Trusting God fully!
By Pastor Johannes Nikkels

It was when I was a young man that I accepted the Lord and dedicated my life to His service. Although times were very difficult in Holland during the occupation by the Nazi forces, we committed our lives to the care of God.

One evening remains in my memory. There was never enough to eat in those days, but sometimes my father was able to find a little food by trading with the farmers. Thousands of people went hungry, and the day finally came when we had nothing to eat at all—not even enough to make a sandwich for my father to take on his daily search for food. That evening, our family knelt as each of us prayed earnestly for God's help. When we were finished, my youngest sister announced that tomorrow we would have a big dinner!

That night, a friend who was staying with us had a dream in which she saw the face of a childhood friend whom she hadn't seen for many years. The next morning, she asked for some bags for carrying food, then left for the day. As she walked without knowing which direction she should go, she was impressed to go to some very nice row houses in the nearby town. Without knowing why, she went to the rear of the building then walked down a long hallway. Then she knocked on a door. Imagine her astonishment when her childhood friend—who had earlier that day been named as the regional food distribution coordinator, opened it! Her friend had just received some free food samples in preparation for special food drops by allied planes over occupied Holland !

Yes, we had a big supper that night, with enough food for everyone! Our God was so near us during those difficult times. There were many times throughout our years of ministry when we felt His special care.

Like many of my generation who lived through the war, we have been very careful with our finances. We never spend more than we earn, and we are faithful in our tithes and offerings. Although both my wife and I are retired now, we volunteer at The Quiet Hour whenever we can. We have both a trust and a charitable gift annuity with The Quiet Hour. It's good to know that when we no longer need the income, our funds will be used to help others learn to trust fully in our Lord.
_______________

Pastor Johannes and Esther Nikkels are retired missionaries who live in California .