How precious it is to obtain honey from the rock. What joy and comfort it gives our hearts! Not long ago, someone lambasted me at a public place. Later that day someone else took me to task. Through both incidents God poured in the oil of quietness and calmness, so much that I marvelled.

Before that day was over the Lord brought some scriptures to mind that Brother Busbee preached about a number of years ago. "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." Psalms 66:10-12.

The proving, the trying, the confinement, the load, the forceful placement into a state of humility, the fire, the water; must we go through these things in order to reach a wealthy place? Evidently it is required. Read it again, and again and again. Not a word changes. The change must be in our hearts and minds.

What we endure may not be pleasant, to say the least. We may feel we are at the lowest depths of humility, and yet men continue to ride over our heads. "Bite the dust" at a lower level.

Drop down now to verse sixteen: "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." When Brother Sam Barton preached, he often remarked: "This may not be a shouting message, but when you measure up you will shout." When we come out victorious, we want everyone to know about the victory. Maybe we tell our family, our friends, the saints, and even call someone long distance.

That day, even though the trials were heavy, God gave me great victory-beyond my expectations and anticipations. I wanted others to know what God had done for me. It is impossible to go through a trial without something being done to or for our souls.

Another Psalm states: "Give me a token for good that the wicked may see and be ashamed; for thou, O Lord, hast holpen me." A token is "A sign or symbol; something serving as a sign of authority, identity, genuineness; a keepsake; a piece of stamped metal with a face value higher than its real value, issued as a substitute for currency, for use as a fare on a t ransportation line."

What tokens do saints hold which the wicked can see and be ashamed? These tokens must be granted by God because He has helped us obtain victories through Jesus Christ. The tokens are granted during this life and are redeemable at heaven's gate for entrance. Do you have any of these tokens? Do you want them? They are purchased as we go through the fire and water, when God causes people to ride over our heads. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels." (II Thess. 1:3-7.)

We see by this scripture that our patience and faith is the manifest token given us by God in all our persecutions and tribulations. As the token has two sides, the face side is faith and patience, the flip side is persecutions and tribulations. Our eyes may become blinded to the fact that what is written on the token appears to be greater than what we will obtain. However, by accepting this token from God we are able to present it at heaven's gate for entrance. Then in looking back we see the token has flipped and the value has become priceless.

The Church at the time of its infancy had this token of faith and patience as they endured persecutions and tribulations. The Church in its evening time will also receive its token of tribulations and persecutions, with its faith and patience, to use at the gate.

Having said all of this, let me stress that, though tribulations and persecutions may not appear very attractive in this life, God is prepared and well able to make them attractive to our souls while we are enduring. In so doing, by some mysterious workings of His Holy Spirit He is able to cause the unsaved, or heathen, to be ashamed of their treatment of us. At the same time we want to collect as many of these tokens as possible so our joy will be great now. Then we will tell others, "Look what God has done for my soul. The riches of His presence are mine. The joy of His salvation is mine. The peace of His abiding is mine."

Now, let me relate another happening. At my work we changed offices, and someone offered me a nice little two-drawer file cabinet to use in my new location. The drawers were wider than the old one, so I was looking forward to using it. It was several months before the actual move, but I went ahead and moved a few pieces down to that location, including the file cabinet, which I soon filled. When everyone was settled in their new areas, my employer asked if he could use my new file cabinet. I indicated that I really didn't want to give it up, if I had my choice. He said he didn't have to have it for a couple of days. I supposed he would try to find another one.

Then my immediate supervisor, that very day, had my file cabinet moved out and my old one brought back. I was surprised, but more than that, I was surprised at what was in my heart. I found my peace was bothered, so I tried singing under my breath; no success. I tried praying; no success. Minutes went by and I wasn't getting the victory. I thought about my other glorious victory, and it troubled me to find that a metal, two-drawer file cabinet was such a big thing.

I thought, "My, I didn't know I put such store into that cabinet. It's just metal." But victory didn't come. I rebuked the enemy and said that I was not going to miss heaven over a two-drawer file cabinet, and told him to get out and leave me alone. That brought the victory instantly.

The Lord brought back to me an incident which happened several months before that. I had had victory in some large trial, but then a small thing came up and almost tripped me. How Satan wants to snatch away our victories, whether large or small! If he can't get us one way, he will try another tactic. If you've tried praying, singing, etc., and no victory-try rebuking the evil one.

OR-Dear Bro. Wayne and all at the Print Shop: May God's blessings be with all there and give you wisdom and strength in your labors for Him. We also pray that your labors will be very productive in bringing salvation and help to many souls.

We are doing well and trust this finds all there well and happy in the Lord's work.

May the good Lord give traveling mercies to all those coming and going to the workers' reunion, celebrating the 75th year of publication of the Faith and Victory, and may the reunion be a special blessing to all who attend....

