The shootout
September 3, 2012 | By: Cristiane Cardoso | Posted in: Spiritual Growth, Strength, Uncategorized, Work of God
I remember of a dramatic episode I lived through in South, Africa. Apartheid had just ended and the country was on the brink of war due to the first democratic election which would take place. It was horrible; there was death in the air.
I wanted to take lunch to my husband and noticed things had calmed down outside, so I got on the bus to go. But to my surprise, as I was heading toward Park Station, where the church was located, a very violent protest was beginning to break out. I had no way to go back home.
When the bus stopped on the block of the church, the sound of gun shots came from every side. I don’t know from where, but a policeman came and escorted me to the church. I wasn’t afraid to die, but I’m sure that on that very day an angel of God protected me and brought me to the church. How can you explain the things of God? When we go through moments like these, there are no words to explain, because God’s immensity is infinite.
After a few months, we went to help the Church in Soweto. On a Sunday, as we were closing the church, all of the sudden a shootout between rival gangs burst out right on the street where we were. Bullets flew from every direction including onto people on the sidewalks. Immediately my husband pushed me to the ground and then came down himself, in order to dodge the bullets. After a few minutes, we noticed there were no more shots fired, so my husband found us transportation and we went home safe and sound. But on our way, we saw the bodies of those who had died on the sidewalks.
Not for a single moment did I think of giving up the Work of God, or ask myself what I was doing there. When we know God is with us and He’s in control, nothing keeps us from moving forward. The hand of God was always present in our lives. When God has a plan for you, nothing – and no one – can keep it from happening. I praise and thank God for everything we went through because I know that His word will never fail. And He said:
“…Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:1-2
You are My God
Ruth Nunes, pastor’s wife, currently in The Philippines.
Cristiane Cardoso
Author of the books "Better than a new pair of shoes", "V woman" and "Casamento Blindado" (Bulletproof Marriage). Founder of "Godllywood" and "Rahab Project". Presenter of "The Love School" at Rede Record.
These verse’s are wonderful and story is very encourageing it is clear in the hardest times when no one can rescue you God is there.With his shield and srowd!! my Hero.
It is a great blessing to hear of servants of God who are intending to die for God no matter what.May God be with you throughout your ministry
Hi Mrs.Cris,
Thank you for sharing Mrs.Ruth’s testimony.
It is very strong, indeed. God knows the heart of those who deeply love Him, He cloths us with His protection He never let us be destroyed. Kisses!
Shella
Manila,Philippines
Hi Mrs. Ruth!
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring testimony to us!
I agree Ma’am! That when God has plan for a person nothing, no one can keep it from happening.
And that’s we must hold on to. The promise, plan of God for us!
Kisses!
This is so encouraging. God is really with us. Thank you for sharing.
Whaoo indeed when God is with us,who can be against us,no 1 & nothing.All glory 2 Him.
Thank you Mrs Cris for sharing with us,this is great,God know who is his children and he make a way to protect his children.When you are born of God , there is nothing can destroy you.
This testimony is the one that touches me
in a deep way. When you can look a devastating
Situation in the eye so to speak and not lose
heart. It is a sign of the seal of the holy spirit
God of the bible is with us once we believe and
Obey. This is a powerful example of that.
In the faith
Fear not because God is with us.
amen
This is true to me too Mrs Ruth…
God shows Himself the most when we are in troubles and He gives us the assurance of wellbeing…
When God is with us , who can be against us . Wow this is powerful . When you have the Holy Spirit you fear nothing and the more other give up is the more you want to fight and already you have the assurance that you will overcome.
Thank you
Wow, what surprised me was the part where by Mrs Ruth says that even during the shootouts , she never thought of leaving God. This action and mind set is far beyond words and only happens when you have a true encounter with God, few would say such a thing and this shows me that God is a faithful God and if I am true His, I have nothing to fear, thus I have to seek more and more of Him.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Ms Ruth for sharing you experience. I was still young at that time of ending apartheid but remember few events.
I believe that ‘When God is in-cotrol, everything is ok’. This is because He is always with us and everything works for the good of those who love Him.
Thank you for sharing.
Nomsa-Soweto
I guess that moments like these need to take place in our lives so that we know WHO we REALLY ARE. When everything is smooth as butter we are well but when things get rocky down the line we prove to ourselves whether we are strong or not.
That’s very strong Mrs Ruth. Your testimony reminded me of the word in Romans 8v 38: “….Nothing can separate us form God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (NLT)
When God is with you, even in a violent place, you will live peacefully…
Thanks for sharing!
Kisses