Simple gifts that answer urgent prayers

Dear Friend:

To say money was tight during my four years in seminary would be an understatement.

Cynthia and I lived in campus apartment number nine.

Those apartments were old in the 1960s.

When I told Cynthia a joke, our next-door neighbor would laugh!

One fall semester, we began praying for an air conditioner.

A scorching Texas summer was coming, and we had no AC.

Then, during Christmas, I got a surprise call from a friend named Mr. Parks.

“Hey, Chuck, do you and Cynthia need an air conditioner?”

“Oh, man, yes!” I responded. 

A Fedders window air conditioner—a real beauty.

He set it in my trunk and said, “Thanks for taking this off my hands.” Ha!

He had no clue the relief he was giving us.

I got back, installed it, and had that puppy running in January!

Mr. Parks . . . he comes to mind when I read Paul’s words to Titus:

Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others. (Titus 3:14)

Do you have a “Mr Parks” in your past? Give God thanks for him or her.

Insight for Living has been blessed by countless folks who have been a “Mr. Parks” to us. Financial donations from our thoughtful supporters enable us to get the Word out to those who need to hear the good news of Christ and wish to live according to biblical truth.

Will you please join our efforts this month by sending a generous gift?

Be on the lookout for those who have a pressing need.

You never know when a simple gift becomes an answer to an urgent prayer—like helping a young couple endure a Texas summer!

Grateful for our great God and Savior,

Chuck Swindoll

Pastor Charles R. Swindoll