It did not matter to the violent men firing at a fleeing truck in Mexico who they might be. They wanted that truck. They had no way to know these folks were missionaries. It didn't matter if they were.. These are mean and violent people caught up in a passion for money and power. Sam and Nancy Davis were about seventy miles into Mexico from Reynosa, on the Border. This is the Zetas drug cartel territory. These are the hoods who killed 72 Central and South American migrants last August. What are two more persons to them? Nothing! They wanted that big 08' truck for the business.So Nancy Davis died in a hail of automatic weapon fire. Sam raced for the Border and across the international bridge in the wrong lane, trying to get his dying wife to the hospital. It was too late.
Does the cause we claim bring protection among the violent in this world? I think not. Paul, the apostle could have shown his scars to attest that God's servants here on earth are vulnerable to the attack of Evil. Jesus could add a comment. We do know His special protection at times. I do not doubt that at all. It is not, however, a blanket protection, allowing us to go and do as we please among those who can harm us. They will, and do, when it meets their needs.
Jesus told the twelve as they left on a missionary trip, "Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
How would sheep be the safest from wolves? They would stay clear of them. They would avoid contact. When faced by a pack they would not challenge them.
Last month we traveled inland from Cartagena, Colombia with one of our Baptist missionaries. Ann asked him how safe that might be. His answer was that FIVE years ago he would not have taken us through the area. We could have been easily kidnapped. This man knew his territory. He knew where and when to go or not go in that Country where his family lives and serves.
Our sympathy and prayers go out to this family who lost Nancy Davis this week. They were over there serving the Lord. They are added to the myriad numbers who through the centuries have fallen for the cause of Christ. It is not an easy road, or a safe one.
