The Ripple Effect of a Changed Life
Posted on October 2, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF A CHANGED LIFE
September 25, 1897
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Someone once said to Dwight L. Moody that “the world has yet to see what God will do with and for, through and around the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” That statement is certainly true of the life of William Raws, founder of the Colony of Mercy.
William Raws’ life was radically changed on February 17, 1886 when he trusted Christ as his personal Savior in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. His bondage to alcohol was broken and Raws was gloriously saved. In his own words, William Raws said, “One day, fairly dying from the effects of rum, unable even to keep hot rum brandy on my stomach, I staggered penniless to my room and fell against an old arm chair…Although under the influence of drink, a poor dying drunkard, a swearing, lustful, sinful man, I cried unto God. He heard my cry and saved me. For days and nights thereafter I could neither eat nor sleep. I was on the verge of delirium tremens…But peace came at last and victory through our Lord and Savior.”
Raws went on to begin the Whosoever Gospel Rescue Mission in Philadelphia but was burdened years later to begin a work in the country for men to escape city life and get alone with God. On September 25, 1897, the family and some friends met around an old pump organ and sang ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME. The crowd pooled their resources of $1.87 and claimed the promise from Philippians 4:19 — But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God birthed the ministry of THE COLONY OF MERCY. And the rest is history.
Thousands of lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the transformed life of William Raws. The ministry continues over a hundred years later with the good news that Christ can set men and women in bondage to sinful addictions free and that through Christ, they can live victoriously.
God used the ordinary life of William Raws to impact thousands. He wants to take your ordinary life and doing extraordinary things. Are you willing to allow your life to have a ripple effect on others? Surrender you ALL to Him today. – Last week was the 120th anniversary of the Colony of Mercy. To God be the glory. From Real Victory for Real Life Volume 1
Rejoice! Pray! Give thanks!
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 29-32| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “He has been my Shepherd and has guided and kept me and supplied my every need. Tonight I can sing, ‘I love Him, I love Him, because He first loved me, And purchased my salvation on Calvary’s tree.’ I know from experience that His promises are sure, and He will supply our every need for spirit, soul and body.” — William Raws
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1