must die to prevent further harm to the village. The cries of the newborn infant brought Milton and Marcia running to the scene. They had arrived at this remote Indian village just a few years ago, but already knew many of the ways and customs of the tribe. The couple had tried to show the Indians that although there is an evil spirit who wants to kill and destroy, there is a greater Spirit who loves, protects, and guides. The Indians were slow in learning. Many generations of belief in an evil spirit, and the fear of displeasing that spirit, could not easily be changed. It would take time, and much patience, to gently but surely lead these people to trust in the Lord of love, peace and salvation. There would be years of work to fully understand the tribal language, put it into written form, translate portions of the Bible, and then teach the truths of God that would bring about salvation. Satan would do whatever possible to keep the tribe under his bondage. Sickness, loneliness, discouragement, and frustration could take Milton and Marcia, these intruders into Satan’s dark domain, back to the comfort and plenty of San Paulo. Satan would not easily surrender his dominion over these Indians who had served him, uncontested, for thousands of years. Milton and Marcia knew what they had to do. The baby must be saved and kept alive. The Indians must see the curse of Satan can be defeated; his death grip of fear broken. Breathing a quick and desperate prayer for divine help, Milton and Marcia cut the child’s umbilical cord and rushed it to their own hut. Using the limited resources on hand, they nursed the baby through several traumatic days, filled with suspense, concern and hope. If the baby died, it would strengthen the tribal belief - but if the baby lived, maybe the Indians would put their faith in the true God of Heaven.
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