“Making mention of you always in my prayers…that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Phm vv 4-6).
Rodney (Gypsy) Smith was born in a Romani tent in Epping Forest, northeast of London. He never attended one day of school, yet he influenced millions through his preaching. Converted in 1876, he soon longed to see one unsaved uncle won to Christ. But among the Romani it was not proper for young people to address adults on matters of import. Gypsy prayed and waited. Then his uncle noticed a hole in the boy’s trousers: “Rodney, why do you wear your knees out so much faster than your brothers?” That was his opportunity! “Uncle,” he replied, “I’ve worn them out praying for you, that God would have you.” The uncle put his arms around the boy as tears coursed down his cheeks. Together they knelt, and the budding evangelist rejoiced to hear his uncle ask the Lord to save him.