This time it refers to the programme being broadcast on ARTE this evening
On 30th December 2003 one could read the first article published in the Wiesbadener Kurier about the dream of the missionary doctors John to found a modern hospital in Peru. Since that announcement more than 500 reports on TV, on the radio and in various newspapers about the same – humanly speaking impossible – endeavour followed. But the vision turned into a reality in a 17-year-long story full of coincidences and miracles.
The Johns describe this development as walking on the water; the appropriate title of their third book that keeps many awake at night when it is read illuminated solely by a bedside lamp: Walking on the water – Diospi Suyana, faith in the endurance test (Brunnen Publishing House).
Seated around an open fireplace one can philosophise for hours about the many surprising highlights that have taken place at Diospi Suyana. How was that all possible? How could an idea that was born in the minds of two high-school pupils while sitting in their classrooms be so catching and take off like a rocket? In their answer the Johns have never doubted for a single moment that it was all down to God.
Paul writes in the New Testament: “God can do immeasurably more than we can ever ask for or imagine. So great is his power that is at work within us!” And that is exactly the reason why we and all Christians live with great confidence in these dark times. For us the child in the manger is no sentimental myth, the man on the cross no victim of a dirty lapse in justice and the empty grave on Easter Morning no wishful thinking of simple-minded dreamers.
A hope exists that never disappoints! /KDJ
