MR. GIBBONS was a constable, or policeman, in Bermuda. He used to make his rounds on his bicycle, for until recent years no cars were allowed on this beautiful island situated in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean.
One night when Constable Gibbons was on duty, as he neared Somerset Bridge he was caught in a sudden rainstorm. Quickly he looked for some shelter, and, seeing a two story building with a big flight of open stairs outside, he wheeled his bike behind the wall and under the staircase to keep out of the rain.
As Mr. Gibbons stood there in the shelter of the stairs, while the rain poured down, he realized a gospel meeting was in progress upstairs and heard one telling out the sweet message of Jesus and His love for sinners everywhere. As he listened to the old, old story told forth once again, he believed and was saved; for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:1717So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17). He had found the Saviour, the only Saviour, and a Friend, One who from then on would watch over and care for him all the way from earth to heaven. Then too not only had he found a temporary shelter from the rain, but a shelter from the judgment of God against sin — for all eternity.
After his conversion Mr. Gibbons had many trials, for his wife, who was an unbeliever, was not pleased when she heard her husband had accepted Christ as his Saviour. She would mock and jeer at him so that his Christian friends, when they would visit him, had to meet with him away from the house. However, I am happy to say that this did not continue, for his faithfulness and patience spoke to his wife’s heart. God in His mercy answered her husband’s prayers and she too bowed to the Saviour’s claims of love and became a happy Christian.
ML-02/14/1971