Speechless

I was so challenged by a documentary on a missionary couple that I watched two night ago. This couple decided early on in their marriage that God was calling them to be missionaries in the Phillipines. They lived there for fourteen years and raised three beautiful children. They decided one year to go to a resort in the Phillipines for their anniversary. While they were away they were kidnapped by the radical terrorist group called Abu Sarem (associated with Bin Laden). This group kidnapped 24people in hopes that they could get ransom money to start their own Islamic state. Marcia the wife shared their story on camera from beginning to end. They were stuck in the highlands of the Phillipines for 11 months, starved and imprisoned. They saw people being beheaded, starvation, mass hatred and many other atrosities. The two most profound things that stood out to me were:
1. The husband (Martin) spoke with his wife while handcuffed to a tree. He said,"In this small village I've seen the most selfishness,greed and rage. All of those things I'm talking about are the things I see that dwell in me. I just began to cry as I thought about his perspective. He could of very easily chosen to grow hateful and bitter in his heart towards these people and rightfully so. It just didn't sit right with him because the teachings of Christ dwelt so richly in his heart. What profound love to see past the filth and darkness.

2. On the last day right before they were rescued Martin was shot in the chest and Marcia was shot in the leg in the midst of open fire between the Phillipino government and the terrorists. Only one of them left that jungle alive and it was Gracia. As she reflects on the whole experience she says," I went into the jungle very black and white. I was always so critical of everything and everyone." She began to tear up and said," Wouldn't it be such a tragedy if you spent 11 months of your life on this mountain side and didn't learn anything? I sure hope that I've learned something. Dear God I hope I'm a different person."
After the movie was over I just sat there in silence. I was so astounded by her faith and by her response to such a horrific experience. This did not draw her away from her Father, but actually made him more real and vibrant in her life. There are two roads you can take after something like that. You can walk out a life of bitterness, regret and sadness or a life of wisdom, honesty and deep rooted love. She chose the latter and the love that radiates out of her leaves me speechless.