With Christian love,

-Bill and Ruby Fern Busch

OK-Dear Bro. Murphey: I want to thank the Lord for protecting me and our home from a lightning strike on Tuesday, the 26th of May. We had a storm in the morning just as it was getting light. Peggy had already gone to work, and there was some small rumbling in the distance to which I didn't pay much attention. Then there was a loud ear-splitting report and flash, and the lights went out. Then there was a strong ozone and burnt smell in our trailer, and the phone was dead. I spent 20 minutes, more or less, checking for a fire in the trailer before I noticed a reflection of fire outside. I ran out thinking the old house which is going to be torn down was on fire, but it was the copper line going into the ground under the propane tank. There was a ball of fire about the size of a bushel basket that extended around the propane tank and went several feet into the air. I tried the water hose, but there was no pressure as the electricity was off at the well. Then I threw a bucket of the dog's water on it, but that only made it worse. At that time I got confused and started running to the neighbor's which is about 1/4 mile away. I believe the Lord told me to think about what I was doing, and I realized that the tank would blow up before anyone could get here. (It is six miles to the fire department.) I asked the Lord to help me as I retraced my steps, and He gave me the presence of mind to go back and turn off the valve on the tank. I didn't get even a slight burn.

There were three surge suppressors in the trailer that were ruined, but my computer, fax machine and answering system are all working. I had to replace the copper line to the propane tank, some wiring and a receptacle, but I realize how much worse it could have been.

Please pray for Peggy and me. Thank you,

-Larry Wittenborn

KS-Dear Bro. Wayne: I am still much encouraged in the Lord and determined by the grace of God to go through with victory. I am determined to make heaven my home, and I know God wants me to make it there. So, since God and I are a majority, well, victory is assured. I praise God from whom all blessings flow.

I hope to attend several meetings this summer. May God bless everyone.

-Sis. Shirley Knight

FL-We wanted to share our praise and thanksgiving to God with the saints. God has granted us some remarkable answers to prayer. We feel so unworthy and want to praise His name for what He has done.

The first answer came a few weeks ago when we encountered what could have been a really serious problem regarding Kevin's health. It was necessary for him to undergo some medical tests, and the devil painted some very dark pictures while we were waiting for the results. We prayed earnestly during this time, and God answered. The results we received were a direct answer to our prayers and everything is fine, for which we are so very thankful. Praise God for hearing and answering!

The next answer to prayer for which we want to praise God, is regarding our brother-in-law, Bob Frusher. We called Guthrie for prayer for him a couple of months ago. He was hospitalized with a serious stomach condition, and at first the doctors said it was cancerous. They gave him 6-9 months to live. He does not profess salvation, and the situation looked very grim. His hemoglobin level was dangerously low, and he had to be given 14 pints of blood in a matter of just a few days. After we and others began to pray, God miraculously healed him, and now the doctor says he doesn't even have cancer. Please continue to pray for him spiritually, that He will see the goodness of God and be led to repentance.

Another answer to prayer happened just last week. Both Kevin and I have been in the banking profession for many years. We always pray for God's protection each day from robberies. Some of the areas in which we work have seen some very serious and violent bank robberies. It is normally not customary for Kevin to go to an early lunch, but through God's providence he took an early lunch one particular day. He left his branch at 11:05 a.m., and a robber entered the building at 11:13 a.m.! A robbery was conducted, but thank the Lord, no one in the branch was physically injured. It was such an encouragement to us that God answered our prayers and didn't allow Kevin to be involved in this! This may seem like a small thing, or a coincidence, but for us it was a very real answer to our daily prayers! It is a very cold, violent and dangerous world in which we live, and we are only exempt from these dangers through God's mercy upon us.

We would like to request prayer for our sister-in-law, Dorothy Baird, who lives in Ohio. She has been diagnosed with a very serious health condition, and we desire God's mercy upon her. Also our sister, Debbie Lucas, is having health problems that could potentially be serious. Please remember her in your prayers. Both of these dear loved ones have served the Lord in the past, and we are very burdened for them.

God has been so good to us. We are not in any way worthy, but want to give Him ALL the glory. Please pray for us that we will remain true to God. Sincerely,

-Kevin and Cheryl Smith

NC-Hello Bro. Wayne: I trust this will find you all well.

I want to thank you, Bro. Wayne, and all of the good people there for all the times you have prayed for me. I thank God for people who can get in touch with Him. The last time I called for prayer, the Lord took the pain away right then.

The doctors have told me that I have lupus, and that they have done all they can for me. I told the doctor I believe in God, and that He can heal me. When I went back for a checkup, he said he couldn't believe I was doing so well. That was two months ago, so please pray that God will take it all away. I know He can. I have been healed before. I love the Lord and I love to live for Him.

I have a special prayer request. God knows about it. Thank you all again, and may God bless you.

-Sister Faye Minton

MO-Dear Bro. Wayne: Greetings to you in Jesus' name, the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. I hope all is going well with you and the printing work. We surely do appreciate the gospel that is being sent forth from the Print Shop. The June issue of the Faith and Victory was really good.

I enjoyed the camp meeting and received much good from it. I want to profit by all I heard....

