A SHARING VENTURE by an Evangelical Missionary and friend of Father Joe Kane, O.M.I.

 A SHARING VENTURE by an Evangelical Missionary and friend of Father Joe Kane

I am trying to find out the name of the author, Gemma O'Sullivan, Father Joe Jane's sister shared this story with me a few years ago and gave me permission to share it with others

The dugout canoe hurtled through the foamy rapids and whirlpools of the mighty Marañon River--that great yellow serpent of Ciro Alegria's famous novel. I turned and looked at my traveling companion, Joe Kane, an Irish priest. Joe was calmly stretched out on top of the baggage playing an old Irish ditty on his harmonica. He seemed oblivious to all the possible dangers that surrounded our small craft as it bobbed up and down in the raging current on its way through the canyon. You could tell he was used to "white water" from his many years with Indians in the Canadian bush. As I thought again about how God had arranged this unusual missionary trip for the two of us, I had to laugh to myself. "Only you, Lord, could unite a Catholic priest and an Evangelical missionary in your Spirit and use them to share Christ with Indians and clergy alike.”

 

 The vision of doing this very thing had started to take form while I was attending the annual Catholic bishops' conference in San Ramon in l973, where I had the opportunity to become acquainted with some of the priests and nuns who work among the Indian tribes in the jungle--especially those with the Aguarunas along the Marañon River. During this conference, the bishop of the area invited me to visit him to see some of their mission stations. That was  when the thought first crossed my mind--"Wouldn't it be great if Joe Kane and  I could make the trip together, sharing with these missionaries what God has done in our lives; telling them how he has changed us and given us his supernatural love for each other through the Holy Spirit." I wondered how it would be interpreted by both sides to have a Catholic priest and an Evangelical missionary traveling together in areas where there had been so much division.

 Ever since the beginning of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) work among the Aguarunas, there had been conflicts and misunderstandings between Catholic and Protestant missionaries working in the same area. The problems also carried over into the relationships with local government officials and church authorities.  Walls of fear, suspicion, and misunderstanding had been built up over the years, greatly hindering the Christian missionary effort among the indigenous peoples. The entire area was divided into factions; the Jesuits and SIL, including other missionaries, who they thought were all members of SIL.  The Jesuit missionaries administered a Spanish school system for the Indians along with medical and vocational training programs. When the government placed bilingual schools (which taught in the idiom) and Indian health promoters in the same area and asked SIL to help in supervision and training, most believed these to be Protestant schools established, run, and financed by SIL. We later learned that all other protestant work in the area (Bible schools and evangelistic efforts by various U.S. missions) was also thought to be the work of SIL, which seemed to be in competition with all the Catholic efforts that had been established over the years.

But the Lord has his timing in all things.....After much prayer, we felt that God was going to heal this breach and begin a work in the lives of the Catholic and Protestant missionaries alike. The only time I had available for the trip was the end of March. Upon contacting Joe, I found that this was the only week he had free as he was extremely busy in the Catholic Renewal work directing retreats all over Peru for clergy and missionaries from his church. This fact alone was an indication to us of God's timing and we began to make plans.

Before leaving I asked our director and other leaders to lay hands on me and pray for this special missionary journey. Up to this point, I had mixed emotions, but as these men placed their hands upon me I felt at peace. My mind flashed back to that Sunday morning in our home church eleven years ago when the pastor and the brethren laid hands on Barb and me and sent us out to Peru in the name of the Lord. If at that moment someone had predicted what I would be doing eleven years hence, I would have said, "No way!"

Since Joe was in Lima he made plans to travel by plane up the coast to Chiclayo and from there by rickety bus all night long over the Andes to Jaen the capital of the province where the bishop lived. I flew directly from our SIL jungle center to Jaen by plane. Upon arrival, I found the bishop's place and knocked on the door, fully expecting Joe to be there by now and counting on him to front for me in this strange, new situation. After several knocks, a short, chubby Jesuit priest opened the door and asked my business. I grinned sheepishly and said, "Is the bishop in?" I could imagine what was going through his mind as I introduced myself as a North American and a member of SIL---"What is this Protestant doing here wanting to talk to the bishop?" My spirit took a nose-dive as he said, "The bishop is away on a trip" and then picked up again as he added, "But he should be returning tomorrow. Come on in and make yourself at home."

I whispered, "Praise God" when I learned that the bishop had made all the arrangements for us to stay at their center which was a jumping-off place for their clergy that works in the remote jungle areas. After a good dinner, I had the opportunity to meet many of the priests working in the area and we had a great time sharing together.

As I lay on my cot that night I thought. "Here I am, probably the first protestant missionary to ever sleep in this Jesuit center by special invitation of the bishop! But Lord, how can these people show us such kindness and hospitality when we have been virtual enemies for years. Would we treat them the same if they visited us?" Again I mused, "It's just another sign, Lord, that You are working in all of our hearts." With the church bells tolling ten o'clock, I drifted off to sleep with my mind still re-living the experiences of the day and all that could happen tomorrow....

