Bible

Bible

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Joanne Shetler, a missionary to the Balangao tribe in the northern part of the Philippines, was traveling by helicopter to deliver cement, glass, and nails for the tribe’s new hospital clinic. As the helicopter descended, something went terribly wrong, and the helicopter crashed. At first Joanne feared she might burn to death, but after the Balangaos dug and yanked to get her out, she squirmed loose of the wreckage. Blood from gashes on her head mixed and hardened with the cement powder that covered her body, burning her eyes and filling her lungs.

While Joanne waited for help throughout the torturous night, some of the Balangao people worked their way through the throng, touched her hand, and prayed, “God, don’t let her die—the Book’s not done yet. Please let her live; the Book’s not done yet.” You see, Joanne was translating the Bible into the Balangaos’ language so they could hear the words of the God who speaks. Because they were hungry to hear more of God’s Word, they prayed for the life of the missionary who had been sent to them.

Joanne recovered from the accident and finished the translation of the Bible, and many lives were brought from darkness to light. When Joanne’s work there was done and she was ready to board a plane home, Ama, a Balangao man, sent her home with this blessing: “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for coming. I never would have known about God if you hadn’t come.”^a

God who loves the whole world,

Thank you that your Word lights our path. May we read and study Scripture carefully, hiding it in our hearts so we can share it with others who also need to hear your words. Amen.