inkhorn

Taken from Amy Carmichael’s His Thoughts Said...His Father Said... – “His thoughts said, “The way is rough.”             His Father said, “But every step bringeth thee nearer to thy Home.” His thoughts said, “The fight is fierce.”             His Father said, “He who is near to his Captain is sure to be a target for the archers.” His thoughts said, “The night is long.”             His Father said, “But joy cometh in the morning.” * * Psalm 30:5

A missionary and his wife were returning after nearly 50 years on the mission field. They had toiled and lived – far away from all they held dear, away from the basic conveniences of life – in a place where every day brought new challenges and a hand-to-mouth existence, shadowed by the knowledge that that could be their last day on earth. But God had been faithful throughout those years and they had never had any cause to complain. They had witnessed miracles and seen lives transformed. They were now returning with the quiet assurance that God had used them for the furtherance of His kingdom. As the ship approached the docks, people on board began lining themselves up on the decks, eagerly waiting to catch their first glimpse of land and beloved faces. The old missionary and his wife were also there – they were, after all, coming back after 50 years! As the ship drew close, they noticed huge banners and hoardings festooning the pier. Most of them had the same message – “WELCOME B...