Midday finds us trekking along narrow trails through eight foot high razor grass in sweltering humidity. Along the way a hapless snake loses his head by a swift machete blow. A narrow clearing of sorts emerges just ahead sporting some 10 or so palm frond thatched huts.
Enter we upon that village where a white man has never visited, where a Bible has never been opened. 3 ancient women with skin like blackened elephants squat with expressionless observant stares, those eyes seemingly oblivious to the stinging curling smoke dancing around their motionless forms. We greet through an interpreter.
This is not the place for pulpits, choirs, or Evidence that Demands a Verdict. No, this calls for a practical apologetic. “In your religion, do you know for certain that your sins are forgiven?” We pause for their thoughtful and trembling replies. A troubled “No” is muttered through leathery lips. “Has your religion given you freedom from fear of death?” “No” again.
“Does your religion provide you power over evil spirits?” That “No” is desperate this time. It is then that we gently yet bluntly suggest, “Then perhaps you have the wrong religion.” Silence now and more silence. At last the eldest of the trio ventures forth in a faltering cracked cry: “What then must we do to be saved?”
A glad gospel follows, simple and pointed from John 5:24: “Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and will not come into judgment, but has already passed from death into life.”
And then “the people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned” –Mt.4:16. These 3 beautiful souls will be there to welcome you into heaven.
That’s why we do it.