Follow The Oxen

We are ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Cape Town was a bustling outpost when Barnabas Shaw arrived in South Africa in 1815, intending to preach the gospel and plant a church. Unfortunately, the authorities controlling the city were hostile to missionary efforts, and Barnabas was banned from engaging in evangelistic work. Not knowing what else to do, he bought a yoke of oxen and a cart, packed his belongings, and headed into the interior, letting the oxen lead the way. On the twenty-seventh day of the trip, he camped for the night near a party of Khoikhoi who were also traveling through the region. The Khoikhoi explained that they were traveling to Cape Town, hoping to find a missionary to teach them the “Great Word.”

Had either group started a half day earlier or later, they would not have met. Had either traveled at a different speed, they would have missed one another. God ordained the encounter, and His providence led Barnabas Shaw to his appointed field.

God has uniquely put you where you are to be His witness. Someone is “camping” near you, needing the Lord Jesus. You’re His ambassador, so look around you and find your mission field.

Oh, it is the only thing worth doing, to save souls.

R. A. TORREY