The donkey is a sample of one of the stories that Eric used to illustrate his sermons. It is the last item in a booklet "Participation in the Divine Nature" that is available as a pdf document

GOD CAN USE A DONKEY !

Near Sidmouth there is a Donkey Sanctuary. Opened in 1969 it has taken over 7,500 donkeys and mules into care - the largest Sanctuary for donkeys in the world. Donkeys go for many reasons - they may have been mistreated, neglected, retired from working on the beaches or no longer cared for by their owners. But there they are guaranteed a life of loving care. There are Centres as well in Birmingham and Leeds There are more than 59 million donkeys and mules in the world today.

Let me tell you a story about a donkey.

It lived in Brazil and was used by a pastor who travelled from village to village to preach the gospel. One day the pastor had been so busy and was very tired; he fell asleep in the saddle as he made his way home. A couple of hours later he was rudely awakened by the roughness of the ride. His donkey had left the trail and was walking through a rocky field. The Pastor was angry, but calmed down when he saw they were almost back to his village.

When he arrived at his church, he learned that his friends had gathered to pray for his safety. Someone who hated the gospel had sent some men to attack him at a bend in the trail. They thanked God for causing the donkey to take a short cut home. 

It reminded me of another donkey connected with the Christmas story. You may remember how Wise Men guided by a star, came to the place where Jesus was. They brought gifts befitting a king. But King Herod did not like the idea of another taking his place, so he told the wise men to come back to him when the child had been found. But the wise men were guided by the Lord not to do so. The king gave a command that all children under the age of two should be killed. But word was given to Joseph to take his wife and the young child, Jesus, and make their way to Egypt where they would be safe. It does not say a donkey was used. We assume that was the case. On our Christmas cards, Joseph walks alongside Mary seated on a donkey, cradling the Christ-child in her arms.