Native American who enabled Thanksgiving embraced Jesus as their Savior
How the Native American Who Made Thanksgiving Possible Accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior
It is a rare occurrence when someone born far from the origins of two tumultuous historical developments becomes intertwined with both. Even rarer is finding a person who rises above the chaos by embodying the message of Jesus Christ.
Squanto — the Pawtuxet Indian most often associated with the first Thanksgiving in 1621 — experienced the worst his turbulent era had to offer and overcame it by embracing the Christian faith he came to adopt.
From a European perspective, Squanto lived during a time of two world-changing developments: the discovery of the New World and the Protestant Reformation.
These two developments were closely aligned. In fact, a European born during Christopher Columbus’ historic 1492 voyage would have turned 25 in 1517 — the year Martin Luther published his 95 Theses.
By the late sixteenth century, when Squanto was born, Europeans had already colonized the New World, and religious wars between Catholics and Protestants were raging in Europe.
While little is known about Squanto’s early life, it is believed that he was kidnapped in 1605 and taken to England. In 1614, he was abducted by Englishmen and sold into slavery in Spain.
Catholic theologian Damian Costello has described this abduction as crucial to Squanto’s spiritual journey.
After being purchased by Spanish priests, Squanto was instructed in the Catholic faith. He eventually found his way to England and returned to North America in 1619, only to discover that his village had been decimated by disease.
Meanwhile, a group of radical English Protestants, known as the Pilgrims, set sail for the New World. When they arrived in Plymouth in 1620, they were ill-prepared for survival.
In 1621, Squanto — now living among the Wampanoag tribe — came to the aid of the starving Pilgrims, offering his services and teaching them essential skills for survival.
Despite the hardships he had endured at the hands of the English, Squanto chose forgiveness and acted with compassion, much like Jesus would have done.
“Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to provide for the necessities of life…,” wrote Kenyn M. Cureton, an educator with the Southern Baptist Convention.
Squanto’s selfless actions saved the Pilgrims from starvation, and in November 1621, they celebrated a three-day Thanksgiving feast with Squanto and 90 other Indians.
Tragically, Squanto fell ill with a fever in 1622 and passed away. According to Governor William Bradford, Squanto asked for prayers so that he could go to the Englishmen’s God in Heaven.
In the midst of a tumultuous era, Squanto exemplified Christian charity. Despite being mistreated and witnessing the destruction of his village, he showed love and compassion towards the very people who had caused him harm.
He did these things not by appealing to institutions, but by personally embracing Christ. And therein lay his legacy for all times: Only on the individual level do we conquer hatred.
Source: The Western Journal
How did Squanto’s faith in Jesus Christ shape his actions and choices?
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During his time as a slave, Squanto was introduced to the Christian faith and began to learn the English language. He was eventually able to escape his captors and return to his homeland, only to find that his tribe, the Patuxet, had been wiped out by disease brought by European settlers.
This devastating loss could have embittered Squanto, but instead, it propelled him on a path of healing and redemption.
Upon returning to his homeland, Squanto encountered a group of English settlers led by Pilgrim Governor William Bradford. Despite the suffering he had endured at the hands of Englishmen, Squanto chose to help the settlers. He became an interpreter and intermediary between the Pilgrims and the Native American tribes in the area.
By showing kindness and forgiveness to the very people who had caused him so much pain, Squanto demonstrated the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings.
Through his assistance, the Pilgrims were able to establish peaceful relations with the local tribes, leading to the famous harvest celebration that would later become known as Thanksgiving. Squanto’s knowledge of farming and hunting techniques proved invaluable in ensuring the colony’s survival.
Squanto’s actions exemplify the teachings of Jesus to love one’s enemies and to forgive those who have wronged us.
As a Christian, Squanto helped bridge the cultural gap between the settlers and the Native Americans, fostering understanding and cooperation between the two groups. His faith in Jesus Christ played a pivotal role in his ability to act as a mediator and peacemaker.
Squanto’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. Despite experiencing tremendous hardship and loss, he chose to embrace the message of Jesus Christ and use his experiences to bring about positive change.
His story serves as an inspiration for all of us to seek unity, reconciliation, and forgiveness in our own lives.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received and to express gratitude for the abundance in our lives. It is also an opportunity to remember the role that Squanto played in making the holiday possible. His faith and acts of kindness continue to resonate centuries later, reminding us of the enduring impact of one person’s choices.
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let us not only give thanks for our blessings but also strive to embody the spirit of Squanto by extending love, forgiveness, and understanding to those around us.
For in doing so, we honor the legacy of a man who, against all odds, embraced Jesus Christ as his Savior and made Thanksgiving a symbol of unity and gratitude.
May Squanto’s story serve as an inspiration for us all as we navigate the complexities of our own lives and strive to make a positive difference in our communities.
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