Have you seen the movie, End of the Spear; or, the documentary, Beyond the Gates of Splendor; or read the book about Jim Elliot, the missionary? If you haven't, I totally recommend all of them. J Long (and amazing) story short, he and the four missionary men he was with were murdered by the indigenous tribe they were witnessing to. As tragic as that day was, it was a divine appointment set by God for His glory.
Even longer story short, after their deaths, Elisabeth Elliot and her daughter Valerie continued working with the indians. Forgiveness allowed them to have amazing success with the once murderous tribe. Jim Elliot's life was lived honorably and he was known to have looked for God in everything he did. Jim Elliot once said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." He gave his all in faith to the indians. There were other missionaries that chose to give up their lives so the indians could have life in Christ. This reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 10 & 16 and in Luke 17; if you lose your life you find it but if you save your life you'll lose it.
Jim Elliot's son eventually forgave the man that killed his father and he even calls him Grandfather now, they call themselves family. This tribe almost murdered themselves into extinction but now they thrive and God's word guides them.
I told you this because that is the kind of believer (and forgiver) I want to be which is why I have been praying that God will do whatever it takes to bring our tribe to Christ.
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