A missionary was translating the New Testament of the Bible into one of the forms of the Turkish language. He had been working with a group living in one of the Russian republics known as the Kirghizs who were Buddhists. He was able to get the help of two young men from the republic in the translation work. They were glad to help and asked many questions about the missionary’s family and country. This translating went on for many months. The missionary and the two young men each took a number of verses to translate. Every day they met to compare these translations together and decide which was the best. In the course of this work, the two men asked many questions about the gospel, which the missionary was always glad to answer.
Finally the translation was finished, and they met again for the last time. The completed translation lay on the table. Since their work was finished, the missionary expected the young men to say “good-bye” and leave, but they didn’t. Instead they sat very quietly by the table looking serious and thoughtful. The missionary wondered what was bothering them and asked if they had any questions.
“No,” they answered, “but we have something to say.”
“Well, my friends, speak up,” replied the missionary. And then to his surprise and delight, the older one pointed to the translation on the table and said, “I want to tell you that we are both converted to the religion of that book. We have been followers of the teachings of Buddha. We have studied the books closely which contain his teachings. The more we studied them, the more confused we became, and our hearts remained empty. But in studying the truths of Jesus Christ, we have found it to be just the opposite. The more we study His words, the plainer they become to us.”
They had seen Jesus. They had found Him to be “a light to lighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:3232A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:32)). And what a beautiful illustration this is of the truth and meaning of King David’s words when he says, “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)).
ML-04/30/2006