God sent "an exceeding strong wind"

Major Malan relates an unusual experience which took place when he was doing missionary work among the Kaffirs in Africa.

A storm came on at late sunset which was accompanied by thunder and lightning. It appeared evident that the major's journey, which he was making to a distant point for gospel services, would be ended. The major prayed the Lord definitely to open a way onward. At two o'clock the next morning he was awakened to the roar of thunder and the flashing of lightning.

"Nevertheless, I knelt in my bed and prayed, 'Lord Jesus, Lord of the thunder, lightning and rain, I pray Thee drive it away that I may go on my journey in Thy Gospel today.' The storm ceased almost instantly. In half an hour the moon came out. I got up at 3:30, called Solomon, my native assistant, and prepared to start."

The major faced another serious difficulty from the muddy roads. But he prayed again, and the Lord sent "an exceeding strong wind," and soon the storm ceased, and shortly thereafter the road dried. An infidel asked if the major supposed this to be an answer to his prayers, to which the missionary answered quietly in confident faith, "Yes, God sent the wind to dry the road."

Later, on the same journey, the traveling missionary met a lady engaged in gospel work, who said, "I hope we shall soon have rain." For there had been a long drought in the Transkei.

Replied Major Malan, "I believe the Lord is holding off the rain until I have passed the Orange River."

The lady laughed when Major Malan said this, but the major's faith was verified. He crossed the Orange River at about 11:00 a.m. that day. After another hour it began to rain, and by night the river was impassable for the first time that entire summer.

From: ANSWERED PRAYER IN MISSIONARY SERVICE By Basil William Miller, Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, Missouri. First Printing, April 1951 Second Printing, July 1951 Printed in United States of America

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