The next morning, we all got up early and went to mass before breakfast. I was sitting in the chapel with my Bible praying. I began to imagine what the Spanish priest who was now celebrating the Eucharist, was thinking about my presence at mass. After the service we went into breakfast and to my surprise, there sat Joe, with his typical big Irish grin. He had arrived early that morning after traveling over the Andes all night in a heavy rainstorm in which they had an accident and almost went over the cliff. I just praised the Lord that He had brought Joe through it all and in time for our meeting with the bishop.

Later that morning the bishop arrived and greeted us with a big 'abrazo' and the warmest of greetings. He was really pleased that we had come. As I introduced Joe, explaining that he was a leader in the Catholic Renewal, I wondered what the bishop would think about him, especially since I hadn't mentioned previously that I was bringing Joe. But he did not even bat an eyelash so we asked him frankly what he thought of the Renewal of the Holy Spirit in the Church and if he had any contact with it. He said he hadn't, but had read about it and felt that it was meeting a real need in the church today.

I thought, "This guy is really open," because at that time the Catholic hierarchy was reacting to it the same way as Evangelical leaders to anything that hinted at being "Charismatic". We then spent two hours reminiscing and telling him what God was doing all around the country. Later he gave Joe an open invitation to come back and hold meetings for their catechists.

The next two days were spent with the bishop and priests seeing their work and sharing with them. We took advantage of their interest in current material about what was happening in the church by giving them books like "Catholic Pentecostals", "Hear My Confession" and other testimonies by Catholics on the move of the Holy Spirit. Many had never talked with a Protestant missionary before and asked many questions about SIL's work of Bible Translation. Needless to say, many misconceptions were cleared up as we shared and gave them Scriptures that we had translated into Aguaruna.

After discussing our proposed plan to visit some of the Jesuit mission stations along the Marañon River, the bishop called ahead by radio and made the necessary arrangements. Then he offered us his private pick-up and driver for the five-hour trip across the mountains and down to the beginning of the Marañon River valley. Wow! This was really service! We had been told transportation was scarce in the area and we would probably have to hire a truck for $50. Needless to say, we profusely thanked the bishop for his most gracious offer and hoped that someday we could return the favor. After a round of farewells, we took leave of our new friends and headed out across the mountains.

Late that evening we arrived at the mission station of Chiriaco and were warmly welcomed by the priests there. They had gotten word of our coming by radio and were glad to get outside visitors. But they sure were curious to know why Joe and I were traveling together. I really felt this unusual combination of Catholic and Protestant completely disarmed any critical people, making them eager to know what was going on. Joe's presence really helped ease some of the tension that had built up between them and SIL over the years. The walls just seemed to disappear as we talked about the needs of the Aguaruna people and how we could better serve them.

As I explained something about Joe's work in the Renewal, I knew these conservative Spaniards thought we were a couple of 'locos'. There seemed to be a real interest in the two of them during our trip and why we were together, so we shared what God had done in our lives. Joe and I both have had some prejudices in the past but the Lord in His grace had forgiven us and made us more open to others who differ from us. Like Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, by the love that you have one for another."

After a good dinner and a hot cup of coffee, we were shown to our rooms just in time as they were turning off the generator for the night.  As Joe and I lay there listening to soft rain on the roof, we just praised and thanked the Lord for safety and the opportunity to share with our hosts.

In the morning we got up early, as is their custom, and went to the chapel for mass. I could tell by the look on some of the priests' faces that they were really curious to see a Protestant attending mass.  Frankly, I found it a stimulating experience to have morning devotions in such a beautiful, quiet atmosphere.

After breakfast, Joe had a chance to explain to the priests about the valuable work SIL was doing in learning the Indian languages, reducing them to written form, preparing alphabets and literacy materials, and finally translating the Holy Scriptures. His only comment to me, later on, was: "They had a few things mixed up." Because of this kind of communication, Joe was able to explain to me where we Protestants had also erred and caused friction over the years. It seems that wherever there is a lack of communication and love, the enemy sows seeds of doubt, fear, and prejudice.  I mused at the similarity between the situation and problems between the Gentile and Jewish believers in the early church.

It was during these days that Joe Kane first came out to visit us at Yarinacocha. It was also the first time we ever had a Catholic priest speak to our group. He gave personal testimony to what Jesus Christ was doing in his life. It was such a blessing that our linguists got together the following evening for another meeting with Joe. They especially wanted him to share something of the spiritual battle in which they are involved because of working with tribesmen who constantly struggle with the spiritual realm.

Evil Spirits are real to these tribesmen and the power of the witch doctor reigns supreme. Many of our linguists had seen manifestations of the supernatural forces that the Indians experience. But as scientific professionals, we had laughed at these strange happenings, discarding them as "silly superstition." But none of us had any answers when one after another, the spiritual leaders among the tribesmen were attacked by the enemy and went down in moral and spiritual defeat.

