I always want to laugh a little and say, “A job will never bring happiness. It can bring many rewards, but it is not the basis for contentment.” The same is true with people: a person cannot make you happy. People will disappoint us. They fail us and rightfully so because our trust needs to be in one Person and that is Jesus Christ. We can work hard to change our circumstances; but, if we are not fully dependent on God, we will face one disappointment after another.

Do All Things without Murmuring

Recently I returned home to Toccoa Falls full of expectation. Christmas was almost here; and I also was looking forward to celebrating my wedding anniversary on December 24. While I was away, I was sent updates on the day-to-day operations of the college, but no one had mentioned one particular problem.

The moment I stepped back on campus I realized something was wrong, and my heart dropped. Though I never told anyone, the temptation to grumble and feel sorry for myself was very strong. As I listened to those around me talk, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Paul’s words to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13).

I couldn’t argue with God. I knew He was right, and He was telling me that He would provide exactly what I needed to withstand this disappointment. Later, I looked up Philippians 4 and reread this verse along with verse 12. I could be content, but contentment required something of me. It meant making a choice to trust God and let go of my expectations. So with disappointing thoughts swirling through my head, I decided to do just that—trust the One who had allowed my circumstances to turn so dark.

Grumbling against God Has Consequences

It is wrong to grumble about the things we cannot control. In fact, there are consequences to murmuring: The Israelites grumbled and the results were disastrous. They murmured about Moses, fussed about not having the food they wanted, and complained about a lack of water. God almost allowed them die in the wilderness. (Numbers 14) One discontented member can spoil a whole family. And discontentment is never a good testimony for Jesus Christ and His faithfulness.

How could Paul say that he could do “all things”? He learned through experience. When trouble came his way, he trusted God to guide him through it. He wrote, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Is there a time when discontentment is acceptable? Yes. When God is getting ready to move us to another position, we may feel discontent. Many of our students have said that before they came to Toccoa Falls they felt discontent and sought the Lord in prayer. But the key to victory in this area is this: “Do all things without murmuring or disputing.”

Once while at sea, the ship with John Wesley on board encountered a great storm. Wesley wrote, “All the passengers were frightened except a small group of Moravians. I finally asked one of the men, ‘Are you afraid?’ “He replied, ‘No, why should I be when I know Jesus Christ?’”

This encounter led to John Wesley’s conversion. My question to you is this: Do you know the One who holds your life in His hand? If so, you have discovered the way to eternal contentment.

Taken from a sermon preached by Dr. Richard Forrest on December 12, 1947.

Dr Forrest

By Dr. R. A. Forrest

The president of the United States and the governor of Georgia asked that Friday, March 8, be a day of prayer. Doubtless thousands prayed, and I believe we will hear of miraculous things as a result of the request of thousands. However, not all the prayers spoken were “availing much.” The reason is found in Hebrews 11:6 where we read, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Sadly, many people today do not believe in Jesus Christ. They may acknowledge that there is a god, but far too often now, they are not willing to bow before the God of the universe as an act of worship and prayer.

If a person believes that God is, he must also believe that the Lord is all He claims to be. He must also believe the words Jesus spoke in Mark 10:27, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Usually our first impression about God is: “He can do anything!” However, we allow doubtful thoughts to creep into our minds, and we begin to wonder if His promises are true. There are many places in the Bible where He declares His sovereign ability. Most of us know the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised to give them a son. However, when it came down to the wire, Sarah’s faith wavered.

The Bible says, “When Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth . . . Then they said to him, ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said ‘There, in the tent.’ [The Lord] said, ‘I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing.

“Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?’ And the Lord said the Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, “Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?”

“‘Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.’” Like many of us, Sarah felt caught and tried to deny her doubt, “I did not laugh,” she said. But God knew the truth, “No, but you did laugh” (v. 15). Thankfully, Sarah did not pursue the conversation any further. More than likely, she became aware that she was in the presence of God.

The words that should stick with us from this interchange are the ones that form the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” It is the same question we need to ask ourselves whenever trials linger and seem unbearable or life suddenly turns dark and stormy. Does God know about the heartache, stress, and struggle we are facing? Does He care and will He act on our behalf? I believe He will and He does. In Romans 4, we read that Abraham knew his body was as good as dead, but his faith never wavered. “In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’

“Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform” (Romans 4:18-21).

