Dear Brother: You will be surprised to hear from me. It is now two years since I entered the Gospel Hall, and, thank God, I was saved that night. I shall never forget it. My conversion was most wonderful. Seven days before I was saved, I tried to take my life, but God kept me from doing so.
I remember I quarreled with my mother because she would not let me go to dances and shows; but I was determined and very worldly, so I told her I would leave home and she would never see me any more. I took the last train at night for the city where I thought I would not be seen, leaving behind all those who were dear to me.
When I got off at the station, I was quite taken up with the gaiety of the city. I was sure I would soon get plenty of companions, which I soon did. I got a job where I could get out almost every night, and I went in for everything that was worldly. There was scarcely a night that I wasn’t at a theater or a dance. I never gave a thought for my little home in the country, where a dear mother was praying to God to bring her wandering child back to her. Nor did I think of the many who were looking for me in vain.
Things went smoothly for three years without my parents knowing my whereabouts. Then my job ran out and I was left in the big city with a tarnished character, without a friend, and no money. I had wasted all my earnings on companions who turned their back on me when my money was spent. Then a dear woman I had known gave me a week’s lodging. I went to my room, threw myself on my bed and cried. Forsaken and alone, all the world seemed against me. Never in those three years had I thought of uttering a prayer or cry to God, until I was penniless and in utter despair. I had led a wicked life, and now the time had come, I thought, for God to punish me.
I was in this condition for seven days, and the last day happened to be Sunday. I could not sleep all night, and prayed asking God to forgive me for all I had done. When dawn came, I decided to end it all, but even as I walked up the street that day, I met a friend who asked me to go with her to the gospel meeting, which I did.
Never shall I forget that night, for I still hear the words of the preacher, “Prepare to meet thy God! This night thy soul shall be required of thee!” I was struck dumb at the words, but his message seemed to get sweeter, until he came to another text: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9).
I gave myself to the Saviour right then and there, and He did not turn me away, thank God. I went on my way rejoicing in the knowledge that my sins were forgiven, Jesus had saved me, and I was on my way home to heaven.
That same night I wrote home, asking Mother to forgive me. I was very anxious to get a letter back from her, but one never came; she came herself instead. Never shall I forget that day when we met after the long absence. She threw her arms around my neck, and cried bitterly. It was a joyful meeting.
I came home after that, but it was only to see her die. I had broken her poor heart. She is in heaven now, and many a time I sit down and cry when I think of all the bad I had done and the sorrow it caused Mother. But I know the Lord has forgiven me. I am trusting in His precious blood and am sure I shall meet Mother in heaven one day.
Now, dear brother, may God bless you and spare you long to preach the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. I remain, Your sister in our soon-coming Lord, L.I.
ML-09/02/1979