“Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life…” (Rev. 22:2) As Christians, we have hope regardless of what comes our way. I witnessed this in a unique way. Several months ago, a small village in Eastern India was flooded by torrential rains. The rains caused the nearby river to flood and destroyed 24 homes. Some of these homes, which are nothing more than thatched huts, belonged to members of a church we planted. Eight members of this congregation were killed by the flooding river. The scene described to me was extremely heart breaking.
Several days later, I received an email concerning the situation. They asked me if I would speak via telephone to the church at their service the following Sunday. Brother John, who is native Indian, would translate my message into their native language of Telugu. Of course I agreed. After working out the logistics and time, I spent the day in prayer. John called me around one in the morning central time to begin the service as they are 10 1/2 hours ahead of us.
I shared on the hope of the resurrection, encouraging and comforting the believers with the truth of what the resurrection means to us now and in the life to come. I shared the simple truths of the gospel, from the creation and fall of man, to the unique life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These simple truths were the comfort needed for these dear loved ones who had suffered such great loss.
In the midst of sharing Scriptures with them, I began hearing ‘hallelujahs’ ringing out from the congregation. The Holy Spirit was not only comforting them, but was restoring their joy through this tragic situation. I kept feeling the tug of the Spirit to offer salvation to the visitors from the village who came to hear the message. Therefore, at the end of the message, I presented the offer of salvation to any who did not have the ‘hope of the resurrection.’ To the glory of God, five visitors desired to repent and surrender their life to Jesus as Lord and Savior. They were all idol worshippers and one was a prostitute. It was a beautiful time praying with these five adults as gave their life to Christ.
As the congregation closed out in song, I listened with tears running down my face. I did not understand the words of the song, but it was a celebration of hope for the believers who died AND joy for those who had just received Christ. Their comfort and joy was palpable as praise sprang from their heart and ascended to God’s throne.
I could feel heaven smiling! Then it hit me—the same river which killed eight church members, will now welcome five new ones as they are baptized as a public profession of their faith. Salvation had turned their mourning into joy. In this small village, this new church has experienced death and life, sorrow and joy; and…A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT!