Likewise, Job lost everything . . . yet he cries, “I know You can do everything.” In Jeremiah 32, the Promised Land is over run by the enemy. [Life] seemed hopeless and yet Jeremiah believed God could and would deliver the nation of Israel from bondage. His cousin Hanamel challenged his faith by asking him to buy a certain piece of land for 17 shekels (Jeremiah 32:8-15). At the time of the purchase, God’s prophet was in prison. What would he do with a piece of property that appeared to be useless to a man being held captive? Not only this, but it seems this purchase cost him everything.

There will be times when God will ask us to do something that from a human perspective does not make sense. This was one of those situations. Jeremiah knew God was behind the entire matter and obedience to Him was more important than how he appeared to his peers or his enemies. The purchase of this piece of land was also representative of God’s promise to the nation of Israel. He would restore them to the land. When we purchased Haddock Inn in 1911, we did not know how we would make ends meet. Yet, Mrs. Forrest and I knew God had led us this far and He was not about to fail us now. We trusted the Lord, Will you do the same with your life and whatever problem you are facing?

As he sealed the deed, Jeremiah said, “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You” (Jeremiah 32:17). Several verses later, we read God’s answer, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is anything too difficult for Me?” God’s reply came in the form of a rhetorical question. In other words, the answer was within the question. Nothing is ever too hard—too difficult or too time consuming for the Lord. Whatever need you have, He has a plan to meet it.

No matter what your position is in life, God is with you and He knows your need. You may be unconvinced of this, but all you need to know is that He believes in you. He is steady and He is sure. Brethren, you are on the winning side. Don’t laugh behind the tent door as Sarah, Abraham’s wife, once did. And don’t faint in times of trial. Have courage because God has a wonderful plan for your life, and you will discover it when you trust Him and allow Him to guide you where you need to go.

—Taken from a sermon by Dr. R. A. Forrest preached on August 10, 1946

We have collected several of the letters he wrote to her while he was away. They are very personal, but we felt as though sharing them with you at this time of the year would only underscore the true meaning of love. And we also believe if they were here today, they would tell you of their love one for another and encourage you to do the same—love others with the love of Christ.

Actually, there is no way to read their notes, journals, and letters without discovering how deeply in love they were. Their wedding took place on December 24, 1901, and as far as we can research, this was the only Christmas they were separated. Richard makes reference to their wedding in one of the letters we will post over the next few days. We hope you will enjoy reading these love letters to home and that the love he and Evelyn shared for one another, and especially their Savior, will spill over into your life this Christmas season.

My darling wife,

Have time for just a word or two, but wanted to tell you I love you and am so happy that the time is drawing so near when you will be free from your bondage. I believe it is Saturday the 21st when you expected the cast to be removed, and when I get home I am going to squeeze you so hard you’ll wish you had it again for protection.

I left Pyongyang last night about eight, slept pretty well except when I was rudely wakened at midnight to show my passport, fill out a long questionnaire for visa and have my luggage examined when crossing the border from Korea to Manchukuo.

There is not so much to see here except the people look and dress different from any I have yet seen. We got here in time for breakfast and by the time I finish this it will be time to go to the train for Peking, which we reach in the morning about nine.

I must stop now and run along. I love you with all my heart, and I’m missing you more every day.

Devotedly,
Richard

My darling Wife,
This thing of being a “tourist” is a hard life. I left Pyongyeng Monday night at eight o’clock after a hard day of visiting and speaking, and arrived at Mukden the next morning after a restless night. Had only a short time in Mukden and took the train for Peiping or Peking. Had to stay up until after ten last night for the Chinese Customs Inspector to come aboard the train. Finally, after filing out another long questionnaire giving all our family history I was allowed to go to sleep. Then I had another shock when they put a woman into the same compartment with me. She was very nice about it, and they had curtains around each of us so it was even more private than the average Pullman car at home. She was still asleep when I got out this morning.

Arrived here about nine, and have had a wonderful trip around this city, which was a well-organized town with a wall around it and a good government two thousand years before Christ.

I visited the justly famous Temple of Heaven, the Winter Palace, the Forbidden City, and many other world renowned shrines and historic places. Tomorrow, I go out to the Great Wall, about sixty miles from here, and am eager to see it. [I] expect to get back by three p.m. and leave for Nanking at six p.m. arriving there midnight Friday night or Saturday morning. Will visit our son, Pres. Hospital there and Howard VanDyke will probably meet me Saturday and take me to their station for Sunday and Monday. I then visit Chinkiang, China, where Mr. Crenshaw the Cornelia pastor was a missionary, and hope to reach Shanghai by Thanksgiving.

