[11] AEGTM November 1944

Evangelist Duncan Reminisces on Queensland Fellowships.

[Philip Duncan]

My peregrinations in Queensland for three brief months provided me with some precious memories, and I was sorry that the need to return to Sydney for the State Conference curtailed further meetings. My wife, too, regretted that she was only able to assist at Brisbane, for family matters called her home.

Brisbane.

Pastor Buchanan certainly deserved the blessings that we all enjoyed at the Brisbane Tabernacle, for his unselfish efforts and organising to see that members, visitors, strangers and ministers all were fully catered for in the services.

The inspiring singing and the many talented vocal messages in music, created an atmosphere appreciated by both preacher and congregation.

Yes, we did see the stirrings of the Spirit of God, proving the real break-through of the pent-up power of Holy Ghost passion is not only possible, but promising.

Toowoomba.

We looked in at Toowoomba, where the saints are quietly pegging out their claim and securing a lasting place in the spiritual life of the city. Pastor Irish has a practical side that has a vision for their own church-building in a central place. This Assembly seems to have deep and solid foundations, and my stay was too short, but the fellowship of the few hours was certainly sweet.

Maryborough.

My daughter Ruth was as eager as I to look over the Maryborough Church, and also to renew acquaintance with our friend. Pastor H. Wiggins, who, however, was taking advantage of our stay, to get away North for the State Conference. The cane fields made the countryside beautiful, and we soon found the saints ready to square up to the requirements for a real refreshing from His presence. The consistent numbers, night after night, moved the tender heart of God, and He sent showers to fill the hungry seekers with the Holy Ghost in the Pentecostal way. Pastor Wiggins returned and was generous in his delight at the way the blessing had been dispensed, and in the decisions that had been made for Christ.

Mundubbera.

Mundubbera, on the Burnett River looked dreary enough, but in reality proved to he a veritable spring of Pentecostal glory and enthusiasm. At Branch Creek we mustered the little company for meetings, under the trees, with Pastor C. Enticknap, we had preliminary prayer, pleading with tears for an all-Australian revival.

The gatherings were fountains of Pentecostal praise, such as I have not seen excelled. We ministered to exhaustion point so hungry and intense these souls, so isolated, yet so loyal and true. On one day of visitation five received glorious baptisms, and others were brought to God in tears. The order nightly was 8 p.m. until midnight, and then day meetings until milking time. It was a privilege to visit in this district, and to see Pastor Enticknap's labours so honoured of God, while his fellowship to me was so profitable in prayer and in renewing our vision for Australia.

Woombye.

Only one night we were permitted to go to Woombye with Pastor

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[12] AEGTM November 1944

Buchanan, driven by our big-hearted host, Bro. Usher. What a night of freedom and joy in the Spirit. All so earnest and none seemed anxious to go home. This is the Queensland way. Pastor Westbrook was at Woombye that night and added to the fellowship that to us is richer than anything the world possesses.

So, for the time, I say farewell to Queensland, the land of happy family Assemblies, and to me of lasting Pentecostal memories.

—Philip Duncan.

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'SAVED TO SERVE.'

The "Bible Society Record" tells the story of Liu Rang-shen, a gambler, broken in health. About 15 years ago he dropped in at the home of a friend for evening worship. "I have not long to live," he said to his friend; "can your Jesus do anything for me?" "Yes, if you trust Him fully," replied this friend, and handed him the Gospel of Matthew. Three evenings later, Liu returned, both healed and saved. Soon, in his spare time, he was selling Gospels from a table in front of the church he attended. In 1936, Liu started out as a colporteur, equipped with two kerosene cans, enamelled in blue and decorated with pithy Gospel thoughts. The cans were fitted to carry about 250 Gospels, and a supply of tracts, beside his own Bible, hymn book, and change of clothes, and were suspended from his carrying pole. In nine months he had sold 6,540 Gospels and travelled 2,650 miles. He continued two years. His last entry was, "Resting because of sickness." Not long after he entered , into the joy of the Lord. 

In these two years he covered over 4,000 square miles of mountainous and hilly country, visiting at least 300 centres, often more than once, He placed in heathen homes 21,000 Bible portions, and tens of thousands of Christian tracts.

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POWERFUL MINISTRY

BAPTISMS IN THE SPIRIT, CONVERSIONS.

The Maryborough Assembly, Queensland, have enjoyed to the full the powerful ministry of Evangelist P. Duncan during his three weeks' campaign. In his own inimitable way he brought forth truths old and new from the Word, and fired the zeal of the saints for greater manifestation of the Pentecostal blessings. Whilst the campaign did not reach the outsiders as much as was expected, yet. we greatly rejoice in three definite decisions for Christ. The outpouring of the Spirit was mainly upon the young people of the Assembly, although quite a number beside the six who received their baptism were blessed. Sister Ruth Duncan was able to spend some days of her vacation with her father during his campaign, and her fellowship was deeply appreciated by the Maryborough saints. Our Pastor, Pastor H. E. Wiggins, was absent touring the Northern works during the campaign, and he was delighted at the unstinted loyalty shown by the visiting Evangelist during his absence. We rejoice in souls born again in the course of our Pastor's tour. When Brother Duncan left for Mundubbera at the conclusion of the campaign, he carried the fervent good wishes of all the saints here.

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JESUS IS COMING.

We do not know the day, but of the fact we are sure. Christ is coming again! So we are to be watchful as we wait. God has not called us to stand idle, looking for the dawning of that glorious day. We are to be about His business, but everywhere and always, wide awake and looking for Him.

© Southern Cross College, 2003