I’ve been rereading one of my all-time favorite books, God’s Smuggler, about the true experiences of a Dutchman called Brother Andrew in smuggling (then illegal) Bibles behind the Iron Curtain in the 1950s and 1960s. The remnant of faithful Christians in repressive Communist and Socialist countries was being systematically snuffed out when God placed it on Brother Andrew’s heart to distribute His Word to bring hope to his struggling brothers and sisters in Christ. Sometimes whole churches would only have one Bible (or none). The people were starving for the meat of God’s Word.
I’m inspired by the countless ways Yahweh taught Brother Andrew to completely trust Him to meet his needs, including making the seeing eyes of border guards blind to contraband Bibles as he passed through inspections and providing the provisions Andrew needed at the moment he needed them, such as exact sums of money, impossible-to-attain travel passports, contacts to assist in his dangerous subterfuge work and even a much-prayed-for chocolate layer cake that miraculously arrived just in time for an evangelistic tea.
I’d just finished the chapter detailing how Brother Andrew’s car broke down on a trip to Communist East Germany and Poland and repairs would cost 520 marks. Having no other choice, Andrew instructed the German mechanics to do the work, knowing he only had 470 marks with him. He trusted the Lord to provide the rest. Just as the work was finished Brother Andrew’s traveling companion dashed through the doorway waving a 50-mark bill he’d found on the street.
Man, I wish Papa God would blatantly provide for our needs like that, I naively thought, overlooking the ways He already has. When the mail arrived, I opened a card from a reader I’d never met and a $100 bill fell out. God had laid it on her heart to send it but she wasn’t sure why. The face of a single mom I knew suddenly floated before my mind’s eye. Lori had lost her job and was struggling financially. With a shock, I realized I was the conduit for Papa God to meet her need and bless her heart. Like Brother Andrew did. (According to Webster, a conduit is “a channel through which something is conveyed.”)
In total awe, I sent the Almighty’s provision to Lori with a note reminding her that “He’s there. He’s aware. And He cares.”
So, dearest BFF (Blessed Friend Forever), when has Papa God used you as a conduit of blessings? Or maybe He used someone else to bless you? Please comment below. Hugs!
Thank you for this post, Deb. Rather than tell you of the ways we have been used to help others in need (and the Lord certainly has) I just want to say thank you especially for the recommendation of the book. Love and blessings to you and all your readers.
You’re quite welcome, Tricia. If you haven’t read God’s Smuggler, please do – you won’t believe how inspired you’ll feel from the incredible faith of Brother Andrew. He just passed away a few years ago but continues to influence millions for Christ through his Bible-spreading organization and the testimony he left behind.
I need to get that book! It sounds amazing!
It truly is, Julie. One of my top 5 inspirational books of all time. Brother Andrew lived into his 90s and just passed away a few years ago. What a remarkable faith he had. You can Google him if you wish. His organization, Open Borders (I think that’s the title) is still going strong.
God has used me to bless a woman who has been my caregiver for the past year. My husband passed away three weeks ago and my income has decreased drastically so I don’t know if I will be able to keep doing the things I have been. It really worries me, because she is dependent on the help I’ve been giving her. I know my future is in God’s hands and I trust Him to take care of me, but I know I must be a good steward of what he has given me. My prayer is that He will guide me in figuring all of this out.
Becki, first of all, please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband. I’m pausing right now to lift you in prayer for comfort and guidance. I know you will have a lot of difficult adjustments to make. Bless you for acting faithfully as a conduit for your caregiver; I pray that Papa God will protect and care for both you and her in the days to come. Warm hugs, my sister.
Such a great movie and story! So thankful for the provisions that God gives to us and through us!
I’ve never seen the movie, Sandi, but it’s good to know it’s out there. I’m a book purist, I suppose, and have read and reread the book so many times the pages are falling out.