GUS the GREEK

Edward Baumbartner was a close friend of mine and a real vibrant Christian. He was older than I, but was converted about the same time. He became a faithful and consistent witness for Christ and was a successful soul winner. A barber by trade, he carried his profession and tools of his trade into nursing homes and hospitals when he visited there. Many of the men who sere patients there were glad to have a free haircut while Ed Talked to them about the Lord and Salvation. His courteous manner and tender-hearted sympathy, coupled with the knowledge of scripture and human nature, combined to make his ministry effective. Many a cold heart was opened to the gospel.

On one of these visits to a nursing home, Ed was reading to one of his converts from the Book of Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The reading was suddenly interrupted by an excited cry from another man in the room. "What did you say? Read that again! Did you say the Greek?"

Of course, the request was granted. At this the questioner stated emphatically, "That's me! I'm Gus! I'm the Greek!"

Now it so happened that there had been other times when my friend had read the scriptures there and had invited Gus to seek salvation though faith in Jesus, but Gus had one answer, "That's not for me."

This time, however, the reading was from Romans1:16, and right there it was stated that this is for the Greek, and that day Gus the Greek was saved.

Now there were two converts in the same room - Frank Garner and Gus - and they had conversation, prayer and rejoicing together. It was not a long time after his conversion that Gus suffered a stroke and was unable to speak. Then it happened in the dead of night the friend of Gus was awakened by someone calling his name. It was Gus, whose speech was miraculously restored to give one message. Calling the name of his friend, Gus said, "Frank, I'm going to heaven!"

From his bed, Frank answered back, "I'm going to heaven too!"

Right back, Gus said, "I'm going right now."

When a reply brought no answer, the night nurse was called. It was true, Gus was already gone!