Pastor Mitchell Elkins

Dr. Harry Rimmer, scientist and archaeologist, dying with terminal cancer, is said to have written the following letter to his good friend Dr. Charles E. Fuller of the Old Fashioned Revival Hour radio broadcasts:

“My Dear Charlie"

Next Sunday I understand you are to talk about Heaven. I am interested in that land, because I have a clear title to a bit of property there for over fifty years. I did not buy it, for it was given to me without money and without price. But the donor purchased it for me at tremendous cost. I am not holding it for speculation, for the deed is not transferable. It is not a vacant lot, for I have been sending materials there for over fifty years, out of which the greatest Architect and Builder of the Universe has been building a home for me which will suit me perfectly and will never need to be repaired. Termites cannot undermine its foundations, for it rests upon the “Rock of Ages.” Fire cannot destroy it. Floods cannot wash it away. No locks or bolts will ever be placed upon its doors, for no devious person can ever enter that land where my dwelling stands, almost completed. It is ready for me to enter in and rest is peace eternally, without fear of being evicted." There is a valley of deep shadow between the place where I live in California and that to which I shall journey in a short time. I cannot reach my home in that city of gold without passing through this dark valley of shadows. But I am not afraid, because the best Friend I ever had went through this same valley long ago, and drove away its gloom. He has stuck with me through thick and thin since we first became acquainted fifty-two years ago, and I hold His promise in printed form never to forsake me or to leave me alone. He will be with me as I walk through the valley of the shadows, and I shall not lose my way when He is with me." I hope to hear your sermon on Sunday next from my home here, but I have no assurance that I shall. My ticket to heaven has no date stamped upon it, no return coupon, and no permit for baggage. I am all ready to go, and I may not be here when you are talking next Sunday, but if not, I shall meet you there someday." This letter was placed upon Dr. Fuller’s desk the very next Wednesday. By that time Dr Rimmer was already in that land that is fairer than day – the land that he had seen by faith for over fifty years.

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