Everlasting Pearl Part 8

Mrs. Lu is still living and working for G.o.d. But her name is no more Lu, for she has been married for several years to an earnest Christian, and the two are serving the Lord together.

When we first heard of her contemplated marriage we were loth to let her leave Kucheng, but in talking to us about it, she said, "Do not be anxious about this matter. I am seeking the Lord's guidance. You say you are afraid it is the devil trying to get me away from the work here. But I promise that I will not leave unless it is the Lord's will. If He says I must go, I will go."

We had to leave her future with the Lord, and we knew that one of the Christians was right when he said, "The work in Kucheng may be harder without her, but as for her she will be a light wherever she goes."

She has remained faithful to the Church at Kucheng. Sunday after Sunday she is to be found there, and tries her best to bring others.

Through heat or cold, rain or suns.h.i.+ne, she walks the four or five miles cheerfully, showing in word and deed Whose she is and Whom she serves, buying up the opportunities G.o.d gives her.

"Everlasting Pearl" is still seeking jewels for her Master, and the first one given to her new home was her husband's mother, a dear old lady, seventy years old, who was baptized two years ago. The two are firm friends. They have gone through sickness, persecution, and other deep waters together, but joy in the Lord and in His Word has been their strength. When the day's work is done, the three who love G.o.d in that busy, worldly home have a quiet hour together for the reading of the Word and for praise and prayer. There at the Throne of Grace they gather strength and courage and patience. All these are needed, for the other members of the family are strongly opposed to the Gospel.

Their sister-in-law weeps for their hardness of heart, and prays earnestly for their salvation.

We have followed "Everlasting Pearl" on her life's journey for nearly fifty years. She has aroused our pity for her in her heathen darkness, and has claimed our sympathy in her sufferings and trials. She has excited our admiration for her steadfast devotion, and stirred our hearts through her loving and zealous service. What is the outcome to be? Her voice is raised as eagerly as ever in testifying to the grace in Christ Jesus and salvation in His Name, but it is only able to reach a few of that vast unsaved throng. Shall we not unite our voices with hers? Her heart is lifted up in prayer to G.o.d for a lost world; shall we let her wrestle alone, and let the cry of many a despairing soul go unheeded? What is our part to be?

A cry as of pain, again and again Is borne o'er the deserts and wide-spreading main; A cry from the lands that in darkness are lying, A cry from the hearts that in sorrow are sighing.

It comes unto me; it comes unto thee; Oh what, oh what shall the answer be?

It comes to the soul that Christ has made whole, The heart that is longing His Name to extol; It comes with a chorus of pitiful wailing, It comes with a plea which is strong and prevailing.

For Christ's sake to me; for Christ's sake to Thee; Oh what, oh what shall the answer be?