By Rev. Mark Creech
Christian Action League
November 17, 2021
During my study yesterday, I came upon a story told by the incomparable H.A. Ironside, the internationally beloved Bible teacher and former Pastor of the famous Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. In his commentary on the Gospel of John, Ironside told a story that was of particular interest to me because it was about my alma mater, Columbia Bible College, which is now known as Columbia International University.
Ironside mentions the late Dr. Robert McQuilkin, president of the college in its early years (1923-1952). His son, J. Robertson McQuilkin, was president during the 70s when I was a student there (1968-1990).
Ironside’s commentary was about Jesus’ promise in John 16:23, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” This is the story Ironside told:
“Down in Columbia, South Carolina, is located the Columbia Bible College of which Dr. Robert McQuilkin is the president. Some time ago, they started to buy a large building to be used as a men’s dormitory. They put the amount of money needed before the Lord, and it came in, and then the next year they were to pay $10,000 on October 1. This letter came telling them that on the last day of September, singularly enough, the balance needed was exactly $2,121.21. They took it to the Lord in prayer and then went out and opened a little box into which donations had been dropped. When they counted the money put in that morning, it was $21.21. That left $2,100 to be made up. They had a day of prayer, and as they waited before the Lord that day, gifts began to come from different sources. The largest gift that morning was $100. Later a gift of $500 was received. By evening they had received in all, exactly $2,121.22, just once cent more than they needed. What a wonderful bookkeeper God is. He gave all they needed and one cent more toward the next $10,000.”
What a superb illustration of God’s faithfulness and his answer to prayers offered in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ.
We’ve seen similar manifestations of God’s grace toward the Christian Action League. I’ve seen us so low in funds that I almost despaired as to whether the League’s work would continue. Sometimes the figure we needed to meet our needs was seemingly unreachable. But the Lord came through for us every time.
To finish this fiscal year in the black, the Christian Action League needs to take in $24,110.44.
Here at the office of the League, we’re trusting the Lord for this amount. And starting today, we are asking God for it. Our prayers are lifted toward heaven in the mighty and precious name of Jesus.
As a friend and supporter of the League’s ministry, let me ask you to consider doing three things:
- Join us in prayer for our financial needs. Ask the Lord to send all that we need. More specifically, ask him to provide $24,110.44 for our ministry before January 1, 2022. You may not be able to send us any money. Still, you can pray.
- Ask the Lord in prayer if he would have you trust him with a generous gift towards our ministry. What might the Lord have you to do? Is there an amount he would have you to contribute? With an open heart, would you at least ask him?
- Will you contribute toward our needs for this ministry? If you would like to make a secure online donation, go to the following link: https://give.cornerstone.cc/christianactionleague
To send your gift by mail, send it to:
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.
6325 Falls of Neuse Rd.
Suite 35-106
Raleigh, NC 27615
You might also consider forwarding this email to your friends. Share it with your Pastor, your Sunday School class, your church, or anyone else you think might be interested in helping.
At the Christian Action League, we believe our provision comes from God. As Ironside concluded in his commentary, “God chooses to give in answer to prayer, what he may not give apart from prayer, in order that we may have constant proof that we have to do with a living God.”
Yes, our God is not some impersonal force far removed from us in the cosmos. He bends down his ear to hear from us. We need only to ask in Jesus’ name.
Please pray a prayer for us in his name. Ask God to bless us to meet all of our financial obligations. Please spread the word about our needs. And, share with us if you can.
To God be the glory.