I remember a time awhile back, about thirty years ago to be precise, when my wife and I along with our children were invited to a wedding that was to be held in International Falls, Minnesota. We arrived safely there and the bride and groom had offered their home to us for our use for a couple of days while they were on their honeymoon. We were much appreciative of that gesture. The family that lived next to this home must have heard that someone from out of town would be staying there so upon our arrival they came over and
introduced themselves and welcomed us Canadians to their city.
If I remember correctly we had four children at the time (now Ten). Anyways, we were busying getting ready for the wedding and when we returned to the hme after the wedding, the family came over with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and shared it with us. We chatted for awhile and then we left again for the reception.After fellowshipping for quite awhile at the reception we didn't arrive back at the house until quite late. Our plans were to leave again for Ontario, Canada the next morning at five a.m. Before retiring for the evening I was wondering how I could repay them for their kindnesses unto us and this was on my mind. I remember it clear as a bell for as soon as that thought came to mind the next thought was, "Lord, I pray that You would give me the opportunity to share the gospel with these folks" before we leave in the morning. Then the thought came to me," That is going to be impossible as it is already ten to two in the morning and we would be leaving in just three short hours. How could I possibly be able to do that.
Well, suprise, suprise. Just as I finished that thought, sirens were heard in the immediate area and then a loud knocking came to our door. A couple of state troopers were standing there and telling us that we had to evacuate over to a local high school as a propane tanker had overturned on a train track. We hurriedly dressed and guess who we followed over to the school. YEP, that's right, the next door neighbour and his family. And what did we get to talk about as we were sitting side by side in the school gymnasium. You guessed that as well! THE GOSPEL! As I share this story with others over the years I often tell them, "If God has to turn over a rail car filled with propane to get the gospel to a needy soul, He will do it in His time!
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Copyright Gary James Smith
Jan. 2011
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