Civil war erupted in the Congo (Zaire) in the 1960s, and among the missionaries caught in the crossfire was a small sunbeam named William McChesney with Worldwide Evangelization Crusade (now WEC International). Though only five-foot-two, one hundred and ten pounds, Bill had an outsized personality that radiated cheer wherever he went. His co-workers dubbed him "Smiling Bill."
On November 14, 1964, suffering from Malaria, Bill, twenty-eight, was seized by Congolese rebels. Despite ill treatment, violent sickness, and constant threats of death, his cheerful attitude didn't abandon him during captivity. A catholic Nun who saw him during that time said, "That man has the face of an angel." Others said he seemed "utterly other-worldly." He sought every opportunity to witness to his captors.
Shortly afterward he was beaten mercilessly, his clothing ripped off, and he was thrown into a filthy, crowded cell which he shared with British missionary Jim Rodger. Catholic priests gave him their garments, for he was shaking violently from malarial fever.
The next day, November 25, Bill and Jim were dragged from their cell and forced to stand before a rebel colonel. At his command, the rebels fell on Jim and Bill with clubs and spears. Bill's death was almost instantaneous and Jim caught his body as it fell to the ground. The rebels then trampled Jim to death, and their bodies were thrown into the Wamba River.
Before leaving for Africa, Bill had written a poem explaining his desire for overseas missions.
With ham and eggs upon the plate;
A well-broiled steak I'll eat at one,
And dine again when day is done.
I want an ultramodern home
And in each room a telephone;
Soft carpets too, upon the floors,
And pretty drapes to grace the doors.
A cozy place of lovely things,
Like easy chairs with inner springs,
And then I'll get a small TV-
Of course, "I'm careful what I see."
I want my wardrobe, too, to be
Of neatest, finest quality,
With latest style in suit and vest:
Why should not Christians have the best?
But then the Master I can hear
In no uncertain voice, so clear:
"I bid you come and follow Me,
The lowly Man of Galilee."
If he be God, and died for me,
No sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man, to make;
I'll do it all for Jesus's sake.
Yes, I will tread the path He trod,
No other way to please my God;
So, henceforth, this my choice shall be,
My choice for all eternity.
**********
I was moved by this story. It really gets me into thinking. What sacrificed have I made, and what comfort have I traded just for the sake of his name? Have I done anything at all? Have I?
On November 14, 1964, suffering from Malaria, Bill, twenty-eight, was seized by Congolese rebels. Despite ill treatment, violent sickness, and constant threats of death, his cheerful attitude didn't abandon him during captivity. A catholic Nun who saw him during that time said, "That man has the face of an angel." Others said he seemed "utterly other-worldly." He sought every opportunity to witness to his captors.
Shortly afterward he was beaten mercilessly, his clothing ripped off, and he was thrown into a filthy, crowded cell which he shared with British missionary Jim Rodger. Catholic priests gave him their garments, for he was shaking violently from malarial fever.
The next day, November 25, Bill and Jim were dragged from their cell and forced to stand before a rebel colonel. At his command, the rebels fell on Jim and Bill with clubs and spears. Bill's death was almost instantaneous and Jim caught his body as it fell to the ground. The rebels then trampled Jim to death, and their bodies were thrown into the Wamba River.
Before leaving for Africa, Bill had written a poem explaining his desire for overseas missions.
I want my breakfast served at eight,
With ham and eggs upon the plate;
A well-broiled steak I'll eat at one,
And dine again when day is done.
I want an ultramodern home
And in each room a telephone;
Soft carpets too, upon the floors,
And pretty drapes to grace the doors.
A cozy place of lovely things,
Like easy chairs with inner springs,
And then I'll get a small TV-
Of course, "I'm careful what I see."
I want my wardrobe, too, to be
Of neatest, finest quality,
With latest style in suit and vest:
Why should not Christians have the best?
But then the Master I can hear
In no uncertain voice, so clear:
"I bid you come and follow Me,
The lowly Man of Galilee."
If he be God, and died for me,
No sacrifice too great can be
For me, a mortal man, to make;
I'll do it all for Jesus's sake.
Yes, I will tread the path He trod,
No other way to please my God;
So, henceforth, this my choice shall be,
My choice for all eternity.
**********
I was moved by this story. It really gets me into thinking. What sacrificed have I made, and what comfort have I traded just for the sake of his name? Have I done anything at all? Have I?
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