28 April 2011

In order to meet with the SIM missionary and attend the Bible study at church, Jose* had bumped along in a crowded bus for 45 minutes. He did this any time he wanted to attend a church event in his home town in Ecuador. His return home was no different except that now he rode the 11 p.m. late bus and he was tired. He suddenly awoke to realize that he was 45 minutes PAST his destination.

In a quick assessment of the situation, he realized that he had only 40 cents in his pocket and no phone. What to do? Unsure of the best plan, he exited at the next stop which was a police checkpoint. He asked the policeman if there might be an evangelical church close by where he could find someone to give him a place to sleep. The policeman began to engage Jose “No, there’s no evangelical church here. Are you one of those Christians? Who started your church anyway? I know who started your church: it was Martin Luther. Our church was started by Peter, the first pope.”

Jose talked with the policeman, sharing some insights from Scripture explaining that “on this rock I will build my church” referred to the rock of truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, as Peter had just declared in Matthew 16:13-18. As the policeman continued interacting with Jose, he became increasingly open and interested in spiritual matters. Jose discovered that Mormons had recently talked with the policeman inciting him to become defensive and unsettled about his traditional beliefs.

They continued talking for another two and a half hours. By the end of the conversation the man indicated he wanted to know Christ personally. As they prayed together the man received Christ, placing his faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of his sins and the power to live a new life. It was just then that Jose looked up and saw headlights coming.

Knowing Jose’s plight, the policeman stepped out to flag down the vehicle, hoping they’d offer Jose a ride. It turned out to be the same bus that Jose had been riding! Further down, the road was blocked by a landslide. The bus load of people could wait until the next morning, hoping someone would clear the road, or return to town. After waiting a while, they decided to return the way they had come—back past Jose’s home!

The driver recognized Jose and allowed him to board the bus without having to pay again.

Jose arrived home four hours later than originally expected, but with a new brother in Christ and increased faith in the sovereignty of our great Lord.

PRAY

Evangelical Christians are a minority in Ecuador with less than 1 percent believers in the province where Jose lives. Acknowledging one's Christian faith invites family, social, and verbal persecution. Please pray with us for the Ecuadorian Christians!

GO

Our team in Ecuador is looking for more people with a heart for Christ and for the Ecuadorian people to join them. To see some of our openings, visit Opportunities in Ecuador.

*not his real name