At one of Mr. Moody's meetings in Chicago, a young Swede was converted. Happy in his love for the Lord, he came to the evangelist to ask him what he could do for Jesus. Mr. Moody thoughtfully observed the young man. He was awkward and illiterate. Finally Mr. Moody said: "How would you like to be a sandwich?”
"Anything, anything for Jesus," said the lad, not knowing what it meant. It was arranged for him to report the next morning for duty.
At the appointed time he came, and two boards strapped together were placed on his shoulders. On one board was printed John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) in full. On the other was printed a notice of the meetings then being held. "Now," said Mr. Moody, "you just walk up and down these streets for Jesus, and advertise the meetings!" The young Swede went off smiling, happy that he could do something for the One who had saved his soul.
As he was walking down Clark Street—the boys throwing mud and stones at the boards—a traveling man saw him, and stopped to read the signs and watch the happy Swede. That night the traveler attended the meeting and was converted to God.
This traveling man had a beautiful voice, and after his conversion he was happy to sing the Good News of God in the missions of the cities which he visited. One night he was in the Bowery Mission in New York City singing the Gospel. Presently he saw a young Jew come in and take a seat in the audience. Attracted by the singing, he had entered the hall not knowing the character of the meeting.
When the Jew heard the name of Jesus, he became restless, for he had been taught to hate that name. The traveling man was watching him, and when finally the Jew started for the door, he was there to meet him. He led him into an adjoining room and spoke to him about Jesus as his Messiah and Savior. The result was that the Jew accepted Christ and received God's salvation.
The young Swede lies in an unmarked grave in Chicago. The traveling man, too, has passed away. But that Jew became a missionary to Africa, and was used of God to turn many souls to Christ. In speaking of his conversion in Bowery Mission, he said: "When we all stand before Him to receive our rewards according to works, shall I receive all the reward for souls won through my preaching Christ in Africa? How about the traveling man who led me to accept the Savior? How about the Swede who did what he could for Jesus? Will they not receive their full share?”