Something Worth Living For

Recently I came across the story of missionary to Mexico John L. Stephens.

In the mid-1800s, at a time when Mexico was being largely ignored as a mission field, John was a boy in a church choir in the USA. Moved during a mid-week church meeting, he gave his life to Christ, saying that it was good to have “something worth living for”.

He attended the Pacific School of Religion in California, in the first class to graduate from the seminary. In 1872, joined by classmate David Watkins and David’s wife Edna, he stepped out of a stage coach as a missionary to Guadalajara, Mexico.

John and David were still struggling to learn Spanish, but people were already coming to know the Lord through literature that they published with the help of a translator. Worship services began in Guadalajara in 1873.

As the work grew, David and John began to travel to other towns where they were invited. John eventually came to the town of Ahualulco de Mercado, teaching children and then adults.

The remarkable progress did not go unnoticed. It was around 2am on the 2nd of March 1874 when a mob assembled outside John’s house, shouting,”Long live the priest! Death to the Protestants!”

John escaped temporarily, but was quickly captured. David and a Mexican believer, J. Jesús Islas, were also attacked.

Both Jesús and John were killed. The mob mutilated John’s body.

David escaped, reporting later that local officials and religious leaders had aided the mob.

John Stephens believed that Christ was worth living for, and also dying for.

These events took place 142 years ago. Those responsible are long gone, and Mexico is a different place. The churches founded by these early missionaries are still there.

Are there missionaries today who are willing to give their lives for those who haven’t heard in Mexico? The work isn’t done yet.

A plaque in Ahualulco commemorates the two martyrs, quoting from Revelation 2:10, which reads: Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

References:

• Gospel Pioneering: Reminiscence of Early Congregationalism in California 1833-1920
• Los asesinatos y sucesos de Ahualulco
• Historias para celebrar 140 años en la ciudad
• Xuxub Must Die
• What Does the Lord Require?
• Lucius K. Chase