I have been thinking of you constantly this week visualizing you going back to Charlotte to have the cast removed. O how good it will feel to you to be free of it, and how good it will feel to me to have you in my arms again without that hard old thing. I am praying and believing that you will find the bone healed and getting strong again.

I have also been thinking a great deal about Kelly these days, and I surely am grateful to him for taking on my work as well as his own. Our lives and work would not have been complete without him and Alice, to say nothing about the baby, a combination of them both. I’m looking forward with greatest joy to fellowship with VanDykes, Ethel March, the Woodberrys, Robert Jaffray, Jack Turner, etc. That begins Sunday.

I love you with all my heart and am about wild to get to Shanghai to get mail from home.

Devotedly,
Richard

My Darling Wife,
I am sitting in the house that was built some twenty years ago by Brother Crenshaw, who is now in Cornelia. It is a comfortable house on a high hill overlooking the city of Chinkiang and the Yangtze River. I got here yesterday afternoon and was met at the station by Brother Farrior, who makes this his headquarters. They had a reception here for me last night, which all the missionaries and Bible women and native workers of the city were present. Among them was a sister of Mrs. Dimmock of Newport News, whom I was glad to meet. These missionaries certainly are a spiritual people and all of them are looking for the coming of the Lord. It is a treat to be with them and to know them.

More and more disquieting word is coming from the strike situation in America. They now say that our tickets around the world are not worth anything and we will have to get back to America the best way we can. If this is true I am on a bad spot and I am anxious to get to Shanghai to get the truth. I hope to get there tomorrow and will go and see about it at once. At any rate, I think I shall go on down to Borneo since that is a different line from Manila and my ticket is already bought one way and I can get back to America just as well from there as from here.

You have been in my thoughts all the time the last few days thinking of you getting out of your cast and wondering how the x-rays show up the bone. I surely do hope and pray that it comes out all right and I will have my wife back again when I get home. You will probably get this about the time I get to Borneo and I know you will be praying for me. . . . Don’t forget that I love you with all my heart.
Devotedly,
Richard

My darling Wife,
I received two letters from you in Shanghai, one written Oct. 22nd and one Oct. 27th. They were water to one who is thirsty, but you then had not had time to write any details about the post office or your cast, etc. I do hope there will be some more details when I reach Manila. I shall cable you from there and hope I may get a reply.

This strike in America has thrown all schedules out of gear and I’m doing the best I can. They tell me now that the rest of my passage around the world is worthless since the Dollar Line is going into bankruptcy and it really does look bad. I had to buy another ticket from Shanghai to Manila costing over fifty dollars gold and may never get a cent back for the old ticket. On the other hand, if I don’t use my Dutch Line ticket from Manila to Makassar, I won’t get anything back for that. So, I’m going on and taking the chance that the strike may end by the time I’m through in Borneo and I shall be able to go on with my present ticket. There are hundreds of round the world passengers over here stranded and a great howl is going up everywhere.

I only had two days at Shanghai but they were full ones—speaking several times through an interpreter, visiting various institutions, a reception one afternoon, and a radio address over the strongest radio station in the Orient. The speaker first before me was Leland Wang, known as the Moody of China. I boarded the ship Friday night and it left early Saturday morning. We are now on the China Sea and it is beautiful. There are some China Inland missionaries on board and I am enjoying them.

We hope to reach Hong Kong early tomorrow (Monday) morning and I am going across to Macao to visit Mr. and Mrs. Galloway. She was Mrs. S. C. Todd (you will remember). I am on an Italian ship, companion to the Esperia. I’m in Second Class but miles and miles better than our experience. I then take an Empress boat in two days to Manila and leave there Dec. 10th for Makassar.

I have a cabin all to myself. There are two more berths in it. I surely do wish you were in one of them. Somehow or the other, I have been homesick this whole trip, and am hungry for more word from home. My love to all the family, especially yourself.

Devotedly,
Richard

Love Letters

My darling wife,
Here I am held up in Hong Kong for days waiting for a ship to Manila. Not only do I have the expense of staying here, which cannot be less than five dollars per day, but I have had to buy another ticket to Manila, which cost nearly sixty dollars. All this is on account of the strike in America.

I suppose you don’t feel it there or even know much about it, but you should hear the commotion over here! Everywhere one turns there is an American who is stranded. If all the curses pronounced upon the steamship companies are fulfilled none of them will ever survive.

