THE KING’S BUSINESS WORK AT LOS ANGELES HARBOR
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Oscar Zimmermann, Supt.
F OR some time, and particularly during this last month, the way has been opened for us to reach Spanish and Mexi can people on the many ships boqnd for Mexican ports. The Gospel has. been given in this Way to that needy “ Bible-barren” land, and our hearts rejoice tó see how gladly the gospel in print is accepted. Not only Mexican sailors, but an increasing number o f passengers, whole families— fathers, mothers and children—were made glad with the gifts of Scripture portions, Moody books and tract's, and we believe a far-reaching blessing has been and will be the result. The Lord sends people from all over the globe to us, and it’s a great joy to be able to give them,the Bread of Life, free of charge; and the W ord so given makes a good impression. A goodly number o f men are “almost persuaded” and need prayers. The following account o f an afternoon visit on 'board a freighter will show the opportunities, one has, and will give a clearer idea o f the nature, o f the work and the condition o f the men: The.ship was the “ Crown of Toledo,” arriving after a long journey around South America. Sup plied with literature, thè worker boarded the ship and had a splendid welcome. Going along a passage way a' young man was found looking out of. his cabin door. An invitation to come in was gladly accepted by the worker and soon this young fellow, an engineer of Christian family, was brought face to face with the question o f eternal life. “ I’m not so bad,” he said, “ and try to do my best.” He was a lovable young man and the Lord searched his heart deeply. He saw his need and saw the only way o f salvation, yet, almost per suaded and o n ' the border, he failed to then acknowledge Christ. A good book and a gospel were left with him. The second man was an engineer, also, middle-aged and showed a faculty for ask
ing questions to hide his own sin, and the question which was underneath all o f it. First, he wanted an argument, but soon the truth presented got close to his soul and awakened a desire to speak o f things really concerning himself. He had to face the truth o f the Gospel, listened well and car ried things with him. He will not forget soon, if at all. In the quiet o f the cabin, absolutely alone, we are sure God spoke to both of them. The third man, the chief engineer, as we gave him “ Questions Answered,” Dr. Tor- rey’s book, said: “ I heard Dr. Torrey a good many times while he was in England,” and on dealing with Jiim we found him to be a Christian. He took the book gladly as did all the men, and God alone knows what they will accomplish as they are read at sea. This man was on board a ship which was sunk by a torpedo a few months ago in English waters. The uncertainty of life and the increasing dangers often help men to think deeply, about eternal things. Then a young fellow was dealt with sit ting on a bench on deck—a fellow who had very little knowledge o f the way o f salva tion, although brought up in the Church at home. In another part o f the ship a young fellow was reading a tract which was left in his door and at once showed interest in the things of God and was dealt with for a long time. Asking for the Captain, we found him in his cabin near the bridge. He was a fine- looking old gentleman and although seem ingly not interestejd in the Bible, promised to take and read “ The Way of God” given him, and as he was busy the interview was cut short. Going from cabin to cabin, leaving tracts and gospels and books, reaching in that way every one on board, the quarters o f the crew were visited and two young cabin boys given a message. One stopped scrub-
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