A missionary in the interior of Africa longed to visit a fierce neighboring tribe with the gospel. The chief, however, was much opposed, and each time the missionary asked permission to enter his territory, he was definitely refused.
One day the missionary was walking toward that hill beyond which the chief lived. He was carrying his gun over his shoulder as a dense against wild beasts which were plentiful in the jungles. Suddenly he heard voices and then he saw the chief and his men talking excitedly and pointing to a vulture’s nest on a little hill. A giant serpent was approaching and wanted the young birds.
“I will kill the serpent,” said the chief, and he climbed up with his spear in hand. These men are very good hunters. The chief aimed at the head of the serpent, but at that moment the mother bird came swooping down to frighten the enemy away. This changed the position of the serpent and the spear fell into space. In another moment the serpent had begun to wind itself around the man who was now helpless without a weapon and unable to run away. The grip of the serpent became tighter and tighter and the chief cried out for help. He was desperate, for his death seemed certain.
The missionary sprang forward and crying to God for help, aimed his gun at the head of the serpent and hit it. He shot four more bullets hitting the head of the serpent each time. The grip of the serpent loosened and it soon fell down, dead. The chief came running to the missionary and bowed down and thanked him for saving his life.
“May I come into your village now?” asked the missionary. The chief gladly gave him permission and was one of the first who accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. This was the beginning of a work among them, and others were saved too.
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21.
ML 07/07/1968