From Savages to Men
In their language their name meant, “savage.” In the middle of the Ecuadorian jungle there was no peace. The Indians went to sleep wondering if that night would be their last or if their children would be taken into the darkness either by other families in their tribe or by their cousin tribe. The witch doctors had a hold over the people and caused fear and violence. This was the situation the Indians face on a daily basis and they were ruled by war. 
In 1902 the first missionaries made contact with the Indians and introduced them to the gospel. My grandparents went on the field in 1958 and by the 1960’s the fighting had ceased between the Indian groups. My parents also worked with the Indians and their cousin tribe. By then they had abandoned their name of “savage” and adopted the name, “Shuar,” which means "man". This group has gone from killing each other to embracing each other and choosing peace. There is hope and a message that can melt the hearts of men.
So fast forward to present day and imagine yourself walking the the streets of Phnom Phen, Cambodia. You see foreign men groping young Cambodian girls. You see boys dressed like girls being robbed of their identity and being prostituted out to men. Looking around you see girls going into bars with their clients preparing for what will happen next. You are approached by a man and he has pictures of girls. The ages range between 5 and 16 and you can choose what kind of nationality you want. They also have virgins if you pay a higher price. I hope that makes your stomach churn the way mine does. This is the reality:
“Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, based on the recruitment, harboring, and transportation of people solely for the purpose of exploitation. 27 million men, women, and children are enslaved in our world today, 80% of which are women and 50% children.” (http://adventures.org/cambodia/)
The numbers are staggering and the evil is suffocating and yet there is hope. The weapon that we have to melt the heart of a culture is the gospel. We have a message of love and grace and that can change a people group. There is restoration for those who have had their innocence ripped away. And for those who are responsible for the “ripping” there is forgiveness along with restoration as well.
Change is possible. I have complete confidence in that by hearing the stories my parents tell of the Shuar. But my confidence is not in man because lets be honest…we are depraved and fallen. I can do absolutely nothing in my own power. My confidence is in the power of my Lord. A God who loves us so much that He sent His only son, who was sinless to die so that we may have life. I get shivers thinking about telling that to a woman who is told she is worth $15 for an hour of using her body. Or a man who uses his own power to injure women and children.
“Look among the nations, and see: wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days, that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1: 5
This is the promise that we have. God used His gospel to create peace in people known as savages and made them see their need of Him. I have confidence that He is working in Cambodia and only He can bring change that is desperately needed. But there is a call to obedience to us. God is inviting us to be a part of his story and that looks different for everyone but we are called to some kind of action. For me it is to go to Cambodia. For some of you it is to send. But action is required and God’s story is beautiful, will you be a part of it?
