After watching the show, it left an empty spot in my gut. This man and his family had such a wonderful opportunity to witness to these people about God's goodness and his mercy. About the love that God has for us. About Jesus Christ and what he has done for us, and still does for us. I don't know if Sir Edmund Hillary has any sort of "religion" or a faith in God. I do know that he was participating in the annual festivals that they have. The festivals where they worship the mountains and trees. The festivals where they dress up as eight different gods and dance around to scare away any evil spirits for the following year. I just felt grieved for the whole situation.
I can't blame Hillary for not sharing the gospel with these lost people. If he doesn't know the truth, I can't expect him to share it. All he saw was a people with some physical needs. He may not even see the spiritual needs that they have because he has those same needs. And I do appreciate what he has given to these people. Maybe through his selfless giving, he has opened up an opportunity for missionaries to enter into this part of the world and share. I don't know how God will work it out. This documentary was filmed (I believe) in 1989. A lot could have happened in that time.
This definitely made me search my heart, though. Those people that respect me and look up to me; do I share with them the gospel? Do I just meet their physical needs (which is still very important). Am I missing out on great opportunities by holding my tongue? Even with my own children. They love to serve me like these villagers did with Hillary. They love to give me gifts. Am I missing opportunities with them? I have their hearts, which usually means I have their ears. What message am I sending if I'm not sending the gospel? Good works? "Oh, he's just a nice person". I'm know that I have missed opportunities with people. My family; my children; my friends; my co-workers. This is a challenge to myself. To meet needs where needs need met, but also to share the gospel with those who don't know. I didn't say to share the church. That has been my escape my whole life. "Hey, why don't you come to church with me?" in the hopes that they might get saved through that. What's the problem with me sharing the gospel. God has equipped me with a Bible and the ability to read it.
I pray that God would open my eyes to opportunities that I get. (Sometimes I seem to be oblivious to these opportunities until after the fact; then it's usually too late.) That I would share without fear and not get discouraged when rejection comes. This is the least I could do, isn't it?
God bless!
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