You can cruise through a lifetime in North America without every encountering any situation to really put into context one recurring theme in the Bible, demon possession. Having now spent a few years out of the country, I still fall into this category; and my western, diagnostic, pragmatic, objective, background easily explains away any less-than-normal happenings. So I was a bit taken back when our training with the relatively conservative Mennonite mission included a straight-forward “how-to” crash course on this topic. But it resonated with me when the exercise (or exorcism) was compared to cleaning a toilet… “It´s not something you talk about, you just do it and move on.” Nonetheless, I don´t see any other way to share this particular praise report and give glory to God without including certain facts. No matter how I view it, possession is a perceived reality for many people in the world, especially where animism and spiritism have a foothold or stronghold.
Fact: In May, leaders of a large indigenous community deep in Darién contacted the Iglesia Evangélica Unida (IEU) church leadership and requested help, citing that they had been unable to convene school properly for 3 months because a large part of the student population was being directly attacked by evil spirits.
Pastor Dalecio and Pastor Américo baptize
Fact: On the unsuccessful heels of two other religious groups, a leadership commission from the IEU traveled to the community and invested time meeting with local authorities, the families, and the children. They led studies and worship services and went from home to home.
Fact: 39 young people were baptized and school was brought back in session. The National Ministry of Education offered to fund a follow-up visit by the IEU which is scheduled for this week.
Hooray!
Well, I (Alan) travel back on Monday to Panama while Colleen and Kalea stay here in SC a little longer for some medical appointments. It has been a wonderful visit home sharing precious time with many of you.
with Hope,
los Fosters
