Miracles In the Desert - Chapter 2 page 3

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Jerry Witt Video

There are many questions on the faces of these Cora Indian children.

Chapter 2:
Miracles In the Desert
Written By: Jeff King
Photos By: Ron Storer

The parachute drops have provoked many responses, some even comical. One man was seen attacking the unmarked package as if it were a bomb. “You have to realize these people have never been face to face with an outsider,” Witt says. “So here’s this machine screaming over their house. They have no idea who it is.”

On another mission, a box was dropped next to a primitive school, which immediately attracted a group of children. After inspecting it briefly, the children took off running, apparently thinking it was about to explode. After a pause, they returned to the box but no one dared touch it. Finally, curiosity got the best of one little boy who grabbed the box and carried it to a group of adults.

"The man took off his big-brimmed hat and put it over his heart, letting me know he appreciated the Bible."

In most cases, the fear and hesitation turns to excitement and gratitude when they discover the cargo is a radio and gospel booklet. It is the first time many of these villagers will hear about Jesus Christ and the message of salvation.

Wiley talks softly as he recalls the day he dropped a Bible by parachute to a poor farmer plowing his field with oxen. As Wiley circled his plane overhead, the man picked up the Bible, looked up and waved for him to come down.

Excitement shows on this girl's face as she reaches for the radio.

“It tore my heart out,” Wiley says. “I said, ‘God, what I’d do for a helicopter right now to go lead that man to Christ.’ The man took off his big-brimmed hat and put it over his heart, letting me know he appreciated the Bible. In these hills many people have never seen a Bible or held one.”

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