Our trial is not over. But as I conclude this book, let me share with you the precious lesson Elsie and I have learned as God has been comforting us. Look again with me at 2 Corinthians 1:4: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. The comfort of God in our trial has been a part of His training program for us. He has been preparing us so that we can minister to others.

Since Elsie's stroke on March 27, 1982, the number of persons on our prayer list has multiplied more than six times. We have a feeling of empathy and sympathy for others, such as we had not experienced before. It was given to us by God so that we might pass it on to the suffering and sorrowing people whose lives we touch.

Letters and telephone calls from many parts of our nation and Canada have come to us requesting prayer. So many people are hurting in this world! Through our time in God's waiting room, a new dimension has been added to our ministry--bringing comfort to others. This is at once a privilege and a responsibility. And we have learned that as we offer comfort to others, we ourselves are comforted.