Page 10 - good and useful man 2022 cover page

Chapter 1

A MISSIONARY IS BORN

The year was 1868. The nurse wrapped the newborn baby in
an old sheet and placed him on a table. Baby Charles hadn’t
moved. Something was wrong. He was going to die on the
same day he had been born. The doctor could do nothing to
keep him alive.
His father and mother had been so excited to be having a
baby. But now, as they looked at his lifeless body, they were
very sad.
Suddenly, one of the nurses said, “Look! He’s breathing!”
Everyone grew more and more excited as they watched
Charles begin to breathe easier. God had a special plan for this
little boy. As his mother cuddled tiny Charles, his father placed
his hand on the baby boy’s head. He prayed, “Oh, God, help
him grow up to be a good and useful man.” Charles’ parents
gave him to God that day.

The Cowman family lived in Woodburn, Iowa, during
Charles’ childhood. They always welcomed friends and

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