|
November 21, 2003 (Gospel for Asia) --
Imagine this baptism scene: The pastor steps into a river, and each bank is lined with
angry a people yelling and scoffing. But that wasn't all.
These angry villagers were determined to mock the hated Christians and their baptism
service. But then, all at once, the crowd grew silent. The people saw something that made
them hold their breath: a poisonous snake swimming in the water just inches from the
pastor. Surely, they thought, the wrath of the gods was about to strike and kill Samar,
the native missionary pastor.
But Samar did not see the snake, nor did any of the new believers. Without any jeering
from the crowd, Samar baptized all nine with great joy. As the Christians climbed back on
shore, happy and unharmed, the villagers began to talk among themselves, saying,
"Jesus must indeed be the true way." Having seen the power of God to protect His
servants, they were ready to listen to the Gospel. That very day, many renounced their
idols and received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
|
