MR. AND MRS. WATT were missionaries in Africa, and they had four little children. Whenever possible they spoke faithfully to the natives of the love of N’gai (the supreme Being) to all mankind, as shown in the gift of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But, save for a few friendly souls, the people were unwilling to listen to their message.
There were many enemies, and time after time they attempted to poison and murder the missionaries. But God watched over His faithful servants and these evil designs came to nothing.
One evening a vast multitude of warriors, determined to wipe out the white man from their country, were on their way to the mission station, led by a chief named Mwana Muka. They carried with them lighted brands, intending to burn down the grass-thatched building of the mission. The missionaries’ children went to sleep with their clothing and boots on so as to be ready to flee if necessary.
No sooner had the sun like a great red ball sunk in the west, when huge clouds came rolling up in the eastern sky. Soon the heavens were black and vivid flashes of lightning lighted up the sky, followed by peals of rattling thunder which seemed to shake the earth. Then the rain came down in torrents. During the space of half an hour, the heavens were let loose in such a manner as the missionaries never saw before or since in that land of tropical downpours.
The missionaries had cried to the Lord, assured that if it pleased Him He would in His own way bring deliverance. Now they could see how the mighty hand of God had wrought on their behalf. Not only were the savage warriors stricken with fear by the terrific storm, but their bow strings were rendered useless by the soaking rain. Themselves drenched, dismayed, they slunk back into the bush, no doubt thinking that God Himself was fighting against them.
But Satan is a relentless foe and though defeated once, he will come back again. A few days later, the missionaries were warned that the hostile tribes were gathering for a fresh assault. Mr. Ainsworth, in command of the government fort some miles away, sent a band of soldiers to carry the missionary and his little children to safety. Mr. Watt sent word back saying how grateful they were for this kindness, but felt that they must decline the offer of the protection of the government fort, and trust in God who had called them to make known the glad tidings there. They were assured that He would in His own way direct all things according to His own will, for “if God be for us who can be against us.”
That night was a time of great tension and painful suspense. The two little ones were fast asleep, but the older two were kept awake by the excitement of the hour. The missionaries threw themselves upon God, and prayed that it might please Him to confound and defeat the plans of these savage relentless warriors and send them deliverance.
Even as they prayed they heard a most unearthly roar overhead. Springing to the door to see what was the matter, they found the heavens ablaze with light, and caught sight of a white-hot meteor of immense size, shooting across the heavens right over their station. The gigantic fiery ball whizzed through space with terrific speed, lighting up the whole country with a lustrous, dazzling glow, and leaving behind it a great trail of fire. Then it disappeared, striking a mountain thirty miles away.
The huge meteor had swept directly over the heads of the armed multitude of warriors. Struck with such terror and mortal dread they rushed panic-stricken to their homes upon the hill, leaving the missionaries in peace, to praise and thank God for His great deliverance and for all His goodness.
Truly, “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.”
ML-06/24/1973