Vengeance Belongs To The Lord
Akom was renowned for her zealousness in upholding the superstitious practices of her people. But after Akom is herself accused of witchcraft and exiled, she became a Christian and opened herself to the transforming power of the gospel. So great was Akom's transformation that she forgave her accuser despite temptations to seek revenge.
Following excerpt from 40% into Mary Slessor of Calabar Pioneer Missionary by W. P. Livingstone
It was wonderful that she achieved what she did in view of the conditions that prevailed. How difficult it was for a native to break away from habits and customs ingrained in them through centuries of repetition may be gathered from the story of Akom, a freewoman, one of the most self-righteous of the big ladies of the district. She had been betrothed, when a year old, to a young and powerful chief, and had been brought up in the harem and was a zealous upholder of all superstitious practices. On her lord's death she escaped the poison ordeal, and was active in placing wives and slaves into the grave. By and by Ekpenyong made her his wife and mistress of the harem, and for twenty years she held undisputed sway.
When Edem's son was killed by the falling of a log it will be remembered that Ekpenyong was blamed for the event and retired to the bush. Not long afterwards a young chief there fell sick, and the witch-doctor on consulting his oracle declared that he saw Akom and her son dancing the whole night long, and gaily piercing the sick man with knives and spears. Akom was charged with sorcery, and asked to take the poison ordeal. Her friends advised her to flee, and she and her son disappeared during the night and took refuge in Umon, where the people gave them the protection of their ibritam or juju.
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She then came regularly and listened intently to “Ma’s” teaching, although she said nothing. By and by she began to remark on the purity of the Gospel religion and show increased reverence at the services. Twins came, and she mastered her fear and went into the house... Akom grew in grace despite her surroundings, and found strength in her contact with Christ. An amazing thing to her was that the man who had accused her of witchcraft came and made friends with her.
“Ma,” she said, “see what God has wrought. The man who demanded my life comes to tell me his affairs! I sometimes wanted to take revenge, but I have got it from God, and His revenge is of a sweeter kind than that of the Consul.”
When Edem's son was killed by the falling of a log it will be remembered that Ekpenyong was blamed for the event and retired to the bush. Not long afterwards a young chief there fell sick, and the witch-doctor on consulting his oracle declared that he saw Akom and her son dancing the whole night long, and gaily piercing the sick man with knives and spears. Akom was charged with sorcery, and asked to take the poison ordeal. Her friends advised her to flee, and she and her son disappeared during the night and took refuge in Umon, where the people gave them the protection of their ibritam or juju.
...
She then came regularly and listened intently to “Ma’s” teaching, although she said nothing. By and by she began to remark on the purity of the Gospel religion and show increased reverence at the services. Twins came, and she mastered her fear and went into the house... Akom grew in grace despite her surroundings, and found strength in her contact with Christ. An amazing thing to her was that the man who had accused her of witchcraft came and made friends with her.
“Ma,” she said, “see what God has wrought. The man who demanded my life comes to tell me his affairs! I sometimes wanted to take revenge, but I have got it from God, and His revenge is of a sweeter kind than that of the Consul.”
Mary Slessor of Calabar Pioneer Missionary
by W. P. Livingstone
| Genre: | Missionary biography |
| Subject: | Mary Slessor |
| Publisher: | Hodder & Stoughton |
| Year: | 1916 |
| Location: | London |
| Library: | Physical collection at walkingtogether.life |
| Purchase: | https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Slessor-Cala... |
Scripture Testimony Index stories in this book
Even before her missionary journey to Calabar, Mary Slessor was already doing Kingdom work. Her persuasive approach to sharing the gospel influenced some of her friends to also become foreign missionaries.
Realizing the urgent need for education among the people she hoped to share the gospel, "Ma" (Mary Slessor) set up schools where she personally taught basic literacy and arithmetic. Without discrimination, men and women, old and young, bond and free were all welcomed to come learn. Upon hearing about this good thing, many villages opened up to her to come visit.
Mary Slessor gave herself to caring for twin babies (then called bush babes) who were often abandoned to die or brought to her to nurse. With the dedication of a mother, “Ma” nursed these little gifts from God who were being abandoned with tender care.
With great bravery and love, Mary Slessor rescued Iye, a slave who had just birthed the then abominable twins and was cast out like a plague, alongside her newborn children.
Akom was renowned for her zealousness in upholding the superstitious practices of her people. But after Akom is herself accused of witchcraft and exiled, she became a Christian and opened herself to the transforming power of the gospel. So great was Akom's transformation that she forgave her accuser despite temptations to seek revenge.
An old unbelieving chief makes up his mind to find God after the painful loss of his son. Mary Slessor led him in prayer to become a Christian.
The natives of Arochuku not only defied great odds to become Christians, but even as spiritual infants, they stood up to their persecutors and were willing to die for the cause of Jesus Christ.
At a wedding breakfast, a Mohammedan (a Muslim) who highly regarded Mary Slessor declared, "Only God can make you such a mother and helper to everybody".
While still trying to settle her guest in, a mother, her twin children, husband and father - who had been exiled by their people appeared on her yard seeking shelter. Hospitably, Mary Slessor ("Ma") received her uninvited guests; fed them, sheltered them, attended to the twins and had her guest comfort the weeping mother.
Upon hearing about the discipleship needs of young believers in Ikpe, Mary Slessor, notwithstanding her body weakness determined to go help out even if it meant not earning any salary for her labours.
Mary Slessor, having earned the trust of the people among who she laboured was the trusted peacemaker. When there was mob trouble or an enraged crowd, she was trusted to broker peace, even the government depended on her to reach the people.
When Mary Slessor's work was interrupted by a bout of illness. The loving-kindness and care shown her by two Christian families; Dr. Robertson and his wife and the hospitable Macgregors during her convalescence left her so thankful that she described that period of rest as “perfect a fortnight as ever I spent.”
For Mary Slessor, money was nothing to covet. It was but a means to getting God’s projects done. Sacrificially, she used what she had to do the work of God, including her salary and personal gifts. And though her needs were many, she never lacked!
Mary Slessor was growing anxious over the state of her finances when in answer to prayer, a friend sent her a small but timely financial gift. A grateful Miss Slessor wrote this friend to say, "... your gift is a direct answer to prayer".
Mary Slessor had such deep faith in God and prayers that when asked to write her testimony on the subject she wrote; "My life is one long daily, hourly, record of answered prayer...It is the very atmosphere in which I live and breathe and have my being, and it makes life glad and free and a million times worth living. I can give no other testimony..."
Like a child in conversation with her loving father, so was Mary Slessor's prayers to God. When she needed strength or help with anything -- like finding her misplaced reading glasses; God was her go-to Person. And He always answered her!