Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a large difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John’s door. He opened to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days’ work,” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help you with? Could I help you?” “Yes, said the older brother, “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor. In fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll go him one better. See that pile of lumber at the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an 8-foot fence so I won’t need to see his place or his face any more.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.”

The older brother had to go to town so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset, when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and his neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched. “You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.”

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox to his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve got lots of other projects for you.” “I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have more bridges to build.”

-- Unknown The BIBLE FRIEND, June-July, 2003

The bandit listened now all the more attentively, and when the evangelist summoned the people to come forward and to repent, he went forward with them. At that moment the criminal was changed into a disciple of Christ.

His transformation bore instant fruit. He went home, knelt before his wife and begged her forgiveness. Then searching out his aged parents, he asked them to forgive him, too. His next journey took him to the pastor of the district in which he lived. He became a loyal member of the congregation there and used every opportunity to testify of his new found faith to his former friends. When they jeered and made fun of him, he calmly stood his ground, which was proof enough that his nature had been changed.

However, on another occasion one of his former colleagues, while making fun of him, said, “If a gangster can preach the gospel, then this bloke Jesus must also . . . ” — He didn’t get any further. Wang was on him in a moment and bit off one of his ears. Spitting it out he wiped the blood from his mouth. He then turned quickly, “You can insult me as much you like, but you’re not going to insult Jesus while I’m around.” The wounded man withdrew, vowing revenge.

Wang went to the pastor and recorded the incident to him. He was convinced that he had done the right thing. The pastor just read to him the story of Peter who had struck of the ear of the high priest’s servant, and he added, “You have done exactly the same. When Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, later on, he no longer acted like that.” Wang repented and asked God to fill him with the Holy Spirit.

-- THE REVIVAL IN INDONESIA, Part One, p.64,65