The missionary had spent some days in the little village of Bella Vista, in Bolivia, where he had been telling the people there of the wonderful Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone could save them from their sins. He had planned to visit Ajencha, just 20 miles away, and spread the glad gospel tidings there.
When he arose in the morning for his journey, he found he had a seven-inch rip in one of the front tires of his jeep. There was no garage in Bella Vista, and he had no spare, so feeling very disappointed he decided he must remain in Bella Vista, until he could get a new tire.
But God who “moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform,” knew all about that flat tire and was going “to make all things work together for good.” The missionary purchased a new tire, and some days later he took his journey to Ajencha. Arriving there he was surprised at the reception he got from some of the people.
One man, named Francisco, was a rough character and leader among a group who were violent in opposing the gospel being preached in their town. But Francisco and his wife now came to meet the missionary and to hear the story he had to tell about God and His Son Jesus Christ. They had been watching the other Christians in the town and realized their lives were different from theirs. They wanted to know what the secret of this might be.
The missionary was delighted to tell them about the Lord Jesus who had come from heaven to die on the cross of Calvary so that all who believed on Him might have their sins forgiven. Francisco knew he had many sins needing forgiveness, so he said to the missionary: “Do you remember the time you planned to come to Ajencha and you couldn’t come because of your flat tire? I was one of those who didn’t want you to come to our town with your story about God, and I had my men set up a road block to stop you in your jeep. We had sticks and stones ready to beat you, and not only that, but we had hot paraffin with us intending to burn you! But you didn’t come!”
It was this that made Francisco think about the missionary’s God. He must be the true God when He could upset all their plans and save His servant from their cruelty.
Francisco and his wife confessed their sins, believing the Lord Jesus would save and forgive them.
After that when the missionary went to Ajencha, the people were friendly and would listen attentively to the gospel story. Francisco and his wife would invite the missionary to stay with them. They often talked about the Lord who could use a flat tire to save the life of His servant, while proving to others that He is the one true God.
This same Saviour can be your Saviour, too, dear reader, if you will only believe in Him and trust Him as your own.
ML-08/05/1979