BEMVINDO was a young boy, born and raised in Brazil. He grew up to be a short but powerful young fellow, naturally courageous and very ready with his weapons. He spent some time in prison for one dark crime.
But one day two native gospel preachers came to Bemvindo’s village and he invited them to have meetings in his home. His heart was opened to receive the blessed message, how that God so loved poor sinners like himself that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die for their sins. Bemvindo believed; he was brightly saved, and became a faithful follower of Christ.
One evening as they were assembled in their hall for prayer, an old dark skinned native of nearly 100 years was passing by. He was a notorious old scoundrel, a spiritist who practiced “black magic.” It happened that our friend Bemvindo was praying at that moment, and the old fellow stood outside, cursing and blaspheming at the door and open window, and disturbing the meeting. He then went on his way, and being the worse for drink, he fell into a mudhole some distance from the village. Here he got firmly stuck and could not get out. The more he struggled the deeper he sank in the mud.
Bemvindo had to pass that way on his way home and found the old fellow a fast prisoner. By this time Bemvindo was an evangelist who “sowed beside all waters,” and what could offer a better opportunity? So he sat down beside the old man and preached the gospel to him. The prisoner in the mud could not get away from it, though it is doubtful if he appreciated the message just then, or thought it as “in season” as the preacher did.
Having finished his sermon, Bemvindo got hold of the old man, and by sheer force pulled him out of the mire. Then all wet and dirty as he was, he put him on his shoulders and carried him all the way home. The old fellow was amazed for he did not expect this kind of revenge for his conduct. He thought that at least he might have been left to die in the ditch. Bemvindo told him the Lord would do more for his soul, pulling him out of the mire of sin, and would carry him safely to that heavenly Home, prepared for those that love Him.
The old man came to the meeting to hear more. Finally the glorious light of the gospel flooded into his darkened soul and he was saved. With Christ now as his Saviour he threw away all his magic, and his conversion caused quite a sensation in the village. He never missed a meeting when he could get there, and his family too were all attending. They had to enlarge the hall for many more were coming to hear the gospel.
What wonderful stories of redeeming love will be told in heaven, when all the redeemed from every kindred and tongue and people and nation shall be gathered Home! And God is still saving souls and fitting them for heaven. Has His love won your heart yet, dear reader?
ML-05/16/1976