I had a good trip down from Shanghai arriving in this beautiful harbor this morning at seven. Am planning tomorrow to go over to Macao to see the Galloways (see Mrs. Todd) and I’ll have some time here to get some writing done. I suppose it really is a good thing I have to stay these days in more or less quietness because I have been surely living strenuously.

I am sending this on the Clipper. Save the stamps. Am also planning to cable you from Manila. I leave you again. Pray about the strike and don’t fail to have that money in the bank by Jan. 1st. I am counting upon $300.00 (??), and to reassure me I wish you would send a cable soon as you know the money has been put in the First National Bank of Atlanta. Just say “Jaffray Makassar, yes. Forrest.” Or you may use the Postal Code you prefer.
It’s a pretty serious feeling to be away over on the other side of the world not knowing what you will do, and no money.

If you can make it $350.00 with the PO money I wish you would. I hope Kelly has been putting some in along and not waiting for strain at the last moment. I have a feeling the Starke money won’t come this year and he cannot depend upon that.
I left a little there in the bank when I came away. But I have had to check on that since then. Our other experience caused so much suffering. I fear any repetition. I’m so sorry to add to the burdens now but I’ll make it up.

Devotedly,
Richard

My darling Wife,
It would be impossible to describe my disappointment when I went this morning to the American Express Co. the Dollar Line and the PO and found nothing from home. I suppose it is because there are no ships leaving the US for the Orient and the mail is all balled up. However, the disappointment was keen and I am sending you a cable today since I am so anxious to know about your condition since the cast is removed and also something about affairs at home.

You see, I’ve had no word from home about you, school, church, Post Office, or any of the other many things I’m so anxious to hear about. Your letter written Oct. 27th is the last word I’ve had and that was only about Mrs. Lewis. I hope you will send me a cable in answer to mine.

I had a fine visit to Hong Kong and went over to Macao to see Mr. and Mrs. Galloway. They have a fine work under the Southern Baptist board. He works mostly among the river pirates and has thrilling experiences. I also visited the Alliance children’s hostel at Hong Kong, where Mr. and Mrs. Becktell are located. It is a beautiful place and the children of South China, Philippines and East Indies missionaries stay there in school. Hong Kong is a British port so the splendid schools are taught in English.

By the way, at Macao, I was invited to tea at the home of Mrs. Sun-sen, widow of the first president of China. She is a fine Christian woman. Also while there I visited the grave of Robert Morrison the first missionary to China and saw the iron cross, on the ruins of a great Catholic Church that inspired the old hymn, “In The Cross of Christ, I glory, towering over the wrecks of time.”

I had to buy a new ticket from Hong Kong to Manila and came over on the Empress of Japan—a perfectly wonderful ship. While I was in the usual confusion of finding my baggage and getting through Customs a nice looking young man stepped up and asked if this was “Dr. Forrest.” I said, “Yes,” and he said we have been looking for you and expect you to preach for us at eleven this morning. It was Sunday and again this afternoon and tonight. They have a Bible Institute here and a fine work which split off from the Baptist Convention because of Modernism in the old board. It was blistering hot, and even my light coat and my pants were wringing wet, but I had good services and several were saved last night among them a brilliant young university student, who has been a scoffer. I preached through an interpreter tonight to a large Chinese group here in Chinatown, and tomorrow morning to the Institute students and again tomorrow night in an English service and three times Wednesday. I hope to sail by Thursday for Makasser.

I suppose the next address will be c/o American Express Singapore and then c/o Jack Turner. The c/o American Express Bombay. If anything else develops, I’ll cable you. . . . I’m sending this by Clipper today since no ships are running. I’m sorry to add anything to Kelly’s burden, but will make up for it later. I surely do appreciate his “standing by the stuff.” Am dying to hear of your condition, for you are the greatest asset I have this side of Heaven, and I want you to be well and free from suffering.

Again, I hope you cable me here before I leave on Thursday and again you are to cable me c/o Jaffray, Makasser, assuring me about the money. If you use the Postal code, use the word: ODENI, which I found on page 60 of the Postal code book and means “Have cabled money as requested.”

I don’t want the money “Cabled,” but will know what you mean. In my last letter, I said to simply say “Yes,” so either one will do. I hope you can use from the same code the word “MUPOS” on page 50, which means, “All are well at home,” or “NUWUB” which means “ Improving rapidly.

