SIGNS VOLUME 92. NUMBER 9. SEPTEMBER, 1977 SIGNS "SIGNS OF THE TIMES "In this vision the plan of redemption was presented to Jacob, not fully, but in such parts as were essential to him at that time. The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had He not with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angels could have held no communion with fallen man. Christ connects man in his weakness and helplessness with the source of infinite power." — E. G. White in "Patriarchs and Prophets." • • *h.° Jun, h tit oh, Just two tiny fish and a few barley loaves Was the sum of his frugal fare; A small boy's lunch just didn't seem much When five thousand were wanting a share. But he gave it to Christ in childlike faith, Although there were some who mocked loud— "Now stand aside, boy, don't get in the way, What help can that be in this crowd?" But Heaven's arithmetic mystifies man When the answer is faith and a prayer. To get, you must give, and to add, you divide, And to multiply things, you just share. A mite of a gift when you think of the need— Two fish and some coarse barley bread— But the faith of the boy plus the blessing of Christ, And those multiplied thousands were fed. My gift may be small—just the price of a meal— But if I give it to Christ with a prayer, He will graciously bless that the hungering crowd Might be fed with the lunch that was shared. —John Silver John Silver is a professional in many fields—accountancy, photography, management and editing. His photographs and poems have often appeared in this magazine. He lives in Sydney. September, 1977, SIGNS OF THE TIMES :: 1 A surgeon-sailor asks . fly IF ONE THINKS that breathing is not important, let him try to hold his breath for two minutes. Just try it once, and see how very dependent comfort and life are upon normal breathing. An inspired writer has written that prayer is the breath of the soul. Those who desire to have a happy Christian life have discovered that this is a true statement. Those who neglect to pray, soon lose interest in spiritual things. They suffocate spiritually. 2 :: SIGNS OF THE TIMES, September, 1977 Prayer has always seemed important dollars left. As soon as possible I went in streaking toward the starboard of our to me, and not just a superstition. Well, for a nice visit with the dean of the ship and it struck the region of the sick perhaps there was some formality as I school. We both expressed gladness bay. It never exploded! A second knelt at Mother's knee to say my first that I was there. Then I told him how torpedo followed and dived deeply "Now I lay me down to sleep." Even as I much I desired to work and he assured beneath the middle of the ship and went graduated to "Our Father which art in me that there would be plenty of that. on out into the ocean. A third torpedo heaven," it was still something that had Finally, I became brave enough to ask followed and barely missed our fantail. to be done. As years and experience him how much money I would need to The officer concluded his amazing story brought faith, prayer became a neces- get started. When he learned that I had by asking, "What do you make of that, sary source of strength and power. only ten dollars, he gravely began to sir?" Before many years had passed, the enumerate the many things for which I After the engagement I went to the ready answers taught me to pray, "Thy would need money. He then advised bridge to report to the captain. His first will be done.- that I would need two hundred dollars, words to me were, "Surgeon, Almighty I was about ten years old when the and wondered if I could borrow from God has watched over this ship, today." first dramatic answer to prayer hap- someone. I assured him that I had tried, "I know it, sir," I replied. pened to me. At a sacrifice, my parents and went out very sad. "You couldn't see what we saw up bought a pair of glasses that I convinced Just up the hill was the hospital, and I here," he insisted. "Four torpedoes them I needed. One day I discovered was a graduate nurse. Mother used to came at us point-blank. The first barely that the glasses were missing, and say, "The Lord helps him who helps passed in front of the ship. The second greatly desired to keep it my secret. himself," so I put on my uniform and struck us on the starboard side without However, before long, a younger brother went to work. The day before the start of going off. Torpedoes never dive as deep discovered my predicament, and used it school I had saved up thirty dollars, so I as the third one did as it went beneath by threatening to tell our parents. The knew that I would be unable to start. Still us. The fourth just missed our fantail. situation came to a head one day as a praying and hoping, I went to the post Surg, I've got to report this to group of us were walking home from office. There were a number of "so Washington, but I'm afraid they'll think I school. He was giving me a bad time, sorry" letters in answer to my requests have combat fatigue." He concluded by and in desperation, I said, "I can find my for money. In sorting the mail I was saying again, "Almighty God has glasses. I'll kneel right down here in the startled by a telegram. It was from a watched over this ship today." road and ask the Lord to help me." doctor friend to whom I had not written In my cabin on my knees I completely While they laughed and made fun of for money. It said, "I am impressed that agreed with the captain as I thanked my me, I did just that. While I was praying, you need money. Am sending you TWO Father for hearing a humble prayer in the suddenly I knew just where my glasses HUNDRED DOLLARS." midst of a terrible battle. were. I jumped up and rushed home. I practically flew to the dean's office In the Operating Theatre Quickly I climbed up into the haymow of with my telegram. The next morning a "Prove all things ; hold fast that which our barn, and there on the rafter were my very happy medical student, loaded is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Prayer glasses. I had placed them there while down with books, started the long but changes things. I have seen the sick we were turning flips in the hay. This was interesting course that ended with the suddenly healed. I have seen evil spirits the beginning of many wonderful ex- much desired M.D. God had removed a quieted. I have seen imminent accidents periences with my Father, who invites, tremendous mountain, and has re- averted. I have seen seemingly impos- "Ask, and it shall be given you." moved many more during the years that sible surgical operations become rela- we have practised this wonderful pro- Wanted: $200 tively simple while I silently asked for There have been many mountains fession together. help. I have seen victory over sinful along the way. It seemed that the largest Torpedoes! habits of a lifetime. I have seen the was always just ahead to keep me from "And whatsoever we ask, we receive power of God's love soften and bring getting through medical school. I was of Him, because we keep His com- hope to a hardened sinner. I have seen accepted at Loma Linda, then the mandments, and do those things that all of these things and more when God is College of Medical Evangelists. After are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22. permitted to answer prayers of faith. paying my final bill at Walla Walla This promise is good in any place and Great things will happen for those who College, I had fourteen dollars left. I had for everyone. My Father kept His will give God a chance. a family, and I was 1,500 miles from the promise in a terrible battle in the South PRAYER medical school. What to do? I prayed, Pacific during World War II. I was called Just simple words, and felt impressed to try to hitch hike. to the sick bay to care for an injured Born of a need, It was one of the few times in my life sailor. Suddenly an urgent impression Empowered by faith, that I ever tried that sort of travel, but came to me that my ship was in terrible Swifter than speed three days later I was there, and had ten danger. So, while I worked on the sailor, Of light, journey I thanked God for His promise to be with To God above. me, and asked for special protection. A Touching His heart little later on deck an excited officer They bring forth love by Dr. Lawrence E. C. Joers asked if I had seen the torpedoes. When And mercy. Great I told him that I had been in the sick bay, Dr. Joers has a busy medical practice in Oklahoma, U.S.A., Is their power there; and enjoys freelance writing.