SQUANTO
A Real American Hero
One of the most meaningful elements of the Thanksgiving saga centers on
God’s providential hand concerning an Indian known as Squanto. He was
born and raised amongst an Indian tribe known as the Patuxets. They were
one of the fiercest tribes located in New England. This particular tribe was
especially brutal towards any visitors they might encounter.
As a young man, Squanto was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He was
taken to a notorious slave-trading port known as Malaga, which is located off
the coast of Spain. Fortunately for Squanto, instead of being sold and
shipped off to North Africa, he was rescued by some local friars. It was here
that Squanto became familiar with certain aspects of the Christian faith.
Little did Squanto know at this stage of his life that God was preparing him
for a significant role that he would later play at Plymouth.
Eventually Squanto attached himself to an Englishman bound for London.
While in London, Squanto resided with a wealthy merchant. During this
time, he was trained in the English language. Once again, God's providence
was at work in Squanto’s life. Before long, he began to yearn for his
homeland. In God’s providence, Squanto embarked back home to New
England with a Captain Dermer. While approaching the Maine coast, another
important piece to the Thanksgiving puzzle came into being. Captain
Dermer picked up another Indian called Samoset and dropped them both off
at Plymouth.
Upon their arrival, which in God’s providence was 6 months prior to the
landing of our Pilgrim forefathers and foremothers, Squanto was dismayed
to find that his entire tribe was missing. He searched diligently, but all that
he found was skulls, bones, and his village lying in ruins. Out of all that
Squanto experienced thus far, this was probably the hardest blow
yet. Unbeknownst to him, after being kidnapped, a plague swept through
his tribe and wiped out every single member of his village.
Squanto wandered aimlessly for a time, but eventually found refuge with
another more peaceful tribe that was led by the chieftain Massasoit. While
adjusting to living after the manner of this tribe, one day Samoset brought
news to him concerning a band of folks that were hard pressed to stay
alive. It was at this point God’s purpose for Squanto became apparent. The
arrival of the Englishmen became for Squanto his purpose, vision, and
mission in life. To him, the Pilgrims were lost in the wilderness and they
desperately needed someone to show them the ways of the wild. Of course,
once the Pilgrims learned Squanto’s testimony, they believed he was their
Joseph. Just like Joseph in the Old Testament was sold into slavery and
suffered many hardships and injustices to preserve life for Israel, Squanto
was America’s Joseph to the Pilgrims.
From the moment Squanto entered the Pilgrims lives, he mentored them with the necessary means to survival. He taught them how to fish, plant corn, stalk deer, plant
pumpkins, refine maple syrup from maple trees, discern which herbs were
good for food or medicine, and which were the best berries for
consumption. Besides all these manifold benefits, Squanto introduced them
to the pelt of the beaver. It was this new development that improved their
economic condition, just as the prior help improved their health and physical
condition.
As great as these improvements were, however, the Pilgrims still suffered
hardships. Governor Carver was suddenly struck down. He died three days
later. William Bradford was unanimously chosen to replace him as
Governor. Soon after, another temptation came that would throw the colony
into despair. Captain Jones who transported the Pilgrims in the Mayflower to
these shores decided to return to England. Captain Jones before he left
begged the Pilgrims to return with him because he greatly feared for their
future. And though the offer was contemplated, not one of the Pilgrims
budged. Their perseverance in the midst of sickness, deprivation, and
death had forged a special bond in the love of Jesus Christ that the Pilgrims
were not willing to abandon.
The summer of 1621 proved to be a blessing for the Pilgrims. Buildings
were being erected and trade expeditions led by Squanto proved
advantageous. The fall harvest was beyond their expectations. With such
favor finally manifesting, the Pilgrims were overflowing with gratitude.
Almighty God had carried them through dark, difficult days. He had raised
up Squanto to help them not only survive, but to actually begin to thrive. As
a result, Governor Bradford called for a day of public Thanksgiving.
Massasoit was invited and he brought about 90 Indians with him. Though
somewhat daunting, the Pilgrims did not despair, but prayed to God for
provisions. Happily, the Indians did not come empty handed. Massasoit
sent out braves to hunt before they came. For three days they feasted
together. Elder William Brewster began the festivities with a heart-felt
prayer of much thanks to the God of their pilgrimage. The Pilgrims and
Indians enjoyed competitive races and wrestling matches throughout their
time together. It was this event that eventually established our national
holiday known as Thanksgiving.
Perhaps before you eat and give thanks on Thursday, some portion of
this testimony along with our previous message on Thanksgiving can be
imparted to your family. The Pilgrim’s example of facing adversity and
overcoming through the love of Christ is legendary. We need to train
ourselves and posterity to emulate them, especially in these days that we
face.
