Treating Thirst with Toxin

August 2024

Jerry and his family ventured deep into the desert for a weekend adventure. The morning after their arrival, he discovered a trifecta of misfortune: no phone network, an overheated vehicle, and a leaked water supply. Desperate to save his family, Jerry set out from camp in search of water. However, he soon became lost and rapidly dehydrated, experiencing a headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and increased thirst. His time was running out. To his surprise, he spotted an oasis ahead and pushed through the parched heat and shifting sands. When he reached the water source, he was relieved to find it wasn’t a mirage. After filling his canteens, he stumbled back to his camp just in time to prevent his family from dying of dehydration. Tragically, during the night, each family member drew their last breath before slipping into eternity. The oasis had been poisoned.

Desert water holes can sometimes be contaminated, posing a serious risk to travelers and wildlife. In the Old West, arsenic was a common contaminant that naturally occurred in groundwater. As water levels dropped due to evaporation, the concentration of arsenic and other minerals increased, rendering the water toxic.

Similarly, those who are dying without Christ in remote regions around the world have been introduced to what seemed like a life-restoring water source. Sadly, this water which promised health needs healing itself. This harmful gospel is brought by those bearing a mixed message about a false Christ. They venture into remote regions, finding thirsty tribes of animists, spiritists, and pantheists. They present the true Gospel story, but pollute the message of redemption. As a result, these mis-reached peoples trade voodoo and amulets for prayer beads and statues of Mary –  witch doctors and shamans for priests and prophets. They’ve treated thirst with toxins.

We need Elisha-like missionaries who can heal the waters of death and save the land from drought           (2 Kings 2:19-22). The true Gospel of Christ needs to be declared not only among the unreached and the under-reached, but also the misreached. Pray that God will send forth His laborers into the harvest with healing waters from purified springs.

To the Regions Beyond,

 

 

 

GFF General Director