I love you with all my heart, and “how I am gong to demonstrate this when I see you again!!! Merry Christmas to all. Wish I were there to celebrate our anniversary. We’ll celebrate it later. Give my love to Kelly, Alice, Walt, Alice Grace, Mary and Edith. I sent a small package of my “heavenlies” that I won’t need for Hong Kong. Don’t be disappointed in opening it. The shirts were given to me by a missionary. I can’t even get them over my head.

Devotedly,
Richard

My Darling Wife,

I hear another Clipper leaves today so I want to get this off on it to say how happy your cable received yesterday made me feel. I surely am glad the cast is off and I hope you will be walking when I get back.

I have been more than busy while here and have greatly enjoyed the fellowship with the missionaries. I leave tonight for Makasser. Will board the ship at six and she leaves sometime during the night.

So far as I know now I will be leaving Bali on January 7, arriving in Calcutta about January 20. That means I will be with Jack Turner about January 21. So that will be the next point to address. Send me something there, and something c/o American Express to Bombay. Port said and Naples. Hope to be home before March. Surely am homesick for you. I love you. Am more sorry than I can tell you to miss our 35th anniversary but my heart will be there with you. Am sending a radiogram to you today through a “Ham” who will forward it to you without it costing me anything. The Army will send it and forward it to you.

My love and Christmas greetings to all on the place. I’m feeling pretty well, but the heat is beginning to tell on me already. I have my helmet and wear it all the time. Must stop and run with this to the Post Office for the Clipper. Hope you get it before Christmas.

Devotedly,
Richard

December 17, 1936
Makassar

My Darling Wife,

Well, here I am in Makassar! I left Manila on December 10 and had a beautiful voyage for five days, landing at Makassar on December 15. I was met at the wharf by Mr. Jaffray, Mr. and Mrs. Post, Margaret Jaffray, and Miss Lillian Marsh. They surely did seem to be glad to see me. I landed about six a.m. and went up to Jaffray’s home for breakfast.

This work is a modern missionary miracle and grows on one the more you look into it. It is only seven years old, but here and Borneo and other islands there are more than ten thousand converts at the Bible training school with over a hundred students, four native workers in the field, a graduating class this next spring of twenty more, and a continuous revival going on.

I still don’t know when I can get over to Borneo. Dixon is away up in the interior with the boat and although word has been sent up to him by special courier no definite reply has come yet and I may have to wait a week. This may delay me a couple of weeks getting home, but since I’ll probably never be here again, I’m sure it would be bad to miss going. As soon as we receive word at the mouth of the river, I’ll go on the next boat that Dixon is at the coast at mouth of the river. I’ll go over on the next boat to meet him there.

There is still a great deal of confusion over here about boats and it still looks like I shall have to buy a new ticket all the way home. They are cold blooded about it and simply say the strike is an act of God for which they are not responsible and we must get back the best way we can. I go from here to Singapore—thence to Calcutta via Rangoon. I will have to miss French Indo China because of the expense and you have no idea how I dislike that. I wanted so much to visit Johnnie McCollins-Ziemer near Bangkok. Siam, near where Neil Chrisman’s brother was located.

Word has just come since writing the above that two young men came in this morning from Borneo and Jaffray has gone to see them to get some word from Dixon. I may go back on that boat tonight. I hope so, for I’m anxious to be on my way. I am preaching every morning in English to the missionaries and others and every night to the Malays through an interpreter. The latter is agony for me.

I was wishing so much you could have been with me when we crossed the Equator. They always make a great ceremony of it. I was elected King Neptune and was all rigged up in long whiskers, boots, crown, and all the rest of the paraphernalia. All the passengers had to appear before me and the barber and the doctor were told what to do with them. Most of them were thrown overboard into the swimming pool. It was great fun, and at the last, they all caught us, the barber, the doctor, and Neptune and we were also thrown “overboard.”

It is now the 18th and I still don’t know what I’m going to do about Borneo. No word comes from Dixon, and there is no way to contact him. If I don’t hear from him by tomorrow noon, I think I shall leave here for Bali and Batavia and visit Borneo from the west side where there has recently been a great revival with two thousand baptisms. It will be a disappointment to the Dixons, but I can’t wait always.

It is very hot, but not so bad as I expected. We are about the same distance south of the Equator as we were north when at Abijan or Grand Bassam. The Borneo work is right on the Equator.

