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Editor's Note: This letter is the final plea of a 1st generation Christian to his family and friends. It was written in 1986 just a few weeks before his death. He was a father of nine children, and had over 30 grandchildren. We here at Revelation Speaks are proud to share this message of hope and encouragement with you. Charles was a missionary the last 30 years of his life. He wanted everyone to know Jesus personally.

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Dear Friend,

It is six in the morning. I have just finished praying for you and your family. I can feel God's presence in the shadows. He is the Divine Comforter of us all. A Bible text just came before me, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in time of need." He said, "Let not your heart be troubled for I am with you." To the vast number that are fearful, troubled, and sorrowing, it is with earnest prayer that I ask God to bring hope to the hopeless and comfort to the sorrowing and courage to those who are discouraged and change their lives to a trusting relationship with Him.

Friend, we must not lose faith, we must not be discouraged, our hope must shine brighter. We must be strong and be of good courage. By faith take hold of His promises. He is the great physician. It is He that healeth all our diseases. Put yourself in His hands.

Friend, I don't look back. God knows my fruitless efforts, the wasted hours, the sinning, the many regrets. I leave them all with Him Who blots out my filthy record and in His mercy forgives and then forgets. Praise His loving name!

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Friend, I don't look forward. God sees all and knows the future. The road that is short or long will one day lead us home and His promise is that He will face, with us, every trial and bear with us every burden to come.

Friend, I don't look around me. I would become fearful, like someone said, "the wild tumult of this earth is like the sea always restless. The world is so dark, filled with evil, trouble and woe. It offers us no hope, comfort, joy or peace."

Friend, I don't look within me. When I do, I feel wretched, poor and naked. My self. . . I am nothing. I see only my failures and shortcomings, my weak endeavors and I begin to crumble into the dust. It is then that I look up, by faith, to Jesus. For it is there that my mind finds rest and my fears are stilled and my soul finds joy and peace and the darkness turns into light and every hope is fulfilled. Thank God.

Please read and re-read this letter tonight, in your quiet time, before you go to sleep. May the spirit and angels of God be by your side and a heavenly atmosphere surround your bedside and may the peace of God be with you always. And may His love overshadow your life forever.

Your Friend,

Charles, 1986