Why are you weeping?

I recently heard a Chadian pastor give this little story as a sermon illustration, and although it is short and simple, it is poignant, so I would like to share with you.

A young Chadian girl, about 8 or 9 years old, lived in a remote village with her family. One day, she was bitten by a rabid dog. This would be a terrible thing to happen to a child even in the developed world, but in Chad it is often no less than tragic. Medical care in this part of Africa is seldom better than mediocre even in the larger towns, and in small villages it is often practically non-existant. Sadly, there was no medical care available for the little girl, and soon the effects of the disease began to be evident.

The little girl’s family was naturally very distressed. As the girl’s illness continued to advance, the family members began to gather around her, and they began to weep and lament in their grief. It must have been a heartbreaking scene; Chadians can really pull out all the stops when it comes to grieving for a loved one.

Then the sick girl herself spoke up. “Why are you weeping?” she said. “Don’t you know that I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, and even if I die, I will go to be with Him in heaven? Do not weep!”

Even in a remote village in Africa, the good news of salvation entered and reached the heart of a young child, bringing peace and the hope of heaven, even in the face of death and despair. Do you also have this hope? If not, I pray that you will soon come to know the Savior.

Romans 10:9,10,13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

If you do know Him, pray with me for those who are still without hope, whether in remote villages in Chad or big cities in North America. May the Lord give us opportunities to reach them with the gospel!

Romans 10:14-17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.