IN BRAZIL, once a group of believers were gathered for prayer. Bemvindo, who had not long been converted was with them. An old dark-skinned native, nearly 100 years of age, was passing by. He was a notorious old scoundrel, a spiritist who practiced “black magic.”
At the moment he was passing, our friend Bemvindo was praying, and the old fellow stood outside, cursing and blaspheming at the door and open window, and disturbed 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 into the mud.
Bemvindo had to pass that same way, and going home he 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 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 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 brightly saved. With Christ now as his Saviour, he threw away all his magic, and his conversion caused quite a sensation in the village. The last word of him was that he never missed a meeting when he could possibly get there, and his family too were all attending. They had to enlarge the hall for many more were coming to hear the gospel.
How marvelous the triumphs of grace, over sin and the power of Satan! 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, up there!
Dear young reader, God is still gathering out and fitting souls for heaven. Has grace triumphed in your heart? You know you are a sinner. Have you bowed to the Saviour? Why wait any longer? Take Christ as your Saviour now and start for heaven, and Home, today.
ML-10/06/1974