Astril was a little girl who lived in Colombia, South America, a few years ago. She was five years old and had been sick for some time. She had never heard about the Lord Jesus and His love for little children.
One day a missionary named Margaret visited the home of little Astril. She found Astril lying on a straw mat, very ill. Margaret told her about the Lord Jesus and how He died for sinners; then later on she sang “Jesus Loves Me” for her. Astril liked the song so much that she sang it the second time with the missionary.
Before Margaret left, she prayed with Astril, and Astril also prayed. She trusted Christ as her Saviour and asked Him to come into her heart. Then she and the missionary sang together, “Gozo tengo en mi alma hoy,” which means, “I’m so happy.”
The missionary left the home with real joy in her heart. Two weeks later she stopped by the house again and she was happy to see Astril sitting on the front porch, for she was well enough to be up. Astril’s mother was very friendly, but she was not willing to come to the gospel meeting.
On the missionary’s next visit she found that little Astril had gone to be with Jesus. Her mother received her with open arms, and said to her, “How much Astril loved you, Dona Margarita, your song, and Jesus! She sang even though she became very ill. She asked about you, but I told her you had gone to the next town. Last night before she died she said, ‘Mamacita, I’m going to die but I’m going to heaven and Jesus loves me, this I know.’ Those were her last words to me, Dona Margarita!”
How glad the missionary was that she had been able to tell Astril about the Lord Jesus before she passed out of this world. You and I who love the Lord Jesus will meet her in heaven some day.
Astril had heard the gospel only once, but she trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour as soon as she heard it. If you have not come to Jesus, we urge you to do so right now. Astril did not have long to live in this world, and you may not either. You may be well and strong, and think you have many years yet to live, but God’s Word tells us, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:11Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1). You may die tomorrow, and if you do, where will your soul be?
The Lord Jesus is willing and able to save you now, for He died on the cross that you might be saved.
“Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” — Luke 1:5:7
Little children will be there,
Who have found the Lord in prayer,
From every Sunday School.
Teachers, too, will meet above;
All who rest in Jesu’s love
Will meet to part no more.
ML 11/17/1968