NEWS

 E-mail This Page 
 Printable Format 
 Feedback 

BROKEN TO BE HEALED

NEWS

Toribio is now listening to the Words of Life!

April 9, 2008

by David Bell

Toribio, a young Western Tarahumara man in Mexico, thought he had it all together. He had no worries and life was good.

Then in September 2007, after drinking heavily, Toribio fell from his horse and shattered his arm. He delayed going to the local clinic for about a week and when he finally went his arm was in bad shape.

He was sent to the closest hospital where he underwent a series of unsuccessful operations. His once healthy arm was reduced to an infected mess, and his carefree attitude was replaced by fear -- fear of losing his arm and facing an uncertain future.

After several months, he heard that the missionaries had connections with a mission hospital and he asked Tim and Janet Roberts for help. The couple contacted the hospital and found that they were more than willing to try to save Toribio's arm.

During the long hard trip to the hospital by truck, Tim talked to Toribio about those often-asked questions: "Why did this happen, and what now?"

Toribio was ready to accept full responsibility for his accident. He had no one to blame but himself, but he didn't know the answer to, "What now?"

Tim asked him if he thought the accident happened for a reason. Toribio answered that it was punishment for sin. Tim sensed that the Tarahumara man was being broken in more ways than one.

"God opened a wonderful door that day," wrote Tim. After returning from the hospital Toribio has come almost every day to hear foundational teaching from God's Word.

"We've talked about God using that broken arm to bring him to a place of humility and readiness to hear the Words of Life."

God's people, showing Christ's love, have also had an effect on Toribio and he seems close to making the best decision of his life -- that of placing his faith in Jesus Christ.

"While the decision to follow Christ won't take away a bad arm," wrote Tim, "it will heal a troubled soul. Please pray for Toribio that through this ordeal of being broken he might be healed in his soul."