I trust the Lord to continue to bless you and all the workers there. Your saved brother,

-T. V. McMillian

LA-Warm greetings of love in the sweet name of Jesus! How very thankful I am for the love that caused Jesus to willingly suffer the agony and humiliation of the cross, so that I might escape a devil's hell! Oh, our weak, human minds can scarcely fathom the love that He had and is yet bearing for us!

I was so happy that you could go to the Philippines. My heart has long been burdened for those people. Bro. Tangunan stays so busy working among them. I held you up in prayer daily, both before and while you were gone. I asked the Lord to use you to be a real blessing and help to those folks, and to keep you safe and make them a blessing to you....

My heart was much grieved by Bro. Bob Sallee's passing, but we have to trust God's wisdom as well as His power. I know it has left quite a gap in the publishing work that will have to be filled.

Please remember me in prayer-I have some serious afflictions on my body. I know God has the power to heal me. He blesses me so abundantly and enables me to still care for myself. Thank the Lord.

May God bless all of you there in the publishing work, and I pray He will bless with a glorious and profitable Oklahoma State camp meeting. I would like to be there, and will be in spirit.

In the love of Christ,

-Sis. Sybil Goldsberry

TN-Dear saints: Greetings to you in the Lord's name-a name of high praise. The saints here in Alcoa/Maryville, TN, wish to thank everyone who has helped out in the Tennessee work by your donations, offerings and prayers. May God bless you.

We would also like to send up a praise report. The Lord has blessed us with a building for His worship. There's room for a nice chapel, Sunday school rooms, a pastor's study and both dining and kitchen areas. God is so good. Please continue to pray for us.

I love the early spring flowers and the beautiful budding trees. But the dandelions are something else! Although they have a lovely, bright yellow flower, I must get rid of them or they will take over my yard. So I destroyed them with my garden hoe, with the thought in mind that I don't want my yard to look like a bed of dandelions.

As I began to cut them down recently, the Lord began to talk to me, pointing out that the dandelion stands out with a beautiful yellow color. That is like the things which Satan would like to plant in our lives-sins that appear lovely and are very tempting to us to keep.

In going over my yard I found a dandelion growing in very poor soil. The plant wasn't very healthy, but I could not let it remain, for one flower will produce several seeds. I had to destroy it. Just so is one sin. If left in the heart it will produce many sins.

Then there were the nice healthy dandelions. There were several clumps of them blooming one at a time. I made sure I chopped them up. When Satan allures us with sin, he only shows us one at a time. It will be very attractive, but it will lead us to other sins which will "bloom" along our way of life.

We must daily keep a close contact with our heavenly Father, that we may be able to know the works of Satan and the traps he has set before us. We must not let Satan destroy us; we must cut down sinful temptations before they can take root and produce fruit.

There is power in prayer, and our Savior will help us. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Heb. 13:5

We send Christian greetings to all who love the Lord. This edition of the Faith and Victory finds us busy in our effort to expand the knowledge of the gospel throughout the world.

Preparations are going forward for the Faith Publishing House workers' reunion which is scheduled for July 11. A number of reservations for this event have been received from former workers who will be traveling many miles to attend. We are especially excited that my uncle, Andrew Pruitt, of Oregon, my aunt Mary Embly, of California, and my mother, Frances Murphey, plan to be present. They were a part of this gospel work at its inception and have firsthand knowledge of what it took to develop the work from a vision into reality.

After extensive research through old Faith and Victory papers as well as the writings of my grandfather, Fred Pruitt, I have come to realize that problems which impede the work today have been the same throughout the years. There was even an occasion when Grandpa Pruitt decided to go back to farming, and made preparations to do so until God blocked the way and renewed his spirit for the calling He had given him.

This year we are commemorating 75 years of the Print Shop being in existence, and have marveled at how God has kept the work going forward through all the hard times. Although the printing operation is still an endeavor of faith and seemingly a fragile work when viewed from a human standpoint, we know that there is nothing more stable than the Word and Spirit of God. As long as these two entities abide within us and provide the inspiration for the work here, it will continue. It is due to this understanding that we have tried to direct the work so that the gospel is printed and not simply ideas motivated by emotion or human understanding. Although this has not always been easy to accomplish, we have striven to do it with the belief that the true saints of God would have an appreciation for it. And the saints of God, through their support, have made it possible for us to continue.

We feel that this work has not only a past but a future. Not only are there memories-there is vision. We envision ways to step up the flow of the printed Word. Please keep us in your prayers and a burden for the work in your heart. May God bless each of you for your kindly interest.

As is our usual custom, we will not print an August edition of the Faith and Victory . This will lighten the work load so we can attend to other duties and operate the book store on the Monark Springs campground during the National Camp Meeting, which is scheduled for July 17-26.

Our plans are to dedicate the September paper to the 75th anniversary, including pictures and a report from the workers' reunion. Also incorporated will be testimonies from former workers of when they worked here. In order to meet the printing deadline for this edition, I encourage all former workers to have their memoirs into this office by August 1.

May God's hand of mercy and love rest upon every reader, and above all let us keep ready and prepared for the coming of our Lord. -Wayne Murphey