Only A Gypsy Boy

Not many noble, are called.

1 Corinthians 1:26

Some are still around who heard the inimitable preacher Rodney (Gipsy) Smith. He was born among the gypsies in England. His mother died when he was young; and his father, Cornelius, was imprisoned for debts. But after his release, Cornelius took his children to Latimer Road Mission, where, as worshipers sang “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” Cornelius suddenly fell to the floor. Soon he jumped up, shouting, “I’m converted! Children, God has made a new man of me!” Young Rodney ran from the church terrified.

But at age sixteen, Rodney himself asked Christ into his heart. Someone nearby whispered, “Oh, it’s only a gypsy boy.” Undeterred, Rodney acquired a Bible and began preaching. Thus began seventy years of worldwide evangelistic work. He became one of the greatest preachers of his age.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of education, a fistful of money, or a prestigious background. God takes us as we are and makes us what He wants us to be. He uses the weakest people to do His greatest work, “that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:29 NIV).