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August H.
Francke, the well-known German preacher of the 17th century, founded an
orphanage to take care of the homeless children who roamed the streets of Halle. One day
when he desperately needed funds to carry on his work, a destitute Christian
widow came to his door begging for one gold ducat. Because of his financial
situation, he politely but regretfully refused. Disheartened, the woman sat
down and began to weep. Moved by her tears, Francke asked her to wait while
he went to his room to pray about the matter. Seeking God's guidance, he felt
that the Holy Spirit wanted him to grant the request. Trusting the Lord to
meet his own pressing needs, he gave her the money.
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Two
mornings later he received a warm letter of thanks from the widow saying that
because of his generosity she had asked the Lord to shower the orphanage with
gifts. That same day he received 12 ducats from a rich lady and two from a
friend in Sweden.
He thought he had been amply rewarded, but shortly afterward he was informed
that Prince Lodewyk Van Wurtenburg had died, and in his will had directed
that 500 gold pieces be given to the orphanage! Francke wept in gratitude. In
sacrificially providing for that needy saint, he had not been impoverished
but enriched.
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