I have received only one letter from you since leaving Seattle and that was at Shanghai. Not a word from anybody at Manila except your cable, and only one letter from Kelly here enclosing a note from Miss Halderman. I surely did appreciate these and have read them over and over. I don’t suppose there is a chance for any more until I get to New York. Pretty bad to get only one letter from the one you love most in five months, and I have written you over and over again although constantly on the trot. I might get something at Bombay c/o American Express, if it comes by airmail via Europe. Must get this off. I leave for Borneo tomorrow. I love you dearly.

Devotedly,
Richard

Love Letters

My Darling Wife,
Thirty-five years ago there was a boy, who got up before daylight and fumbled around in the dark in a little stable in an alley near St. Ann’s P.C. Church hitching a black horse to an old fashioned buggy. He had an eighteen-mile drive ahead of him and it was very cold, but he had something inside him that kept him warm and happy on the way. He was on his way to marry the finest girl he had or has every known.

Today that boy is a grey-headed old man and is approaching the shores of Borneo right on the Equator to a town called Balikpappan. The Dutch have great oil fields here and they also have the largest paraffin plant in the world.

The sea is smooth fortunately for we are on a very small boat. I have a second-class ticket, but the captain invited me to eat with him, so I am getting first class fare and attention. From Balikpappan we go on tonight to Samarinda arriving there tomorrow morning. Dixon meets me there and we proceed at once to go up the Mahakam River to Melak, where he is located.

The shores of Borneo are now insight and not very inviting. On the Celebes side there are green hills and beautiful scenery with waving palm trees, etc. but the coast is low and flat and not at all attractive. They say they have mountains in the interior and I may change my mind. So far as I know now, I will come back on the same ship on January 3rd, and will be in Makassar one night, then on to Bali, Java, Billiton, and the west coast of Borneo, where I go inland again—this time having Jaffray with me.

I surely was glad to get your cable and sent you an answer. It only coat $1.60 in our money. My heart and thoughts are there today, and I sincerely wish my body were there too. I love and miss you. Please give my love to all the family (including everyone at the school) and friends. I hope you are walking. I’m sending this to you airmail via Europe.

Devotedly,
Richard

Evelyn Forrest

Most of my young life was spent longing to become a missionary to West Africa. When God prevented this from taking place, I realized I was standing at a crossroads. Would I trust Him for my future even though I did not like the idea of seeing my personal dreams fade? I had only one choice. I said yes to His plan and have never regretted this decision. In response to my obedience, He allowed me to be a part of sending hundreds of missionaries to places around the world — including West Africa! Had I said no, things would have turned out quite differently. But I said yes and it made all the difference.

Are you willing to do the same? Give up your dreams in order to allow Him to work fully through your life? If your answer is yes, then your future is very bright indeed because it is a future based on His ability and nothing else. Remember, Peter, James, and John left everything to follow the Savior, and we must be willing to do the same.

Dr. Richard Forrest

Sombody Knows You

Somebody knows when your heart aches
And everything seems to go wrong.
Somebody knows when the shadows need
Chasing away with a song.

Somebody knows when you’re lonely,
Tried, discouraged, and blue.
Somebody wants you to know Him
And to know that he dearly loves you.

Somebody knows when you’re weakest,
Somebody knows when you’re strong
Always is waiting to help you,
He watches you all the day long.
Needing His friendship so holy,
Needing His watch care so true,
His name, they call His name Jesus
He loves everyone; He loves you!

—Dr. R. A. Forrest

Mrs. Forrest

Joshua’s source of strength and confidence in the great military campaign he was about to undertake rested in the Word of God and God’s promise of His presence. The same is truth for you today. Whatever the battle, whatever the conflict, Jesus is your strength, but you must trust Him—roll whatever complaint or problem that is harassing your heart over on to Him and allow Him to bear it for you. This is His personal promise to you: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you. Therefore be strong, courageous—full of godly confidence—and never dismayed for I Am (the sovereign God of the universe) with you.”

After His resurrection, Jesus told the disciples, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations . . . to observe all thing whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-30). I cannot imagine the weight of duty and responsibility these men must have felt. And yet amazingly, each one fulfilled God’s call. How can you do the same? There is only one way: set your eyes on Jesus and trust Him to give you the strength you need not only for today but also for every day. He is faithful. He is true. And He will not fail you.

