AMONG THE ONE HUNDRED or so friends who gathered to celebrate Mrs. Robinson’s fifty-ninth birthday in 1933, there was one who was conspicuous by his absence—George A. Mitchell. On similar occasions in previous years he had been the efficient master of ceremonies. Consequently he was especially missed.
A few months before this, Mr. Mitchell had suffered a slight stroke from which he had rallied so as to be able to minister. Now, however, he had failed again but, although very weak, he was fighting the fight of faith, believing God for perfect deliverance. Mrs. R. took up the fight in his behalf, too, but while relief was given, he continued in his state of weakness.
Remembering their absent friend, the whole congregation joined in most earnest supplication for him. At the conclusion of this prayer, Mrs. R. stated that Mr. Mitchell should be left in God’s hands. To many this seemed ominous; to some there came the sense that it meant that the Lord was going to take Mr. Mitchell to Himself.
The fact was that as Mrs. Robinson had prayed for Mr. Mitchell, the Lord had revealed to her that He was going to take His servant home and that she should inform the family. Consequently, at the close of her birthday celebration she told Mr. Mitchell’s oldest son of His will and that he should tell Mrs. Mitchell after the first of December: The Lord doesn’t say that Mr. Mitchell could not be healed, Mrs. R. explained, but unless he had faith for a perfect healing, it would be better for him to go home, for the Lord does not want him to remain here without a strong body. He can be of more use in heaven than to remain here in a weakened body.
Later Mr. Mitchell himself was told of the Lord’s plan and told that the Lord had declared him to be an overcomer. Thus informed and assured, he meekly resigned himself to the will of God. Shortly, as Jacob of old, he literally “gathered up his feet into the bed and yielded up the ghost” (December 23, 1933) and went to serve His Master, unhampered by the infirmities of the flesh.
It was just about perfect as far as a death could be. Yet it was a solemn occasion, for it was the first break in the circle of ministers who had ministered together in Zion City since 1910. Mr. Mitchell’s unique ministry would be missed, the loss of his wisdom and government keenly felt.
For some months, beginning in 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Robinson had labored much in prayer together, and often, as Mrs. R. had special calls for ministry to individuals, one or both of them were used to minister with her to the one God was seeking to help at that time.
One interesting note found in Mr. Mitchell’s journal for this period is something “spoken through Mrs. R.” in the summer of 1929: “The greatest thing in the world at present for the Kingdom of God is Paul Rader’s work.” This evangelist, though certainly not Pentecostal, was one in whose behalf the Lord had Mrs. R. take a special interest in prayer and faith.
At another time during this same period, it was Mr. Mitchell whom the Lord had used to teach a young minister something about the gifts of the Spirit. One day when they and some others were in conference with Mrs. R., turning to Mr. Mitchell she asked him, “How does one lose a gift?”
Mr. Mitchell replied, “By stopping altogether”—i.e., by refusing to let God use your gift. “By holding back”—i.e., perhaps out of fear of man or reticence. “Or by ‘pushing’ “—i.e., by wanting or trying to be used beyond God’s appointment.
Again it was while Mr. Mitchell and Elder Brooks were in conference with Mrs. R. that a remark was made which, in reality, is the key to understanding her life and experience:
“Mrs. Robinson always wanted Jesus.”
Nothing for herself—neither gifts, nor powers, nor a successful ministry, nor wonderful experiences—nothing but Christ! And because of that singleness of desire, God had given her Jesus and added all the rest. Still, however, she was consecrated to be stripped of all these blessings, for she wanted only Jesus.
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Martha Wing Robinson (1874 - 1936)
Martha held meetings which touched people to return to the work of the service of God. The Robinsons opened a "Faith Home" where people would come for teaching and prayer. Like George Muller they depended on God to provide what was needed for expenses. Thousands came through her home and healings were a regular occurrence. Her husband died in April of 1916, but Martha continued in her ministry. She had a very sharp gift of discernment and regularly told people the secrets of their hearts. She often had directive prophetic words for those under her care. Many young people came to the home for training and went into the mission fields and evangelistic endeavours.Martha Wing Robinson died June 26, 1936. Shortly before she died she stated her life's message "Nothing matters but Christ Jesus." Her whole life was spent in the service of God and for the Glory of His Son Jesus. She had seen many healed, saved, delivered, empowered and sent out. She was truly a mother in Israel. In 1962 Gordon P. Gardiner wrote a book about her life called "Radiant Glory" because that is how she lived her life.