The bravest man he ever knew

The war was over and the post-war era was churning with a new sense of opportunity and responsibility. Several dozen of the boys from the Center had gone to war in that five-year holocaust that recast of the world into a new mold. Mothers and dad had prayed, trusting the Lord to protect their sons through the brutal battles in Europe, Africa, the South Pacific, Asia, and in the many places where men were involved in mortal combat.

As an encouragement to their faith, Lance Latham had preached many times on the marvelous power of believing prayer. “When you know Christ as personal Savior, and when people are praying for you, you are as safe on any battlefield as you are in your own home here in Chicago. Let’s always pray for our boys and especially trust God to help them to be a great testimony for Christ.”

In 1945, the record of answered prayer was in. The Center had only one gold star on its service flag. Frank Jansen died in action in Italy. His commanding officer said, Frank was the bravest man I ever knew. When a fellow soldier was asked to undertake a dangerous job, Frank always offered to take his place, saying, “He is not sure of his eternal future if he dies. I am.” Frank knew and loved the Lord.

Source: Breese, Dave. Lance, A Testament of Grace, 1978. pp. 171-172.