(Adapted from the 1942 series of radio broadcasts: Through The Bible with Mrs. R. A. Forrest, WRLC in Toccoa, GA)

Richard Forrest

“One of Richard’s greatest tests of faith came just before he graduated from [Nyack]. One afternoon, while standing on a street corner in New York City, he saw a man who was later president of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. Richard felt definitely called by the Lord to preach and he had been looking for a place to serve after his graduation. ‘Surely,’ he reasoned, ‘if anyone can help me, this well-known preacher can.’ Therefore, he walked over and asked if the man could direct him to a church, which he might pastor.

“To his amazement and chagrin, he heard a reply he hadn’t thought possible.

“’Richard,’ kindly answered the gentleman, ‘you can’t preach. I wouldn’t discourage you for the world, but in all honesty and fairness I have to tell you, you don’t have it in you. God didn’t call every to preach, my boy, man, and it seems to me that you’d be far wiser to get a job, become a good Christian layman and help support those who can preach. That’s an honorable profession, too, my lad, and we don’t have enough Christian laymen who are concerned with supporting those who can engage in preaching and doing missionary work.’

“He spoke on, counseling the young man as seemed to him best. Little did he realize that each word was falling like a stone into young Forrest’s heart.

“As soon as he could courteously do so, Richard parted from his elder. Almost blindly he hurried to his room, where he fell on his face on the carpet and nearly died. All his hopes and aspiration were shattered. What could he do now? Where could he turn? Was he mistaken—had God not called him?

“Then he prayed; and God came down from His throne on high and met His suffering child: ‘The race is not swift, nor the battle to the strong.’

“’Lord, Thou didst call me? I have heard Thee alright?’

“’Yes, my child, go on. Thy promise: ‘I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.’

“This was one more lesson taught by the Lord, one of the lessons which would hold him faithful during the following years: listen to God, not to man. Go ahead in spite of obstacles, if the Lord is leading. Furthermore, treat sympathetically anyone in similar circumstances. Never did he tell a boy that he was not called to preach. (He felt that the calling is a matter between the lad and God.) On the other hand, if the lad felt the call, he did everything in his power to help the boy along the way.” (Taken from Achieving the Impossible With God)

“It happened that Richard had only carfare to Nyack, New York, where he felt that he had been called to get the Bible training he needed.

“He swung off the train, picked up his telescope, squared his shoulders, and started up the hill to the business office of the Missionary Training Institute, where he hoped to get some help finding a job.

“’Dear Lord, help me find a job. I’m willing to do anything,’ he prayed as he walked along.

“Within moments he was ushered into the presence of the business manager of the Institute, a lady, who asked what he wanted.

“’A job—anything so I can stay here and get some training.’

“’How much money do you have?’

“’None—but I’m not afraid to work.’

“’Why did you come?’ she demanded. ‘You know it costs money to operate a school, and the students have certain fees and other obligations that must be met. How do you figure on paying?’

“’I believe the Lord will supply my need and, as I said, I’m willing work.’

“’Young man,’ she replied, ‘I appreciate your desire for an education and your zeal. But the fact of the matter is that nearly all of the young people who want to come here are in circumstances similar to yours. They have no money. How can the Institute pay its bills?’

“’Isn’t there anyone here in Nyack who needs help? I’ll build fires, carry ashes, anything?’

“’I’m telling you, there is no work to be had. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.’ With that, she turned back to her work.

“Richard turned dejectedly and walked slowly from the room. Now what would he do? He was sure God meant for him to be here. Could he be wrong?

“Aimlessly, he wandered into what was known as the South Parlor, a reception room in the same building. He walked over to a table in the center of the room and glanced down. Without realizing what he was doing, he began reading a newspaper lying on the table, left open at the want ad section. Suddenly he picked up the paper. One ‘Help Wanted’ ad had caught his attention. He reread it: ‘Wanted—girl to do general housework.’

“Girl? He could do anything around a house that a girl could do. He scanned the page, then looked back to the first ad. It was the only one for which he could at all qualify. Taking his knife out of his pocket, he cut out the notice, pocketed it, and walked quickly from the room.

“A few minutes later he was knocking at the door of the home of Miss Sarah A. Staley, a godly Episcopalian woman who was at that time principal of Greenpoint Public School of Greater New York.

“Miss Staley opened the door and looked at the gangling youth standing there. Now, what could this lad want? He looked most uncomfortable, but determined. Then she saw the advertisement in his hand. ‘Yes?’ she encouraged, trying not to smile.

“Richard could see the corners of her mouth twitching. He wanted to turn on his heels and run, but he had a determination born of desperation. Holding out the slip of paper, he said, ‘I came to answer this.’

