By Doug Cook
BIMI missionary, with his wife and daughters, to Slovakia

Pastor Darko Kralijik of the Hurbanovo Baptist Church invited me to preach for their evangelization meetings. I had been prayerfully asking God for direction for my messages. The first night, I realized most of the people were church members. But one man stood out in the crowd. I knew him from somewhere, but just could not put my finger on a name.

Even though many attending were believers, I had peace I should stay with my original theme: “Salvation by grace, through faith.” It wasn’t until the next week that I remembered where I had seen that man before. He was the local Lutheran priest. Not only did he receive a clear salvation message, but little did I know that the Catholic priest was also present that evening. Praise the Lord for the direction of the Holy Spirit!

On the last evening of the meetings, the moment we walked in the door we knew Satan was fighting hard. Music that was planned did not come. The translator withdrew. All remaining on the “planned” schedule was me. However, God had already provided another translator. I must admit the first minutes of that message were terribly strained, but as I continued to preach Jesus, the Holy Spirit began to work.

At the close of the service, at least ten people made a decision for Christ. An older woman grabbed my hand and said, “Last night I was so sad, but tonight I have joy in my heart.” That night the Lord reminded this missionary that especially when my plans fall through, God makes a way.