Cornerstone

Acts 4:23-30 (24)

In our affluent society it is difficult to find a person who has been truly persecuted for Christ’s sake. We are pampered and spoiled. Our view of the Tribulation Period is probably skewed because we have not run in terror from the Secret Police. We have a filtered mental image of trial because we have not been deprived of the necessities of life by heartless and cruel rulers. And yet I have met a few people who have gone through times of hardship and persecution even though it may have been brief. One of those men whom I highly admire is Rev. Leland Trussell. As missionary to Bolivia he sought to spread the gospel message to an unreached area in Cochabamba. There he was threatened with bodily harm and finally had to leave because of the severity of the persecution. He remained in Bolivia and continued to work faithful in another location, however, and saw a very fruitful ministry. The happy ending to this story is that the work he attempted to begin was not lost. Years later his son and daughter both served as missionaries to Bolivia. Through their faithful efforts a work that their father strived to open was finally blessed of God. Thank God for pace setters who have a backbone so strong that it won’t allow them to waver in their commitment and service for God.

Dr. Gayle Woods

2 Tim 2:20-26 (24)

Dr. C. E. Cowen was a big man. Not only was he of large frame physically but he was also large in spiritual and intellectual impact. He was an influential man and moved freely among the holiness peoples of different movements. He was respected and loved. Something that should not be overlooked, however, is that he was faithful in service. After pastoring for a time Dr. Cowen became the president of Kansas City College and Bible School where he served effectively for 25 years. His life had a powerful impact upon many ministerial students who went out to influence their world. Even after Dr. Cowen left Kansas City College and Bible School he did not pause in service. He started another school while pastoring and continued to be used of God until the Lord called him home. Faithful in service. Who invented the notion that people called of God ever retire except for health or extenuating circumstances. Dr. Cowen understood what Paul meant when he said, “I press toward the mark. . . ” (Ph 3:14) He did not stop until he could say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Ti 4:7) The work is great and it is incomplete. Today we need more pace setters like Dr. Cowen who will remind us that we are saved to serve not to sit.

Dr. Gayle Woods