For the next half hour, Beecham gave a graphic picture of Africa, pointing out the hardships, the dangers that awaited any man who set foot on it. He did not minimize the problems—on the contrary, he emphasized them. Finally he paused and looked over the ragged men before him. His voice was quiet as he concluded his message.
“Some of you need to come and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior. He will save you if you will repent and ask Him for His salvation. There may be a few of you—perhaps only one—whom God has selected for a special service. I do not encourage you to come, but if God is dealing with your heart to follow Jesus to the foreign field, let me say that there is no life better spent than as a missionary for Jesus.”
Beecham stepped back, and soon the altar was filled.
While Barney and others went to pray with the seekers, Beecham remained on the platform, standing erect, still as a statue, his head bowed. Barney had been tremendously moved by the message, and as he looked up he saw Beecham lift his head, then fix his eyes on someone at the back of the room. He suddenly called out, “Jesus Christ is calling you, young woman! Will you come to Him?”
Barney turned to look and saw Katie walking slowly down the aisle, her face pale and wet with tears. The missionary moved toward her, saying, “Let us pray together.”
Barney lifted his head from where he was praying and met his mother’s eyes. Lola was weeping, and she came to kneel with Barney.
They heard Beecham pray briefly, then counsel Katie. Soon her sobs could be heard, and after a time she cried, “Oh, Jesus! Jesus!” and continued weeping.
Barney and his mother stood up. The room seemed charged with the glory of God. They watched as Beecham put his hands on Katie’s head and looked straight up, his eyes wide open. He held that position as if he were listening to someone. Then he dropped his eyes to Katie. “My daughter,” he said slowly, “you are now a handmaiden of the Lord.” Katie’s shoulders shook as she cried. After another pause, Beecham spoke quietly: “You will serve Me far from your native land. Many dark-skinned people will call you blessed, for you will lead them from the darkness of sin to the Light of the world!”
A cloud of silence hung over the room. Only Katie’s sobs sifted into the stillness. Then Beecham gazed around slowly, seeming to search for something. Finally he said, “This young woman is not the only servant of God who will go from this place to the foreign field. The Lord this day is raising up a company who will take the gospel across the sea. And Jesus will be with you always, even unto the end of the world!”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The Company
By August the heat baked the streets of New York. There seemed to be no letup from the blazing sun, and the workers at the Rescue Mission sweltered under it.
But the spiritual temperature was no less hot, for as Awful Gardner put it, “There’s no such thing as a cup of tea or a Christian who’s too hot!”
The newspapers had played up the mission for a time, but as the novelty of the “aristocracy” working with slum people grew to be old news, the reporters left for more fertile ground. This was a relief to the leadership, for the crowds that came to satisfy their curiosity took up space the desperate could use.
But if the mission prospered beyond his wildest dreams, Gardner was baffled by something he couldn’t put his finger on. He spoke of it to Barney early one afternoon while they were sitting in the backyard in the shadow of the building away from the blistering sun.
“It’s wonderful, laddie, how so many have found the Lord Jesus. But I’ve been a bit confused lately.”
Barney was lying on his back, a hat over his face. He pulled it free and sat up. “What’s wrong, Awful?”
“Well, I can’t rightly say that something’s wrong.” Gardner drew his words out. The perplexed look on his face reflected his uncertainty. “But it seems to me that there’s a kind of—oh, I don’t know! It just seems we’re all sort of waitin’ for somethin’ to happen. And I haven’t the foggiest what the blazes we’re waitin’ for!”
Barney nodded. “I think I’ve felt it, too, Awful. It’s like we’re all waiting for some sort of sign.” He laughed ruefully and got to his feet. “Maybe we’re all crazy. Here the mission is going fine and we’re sitting around wondering what’s wrong. We ought to be thanking God for all the blessings that’ve come to us.”
“Aye, lad, you’re right, I suppose,” Awful sighed. “Well, let’s go help with the cookin’. With Mrs. Davis out, we’ve all got to pitch in.” They walked inside and found Katie peeling potatoes. “Now, Katie,” Awful said, “you’ve been at it all day in this hot kitchen. Let Barney and me take over.”
Katie smiled. She was dressed in a simple white dress with a yellow trim around the collar, and despite the heat of the kitchen, she still managed to look neat. She had literally bloomed after her sickness, and from the night of her conversion, she’d plunged into the work with a zeal that exceeded them all. “All right. You can finish peeling the potatoes, Awful. And Barney, if you’ll help with the stew, I think I can manage the rest.”
As the three worked together, Barney stole a look at her from time to time, marveling at the change. It was not only outward, though she had regained the beauty he had seen in her the night at Antoine’s, but she radiated a glow of happiness that communicated itself to everyone she met. The rough men who came to the mission treated her as if she were a princess. And the women, most of them prostitutes, could not believe the love she expressed toward them.
As Barney chopped carrots into a bowl, he thought of what Gardner had said, and mentioned it to Katie. She listened to him, then said, “There is something, and I think I know what it is.”
“What is it?” Barney asked, holding the knife in midair.
