Sister Hutchins’ Mission to Africa
There are several positive and glorious references to Sister Hutchins in The Apostolic Faith-Seymour’s newspaper that reported Azusa activities. Specifically, in the second issue of the newspaper, there are glowing reports about Sister Hutchins leaving for Africa: A company of three missionaries left Los Angeles September 13, and are en route for the west coast of Africa. Sister Hutchins has been preaching the Gospel in the power of the Spirit. She has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of the Uganda language, the language of the people to whom she is sent. A brother who has been in that country understands and has interpreted the language she speaks. Her husband is with her and her niece, who also has been given the African language.
The Call to Africa
On the way to Africa, Hutchins kept a journal of her salvation and then her call to Africa. Evidently, she sent that back to the team at Azusa for it is recorded in that same second issue of The Apostolic Faith newspaper: I was justified on July 4, 1901, and at that time, I felt that the Lord wanted me in Africa, but I was not then at all willing to go. On July 28, 1903, the Lord sanctified me. Before He sanctified me, He asked me if I would go to Africa. I promised Him I would. From that time on, I have felt the call to Africa, and have been willing to go at any moment, but not knowing just when the Lord would have me leave.
The Voice of God
On the sixth of last month, while out in my backyard one afternoon, I heard a voice speaking to me these words: “On the 15th day of September, take your husband and baby and start out for Africa.” I looked around and about me to see if there was not someone speaking to me, but I did not see anyone, and I soon recognized that it was the voice of God. I looked up into the heavens and said, “Lord, I will obey.” Since then, I have had many tests and temptations from the devil. He has at times told me that I would not even live to see September 15, but I never once doubted God. I knew that He was able to bring everything to pass that He told me to do.
Trusting God
After hearing the voice telling me to leave Los Angeles on the 15th, I went to one of my neighbors and testified to her that the Lord had told me to leave for Africa on September 15. She looked at me with a smile. I asked her what she was smiling about. She said, “Because you have not got street car fare to go to Azusa Street Mission tonight, and talking about going to Africa.” I told her I was trusting in a God that could bring all things to pass that He wanted us to do. He has really supplied all my needs in every way, for the work where He has called me.
Husband and Niece JoinI want to testify also about my husband. He was a backslider, and the devil tested me, saying: “You are going out to cast the devil out of others, and going to take a devil with you.” My husband was not saved, but I held on to God and said, “Lord, I will obey.” I continued to testify and to make preparations to leave on the 15th. The Lord reclaimed my husband, sanctified him wholly, and put the glory and the shout in him. Now, it is my time to laugh. The devil has oppressed and mocked me; but praise the Lord, now I can mock him. Glory to God!
Departure for Africa
It is now ten minutes to four o’clock in the afternoon on the 15th day of September. I am all ready and down to the Mission with my ticket and everything prepared, waiting to have hands laid on and the prayers of the saints, and expect to leave at eight o’clock from the Santa Fe station en route for Africa. We expect to go to Mt. Coffee, Monrovia, Liberia. Feeling the need of a real companion in the Gospel that was out and out for God, I prayed to God that He might give me one to go with me. I had my eyes upon one that I wanted to go, but in prayer and humility before God, I found out it was not the one the Lord wanted to go. I said, “Anyone, Lord, that you would have to go will be pleasing to me.” To my surprise, He gave me my niece, a girl that I had raised from a child. Now she is nineteen years of age, is saved, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Spirit, and is going with me out into the work of the Lord. Therefore, instead of giving me one companion, He gave me two: my niece and my husband. Our first stop will be Chattanooga, Tennessee, Harge Row. I want the prayers of the saints that I may stay humble. – Mrs. J.W. Hutchins; Mt. Coffee, Monrovia, Liberia, Africa
Tale Tuesday 034
Date: 7th April 2023
Title: The women of Azusa-Julia Hutchin (part 2)
Source: The Azusa Street Revival
Author: Roberts Liardon
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