A grandfather’s record of God’s watchfulness.   

Let me share events which colored early days.    I longed for a true football.    No way could I earn one.    My dear grandmother, Elisabeth Dunning, offered me five shillings to purchase a genuine Aussy football if I learned a section of the bible for the annual Christian Endeavour rally, international and excellent for training of young people.    Five shillings was a fortune, for it would buy thirty loaves of bread ( about $90 in today ’ s currency, it was her weekly allowance.    She selected Isaiah 53, which I memorized over weeks of preparation.    I proudly recited it- without pause - and received my football unaware that years later God had planned wisely.   

Ten years later in the Savings Bank at Strathalbyn, I was challenged whether the Word of God was really true.    I had learned this chapter, as a boy, and the Lord brought it to mind, as I read it repeatedly.     I staggered at the picture of our Lord’s sufferings so vividly painted in this chapter: My most beloved in the Old Testament.    Only God could have given it to Isaiah 650 years before our Lord’s birth.    My faith soared as I read and reread it.    Remember this was immediately prior to my entry into the army, the dramatic, eventful years of Gran’s and my life.    I have preached it every year for seventy years; often referring to it on other occasions: greatest event in my conversion to the Lord Jesus.      It is on our web site, www.biblestories.stellaris.com.au

I owe much to the quiet determination of my dear grandparents and for this sacrifice of one week’s provision.    While the football was gold to me: the chapter 53 was a diamond treasure - to this day.   

‘Only rich people send their children to University’ was the response when at 15 years, I had completed requirements for matriculation.    God marvelously opened the way into the Savings Bank which had recommenced adding staff after 8 years of depression , I prayed - God heard my boyish prayer.    The only study was by correspondence from Hemingway/Robertson.    The cost was prohibitive.    25 pounds, when my weekly salary was one pound, one shilling.    My dear Mother lovingly, quietly paid the amount.    It was a fortune to me.    I studied 4 hours nightly for 6 nights each week and qualified at 18 with my Bankers’ Institute of Australia.    Then I undertook my Federal accountancy and secretarial courses and commenced my night study at Adelaide University in Economics degree.    Still banking by day.     Dear Mother sacrificially covered me through this correspondence study.    The Lord planned my life differently.    The 7 figure salary of CEO was not mine- rather trusting the Lord for His provision from that day until now.    His way is perfect, past finding out.     

 The Lord called me into the army.