Ingrid Betancourt was abducted by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in February 2002 while she was campaigning to be President of the nation of Colombia . Yesterday, over 6 years later, she was rescued from her captors by military spies who tricked the rebels into handing over Betancourt and 14 other hostages.

The daring rescue operation involved months of intelligence gathering, dozens of helicopters on standby, and a lot of planning. The rebels had been led to believe that the hostages were to be taken by helicopter to supreme rebel leader Alfonso Cano to discuss a possible hostage swap. When the hostages were shoved onto the unmarked helicopter, their hands bound, even Betancourt believed they were being transferred to another guerrilla camp.

The helicopter crew members, however, were soldiers in disguise. As soon as the helicopter was airborne, the crew members persuaded the rebel soldiers – including the local commander, alias Cesar, who had tormented Betancourt for years – to turn over their pistols, and then they were subdued.

Then one of the crewmen announced: “We’re the national army. You’re free!”

The helicopter was filled with jubilation. Betancourt reported: “The helicopter almost fell from the sky because we were jumping up and down, yelling, crying, hugging one another.” *

Through our own wrong choices, you and I have been taken captive by sin. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a SLAVE of sin” (John 8:34). Sin is a harsh master, and it will ultimately destroy us (Romans 6:23).

But God planned a monumental rescue mission.... He loved us so much that He sent His son to rescue us from sin (John 3:16). Jesus gave His life as ransom so that WE might be set free (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:7).

Jesus has made our freedom from sin possible IF we will accept His offer on His terms by: believing in Him band trusting Him (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confessing Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38). When we cooperate with Him through our trusting obedience, He, in essence, says to us: “I AM the Son of God. I have come to your rescue. You’re free!”

And, if we will CONTINUE to follow Him faithfully, He will CONTINUE to cleanse us from sin and lead us to Eternal Life (1 John 1:7)!

He is waiting… Won’t YOU come aboard and be rescued?

-- David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama 36695

* Information gleaned from “Freed Hostage Ingrid Betancourt Embraces Children” by Vivian Sequera, Cesar Garcia, Ian James and Mauricio Diaz of The Associated Press.

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