Two Chairs

     “There is no line of work in which it is possible for the youth to receive greater benefit. All who engage in ministry are God’s helping hand. They are co-workers with the angels; rather, they are the human agencies through whom the angels accomplish their mission. Angels speak through their voices, and work by their hands. And the human workers, co-operating with heavenly agencies, have the benefit of their education and experience. As a means of education, what “university course” can equal this?” CSA 66

     In the future life, we read from the same pen.  “ Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning--what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly co-operation in every work for humanity!”  Ed 305 

     Alice Zarate was new in the literature ministry when it happened.  Magazine workers in the Philippines usually make their calls two by two.  But on this particular day it was necessary for her to work alone, and for that reason she prayed especially for both guidance and protection.

     She was working in an area where the people were quite prejudiced against the type of work she was doing.  As she approached a large house, she was met at the door by two large German police dogs, followed by their owner.  The owner seemed surprised that the dogs were so silent and calm, and she invited Alice in.

     So far the story is not unusual.  But imagine, if you can, how Alice felt when the lady of the house placed two chairs instead of one, as if for two visitors!  More than that, the lady addressed the second chair as if someone were sitting there.  And Alice seemed to hear a quiet voice talking with the lady about the magazine!

     Apparently whoever was in that second chair excused herself, and the lady accompanied her to the door.  Then she remarked to Alice that her companion looked becoming in white.  She asked about her religion, and Alice told her that she was a Seventh-day Adventist.

     She wanted to tell her hostess that she really was working alone.  But under the circumstances it just didn’t seem appropriate.

     The visitor in white must have returned, for the lady of the house now invited them both to stay for lunch.  She set two places for her visitors.  And when Alice stole a glance at the other place setting she saw that half of the glass of milk was gone, and half the slice of bread!

     As Alice left the home, the owner placed a friendly hand on her shoulder, and it appeared that the other hand was placed on the shoulder of a person at her side.

     Alice never did see her companion, but she did remember these words in Gospel Workers, page 515: “Those who labor for the good of others are working In union with the heavenly angels.  They have their constant companionship, their unceasing ministry.”

M.L.Lloyd