“’Are you sure you read it correctly?’

“’I thought so.’ (If only it hadn’t so specifically said ‘girl’!)

“’The advertisement calls for a house girl, you know.’

“’Yes, ma’am, but I can do anything about a house that a girl can.’

“She started to say no—then hesitated. She inspected the boy, from the crown of his head to the soles of his shoes. She noticed his earnestness—the pleading in his eyes.

Richard Forrest

Then she smiled; and he knew he had the job. He breathed a prayer of thanksgiving.

“For two years, Richard Forrest worked for Miss Staley. He helped cook, made beds, cleaned, and did many other jobs that a girl couldn’t have done, such as mowing the lawn and riddling ashes. (Hard coal was burned, and all that dropped through to the ashes without burning was retrieved.) Another of his duties was taking Miss Staley to the train and bringing her back each day, since she commuted to New York City for her work.

“Miss Staley had one idiosyncrasy, which affect Richard personally. She could not stand to have a chipped dish in the house. Whenever a chip appeared in a plate, cup, or other dish, Miss Staley would seize the offending article and march out into the back yard. Then with all her force, she’d hurl the dish, smashing it against a stonewall.

“Richard soon learned that he was expected to pay for any dish that met this untimely doom, and he tried to be as careful as possible, for each penny was precious. His fingers were sometimes clumsy, though, and another cup or plate would sail through the air.

“Human nature can stand only so much punishment of a kind, however, before it strikes back. This time it was a plate, the chip hardly noticeable, but Miss Staley’s sharp eyes caught the defect. As she snatched the plate and started for the door, Richard called: ‘Wait, Miss Staley, I’m going to have to pay for that plate. Give me the satisfaction of smashing it.’

“Miss Staley never smashed another dish so long as Richard worked for her.” (Taken from Achieving the Impossible With God).

Richard A. Forrest when he was a student at Nyack and having to work. It is probably the only photo we have of him without a mustache! He is the third person on the left.

“It seems that there was a young couple attending Nyack at that time, a couple whose open shows of affection was quite sickening to all around. Noticing the reaction of all to these two, Richard wrote to Evelyn, who was two weeks late entering school, and asked her whether she did not think it would be wise for them not to give any indication that they were interested in each other. She agreed; from September until Christmas time they treated each other almost as strangers. Only once, and then in a group, did they even speak to each other for four months.

“At Christmas time they rode home together on the train. There were a number of other Nyack students in the same car—and a great deal of walking past the two with ‘Why, hello, Richard!’ and ‘How do you do, Miss Drennan!’ and ‘Fancy seeing you two together!’ How sweet it was after that time of self-discipline to acknowledge each other openly!

“The lesson? Most of their married life, the Forrests were separated by the work—he out in evangelistic endeavors, she at home helping take care of the school. Always the work of the Lord came first; therefore self-discipline was a necessity.” (Taken from Achieving the Impossible With God)

In this photo, Evelyn and Richard Forrest are a young couple.

Evelyn Forrest

Good afternoon friends and members of our Radio Bible Class. Did you read that comment on the daughter of Karl Marx the Communist, which appeared recently in a magazine called The Dawn? I read it this morning and it impressed me so much that I would like to pass it on to you. The article was called, “The God of That Prayer.”

The God of That Prayer
“The daughter of Karl Marx, the Jew who became prominent as one of the founders of the modern Communist movement, said to a friend, ‘I was brought up without any religion. I do not believe in God.’ Then she added wistfully, ‘But the other day, in an old German book, I came across a prayer; and if the God of that prayer exits, I think I could believe in Him.’

“‘What was the prayer?’ asked her friend. The daughter of Karl Marx repeated slowly in German the Lord’s Prayer. Praise God! We know the God of that prayer lives today. Will you bow your heads and join with me in prayer the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray? ‘Our Father which art in heave, hallowed by they name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is heaven. Give us our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.’ (Matt. 6:9-13).”

Our first line of defense is in the home, the Christian home with a family later, where the children are taught by their parents, the Word of God and how to pray. You would not think of letting your child go cold and without food all day long, then why let their little souls starve for the spiritual food, the Word of God. When God has said concerning you child, and your responsibility—

“Thou shalt teach them diligently unto they children, and shall talk of them when thou sittist in thine house, and when thou risest up” (paraphrase of Deuteronomy 11: 19). I believe that every morning and every night family worship is our first line of defense as a nation. Oh! May we take this thought to heart in this up coming year!