An Easter Message
Eric Barker, a missionary from Great Britain, spent over
fifty years in Portugal preaching the Gospel, often under
adverse conditions. At the beginning of World War II, the
situation in Europe became so difficult that he was advised
to send his wife and six children to England for safety. His
sister and her three children were also evacuated on the
same ship.
Although his family were forced to leave, Eric remained
behind to carry on the work. The Sunday following their
departure, Pastor Barker stood before his congregation and
said, "I've just received word that all my family have
arrived safely home!" He then proceeded with the service.
Later, the full meaning of his words became known to his
congregation. He had been handed a wire just before the
service informing him that a German submarine had torpedoed
the ship with his family. Everyone on board had perished.
Eric Barker knew that because all his family were believers
they had reached a more desired home." Although overwhelmed
with grief, he managed by the grace of God to live above his
circumstances and to give God the glory for bringing his
family safely home. The knowledge that his family was with
Jesus in Heaven comforted his heart.
This bit of history tells the importance of Jesus
crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.
Without a sinless sacrifice who willing took the punishment
for each of the individual sins of each of Eric Bakers
family members he would not have had the assurance that they
had arrived safely home.
If the enemy sinks your ship where will you go to spend
eternity? If you are safe in the ark of His covenant made
possible by Jesus, the Lamb of God, you will ascend to
heaven.
This is the Passover, which some call Easter, message.
Harvey and June Schneider mexschneiders@servantsoldiers.com, Servant Soldier Ministries, Daphne, Alabama