Many years ago there was a missionary who had gone to the country of Bolivia in South America to preach the gospel. The people there thought the gospel was only this man’s idea. The missionary tried to show them that the gospel is the “good news” of God’s wonderful plan of salvation, but they would not listen. Some of the people became angry when the missionary spoke to them about the gospel and wanted to harm him.
One night about midnight a man knocked loudly on the missionary’s door. He told the missionary about a plot to kill him and his wife. There was a mob of about 60 drunken men armed with rocks and clubs who were on their way to kill them. This man, at the risk of his own life, had come to warn the missionaries to move out quickly.
But where could they go? The only way out to safety was the same road along which their enemies were coming.
They dressed quickly and, putting a few of their belongings in their little pickup truck, they started off in the darkness. Sure enough, down the road they could see the band of men coming toward them. Calling to God for help, the missionary turned on the bright headlights and, keeping his hand on the horn, drove straight at the drunken mob.
Taken completely by surprise, the men ran to get out of the way. They threw rocks at the speeding truck, but none of them hit it.
The missionaries drove a long way down the dry riverbed, which was the only road in that area. Then, asking the Lord for guidance, they drove to another section of that province, to the home of a dear Christian man who was a district judge.
After hearing of their experience, the judge said, “This is a serious matter. The governor must be told.”
The missionary pleaded with the judge not to report the men, because he had already forgiven them. He knew that most of them had been led by only a few men, the leaders, and that they were all so drunk they did not know what they were doing. But the judge insisted they be reported. So they went to the capitol to tell the governor what had happened.
The next morning on orders from the governor the twelve leaders of the mob were arrested and put in prison.
The following day the missionary asked to talk with the governor. He said, “Sir, I love these people, and I am asking a favor of you. Please release these men and let me take them back to their homes. I have forgiven them, and I have asked the Lord Jesus that you might approve my request.”
“They will kill you!” exclaimed the surprised governor. “They should be punished.” But after consulting with others, the governor said, “If you can forgive these men, then you may take them to their homes.”
The men were released after stern warnings from the police. Then all twelve climbed into the back of the missionary’s truck.
The missionary and his wife drove off with the men. Late that afternoon they arrived at the same spot where the men had thrown the stones. He stopped there and asked the men to get out of the truck and listen to God’s Word. Opening his Bible to Luke 23:3434Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34), he read the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as He hung upon the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Then he told them of Jesus and His love for poor sinners and of how He was the missionary’s own precious Saviour and that He could be theirs also. Just as the Lord Jesus had forgiven those who nailed Him to the cross, the missionary was happy to do the same by forgiving them.
These hard men were greatly affected by what the missionary said. While he spoke to them, they took off their hats in respect. When he had finished talking they told the missionary and his wife they were sorry for what they had done and promised them their love and friendship. They kept their word, too. Later one of these men accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Many of the children of these men were later saved also.
Even the governor was so impressed by the outcome that he was convinced of his need of the Saviour. Later, he also accepted the Lord Jesus and was saved.
This same precious Saviour who saved these Inca Indians in Bolivia is the same Saviour for you today. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” Heb. 13:88Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8). He will give you, a sinner, His free pardon if you will in simple faith trust in that precious blood He shed on Calvary’s cross.
ML-12/24/1989