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By Rhoda Johnson - 2004.08.19
It is midnight as the Hart family begins their ascent through thick jungle along slippery trails. By morning they want to reach the road where a vehicle will take the seven of them to the main coastal town.
This will be their last trip out of the Higaunon tribe for some time and Bill finds himself wondering if the challenges his family has faced there have been worth it.
He leads the way, followed by his wife, Carol. Their five children, ranging in age from 10 to 19, mingle with a group of enthusiastic tribal teens who are accompanying them to the road.
Their laughter, singing and chatter are infectious. At one point Bill turns and notices the young people’s faces bright in the moonlight.
And something crystallizes in his mind.
If we had not gone to their village and done medical work, those kids would not be alive, naturally speaking. I believe all of them have been treated at some point for something that was life-threatening in the medical clinic our missionary team helped set up.
He looks again and realizes all of them profess to be believers.
These young people’s names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I’ve given the last 19 years of my life for these young people and others like them. Yes, my life has purpose.
When NTM missionaries first lived in the village, a witchdoctor was still offering a child sacrifice on the holy mountain for the people’s sins.
Had the Gospel not been presented clearly, some of those young people might have been that sacrifice.
What purpose are you finding God has for your life? Consider the difference you could make in the lives of tribal people. |
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