I recall once hearing the story of some
missionaries in Colombia. They had been working among a tribal group
in the nation's jungle zone. A terrorist rebel group had taken
control of the region and the environment had become very unstable
and unsafe. The United States embassy had been in touch with the
missionaries and had promised to send a military helicopter to
evacuate them. A time was set for their evacuation and they were
instructed to leave everything behind. Each person would be allowed
a small carry-on bag that would be filled with only their most
important belongings. The families began to gather their most
important and prized possessions. They couldn't take much and if
they could ever return it would certainly have all been destroyed or
looted. The children picked a few favorite toys or special
keep-sakes. Important documents were placed in the bags. They began
hearing gun fire and then the roar of the helicopter approaching.
They made their way to the preplanned meeting site and began to
prepare to load the helicopter. It was a dangerous situation and
time was of the essence. The rebel warriors were nearby and they
would possibly resist their attempted flee. As the missionary
families ran across an open field shots rang out. They were being
directly attacked. In an effort to speed their escape they were
forced to drop the only bags they had packed. They all made it to
the helicopter and it quickly sped from the area. As they looked
down and saw the rebel fighters gathering their belongings one of the
military assistants asked them, “How does it make you feel seeing
all of your life possessions left behind? All that you have worked
for now abandoned?” One missionary stopped and thought and then
answered “Free!”
You see our material possessions bring
us no lasting comfort or hold no eternal value. A well known quote
says “Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ
will last.” How true! Our experience in Peru is so very different
than those brave missionaries in Colombia but I can't help but think
of their example. As we sell off, and give away everything we had
collected in Peru over the last 14 years it is easy to feel a bit
sentimental. We are so very sad to think of the people and
ministries we leave behind. We have to leave behind some favorite
possessions as well. Dear missionary friends in Peru have done so
much to help us with this transition. They've sold off and removed
things from our apartment getting it ready to sell in our absence.
Today they informed us that almost everything is now gone. We asked
them to hold on to a few special things. But most of our worldly
possessions in Peru are now gone. Perhaps if someone asked me today
how I feel, I'd have to say “Free!”
We have already begun the process of
purchasing a new home and furnishing it. Modern life requires us to
accumulate a certain number of “things.” God has always blessed
us and we have never lacked for anything. Yet, as we move forward
God has once again taught us that these things don't really hold much
value. We'll pick out new wall colors. We'll enjoy setting up our
own home again. Yet, I think we have learned to hold lightly the
things of this world and cling to the real important things that hold
real eternal value. Scripture teaches the principle so very clearly
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all
these things shall be added unto you.” I hope none of us have to
go through something like those faithful missionaries in Colombia.
However, I do hope you've had the experience of learning to live
“Free!”
