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There was one incident during the war that brought his vision into sharp focus.  One night, seven of the men entrusted to him were assigned to infiltrate enemy lines, observe what they could, and sneak back before sunup, a dangerous task from which not everyone could be expected to return.  All night long Cosby waited, praying.  Here’s what happened, in an account written by Elizabeth O’ Conner:

It was almost dawn when a lone figure came through the morning mist.  Gordon thanked God.  And then came another, and yet another, until all seven were back.  Such a reunion he had never seen.  Their words tumbled over each other...the night for him became a parable of the church when she authentically gathers.  A group of people who know they are bound over to the power of death stumble on a treasure, and that treasure is Christ; miracle of miracles, doors open that were closed, gates of bronze are broken down.  The words spill out as they try to tell one another what happened, and how it happened, and of the presence that was there. - Tom Minnery, Reporter

Leadership, Winter, 1981, page 58