Once
every month we go to a Mill and Market Center for supplies. We look forward
with joy to this day which is spent in going to and from this little town
and making our purchases from the different stores. We take with us a good
many tracts, also some Gospel bombs which we all make. These Bombs are
made by selecting several good tracts, which are then rolled in a small
roll. Then they are wrapped around with a colored oil paper which is weather
and rain proof. This makes a small cylinder shaped package about the size
of a fountain fen. These are thrown along the road where there are mail
boxes, also to groups of workmen along the highway.
This little Market Center
where we get our supplies is about 25 miles from our home and it is reached
by a beautiful mountain road. The first part of our journey is over a few
mile of very rough road. Then we come on to a newly paved road which winds
over the hills. For quite some distance one can see a beautiful river which
flows through rugged gorges and over great rocks in a valley far below.
We leave the river and turn back into the mountains, which are very beautiful
this time of the year; for among the pines, spruce and hemlock trees are
many wild flowers growing, such as the myrtle, laurel, honey suckle and
wild azaleas. These are now in bloom and soon the rhododendron will add
its beauty and color to this mass of beautiful flowers.
At one point along this highway
one can see in the distance the "Sleeping Giant," the Roan Mountain which
is said to be the second highest peak east of the Rockies. At another point
there is a great metal sign which tells of an old mica mine which was worked
by the Indians many years ago. then we come to a trail leading into a very
small settlement where there is a craft shop. Here the mountain people
are taught to weave rugs, mats, etc., and to make baskets trays and a great
number of other useful articles which are sold to tourists and other markets.
In just a few minutes drive
from this side road we reach the little town where we do our shopping.
This is just a small place of about 2500 people. However, we are able to
buy at a great savings compared to the many little stores scattered through
the mountains. Then, too, they have a greater variety to choose from. This
day of shopping is also a day of service for God, for we give tracts to
the clerks in the different stores, and also talk to them about their soul's
salvation. One of the clerks, a very fine young man, told me that he was
saved and is much concerned about attending a good Bible School.
Then, too, on the way to
and from our home we usually give a ride to some who are walking. One young
man (about 18 years old) was returning from his home to the C.C. Camps.
He was a clean-cut and intelligent boy. We gave him some tracts and a Gospel
of John and talked to him at great length about the Lord. He seemed to
be much concerned as we told him how wonderful it would be if he would
go back to the Camp and witness to the other boys for the Lord and Savior.
I picked up another young
married man who is the father of two small children. While riding along
in the old car, I told him of a Savior who died for him. He was deeply
convicted, and he told me they did not have a Bible in their home and that
he wanted one but could not afford to buy it. Soon I hope to be able to
take him a new Bible and talk to him again. I am praying that he will surrender
his all to God.
Then on another occasion
the mayor of this trading center ran his automobile into the rear of my
car. We both got out and discussed the matter, who was at fault and about
the cost of repairs. After the discussion we shook hands and while our
hands were clasped I asked him if he was saved. He paused for just a moment,
then said, "I believe that I am."
On this day of taking care
of our physical and material needs, we also try to make it a day which
will count much for the Lord. It is a day which affords splendid opportunities
for witnessing and reaching many souls with the Gospel of Christ.
Please pray that we will
always be clean channels that God can use to win souls. Also, please remember
the needs for the Mission Building. |