“Do you remember what Reverend Beecham said the night I was converted? He said that some would be called out of this place to serve Jesus overseas.” Katie had been stirring dough in a large bowl, but she paused for a moment. “Barney, I have no idea how I could ever do such a thing—but I know that I will do it someday. And I think what we all feel is God working to get a company ready to go to Africa.”
Barney’s mouth dropped open. “But, that’s—that’s almost impossible!”
“With God, nothing is impossible,” Katie affirmed, slapping the dough to punctuate her declaration.
Barney was itching to know what was on her mind. “Yes? Go on.”
“Barney,” she said, her voice so low he had to lean forward to hear, “have you ever felt that God was calling you to go as a missionary?”
Her words struck him like a rock. He was so still she knew she had touched a raw nerve. “Barney!” she cried, her eyes bright as she regarded him. “You have felt like that, haven’t you? Oh, I’m so glad!”
“Now—now, just a minute, Katie!” Barney protested. “Don’t be rushing me!” He was agitated, and glanced over to see if Awful could hear, but he had stepped out. “Well, I have been thinking about it, but I don’t know if God is calling me. Maybe I just want to go.” His dark eyes gleamed. “That would be some life, wouldn’t it, Katie? I’ve thought about it ever since Reverend Beecham was here.”
“Barney, if you would go, I wouldn’t be afraid of anything!”
He laughed. “Well, I can’t go to Africa just to keep you from being afraid, Katie Sullivan!” Then he sobered. “I can’t see how it could happen, though. I wouldn’t know how to go about it. It would take a lot of money and we’d have to learn the language. And I don’t know how to be a missionary.”
“I don’t either, but I’m going to learn,” Katie said. Then she laughed at herself. “But before I go to Africa, I’ve got to get this supper cooked.”
That was the beginning for Barney. The idea never left his mind. And he was not alone. Reverend Beecham had made his mark on the mission, and the group of young people talked about him and about Africa constantly. When Beecham sent a letter telling of his return to Africa and asking for those who felt God calling to write him, they were ov
erjoyed.
But it was three weeks before Barney came to a firm decision. He went to see his parents to share his dream. “I wanted to tell you first,” he said simply. “God has called me to go to Africa.”
Mark and Lola were speechless. They had been so happy with the change in Barney that it never occurred to them that he would make such a decision. Finally Mark found his voice. “Son, are you sure about this? I know Reverend Beecham made a tremendous impression on you, but that’s not the same as actually going.”
“Why, Barney,” Lola added, “you can’t think what you’re saying! God is blessing your work at the mission. Your father and I are ready to expand it, and we thought you would want to be in charge.”
“Well, Mother,” Barney said, “it’s not so much what I want. I’ve prayed about this for weeks. I’ve tried to get out of it, but God won’t take no for an answer.”
They talked for a long time, but nothing his parents said could shake his intention. “I love you both, and if I could, I’d do as you ask. But I’ve found God, and I’ve got to do what He says.”
He left the house feeling very low, for he could see that they were upset. But he squared his shoulders and went back to the mission. When he got there, the young people were discussing some projects with Awful and Katie, so he took the plunge.
“I’ve got something to tell you,” he said, and saw Katie’s eyes open wide. “You all remember what Reverend Beecham said about some being called out of this place for service in Africa? Well—God’s called me, and I’m going!”
Katie let out a squeal and ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “Oh, Barney! I’m so glad! Now I won’t have to go alone!”
One of the young men, Slim Ranken, said with a slow grin, “I guess this is the day for announcements. I was going to tell you all later, but I’m in the same shape as Barney. God’s called me to go to Africa, too.”
“And me, too!” Irene Bailey, a young woman who had been saved out of terrible sin, piped up. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
Tobe DeLaughter and Del Saunders, both smiling from ear to ear, confessed that they, too, had received the call. “We told each other a week ago, but we thought we were both crazy!” Tobe said with a wry grin. “Now we’re all crazy, I guess.”
Gardner was delighted and began to laugh. He laughed so hard they all wondered what was so funny.
Gardner finally got his breath. “I guess I’m the crazy one,” he admitted, a twinkle in his eye. “I wrote to Reverend Beecham three days after he left here. I told ’im God was callin’ me, and I’d jump on a boat the minute he told me to. And what’s more, I got a letter back just a week ago.”
“What did it say?” Barney said.
“I leave for Liberia in December!” Awful shouted. “Ain’t that lovely! Me, a missionary!”
Gardner’s news shocked them all, for up until he spoke, going to Africa was just an idea, but Awful was actually going to Africa! They all burst forth with questions. Finally Barney raised his hand. “Quiet! We’ve got to make plans.” He turned to Awful. “I’m going to write today. What’s his address?”
“Write for all of us, Barney,” Slim Ranken suggested. “Tell him the Company is ready!”
****
The next two months were the most hectic—and the happiest—Barney had ever known. From dawn to midnight he hurried from one task to another, for the leadership of what the newspapers called “The Water Street Company” had somehow fallen to him. No one ever elected him, but Gardner was busy training those who would operate the Rescue Mission after the group left for Africa. The others just seemed to assume that Barney was in charge, so he found himself as active as a man could be.
