To the South of us, about 4,000 miles as the crow flies, in the heart of South America lies the land of Bolivia. There the Inca Indians have made their home for centuries. Deep in the thick jungles and high up in the Andes Mountains dwell over 300 tribes, many of whom have never been reached with the gospel.
Years ago a missionary from New Zealand went to Bolivia to tell the Inca Indians of God’s great love for them. It was a hard life, beset with many dangers and sorrows, but God took care of him and his wife and blessed their labors. At first the Indians were very hostile, and on many occasions these two servants of Christ were face to face with death, but God protected them.
One day as the missionary talked with old Cipriano, an Inca chief, he quoted John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) to him in his native Quechua tongue: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
As the old Indian listened intently, his dark eyes lighted up first with wonder, then with joy, and he took off his hat in reverence. Like most of his people he believed there was a supreme Being, but never before had he heard that this same God loved him. It was a happy day for the old chief, for right there and then he believed that message of God’s love and was wonderfully saved. He passed from heathen darkness to light and became a happy Christian. Since that time many of his tribe have “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:1010And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
If our reader has not yet accepted Christ as Saviour, won’t you, in simplicity like the old chief Cipriano, receive Him into your heart by faith, just as you are?
ML-01/23/1977