God said: "Go" and i did

It was 1953 and my world collapsed. The postman had delivered a long-awaited letter from the Bible school in Scotland. The message was brief:

“Unfortunately, we must inform you that we cannot admit you to our Bible school at this time. You may reapply in 1954.”

That was it. My dream of becoming a missionary seemed shattered. Still, a quiet voice stirred in the back of my mind: “Go!” So I packed my things, boarded the boat and train, and traveled to the WEC Bible School headquarters in London. I approached the reception desk.

The receptionist was surprised. “Did you not receive our message?”

“Yes,” I replied, smiling as he chuckled.

“And you still came?”

I nodded. “I’m willing to wait until there’s a spot.”

“Still, a quiet voice stirred in the back of my mind: ‘Go!’”

The man stepped away briefly and returned with uplifting news: I could stay—if I was willing to work. I gladly accepted. A few months later, a place opened up in Glasgow and I traveled to the Bible school. The director welcomed me and said I could pay the tuition of £30 per semester—but it had to be paid on time. I agreed. This became my first opportunity to truly trust God for my material needs.

God did provide but He also tested me. I had enough for each semester. But my “agreement” with God didn’t include soap, razors, or toothpaste. One day I had sixty cents, but soap cost eighty. What now? I stepped outside and someone was loudly advertising discounted soap: “Now only sixty cents!” he shouted.

I bought the soap and used it sparingly. The trust test went even further when the director sent us on a missions trip across Scotland with just one pound each. We weren’t allowed to collect money—only trust. Our team of five boys set two rules: (1) we wouldn’t ask for money, and (2) we would tithe everything we received, ideally within 24 hours. We never lacked anything. The Giver was trustworthy.

Inspired by this story? Stay tuned—another article by Anne van der Bijl will be featured in the next edition of the (F)Luistermagazine! This story of Anne van der Bijl has been shared with permission, taken from the booklet “Stay Awake” by Open Doors Foundation.