The Ripple Effect of a Changed Life

Posted on September 24, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

121 Years of God’s Faithfulness

Tomorrow marks the 121^st Anniversary of the founding of the Colony of Mercy. I never tire of telling this amazing story. This devotional appeared in Volume 1 of REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE.

 

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 armchair…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 and through Christ, 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.

Overflowing and abounding in hope,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Esther 6-10 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: Think About This: Watch to see where God is working and join Him in His work. — Henry Blackaby

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7

Kent, Carol. He Holds My Hand: Experiencing God’s Presence and Protection (Kindle Locations 4880-4881). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.