My mother, the late Florence L. Crawford, along with many others who attended the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles, was endued with power from on High and ordained to preach the Gospel. She was one of the first home missionaries who left that group in answer to a definite call from God to enter the evangelistic fields.

I speak of her not because she is my mother, but because she was an instrument in God’s hands whom He could use. The ministry at that time recognized in her a steadfast, intrepid, and fearless spirit. They felt she could be trusted to hold the standard high and would compromise with no one.

An incident which occurred prior to her conversion is indicative of her boldness to stand for her convictions. Her home had been one of infidelity, and her parents entertained the noted infidels of their day; but through the years, God, on different occasions, spoke to her heart, showing her the truth of His Word.

After she had gone to California for her health, a noted infidel who was to give a lecture asked her to sing before his audience as she had done in years past. She said she would if she could select the song. He consented; and though yet unsaved, she sang:

                    “Jesus, Lover of my soul,
                     Let me to Thy bosom fly.
                     While the nearer waters roll,
                     While the tempest still is high!”

The handkerchiefs came out and the people began to cry. The speaker made excuses for her; but his lecture fell flat. The hearts of the people had been made tender through the singing of that beloved old hymn.

At the time Mother came among the little group who worshipped at Azusa Street, complete unity existed and all embraced the Word of God in its purity, power, and fullness. They vowed before God to uphold those doctrines which they believed at the time God poured out His Spirit on them and baptized them with the Holy Ghost.

The minister had said: “Stand by these doctrines regardless of what I ever do. Stand by them for they are from Heaven.” Mother purposed in her heart that she would embrace God’s Word in all its fullness and never compromise with anyone.