"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." -Isaiah 59:1 (NIV) One day in Mozambique, I met a girl named Louisa working in a small corner shop. I soon realized she was the daughter of a prominent wizard in the area. She invited my friends and me over to meet her family. As soon as we entered, the wizard quickly hid out of sight. There were several women, who were there for some sort of “witches training program,” living at the house. They all wore red “Kapulanas” (sarongs), black tank tops, bracelets made of bones and several necklaces that were said to house spirits. The home had many drums used in there ceremonial rituals. In the back room, in which we were not allowed to enter, there was a woman who was said to have been “struck ill by bad spirits.” The heavy presence of the demonic was tangible in their home. We asked if we could pray a general prayer of blessing over the home. After some deliberation, they were able to get permission from the wizard, and we prayed and went on our way. We continued to stop by the house periodically and offer prayer. One day, the head witch, named Shashama, told us that she was under strict orders from the wizard not to allow us to pray any more. However, that didn't stop us; we would pray outside their home every time we passed by. Prayer is powerful so they would always know and come outside to drive us away. During our last week in town, we made a final attempt to minister to the wizard and his house hold. By the grace of God, a few of the witches, as well as Louisa and her brother, were open to receive prayer. As we were leaving their house, I saw the sick lady again. I asked if I could pray for her. They said I had to ask the wizards permission first, but judging by the looks on their faces, it didn't seem like they advised it. At that moment, the Holy Spirit filled me with boldness and gave me the courage to ask him. The Lord was already at work and the wizard agreed but under one condition- I had to pray that Jesus would heal his leg! After that I was allowed to go into the “sacred room” and see the lady. She explained that her family dropped her off there a few months earlier, soon after she was struck down by "bad spirits" and lost her ability to walk. I got the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ, His immense love for her, and the power- found His name alone- which breaks the curse of evil. I could tell she wanted to accept Jesus. She knew He alone could heal her, but she also understood that there is a cost to follow Him. She would have to leave the commune of witches and she wasn't ready to do that just yet. I left knowing she was in good hands- the hands of the Lord, who loves her and died for her. I knew He would relentlessly pursue her heart and I had the privilege of playing a small role in that. I tell you this story to give all the glory back to Jesus, as well as encourage you. There is real spiritual battle going on all around us, whether in Africa or America. We have the opportunity engage in this warfare. God is ready to move in power but he wants to partner with His children (you and I) - with prayer as our weapon. The good news is we are on the winning team! The enemy has already been defeated. God has broken the power of sin and darkness- no one is beyond His reach. The Lord is mighty to save!
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1 Chronicles 16:8"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know Archives
December 2017
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Sisterhood