2016/2017
Vol. 12

The Ultimate Protector

It was 102 degrees in the seminary room with no air-conditioning in Mexico. Ben, a student attending the seminary, was living with my dad’s family. He had done some awful things in the past, but then quit and converted to Christianity. But soon what had happened in the past would come back to haunt him.

One morning in the house where Ben was staying, the phone rang and Ben picked it up. A gruff voice said, “We’ll pick you up at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.”

Immediately Ben knew what was going on. He told the family that he used to be in the drug cartel, selling weapons and smuggling drugs, and was second in command until he quit and became a Christian. Now the boss of the cartel wanted to see and talk with him.

The next day at 2:00 sharp, a black Mercedes pulled up to the house. The man inside got out a gun and told Ben to get in. They talked about Ben’s life. The man let Ben out of the car, unharmed, but told him that he would have to see the boss of the cartel soon. My father’s family prayed for Ben’s safety and trip.

The next morning Ben woke up at 6:00 a.m. and got on a bus towards Veracruz, where he would meet the boss. He knew that he was being followed, and when he arrived, the same Mercedes picked him up and a blindfold was put over his eyes. But when they arrived at the building, Ben knew exactly where he was.

They took him to a small room with an armchair and a desk that the boss was sitting behind. In a deep voice the boss said, “Take a seat.” When Ben did, the boss started asking questions about his life.

When they got to the topic of Christianity, Ben saw his chance and took it. Ben knew that he might get killed, but it was a risk he had to take. Ben said to the boss, “You can have anything you want — money, drugs, weapons, and cars — but what you don’t want, but need, is peace with God.” He then reached into his back pocket, took out a Bible, and laid it on the desk.

The boss took out a gun, and aimed it right between Ben’s eyes. Ben knew that he was going to be killed on the spot — he had seen it happen before. The boss’s hand started to tremble, and he said, “I don’t know why, but something isn’t letting me pull the trigger. Go. You’re free. But if I hear any news about you, I will hunt you down — and that time, I won’t let you live.”

Ben hopped onto the next bus home, and arrived safely. He told the family everything, and they were amazed and praised God for protecting Ben. Ben is currently a pastor and living a cartel-free life.

Ben stood up for what was right, even when facing danger.

Caleb Legters; Missouri, USA

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