50th Year Anniversary of the martyrs

Originally posted on March 08

50th Year Anniversary of the martyrs

Today is the 8th of March. Exactly 2 months ago, on 8th of January Sunday, I preached. It was a special day that day, but I had not the time to write down my sharing with you readers so I will do so today.

What was so special on 8th of January? On Jan 8, 1956, Jim Elliott and 4 missonaries died a sudden death, a martyr death for God, exactly 50 YEARS ago.To many of us, it may not mean anything at all.

Where were you on that date?

Although this event happened before I even entered into the world, but I look at this event as something awesome, inspiring, and it triggers my heart to passionately love God as a result.

If you were around on that date, the news went on the headlines and Time magaine put an extensive report on this event. 5 young missionaries were speared to death by the Aucas Indians in the dense jungle of Ecuador.

When the 5 missionaries went to preach the Gospel to them, this was not a haphazard event but a well-planned one. They prayed and looked to God for guidance. Their 5 wives & children were praying with them at another village.

Days before, the 5 missionaries had already made friends with the Aucas by 'throwing' down gifts to them. There were friendly contacts before they actually touched down. Finally they were met with hostile reactions leading to their death.

We know a little bit more of the 2 missionaries involved: One is Jim Elliott because of his journal and his wife's continual involvement in ministering to these once hostile Aucas.

The other one is Nate Saint because his son, Steve had gone back to minister to these very people who had killed his father. Who can do such a task? Only with God's forgiving love to love our enemies. 2 years ago, Steve took a camera crew to do this film called 'End of the Spear', this time, to let the Aucas tell their stories. Indeed what a touching story!!

And this film was released on 20th of January to tell the whole world of this event that happened 50 years ago, and the after-stories of what had taken place in the last 50 years -- to celebrate the 50th anniversary of these martyrs death.

Some years ago, a film was produced "Through gates of Splendor" but it was told from the point of view of the Americans.

Now the story is being told from the OTHER SIDE. Have you watched it yet? Apparently it is being shown in the theatres now. It's not shown in Hong Kong yet. I would like to get a hold of it to watch it.

On 8th of Jan, 1956 - 5 men died suddenly.
On 8th of Jan, 1956 - 5 women became widows suddenly.
On 8th of Jan, 1956 - Their children were left behind without a father.

The men who died were all YOUNG men.
Jim Elliott was only 29.
The women left behind were all YOUNG wives and YOUNG mothers.

It is hard for us to imagine what lives would be like for these 5 young girls?

Can you imagine such traumatic emotions as they heard the news of the death of their spouse?

These women are now in their 80's. Two of them have gone on with the Lord in the last year. But when the film was made 2 years ago, all 5 widows were still alive -- the Lord had kept them alive -- and there was an interview with each one of them at the end of the film.

Very touching indeed!!!!!

Tragedy can turn people sour towards God, to themselves, and to the people around them. But not these godly women.

What is their secret?

Let's tap into their secret to find out the key to living abundantly for God.