THE VILLAGE of Rom Jesus in Brazil years ago was anything but what its name might suggest. Actually it was a most unholy place, and being far from any city, it was also very lawless.
In that village there lived a young boy named Bemvindo, which means “Welcome.” Bemvindo grew to be a short though powerfully built young man, strong of arm, naturally courageous, and very ready with his weans. He had spent some time in prison for knifing an enemy, and was generally considered in those parts as a “man of respect.”
It happened that one day two Brazilian preachers visited the village hoping to preach the gospel there, but at first they could find no one willing to let them have a house or a room for a meeting. In fact twelve men, having heard of their intention, vowed that the gospel should never be preached in their village, and swore to kill any preacher and break up any meeting.
The news of their intention reached the ears of Bemvindo, and out of bravado he opened his house to the preachers. Then he invited his neighbors, including those twelve men, to come and hear the gospel. At the appointed hour they all came, and so did the twelve men. These found Bemvindo waiting to welcome them. He was on his doorstep, armed with rifle, revolvers, and knife. He invited them up with the threat that if any of them mounted the steps to the house, he would shoot them quite dead. The “twelve” held a council meeting outside, to discuss so delicate and important a matter. Their discussion took so long that the meeting inside went on and was finished, before they had come to any decision as to what course they should take under the circumstances.
Further meetings followed and at last the twelve decided that their cause was hopeless. The gospel had come to stay. Bemvindo therefore had no longer any need to stand guard, so he attended the meetings himself. His heart was opened to receive the bleed message of the gospel, how that God so loved poor sinners like himself that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die upon the cross for sin. Now whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Bemvindo believed and was soundly converted. So were many more. He became a faithful follower of Christ, married into a nice Christian family, and often did they entertain the gospel preachers who visited their village.
One evening, as they were assembled in the hall for prayer, an old dark skinned native, nearly 100 years of age, was passing by. He was a notorious old scoundrel, a spiritist who practiced “black magic.” At the moment he was passing, our friend Bemvindo was praying, and the old fellow stood outside, cursing and blaspheming at the door and open window, and disturbed the meeting. He then went on his way, and being the worse for drink, he fell into a mudhole some distance from the village. Here he got firmly stuck and could not get out. The more he struggled the deeper he sank into the mud.
Bemvindo had to pass that same way, and going home he found the old fellow a fast prisoner. By this time Bemvindo was an evangelist who sowed “besides all waters,” and what could offer a better opportunity? So he sat down beside the old man and preached the gospel to him. The prisoner in the mud could not get away from it, though it is doubtful if he appreciated the message then, or thought it as “in season” as the preacher did.
Having finished his sermon, Bemvindo got hold of the old man, and by sheer force pulled him out of the mire. Then all wet and dirty as he was, he put him on his shoulders and carried him all the way home. The old fellow was amazed for he did not expect this kind of revenge for his conduct. He thought at least he might have been left to die in the ditch. Bemvindo told him the Lord would do more for his soul, pulling him out of the mire of sin, and would carry him safely to that heavenly Home, prepared for those that love Him.
The old man came to the meeting to hear more. Finally the glorious light of the gospel flooded into his darkened soul and he was brightly saved. With Christ now as his Saviour he threw away all his magic, and his conversion caused quite a sensation in the village. The last word of him was that he never missed a meeting when he could possibly get there, and his family too were all attending. They had to enlarge the hall for many more were coming to hear the gospel.
How marvelous the triumphs of grace, over sin and the power of Satan! What wonderful stories of redeeming love will be told in heaven, when all the redeemed, from every kindred and tongue and people and nation, shall be gathered Home, up there!
Dear young reader, God is still gathering out and fitting souls for heaven. Has grace triumphed in your heart? You know you are a sinner. Have you bowed to the Saviour? Why wait any longer? Take Christ as your Saviour NOW and start for heaven, and Home, today.
ML-03/31/1963