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I had not realized how many kept writing in, wanting to
attend this service, and we didn't expect more than part of them to
really attend. Consequently we were not at all prepared for the
conclave that poured in. Tuesday afternoon and evening cars began
driving up in front of the Hammer residence with many different-
colored license plates. Mr. Hammer had engaged a hall for the
Passover service, but at the last minute some official of the hall
had objected and it was too late to engage another meeting place.
As the people started pouring in at the Hammer home toward dusk,
there was nothing to do but try to squeeze them all in the house
and conduct the service as best we could. There were 85 adults who
partook of the Passover, not counting children. We were packed in
like sardines. Most of the furniture except chairs was moved out
of the living room, and folding chairs filled every available inch.
More chairs were crowded into the dining room and a rear solarium.
Many had to stand in hallways and doorways, and I stood in a door-
way to conduct the service.
Early Wednesday morning, the day of the "preparation" for
the Feast, before Mrs. Armstrong and I were ready for breakfast,
some of the people began coming to the Hammer residence filled with
questions. Soon the house was packed again, and the time devoted
to questions and answers, and private conferences. Dozens wanted
to talk to me, or Mrs. Armstrong, or both of us together, in
private about personal problems, or to be prayed for and anointed
for healing. My, what tragic problems many have to face in this
life! Yes, "many are the afflictions of the righteous,"--but we
must remember, "the Eternal delivers us from them all." If we will
yield and surrender to Him, and His laws, HE IS ABLE TO WORK OUT
OUR EVERY PROBLEM OR TROUBLE, but if we resist God's way, and use
human reason to work out our problems our own way in rebellion
against His laws, then we are blindly hurling ourselves directly
into the jaws of DISASTER. We must learn to TRUST God--to obey
Him, and RELY upon Him to solve our problems, and He will do it
--often in a manner we could not foresee or imagine, and far more
wonderful than any way of our devising! One, on coming to realize
what Mrs. Armstrong and I have had to live thru, said, "...and here
I always supposed it was only us out here that had troubles,--that
you never had any!"
For the Feast on Wednesday night, however, Mr. Hammer had
engaged the spacious cafeteria dining room of the new Gladewater
elementary school. There were two long table down each side, with
one across the front, forming a huge "U", and then another long
table down the middle, in between those along the sides. But still
15 people could not find seats, so space was found for still
another long table, and at last all were seated. It was a
wonderful banquet, with roast and barbecued chicken, baked
potatoes, salad, green beans, peas, and dessert. Brethren from the
different states were introduced, and after all other states had
been introduced, I shouted out: "And now, is there anyone here
from TEXAS?" You should have heard the roar of laughter, as the
Texans made themselves known. Texans, you know, are loyal to
TEXAS! 67 Texans were present. Total seated at the feast, from
13 states, 123 happy people.