Not You, But God: a testimony to God's faithfulness.

 Written in the 1970s, by Stuart K Hine - author of the classic hymn 'How Great Thou Art', the three parts of this  book are his testimony to God's leading and faithfulness in his formative years and later in his missionary work in Middle Europe in the mid 20th century. 

On a historical level there is so much to explore. Where are the towns and villages he served in now? The borders were fluid during and after the world wars and as he wrote the whole area was shut off behind the Iron Curtain. The large Jewish populations he encountered were no doubt decimated. Do the churches survive? (A quick internet search suggests some do)

On a spiritual/faith level the man's tireless energy, infectious faith, believing prayer shine out. He prays:answers come instantly and he gives glory to God. One stand out phrase for me was that he always began a Bible study (OT or NT) by asking what this showed us of Christ.

Could I live like this? Probably not, but I am inspired by it. I wonder too what other stories we are missing. The Iron Curtain is long gone, but what have we learnt from the stories of faithful believers who remained steadfast? Have we even made time to listen to their wisdom?