During his many years of missionary work among the Indian tribes in Canada, Joe had ample opportunity to observe firsthand, spirit worship and witchcraft. But he had also experienced the power of the blood, and the name of Jesus Christ, to set people free from Satan's influence.  That night, Joe opened the Word and shared from the Scriptures:

 "For He has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan's kingdom. He has brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all of our sins."             (Col. 1:13, 14)

"But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:8)

 "When the 70 disciples returned they joyfully reported to Him, 'Even the demons obey us when we use your name.' 'Yes,' He told them. 'I saw Satan falling from heaven as a flash of lightning! And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them. Nothing shall injure you!  Then He was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, 'I praise You, Oh Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly-wise and for revealing them to those who are trusting as little children.  Yes, thank You, Father, for that's the way You wanted it.'"   (Luke 10:17, 19 & 21)

Then Joe took these verses and applied them to our situation as messengers of light to those trapped in the kingdom of darkness. He used examples from his own life and of the tribal people he knew, to show how these evil forces are just as prevalent today and we need the supernatural power of God to combat them. In His unique way, God used a Catholic priest to open the Scriptures and show us that Jesus has given us all authority and power over the enemy and we can rely on His power to bind the enemy and to set the captives free.

After the meeting, as we compared experiences with the Scriptures, we began to see that we had been the foolish ones. Satan had blinded our eyes so that we hadn't recognized the deep, spiritual battle that we and the Indian believers were involved in. Suddenly we saw the reality of Ephesians 6:12, "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against persons without bodies--the evil rulers of the unseen world.  Those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world."

As we began to experience the power of God in our lives and shared it with the Indian believers, they also found the same power was available to them. Volumes could be written on the cases of healing, liberation, and other supernatural works of God among the Indian tribes when they saw that God's power was greater than that of the witch doctor!

That evening at the close of the meeting Joe said something that struck us all to the core. "This is the first time that I have had the privilege of addressing a group of Protestant brothers. You have been so kind to me that I want to take this occasion to ask your forgiveness on behalf of my Catholic brothers who, down through the years, have done damage to you, your work, and the cause of Christ." It was a precious moment!

Since then, whenever Joe came to Yarina to visit us, he hardly had a free moment. People constantly asked him for counsel, prayer, or just to fellowship together in the Lord. Joe has had a great ministry among our people and others in the area. I remember on one of Joe's visits to Yarina he had the opportunity to preach at the local Peruvian Evangelical church. Evidently, the person introducing Joe to the congregation had misunderstood.  "Brothers," he said. "Tonight we have the privilege of having in our pulpit brother Joseph Kane, a former Roman Catholic priest who has been converted to Jesus Christ." "Oh no," I thought. "What's Joe going to think about that?" But as Joe stepped up to the pulpit, putting his arm around the brother who had introduced him, he gave me his Irish grin and winked. If those people had only known he was still a priest, I wonder if they would have been so happy.

Joe opened his Bible to John 17 where the Lord prayed that his followers would be one as He and His Father were one. Joe then gave a beautiful message on the unity and love that should exist in the body of Christ, the church, and the family. Everyone sat spellbound for almost an hour as he elaborated on Christ's command that we should love one another. He finished by saying, "I know that within some of the families in this church, there is strife and resentment. Jesus wants to heal and forgive! There are divisions in this church, divisions between members. You need to be reconciled and forgive one another if you want God to bless you and your church. As I close, I want you to come forward for prayer, to be reconciled with each other and the Lord". Then he gave the invitation. "Wow!" I thought. "Here is a Catholic priest giving an invitation in an Evangelical church with the members coming to Christ for forgiveness and reconciliation."

Some of the people began to get up and walk silently out the back while others came forward. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an old friend who was the mayor of the village. He had been a pillar in the church but had a falling out with some of the brethren six years ago and had left, turning his back to the Lord. Now here he was, walking down the aisle, tears streaming down his face, shaking hands and embracing the brethren. After everyone left, he asked Joe to lay hands on him and pray for God's forgiveness and power to serve the Lord again.  Needless to say, our joy overflowed.

As we rode back to the Center that night, Joe and I were "making a joyful noise", singing and praising the Lord. Two lanky gringos barreling down the dusty road on a Honda motorcycle must have been a funny sight. We seemed to have attracted all the village dogs and they ran alongside us, barking fit to kill. One got too close and began to nip at Joe's leg.  In one fell swoop, down came Joe's large, hard-back Bible right on the dog's snoot. He just rolled over in a cloud of dust, yipping for all he was worth. All of the others stopped in their tracks at the sight of their wounded leader. As I turned around to see what happened, Joe leaned forward and shouted above the road of the engine, "How's that for applying the Word!"