IN WORLD WAR 2, Lieutenant Jack Richards was shot down in the southwestern Pacific. His plane had gone under almost as soon as it hit the water. Rolling over on his back, he floated for some time in his rubber suit. For all he knew, he might be in enemy territory. Anyway, he knew he was stranded.
Dusk began to creep over the ocean, and Jack could just make out the wooded outlines of an island. But distances were confusing and he Wondered if he could swim that far. Overhead he could see the star of the Southern Cross. Thoughts of home raced through his mind as he swam on. Ahead he could see the island dimly outlined by the moonlight.
Jack prayed for strength and guidance, talking intimately to that blessed One who had become his Saviour and Lord. It was after mid-night when he reached the shore and crawled into a cave, thanking God for his deliverance. Exhausted, he soon fell asleep. In the morning he woke to see the sun through the fringe of bushes. What would he find on the island? Well, he would soon know! Emerging from his “hotel room,” he looked around. Everything was still. The island was thick with trees and other brush. Jack was hungry!
Carefully he slipped along through the foliage, conscious that he was being watched, but seeing no one. Toward noon he saw an open space ahead and approached more slowly. Then a bend in the path revealed a little gospel hall. Throwing caution to the wind, Jack broke from cover and ran. He lifted the latch and the door swung open. There was nobody around. Kneeling down, he humbly gave thanks to God for sang his life, and asking for guidance for his future, he arose with a light heart. Closing the door behind him, he was dumbfounded to see at the edge of the clearing a large group of natives — men, women and children.
Connecting them in his mind with the gospel hall, Jack began to greet them with words and smiles and motions, only to be met with a stony stillness. Puzzled to know what to do, he began to sing. The old song, “Amazing Grace,” rang out in the weird stillness, but met with no response. He tried another, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” but the result was the same.
Again he spoke to them, but there was not the slightest response. The natives watched every move, not apparently hostile, but plainly curious.
“Some fun!” said Jack in despair. He decided to try one more song. In a low, soft voice, he began a favorite childhood hymn, “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.” It was magic! Instantly that immovable human wall came to life. The stony black faces were now rippling with smiles. By the time the first verse was finished, Jack was almost overpowered by their friendliness. They brought him food and drink, and the next day helped him to return to his camp. Such are the triumphs of the gospel.
ML-04/26/1970