of them. I feel they have helped me spiritually. I really crave good reading that will draw me closer to God.
Just finished your book, In Straight Paths, and it was such an inspiration to me. I was encouraged and excited when I finished reading it. I received your book at church as a Mother's Day gift for being the youngest mother. It's a real life book where I really feel like I can see me at times. It
is indeed wonderful and makes me feel that God will help me, as I need it. Pray for me! God bless you.
Your book answers a need out in the public for explaining what real heart holiness is. There is much confusion at this point.
Have read your book, Through Troubled Waters, over and over. Very good.
I believe your book, Through Troubled Waters, is the best book I've ever read and the most spiritual for religious fiction. Keep writing books as they help many people.
Thank God for the old-fashioned way of salvation and holiness and for people like you who can write beautiful stories that holds high its banner. May God richly bless you.
Thanks so very much for your books. I read In Straight Paths once again and am now reading the sequel, Plucked out of the Net. I enjoy them so much. Praise God for blessing you with this gift! I pray it will always glorify Him.
I am writing to you in regards to your books I purchased in Findley, Ohio. I gave one to a lady who wasn't saved. I later sent the other book, Shattered Shackles, to her. She has read them, and they have been a help to her. She has gotten saved and doing her best to walk in the light.
Hope you will write more books. I really appreciate how the Lord has helped you to entwine the gospel in your stories.
Enclosed is a money order for your book, Plucked out of the Net. Sure appreciate your writings. So good and stay close to holiness emphasis. So much today that is called Christian fiction isn't Christian at all. May the Lord bless you is our prayer.
I'm happy to have the opportunity to receive another book of yours. They have all been excellent and wife and I have read and reread them during the long winter evenings.
I've enjoyed your books much and have shared them with others. In fact, they are all out now. I would like to order your latest one. We need more good Christian books for our young people. Also, us older ones enjoy them.
A friend of mine loaned me two of your books. I enjoyed them so much that I would like to send them to my brother who is in jail in North Carolina. One of the books reminds me of him.
I am so happy to have your books where interested and hungry souls can get them. I'm sure your writings are blessing many. The book Through Troubled Waters has been mentioned several times at church illustrating truths of the message given.
I thought you might like to hear of one incident where a young man was kept home from church because of illness in his family. Someone had loaned him your book, Through Troubled Waters, and he read it. The next week, he testified how God had mightily dealt with his heart. The church prayed for him until he felt a clear witness.
I'm writing to see if you have written another book. I just read one and think it is wonderful. It has been a real blessing to me. I praise God for people like you that can write such a book, especially the teaching on holiness. If you have written another book, let me know.
The book, Through Troubled Waters, has been such a help to me in many ways. I wish I had what the nurse in the story had. I would gladly give all I had. She is so pure and good. Would that this old world had more like her. Wish I could talk to someone like the nurse but I'm afraid it's too late. I'm not young anymore. I'm 37 and 1/2. (Thank God, there's help for anyone who truly wants God in their life. I contacted the lady and did my best to help her. Author.)
Your book came yesterday. I read the inside information but haven't read the contents yet, but will and also, will let others read it. Your talent came from your sixth grade teacher. ha!ha! (He was my sixth grade teacher.) I'm sending a contribution to help with your good work. Keep in touch!
God sure did inspire you as you wrote the book, Through Troubled Waters. Everything that you tucked away here and there as you wrote was amazing. How anyone could think of so much to fit into a story!! I was very much pleased with the way God helped you to use the Scriptures to teach sanctification. There are many who will read it in your book that never would study along that line any other way. I feel that this was the main reason God helped you to get this needful book out. I feel that souls will make it to Heaven because of it--souls that you would never have come into contact with, otherwise.
It usually takes me a week or ten days before I finish a book but finished yours in three evenings. The clear guidance into sanctification is the best I've ever read and helped me a lot. The story is so true to life. It holds you completely in suspense all the time. Thank you very much for the book.
We never dreamed we would get to see the author of that wonderful book, Through Troubled Waters. I have wanted to get a copy to send to a real good friend in South America and now I have it. So your good book will perhaps go around the globe.
My family and I have really enjoyed your first four books.
Your book, Shattered Shackles, is so touching. After reading some in your book this morning, I was so moved on by the Spirit to pray for those that are so shackled by drink or drugs. God can surely move on their heart to bring them to Christ.
I am fifteen years old and am writing to compliment you on your book, Through Troubled Waters. I am reading it the second time. I'm going to write a book report on it for school. I'm sure your book has helped many people.
I think you are brave to address the divorce and remarriage issue in your book, Plucked out of the Net. Our young people need that. Lots of people are getting awfully lenient about it. My husband and daughter read the book and really liked it. I think we all agree that it is the best yet. The message is real good.
We wanted to thank you for the privilege of reading your lovely little book. Our youngest daughter in California has just read hers and found it very profitable reading. We did, too. Of course, unless you truly loved the Saviour, you couldn't have done such a book.
I praise the Lord for giving you such a beautiful gift of writing and for your willingness to share it.
I sat right down and read your book and I truly enjoyed it. We all have our problems and I am no exception. Your book came to me at a time when I was depressed and so unhappy. I received a real blessing from it. You have a wonderful talent in telling of God's love through stories of life as we live it every day. Thanks!
I would like to tell the world what God and your book has done for me. Praise the Lord! It made me stop and realize there is a God and He truly loves me, regardless of the sins I had committed and the wrong I had done. God was calling me for one of His children. Before I read the book, I had so much hatred and bitterness in my heart. At times I even hated myself. Just as I put the book down, I had a strong urge to fall on my knees and ask the Lord to forgive my sins and to take the hatred and bitterness out of my heart. Praise the Lord! He immediately answered my prayer.
Believe the Lord has ordained the writing of this book for his people who are in troubled waters.
Enjoyed your book thoroughly. I want five more copies.
We all have our problems and I am no exception. Your book came to me at a time when I was so depressed and so unhappy. I received a real blessing from it.
Surprised and happy to receive your book. The Lord certainly used you in writing it. It is interesting, emotional and evangelistic, very well written, and I'm sure it is a blessing to all who read it. I am interested in ordering some more copies. (This one from Alaska).
We agreed to use your book for a part of our yearly youth Reading Course. Each year we recommend four or five books for the spiritual edification of our youth and sell them as a package to each youth society. I am heartily recommending it to our youth for two reasons, one is the danger of not obtaining holiness of heart and the other is the need of more personal workers on a one-to-one basis. The book is well written and I'm sure will continue to bless many lives.
Finished reading your fine book. It has an evangelistic message that is up to date and practical. Its message is desperately needed by thousands today.
The story is so true to life. It holds you in suspense all the time. I really enjoyed reading it. The clear guidance into sanctification is the best I'v
e ever read and helped me a lot. My copy will be passed on to others as the Lord guides, and pray with me that many will be brought to a better understanding and to the blessing of sanctification.
I read your beautiful book and was truly blessed by it.
Magnificent! It really inspired my mind as well as my heart.Thank you! I will pass this wonderful book on, for truly it's a soul winner.
If possible, we sure could use more books in this place.
A wonderful message for both young and old. Sure it will be a blessing to many people.
My grandmother taught me you could live above sin in this life. Your book has enlightened me in this matter
Have read your book and found it very enlightening.
May God continue to bless you. (This letter is from the Louisiana State Prison at Angola. I sent more books.)
May God bless those who have taken time to write to me over the years concerning my books. I deeply appreciate it. There are more, but we will sign off for this time. (Author)
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