John grew up knowing that God was calling him to become a minister. When he tried to ignore or avoid the call, he found that he could not.

In Zimbabwe, work for students is nearly impossible to find, so John had to rely on his mother to pay his school fees when he enrolled at Solusi University, an Adventist university in Zimbabwe.

Image © Providence Collection from GoodSalt.com

John loves evangelism, and during his school breaks he initiated various outreach programs. He held short evangelistic meetings in several churches during one of his breaks and rejoiced to see 100 people come to Christ.

John returned home from his evangelism to prepare for school, expecting that his school fees were paid, but they weren’t. His mother explained that her goods weren’t selling. Perhaps you’ll have to wait a semester to go to school, she suggested to John.

Don’t worry, John told her. God is the one who called me to the ministry, and He will help with my school fees.

John packed his bag, kissed his mother goodbye, and got on the bus to Solusi, arriving with not enough money to buy a bus ticket back home. He had nothing but his faith.

Since he arrived at Solusi too late to register, John stayed in a friend’s dormitory room that night. The next day he went to see the dean of men to be assigned a dorm room. The dean was reluctant to give him a room without financial clearance. But he knew John, and finally he agreed. Here’s your key, the dean said. But if you haven’t received financial clearance by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, you’ll have to move out.

John thanked him and put his things into the room. Before unpacking, he knelt down and prayed. God, thank You for the time that I have this room. If You don’t pay my fees, I’ll have to move out tomorrow, so it’s up to You. Thanks, Lord. Amen.

John had heard that a friend of his, Sister Jeremiah, an evangelist, was holding meetings on campus. He went to visit her. Did you pay your fees? Sister Jeremiah asked him.

No, he said honestly. My mom doesn’t have the money. I’ve come so we can pray about it.

Let’s not ask God for the money, Sister Jeremiah said. Let’s just thank Him for providing the money you need. So the two knelt down, and Sister Jeremiah thanked God for the money John hadn’t yet received.

The money didn’t’ come that day. As John walked around campus several friends stopped to ask how things were going. John didn’t tell them about his financial needs, but replied, smiling, Everything is fine; God is in control.

One girl on campus knew John’s situation. When she encouraged him to drop out of school, he replied, Don’t try to discourage me. God will provide.

But by bedtime that night nothing had happened. John again placed his situation in God’s hands then went to sleep.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.
Find more mission stories at www.adventistmission.org

Print/PDF/Email