The Power of Aunt Ida’s Prayers

At the close of World War II while living in India, my cousin Wesley Duewel got a cablegram from the United States saying that a missionary family was arriving on a ship in Calcutta. He was to meet them. At that time in India, authorities were not allowed to announce the arrival or departure of ships, so he did not know when the ship was coming.

After arriving in Calcutta, he got off the train and was walking down the street to the American Express Company to get information about ships when a riot broke out just in front of him. There were more than 350 to 400 people killed on the streets of Calcutta during those next four or five days, and Wesley had to make numerous trips through mobs where people were shouting right and left, waving their fists, and waving hockey sticks. He said he would push through that crowd, walking slowly, and the people would just keep parting. He felt that he could touch God if he moved his arm out eight to ten inches. He was surrounded by God.

About a week or two later, he received a letter from his mother mentioning certain dates. She asked, “Wesley, were you in any special danger on these days?”

Those were the days Wesley was in mob danger in Calcutta. She didn’t know he was in Calcutta, but God knew, and God alerted his mother. God used her fervent SOS prayers to protect her son.

Jesus, make me aware of those who need my prayers today.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).