According to diary entries shared with the Washington Post, John Chau, the American missionary killed by a remote tribe in India’s North Sentinel Island, not only predicted his own death but forgave the tribesmen who killed him if it meant God would be glorified and the gospel would be shared.
“I‘m scared,” wrote Chau. “Watching the sunset and it’s beautiful—crying a bit… wondering if it will be the last sunset I see.”
“Lord, is this island Satan’s last stronghold where none have heard or even had the chance to hear your name?” the 26-year-old wondered.
Chau, a member of the All Nations Christian missions training organization, is believed to have been killed on the island sometime between November 16th and 18th.
All Nations revealed that Chau, a graduate of Oral Roberts University, had studied and trained since college to share the Gospel with the North Sentinelese people, who live in “pristine” condition, unreached by the modern world around them.
“All Nations is deeply saddened by this news and wants to publicly express our deepest sorrow for this monumental loss,” said International Executive Leader Mary Ho. “We have been in contact with John’s family and ask all to join us in praying for his family and friends during this time. We have been in contact with the U.S. State Department and continue to cooperate fully with all international, national and regional officials.”
Chau’s family announced his death in an Instagram post, describing him as a “beloved son, brother, uncle,” but also a missionary who “loved God” and “helping those in need.”
“God Himself was hiding us from the Coast Guard and many patrols,” he wrote in one journal entry, noting the illegal nature of his ventures to the island.
“I think I could be more useful alive… but to you, God, I give all the glory of whatever happens,” Chau wrote, revealing his full awareness of the extreme danger that would come of his bid to reach the Sentinelese people with the gospel. He also asked God to forgive “any of the people on this island who try to kill me, and especially if they succeed.”
“As we grieve for our friend, and pray for all those who mourn his death, we also know that he would want us to pray for those who may have been responsible for his death,” All Nations’ representative added.
“We remember, too, how throughout church history, the privilege of sharing the Gospel has often involved great cost. We pray that John’s sacrificial efforts will bear eternal fruit in due season.”
Date published: 02/12/2018
Written by: Alyssa Duvall
Article source: hellochristian.com
