Friday, October 3, 2014

An African Missionary Talks about the Global Pandemic



      There is a disease that is wreaking havoc in Africa.  It is causing unbelievable amounts of suffering in those who have been infected, as well as emotional damage to those who love them.  Living in Africa, I have had the great displeasure of witnessing first-hand those who are suffering from this disease.  I’ve seen some who are desperate for a cure for their condition, seeking urgently for some relief.  I’ve also seen those who are not yet aware of the severity of the disease.  These have no idea what is coming if they don’t receive treatment soon. 

     This disease has even made appearances in America and other parts of the world.  Efforts to contain it are extremely important, but it seems to spread so very easily.  I’m very concerned about what it means for the future.  A true pandemic may be inevitable and unavoidable. 

     Untreated, this disease has a 100% fatality rate.  Many treatments have been tried, but there is only one that is effective.  There was one man who seemed to have immunity to the disease.  Transfusions of this man’s blood have proven to be a remarkably effective treatment.  So far, the only known power for cure is in his blood.  Without it the disease will spread unchecked and result in untold devastation for countless people. 

     It is hard to admit, but I, myself, have been infected by the disease.  I am happy to report however, that the treatment has proven quite effective in my life.  For this reason, I am anxious to spread the cure to as many as possible. 

     By now you realize that I’m not talking about Ebola, AIDS, bird-flu, swine-flu, anthrax, or any similar disease.  The disease to which I refer is much deadlier, and much more widespread.  It is sin.  All adults have been infected (Romans 3:23).  It is ultimately fatal (Romans 6:23).  The only cure is the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7), and healing can be found nowhere else (Acts 4:12). 

     This knowledge is why I am an evangelist, and why I think you should be too.  I don’t mean that you have to stand in a pulpit, or be on a church payroll.  I only mean that you should be doing what is in your power to spread the word to those who are within your realm of influence.  If you knew the cure to Ebola, would you keep it from your friend who was infected?  How much more then should you share the life-giving knowledge that can rescue others from the death that comes from sin?

     I am not afraid of Ebola.  I am not afraid of terrorists.  I am not afraid of poisonous snakes.  I AM afraid of meeting my Lord unprepared (Matthew 10:28).  I AM afraid of what will happen to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:8), and I long and pray for their salvation (Romans 10:1). 


     The world is so distracting, but let’s do our best to keep the perspective that comes from setting out minds on things above rather than things on earth (Colossians 3:2). 

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