“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor 9:15).
François Coillard (1834-1904) was a French missionary of Huguenot descent who bravely labored for the Lord in southern Africa. Semoindji Stephen, a young convert from the Zambesi, traveled with him on one of his journeys to Europe. Once when they were visiting the Guinness family at Cliff College, the boy came to Coillard’s room one night after everyone had gone to bed. He was sobbing, and took some time before he could control himself to speak.
At last he said, “I never understood before what you gave up when you came to bring us the gospel. I did not know your home was so different. With us, you know how it is, when we meet strangers, each man seeks his weapon. Here all are friends, all is love and confidence and welcome. I know now what it must have cost you to leave it all for us.” Then what of our Jesus, His leaving the Father’s house to come among enemies, all for love—even for His foes?