Bananas in Prison!

Darlene Diebler Rose was a missionary in Indonesia. She was the first American woman to enter the Baliem Valley of New Guinea, working there with her first husband, Rev. Russell C. Deibler. During World II, she was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese. In her book: “Evidence not Seen” she describes a situation while she was a prisoner that gripped my heart, because of her level of faith and trust in the Lord.

One day from her prison cell that had a window overlooking the courtyard, she saw several women that had been allowed outside to take in some fresh air. 

Here is her own description of that situation: “I was intrigued by the actions of one woman in particular and it fascinated me. Every time the sentry on duty turned his back to her and marched to the other side of the courtyard, she inched over toward a fence covered with Honolulu Creeper. When the guard clicked his heels, turned about, and began to stroll in her direction, she stopped. I was intrigued. I thought this lady is going to make contact with someone who's hidden in those vines. With no books to read, I'll watch the drama taking place here before my very eyes! I empathized with her. I wanted this lady to succeed, and not to be caught. Finally, reaching the vine-covered fence, the woman stood very still. The guard clicked his heels and went off again. At that moment, I saw a hand shoot through the vine. It held a big bunch of bananas. Quickly she grabbed the bananas, slipped them into the folds of her sarong, and strolled nonchalantly back to join the other women. Nobody knew she had those bananas. But I did! I knew she had some bananas! ” said Darlene. 

“I dropped to the floor of my cell. Exhausted from my efforts, I shook all over. Worse still, I began to crave bananas. Everything in me wanted one. I could see them; I could smell them; I could taste them. I got down on my knees and said, "Lord, I'm not asking you for a whole bunch like that woman has. I just want one banana." I looked up and pleaded, "Lord, just one banana.” I bowed my head again and prayed, "Lord, there's no one here who could get a banana to me.  Please don't think I'm not thankful for the rice porridge. It's just that--well, those bananas looked so delicious!" What I needed to do was link my impotence to God's omnipotence, but I couldn't not see how God could get a banana to me through these prison walls.

One day the door of my cell opened, and I looked into the smiling face of Mr. Yamaji, the Kampili camp commander. This was early July, and it had been so long since I had seen a smiling or a familiar face. I clapped my hands and exclaimed, Tuan Yamaji, seperti lihat sobat jan lama, "Mr. Yamaji, it's just like seeing an old friend!" "You're very ill, aren't you?" Yes, sir, I am." Mr. Yamaji said: "I'm going back to the camp now. Have you any word for the women?" The Lord gave me confidence to answer, "Yes, sir, when you go back, please tell them for me that I'm all right. I'm still trusting the Lord. They'll understand what I mean.” "All right," he replied; then, turning on his heels, he left.

I heard the guard coming back and knew he was coming for me. Struggling to my feet, I stood ready to go. He opened the door, walked in, and with a sweeping gesture laid at my feet--bananas! "They're yours," he said, "and they're all from Mr. Yamaji." I sat down in stunned silence and counted them. There were ninety-two bananas! In all my spiritual experience, I've never known such shame before my Lord. I pushed the bananas into a corner and wept before Him. "Lord, forgive me; I'm so ashamed. I couldn't trust You enough to get even one banana for me.” In the quiet of the shadowed cell, He answered back within my heart: "That's what I delight to do, the exceeding abundant above anything you ask or think." I knew in those moments that nothing is impossible to my God. This was God's provision, and strength began to flow into my body. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (Psalm 23:5-NIV). 

Conclusion: This lady is an inspiration to me. Every time I read her testimony I ask the Lord for forgiveness for the times I do not have enough faith for “one banana”. I believe the Lord for the needs of my family at every level. I believe Him also for health, strength and provision for myself and for TLCCM. 

Friends, what are your needs today? I believe that if the Lord brought Darlene Diebler Rose 92 bananas, He can answer your prayers, if we stand believing that He can & will. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

If you are reading this article, I want to encourage you to believe God to answer your prayers and give each and everyone of you, your 92 bananas!

Denise

Darlene Diebler Rose died: February 24, 2004 (age 86 years), in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States.