He stayed in constant contact with Reverend Beecham, trying his best to carry out all the instructions the missionary sent. It was a complicated business, involving lots of red tape—passports, finances, supplies to be taken on the ship.
The first major obstacle proved to be the matter of identity. Barney had asked several denominations to sponsor the Company, but they all said the same thing: “You’ll have to go to our schools and prepare yourselves for the mission field.”
But the tickets for the Company were already purchased, and Beecham was laying the groundwork for their arrival in January or February. For several weeks things were rather grim. Where was the support for the group to come from? Barney said little, and prayed much. The others assumed that somehow he would come up with a solution, but when November loomed ahead and they still had no support, slivers of doubt began to filter into Barney’s mind.
He didn’t voice his thoughts to the others, but began to fast and pray in earnest. One night the Lord came to him, and Barney felt a peace he had never known. He went about his work with a smile, and when someone asked about finances, he would reply, “God is faithful.”
He found out how faithful one Friday evening when he took time to visit his parents. He still felt guilty about leaving them, and tried to see them as often as he could. They had a good dinner, and afterward the three sat on the porch together.
The sky was clear, and as they looked up, Mark mused, “I wonder what the sky looks like from Africa? Not like this, I guess.”
“You’ll have to come and pay us a visit, Dad,” Barney said.
“We may do that.” Mark was silent; then he turned to face his son. “Barney, your mother and I haven’t been too supportive of your calling. I apologize for that. I’m so blasted selfish I just want to keep you with me.”
“Both of us have been selfish, Barney,” his mother said. She looked very young in the moonlight, and her eyes were glistening. “But we’re so proud of you! So very proud!”
“That’s—that’s so good to hear!” Barney said. His heart was full, now that he had their consent, and he said tightly, “I love you both very much.”
They sat there quietly, all of them thinking of the long road they had traveled to reach the point where they now stood. “I was talking to a few of my friends last week,” Mark said, breaking the silence. “You’ve heard of some of them, I suppose. We got to talking about missions.” Mark grinned in the dim light. “Well, I had to brag a little on you and the Company. Getting senile, I suppose! Anyway, one thing led to another, and it turned out pretty well.”
“Oh, tell him, Mark!” Lola urged when he paused.
“Some of us organized a nonprofit organization. I got the Union Pacific to ante up, and when the collection was taken, it turned out that we had enough to finance a mission to Africa. Guess which mission we picked?”
“Dad!” Barney stared at his father. “I can’t believe it!”
“The money’s in government bonds,” Mark went on, enjoying his moment. “The interest will be paid monthly, so if you’ll just let me have your address, you won’t need to worry about cash.”
Barney’s throat tightened with emotion. “God is good!” he said. “I’ve been praying for support—but I never dreamed it would come from you!”
“Oh, Barney!” Lola cried. “It’s so hard to give you up!”
Barney tried to comfort her. “Well, Mother,” he said, “you’ll still have Andy around.”
But he was mistaken, as they all learned three days later.
Barney had asked the Company to meet every evening after services to pray for the mission work, and it had become a rich time for them. On Tuesday night, Andy came to the service, and afterward asked Barney, “Could I talk to you?”
“Well, those of us who are leaving for Africa have a little prayer meeting in a few minutes. Can it wait?”
“May I join you?” Andy had a mysterious smile on his lips.
After the group had spent some time in prayer, Barney said, “Let’s just thank God for all He’s done for us.”
Expressions of gratefulness for God’s leading and provision were offered spontaneously. Andy, too, uttered his thanks to the Lord, then said aloud, “I’ve something to say to all of you.” Questioning eyes focused on him. “I’ve been very unhappy the p
ast few months,” he confessed. “God has been dealing with me, and it’s been quite difficult. I’ve watched you all carefully. And to be truthful, I couldn’t convince myself your plan was of God. It seemed so reckless!” His eyes met those of Barney’s.
“But,” he blurted out, “I’ve got to go to Africa with you. God has left me no choice!”
The news startled and excited everyone and they jubilantly gathered around him. “Well, we’ll have one real, live preacher in the group!” Tobe DeLaughter laughed. “The rest of us are all amateurs!”
“No, I’m the newest member,” Andy protested. “Besides, the minute we step off the boat in Africa, we’re all green-horns!” He grinned at Barney. “Well, Bishop, what do I do first?”
Barney laughed. “First, you start work! We’ve got a million things to do and little time left!”
In the next few days Andy was very visible. Somehow without anything being said, the leadership of the group passed from Barney to him. It was a subtle matter, and only Katie commented on it.
“Barney,” she said one evening after service, “I don’t think it’s fair.”
“What’s that?”
“The way Andy’s taken over the Company.”
Barney smiled at her. “He’s good at organizing things, Katie. I’m not. We’re lucky to have him.”
Katie didn’t argue, but later she brought up the matter to Gardner.
“Well, it’s not been what I’d like,” Gardner agreed. “Andy is a fine man. Got more education than the lot of us put together. But Barney wuz doin’ quite well, I thought.”
The Final Adversary Page 13
