Chapter XIV

"This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

I wish I could enlarge on the following story and relate many specific instances but it would be impossible even then, to adequately show forth God's wondrous works and answers to prayer in this great work of faith.

A young man, James Chote, was a Sunday School leader in a formal church. In 1936, on his knees, with a business man in a city office, he saw that a good life was not enough. He met his Saviour in a real way and was born again. From that time he gave himself over to be used by the Holy Spirit. He became so zealous in the work of the Lord, that it was too much for that quiet church and he was asked to leave. His pupils left with him.

Recently I heard him thank God that he had been led to a church, where my father was pastor. He thanked God for the blessed truths in the Bible, that the Holy Spirit used my father, Rev. W.J. Hamilton, to teach him sound doctrine.

I remember years ago, hearing my father speak very highly of this young man and the great help and strength he gave to the church. My father retired a few years later and a young pastor took up the work. Then the church was sold.

Mr. Chote felt the leading of the Lord, to start a church, especially designated for children. One became available. Despite advice against the undertaking, even from evangelicals, he had faith God wanted it done and would do it for them. We would here quote, Hebrews 11:6.

There were only three hundred dollars in the treasury. The down payment of sixteen thousand dollars was to be met in six months. God provided the last three hundred dollars on the day it was due. The average weekly offering was fifteen dollars. Two years later the mortgage of nine thousand dollars was burned.

Starting with twenty-five children and six teachers and carrying out an aggressive visitation program this work has grown as only one can, that has God back of it. Riverside Children's Church is verily a miracle. The attendance has continued to increase.

Decisions have been made for Christ. It is thrilling to hear the testimonies of teenagers and adults who have been born again and saved from a life of drink and drugs and now serving the Lord.

One great answer to prayer can be related. An Inspector had been called in to look over the building. He advised them not to spend money on it, as termites had done a great deal of damage to it. The men on the board talked it over and one said, "Let us pray the termites out." They prayed. Later another Inspector was called in. After inspection he said, "I cannot understand it. There have been termites in this building but they have stopped working. The queen must have died."

I saw a picture of a large parade of these children coming along a Toronto street. As I looked at their alert, intelligent, happy faces, my heart rejoiced and I praised the Lord. Many of them come from broken homes, yet they are hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ who shed His Precious blood on their behalf.

Let us pray for this work, undenominational, evangelical and for their leader, Mr. Chote and his lovely Christian wife, a real helpmate; and the teachers and other helpers. To God be the glory! If the Lord tarry, some of these children may be used mightily by God, in the future.

Recently Mr. Chote went under a serious operation. Before surgery, he asked that all who would be taking part come into the room. Then he testified of God's great love and providence. He put himself and the others in the Lord's care. I think that was another scene that is not often enacted in an operating room. He came through surgery wonderfully. All praise to God.

Epilogue

There may be those who think some of us live very limited lives, not enjoying the privileges and pleasures of others. We know better. The spiritual life is not limited. Joshua said, "There remaineth yet much land to be possessed." Joshua 13:1.

Through the years, the sorrows, trials, difficulties, yes and even our mistakes and failings, make us realize our own weakness. We turn to Jesus, claiming His promises, knowing He hears and answers prayer and gives us victory. This gives us a deep, satisfying, inner joy and peace and we can say, "He walks with me, He talks with me and tells me I am His own."

Not always are we made aware at once of God's will. Sometimes He must bring His permissive Will to pass in our lives because we do not conform and allow Him to do for us what He would have done in the first place. We need the testings and furnace of affliction to burn out the dross and refine us. We are not in the place where we enter into the richness of the fullness of the glorious blessings, showing the power of God in our lives. We are not ready. There is need of training, a period of restraint lest we run ahead of our Captain.

Let us appropriate His blessings for us. Let us trust and obey.

When I was a young girl I had a dream I never forgot. I saw a Heavenly Host, stars, in the eastern part of the sky. Suddenly each star became an angel.

Some day we shall see our Saviour, face to face, the King in His beauty, when He returns for His own. We shall be caught up to meet Him in the air. It may be soon, we know not when. What rapture awaits us! What hope is ours!

"Fairest of ten thousand, is Jesus Christ, my Saviour,
The Lily of the Valley, the Bright and morning star.
He is all my glory and in this heart of mine,
Forever more I am singing, a song of love divine." O.S.J.