THERE LIVED in a Central African village once a witch doctor, named Kankwali. His very “calling” made him the most feared person in that district. One look at his home was enough to strike terror into the bravest heart, for human skulls hung all over the mud walls of his hut. With his supposed wisdom and understanding, he literally ruled the village, and all took great pains to keep in his favor.
One day, however, something happened that had never been known in the village before. It was the arrival of the Basangu, or white people. Kawali didn’t know what to think of this new turn of events. The white people began a school for the young children, and they readily came. Curiosity finally prompted the witch doctor to question the youngsters on what these strangers taught at school. In their own childlike language the curly-headed native boys and girls repeated some of the wonderful stories that had been told them.
Their simple report told of how the great God loved every one in the village, and indeed people everywhere — the whole world in fact. Knowing how sinful all men were, God sent His dear Son, the Lord Jesus, down to earth, where He died for our sins. And, more wonderful still, He, being raised from the dead, now lives to save sinners. God will forgive us our sins, seeing the blood of Jesus has been shed, for God accepts that as a perfect sacrifice to put away all our guilt. Furthermore, they told Kankwali that God gives everlasting life as a free gift to those that believe and He also gives strength to live good lives and power to overcome the many sinful temptations that beset us.
Kankwali’s Questions
This certainly was news for the cruel witch doctor. Did God really have a personal interest in him? Did God really love Him? Could God forgive him his many sins? Would God receive Him? These were the questions that crowded Kankwali’s mind, and such questions may be asked by each one of us, no matter what age, class or race we might belong to. The answer to them all is simple and easily understood by all: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).
The New Kankwali
Kankwali thought much about what the children told him. He came to realize God’s wonderful love and received salvation by believing. The Lord Jesus Christ became to him the one and only Lord of his life. It meant serving a new master. Re could not practice evil and follow the Lord Jesus too; one or the other had to go. Kankwali gave up witchcraft with all its evil practices, and became a new man with a desire to live for his Lord.
He continued to plant his garden, and to fish from his canoe on the great Luapula River to earn his living, but his outlook and his desires were completely altered. His life was changed. He became a real Christian, following Christ, and ling for Him. In place of giving people wicked advice, he began to tell people of the Saviour.
When God forgives one, He also changes him, giving power to overcome sin, and full assurance of eternal life.
ML-07/19/1970