Colonel Moko’s House Guest
By Eddie Smith
My first visit to Africa was at the invitation from a team of pastors from a Muslim-dominated area who invited me to come and witness a work that God was doing in their city.
Working with the pastors was a wealthy Christian lady, Mrs. Moko, whose husband was a colonel in the national army. Mrs. Moko had made arrangements Bob (my friend) and me to stay overnight in their family compound, a beautiful, luxuriously-appointed (by African standards) home.
When our meetings concluded, Bob and I drove to the nation’s capitol where we were to spend one night in a hotel before catching the plane home.
However, when word reached Colonel Moko that we were coming, he cancelled our hotel reservation and insisted that we spend the night with him, in his apartment on the Army base—which we did.
It was a fascinating night. Bob and I were blessed to sit late into the night listening to Colonel Moko discuss military tactics, especially involving satellite technology which was his expertise.
The next day the colonel himself graciously drove us on a tour of the capitol city before dropping us off at the international airport.
When we checked in I found myself face-to-face with the gruffest-looking character I’d ever seen, a huge intimidating and imposing army sergeant. He took my luggage, then held out his hand and said, "What do you have for me?"
The country was under military-rule. Intimidation and bribes were common-place at the time. He was clearly bribing me. He was saying, "Pay me and I will check your baggage through."
I looked him in the eye, smiled, and said quietly, "Here’s what I have for you. I am Colonel Moko’s houseguest."
In a flash the man’s facial expression changed to horror. Instantly he slapped the appropriate labels on my luggage and pushed it on its way.
You see, he didn’t know me. To him I was just another "wealthy" American visitor.
But the name of the leading colonel in his army DID ring a bell. <smile>
The next time Satan or his minions attempt to bribe or intimidate you, remember that you are held in Christ’s hand and His hand is in the Father’s hand. Just remind the accuser whose houseguest you are!