SERVICE

That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God» (Ephesians 3:17- 19).

Iquique is a very important port city in northern Chile; it is also known as the «Land of Champions.» Currently, tourism has increased because of its beautiful beaches and tax-free commercial port or free zone, which is one of the largest in South America. The origin of this important city goes back to the exploitation of saltpeter, a natural nitrate compound used as a fertilizer in agriculture and the production of dynamite and explosives. During the nineteenth century—the boom of the saltpeter industry—the city grew tremendously until the production and development of the synthetic saltpeter at the end of the First World War, which crushed the economy of the sector. The crisis was so severe that on May 21, 1957, the city skyline was covered with black flags, a symbol of the population’s mourning.

In those days, people cooked in communities to ease their hunger. It was then that a young couple arrived in the city to sell Christian books.»How can you think about selling books when we don’t have the money to buy food to eat?» they asked the couple.

A few days before, another young man had given up a similar task because of the magnitude of the problems. But the young couple’s answer was compelling: If only one soul accepts God as a result of our work, it would have been worth coming here.»

Just one soul made it worth taking the risks. Just one soul justified all the pains. DO you realize what really makes service worthwhile ? What motivates you to work? Jesus «who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame» (Heb.12:2). Jesus was willing to endure the cross for just one soul, dear reader, for you! The joy of seeing you saved made His suffering worthwhile.

In «The Land of Champions,» my father-in-law (L), Raul Labra and his wife be^came the South American sales champions in 1960. They only needed a few months to bring hope to thousands of people because «there wasn’t one person who was not interested.»

Those who have received God’s love will want to make it known to others in spite of the setbacks. With Christ’s help, they can undertake the greatest mission: that of showing to the world «the width and length and depth and height» of God’s love.