Many years ago, sitting in the congregation of an outdoor camp meeting in Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to experience something that has impacted my life in a remarkable and unforgettable way. The preacher was Evangelist McDonald, (I have never seen or heard of him since) a very tall, thin, raw-boned man with brown hair and fair skin. He wore a white dress shirt buttoned to the top without a tie or suit jacket and had, as I remember, a cheerful, rosy cheeked, countenance. His voice seemed to boom into the summer air as we sat on the hard wooden benches enduring the heat.
A delegation of ladies from the Caribbean were sitting near the front punctuating the thick air with an occasional, heartfelt "Amen". They were delightful ladies, their faces shiny and glowing with the love of God.
I cannot remember anything about this particular sermon on this particular afternoon EXCEPT the following: Suddenly, in the middle of his sermon, Evangelist McDonald began to sing. His voice was untrained but strong and he carried the tune well. With confidence he began to sing from memory these words:
Though troubles assail, And dangers affright;
Though friends should all fail, And foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, Whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
His voice grew stronger and his face was radiant as he continued:
The birds, without barn Or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn To trust for our bread;
His saints what is fitting Shall ne'er be denied,
So long as 'tis written,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
The little Caribbean ladies were amening and lifting their hands as he launched into the third verse:
When Satan appears To stop up our path,
And fills us with fears, We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, Though oft he has tried,
The heart-cheering promise,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
As he began verse four something unusual started happening.
He tells us we're weak, Our hope is in vain;
The good that we seek We ne'er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions Our faith oft has tried,
This answers all questions,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
Suddenly Evangelist McDonald, was walking down off the platform still singing, his voice growing louder and triumphant:
No strength of our own, Nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown On Jesus' dear name.
In this our strong tower For safety we hide;
The Lord is our power,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
The little Caribbean ladies were now in the aisle dancing, hugging one another and praising God. The Evangelist took one lady by her hands and seemed to twirl her around and around as his voice reached a crescendo:
When life sinks apace, And death is in view,
The word of His grace Shall comfort us through;
Not fearing or doubting, With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"
As the song reached the high notes, it seemed God's Spirit rested on us in an unusual and supernatural way. We seemed to be closed in, away from the world, close to God's heart. It was a scene of rejoicing I will never forget. The truth of the song, the manner in which it was sung, and the consequent breakout of the PRESENCE OF GOD made an indelible impression on me that has brought me through many lean times. Indeed, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!!!!!
4 comments:
Was this Etters? I seem to remember an evangelist there, who may have been McDonald. As I recall his entire family sang and did so without any instrumental accompaniment.
I wonder if it could have been Charles McDonald from Virginia?
What a wonderful memory, and one that continues to strengthen and inspire! I wish I could have been there. I have not been to any camp meetings like you have often described. They sound so special. We participated years in the SBC state week camps for youth, music, etc. over the years and they were always special times of commitment and renewal. But that term "camp meeting" makes me think of sitting outside and listening to revival preachers and lots of music. And that sounds mighty good. Most of all to know that you have been a part of a real outpouring and blessing from the Lord is really a gift. I love the hymn, but I am not familiar with it. Therefore - be prepared to sing it for your ole pal at our next visit! The Lord WILL provide!
This description fits one Charles McDonald to a tee. I knew him early in my life when he was with a gourp Evangelical Wesleyan Pennsylvania District.
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