In the heart of Africa some years ago, there lived a man named Sokonyi. He had been taught to worship the spirits of his departed relives, believing they would return to the village, sometimes to help, but mostly to do harm.
It so happened that Sokonyi had gotten hold of a copy of the Gospel of Mark, the only portion of the Bible which had been translated into his tribal tongue at that time. He began to read it and he kept on leading, so interested was he in the wonderful Person of whom it spoke. He read that Jesus was the Son of God, that He lived among the people and went about doing them good. He really loved them. The people brought their sick ones to Him, and He cured them all, even lepers. More than that, He raised up to life again some who had died. Sokonyi went on to read about His death.
But such a cruel death He died,
He was hung up and crucified;
And those kind hands that did such good,
They nailed them to a cross of wood.
This gospel gave Sokonyi much to think about. It was the Book of God, the One who sent the sunshine and the rain to make their crops grow. He believed every word of it, and decided that from henceforth the true God would be his God. He would worship only Him.
Sokonyi could no longer offer food and worship spirits of the departed dead; that was a thing of the past. There was opposition from others, because of his faith, nevertheless, he kept on reading God’s Word and that made him happy.
Happy they who trust in Jesus, Sweet their portion is and sure. And that is the way we found Sokonyi — happy.
When school on our mission station closed for vacation, and the pupils returned home, we decided to visit this brother in Christ, and then go on to villages long distances away. We got together our caravan men to carry the tent and other baggage for the long trek. Heading straight for Sokonyi’s village, we trudged through the bush, across hot plains, over rivers on crude bridges. We went in single file along the narrow dusty path.
After a few days we reached a clearing in the forest where there were several rows of thatched mud houses. We were told, “This is where Sokonyi lives.” While the men were setting up camp, we visited with this dear man and learned how he was saved. The next day we were among those who sat and listened to the reading of Mark’s gospel, the simple preaching, and prayer. The Africans love to sing and learn new hymns. How good it was to join in singing with them about the precious blood of Christ which cleanses from all sin. (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).)
The following day we continued farther on into the bush, thankful that the Lord had wrought a work in that area, where the enemy of souls had held sway so long. Sokonyi was not only reading the Word to those where he lived, but he was taking the message of God’s love to those in nearby villages, for he wanted others to be happy like he was.
Sometime after returning to the mission station, Sokonyi came to visit us. He wanted to keep in touch with those who were Christians. Though weak in body he had walked that long distance with a few friends. There was something on his mind he wanted to make known. It was a miracle God had performed in one of the villages where he had preached. At the gospel service, as he gave out the invitation to come to the Saviour, a young girl in the crowd raised her hand, which meant she accepted Christ. Sokonyi did not know at the time that the young girl was a mute — she could not talk.
The meeting over, Sokonyi visited among friends, and then returned home. Not long after this, he was surprised to see a group of people running through the bush toward him. They were so excited! “The mute can speak,” they exclaimed. He then found out that the young woman who had believed could now talk, for she spoke to him herself, and in the thanksgiving meeting that followed, she actually sang along with the others.
How wonderful it all was. There was joy on earth in the hearts of those dear souls in Africa, but there was also joy in heaven, for the Lord has told us: “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”
In telling this story, Sokonyi was afraid we might think he was boasting of what he had done. So he made it very clear that all he did was to read the Word, nothing more. God Himself had loosed the young girl’s tongue.
The last we heard of this dear man was that the authorities saw what a help he was to the community, and wanted him to be educated and trained as a leader. But Sokonyi declined the offer. Instead, his weak body grew weaker, and then one day the Lord took him to be with Himself, which was “far better.” (Phil. 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23)).
“And they sung a new song, saying,...: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign (over) the earth.” Revelation 5:9,109And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:9‑10).
ML 06/09/1968