Inspiring Story: God's Work, God's Way
In many places of Africa, an epic struggle is underway for the hearts and minds of hundreds of millions. A "JESUS" film team met with stiff resistance in one of those places. They had come to a very poor village with humanitarian aid and the film "JESUS." They quickly found they were not at all welcome. Seeing them as a threat -- and displaying much anger -- the powerful religious leader of the town drove them out. He demanded that they pass out nothing they brought, that they leave immediately, and not show the film.
That night this religous leader could not sleep. He tossed and turned, experiencing much anxiety. He could not understand what was happening. Later he described it as the worst night of his life. Very early the next day he arose, climbed up the prayer tower, preparing to call out the morning prayers to his people. As the dawn of day illumined the sky, he was startled by what the light revealed. Far above him in the sky, and written in large letters in his own language, were the words: "Jesus, the son of Mary." His anxiety turned to terror. The people he had driven out with rage were followers of this Jesus. What had he done?! Forsaking his responsibilities, he climbed down from the prayer tower and began searching for the team. He found them in another village, apologized and invited them to stay in his home. There he told them all that had happened, saying, "Anything you want to do, anything you want to distribute, you may do it here. You are under my protection." The team agreed, gave out the aid, and showed "JESUS." Indeed, how unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable are His ways! Another "JESUS film team with a partner organization was working in Africa. They too saw God work, and in a most unusual way. Carrying the film equipment they trekked halfway up a mountain to show the film in a remote village. They set up the projector, generator and speakers and began to spread the word that a film would be shown that night in the people's own language. But, despite their hard work and fervent prayer, only a small crowd gathered under the dark sky. When the invitation was given, just a few people indicated a decision to follow Christ. The team must have been very disappointed. But imagine their surprise when the next morning nearly 100 people appeared at the appointed place for follow-up! These people had come up the mountain seeking out the team. They wanted prayer, for Jesus to forgive their sins, to give them eternal life and take over lordship of their lives! But how could this have happened? It was the Lord...His plan...His ways. You see, hundreds of others lived down the mountainside from the film-showing location, in the valley below. Although they could not see the film, the sound from the speakers had traveled down the landscape, over the hills, reaching into their village! Although they could not see the screen, they were moved by all they heard. Touched from afar, the Word of God in their own tongue did its mighty work."
Thank you for joining in on Smile Sunday. What a lovely post! God is always surrounding us with His love and His word. We just have to open our eyes and see it. Have a great Sunday!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
What a powerful story! Thanks for sharing it here. Happy Smile Sunday!!
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