"Through the Window of a Soul" (3/2/1975)

         While I preached in Brownwood, the city built a huge new domed stadium whose beautiful concrete dome, weighing millions of pounds, was poured entirely on the ground and jacked up into place. Sidewalk superintendents clucked their tongues, "They'll never get 'er up." When the dome was up into place, the observations changed, "She'll never stay there!" That's the stance a disturbing, if somewhat small, number of brethren over the country have taken about the missionary work in India. Some not only do not support it, but for some cock-eyed reason feel they should find fault with it to others. Because we have a lot of good supporters outside this local congregation, most of what is said here is for outside consumption.

         I had a part in setting the Lockney Church, Box 343, Lockney, Tx., 79241, involved in the attempt to evangelize part of India. Therefore I feel responsible to them to help them in any way I can in their efforts. For months now they and I have been talking about the possibility of my return to India to try and help out in the preachers school they are founding. Last Thursday, Feb. 20, 1975, they called me telling me that once again Rolland McLean had run into visa problems, even on a tourist basis. That meant that, as a standby I was to get ready as soon as possible. I had prayed numerous and fervent prayers that Rolland would get to go. He did not.

LIKE A FICKLE LOVER

         Now, loving the Hill much as I do, and desiring to take advantage of new evangelism opportunities that have lately arisen here, I reluctantly announce that I am booked for passage to India on March 10. I feel fickle, even guilty for hinting that the Hill could come second to anything, but, you see, as far back as the late 1950's I was praying for a place in the ministry, which finally did materialize in late 1961. Most men, I thought, receive overwhelming opportunities that demand their taking. But not me. I had only real good qualification--I desired to preach--more than anything in the world. I prayed, "Lord, just use me. I will go anywhere you tell me, any time you tell me, for any reason you tell me." And I have not been able to find a way to get out of that vow! So, you can see, my commitment is unto God, and not to any man or group of men, and never shall it be. You are seeing deeper into my soul than I like for people to see. But, I feel a need to let you know some of the compulsions that drive me. 

         I wish I could stand before you boldly and confidently declaring, "This is God's doing, and because it is, he will attend our efforts with glorious success." "This is going to be the start of an evangelism explosion." But I cannot. Does that sound weak? If it does sound weak, it is because I know that such characters as Abrahm went out "Not knowing where he was going." Or Paul would later be saying that he did not know what lay before, except that there was trial and hardship. But the fact is, though we believe this has to be God's will, and will act as though we know it is, it is still by faith we walk, and not sight. I have no way of knowing that this entire effort will not fly back in my face like spittle in the wind, then the skeptics can add, "I tried to tell you" to their forecasts of gloom. They enjoy it devilishly. So, since I cannot forecast this will be a successful mission, I simply ask your prayers and those of your praying friends. God, thankfully, does not hold us responsible for results, he only holds us responsible for the trying. 

To make this as painless as possible for Forest Hill, we ask only one material consideration. We would like the use of your home for those three months. We will pay you for its use. If it is the concensus of the congregation that you have had too much of this, and you want another, we will understand. In the event you want us to have another go at it, we will thankfully begin again--with renewed zeal. We just now have all the things we need for for revival. We do have several new prospects now. 

I wish to say kindly, but without equivocation that I will not argue the merits of the mission in India with anyone. For Jesus himeslf went to those who were desolate and hopeless. That's India today. I have to honestly say that I will insult the integrity of any supposedly mature Christian who denies we have a responsibility to the unsaved. I believe those who refuse to look upon the WHITE fields of harvest have, for all practical purpose, denied the faith. And nothing this side of eternity can change that frame of mind. To those who proclaim, "I have a responsibility to the man across the street first," I answer with a hearty, "Amen". What are you doing about it.