When I worked in Argentina, I had occasion to make a necessary trip from the town of Laguna Blanca in the province of Formosa to Fontana in the north. The trip meant eleven hours on a dirt road during the rainy season.

I knew I had to return to Laguna Blanca to speak at the Sunday services in our church, but the weather conditions were getting worse. It was Thursday. I vividly remember stopping at the River Police base and asking if it was possible to get through to Formosa. They said the road was flooded in three areas but that some trucks had managed to get through.

Their advice proved true! I saw the first flooded area looming ahead, and, accelerating, I charged! Yes, I made it! It was the same at the second flooded area. But when I reached the third, it was too deep, and I got stuck in the middle. It was getting late in the afternoon, and I knew it would probably be dark before I got help, so I took my torch, climbed out, and waded through the water in my sandals. I prayed for guidance as to whether to walk back or forward. I was twenty-four years of age, a woman alone on a stretch of road with not a house in sight. Added to this, I was a foreigner! I walked about fifty yards, lifting my heart in prayer to God. I decided that my best plan was to go back and wait at the vehicle.

Imagine my delight when I turned and saw a truck coming in the distance! Soon my delight turned to shock as I saw the back of the truck loaded with strong, tough Paraguayan men, six or seven of whom were peering over the top of the pick-up truck watching the road ahead. There were also three men in the cab — the driver and two companions. I prayed and asked the Lord for His protection as they stopped and saw my dilemma. God heard my prayer immediately, and, joking and laughing, they all got to work with tow rope and "elbow grease"! God answered prayer!

The driver of the pick-up truck said, "Turn the key and see if the engine starts." To the amazement of the men, it started. Then the driver said, "I know you. You are a missionary. I am a Christian too." They all waved me off. I drove off into the night, and when I saw the first glimmer of a little house in the forest, I had clocked up thirty-five kilometres!

I got to Formosa and to Laguna Blanca for the services on Sunday!

Yes, God is faithful! He is our companion and helper, and we can prove His unfailing love when we trust His promises! Prayer changes things!

Prayer: Lord God, You always answer our prayers. Sometimes we require an instantaneous answer, and, at other times, we may have to wait and watch as You intervene in response to our prayers. Help us to trust that You will answer our prayers. Amen.

Coupled with C.T. Studd, founder of Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade, Emma Munn will be remembered for pioneering in the heart of Africa.

Emma was a Belfast factory worker in the early part of the twentieth century. She survived the rough and tumble of family life in a humble terrace house near Gallagher's factory, and, despite the scorn of godless workmates, Emma maintained a witness for Christ. She prepared herself for missionary service, and headed for Africa with a sense of call and a commitment to a lifetime of dedicated service.

On one occasion when she was trekking through rough terrain in Central Africa, she came to a muddy river. She had no option but to wade through it. It was no mean task to wrench her feet from the grasp of the mud after every step, but she managed to get to the other side. With a quick glance at her dirty feet before moving on, Emma said in her inimitable way, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!"

Frances Ridley Havergal sums up her surrender in her immortal hymn:

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Life is a one-way journey with death as its final destination. There is no second chance. Therefore we are compelled to consider the direction our feet are taking us. Are they swift to go on the errands of the One whose feet were often weary on the dusty roads around Galilee and whose feet were nailed to a Roman cross as He bore the punishment for our sins?

Prayer: Lord, help us to consider what direction we are travelling, and how we can serve others as we travel on our way. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.