Send! Web Extras - First Quarter 2009
Freed From Evil: One Woman's Story
GFA missionaries see the Lord deliver many like Jyotika from demon possession. |
When Jairam Mahara came to Bantapur to bring the Gospel, people were wary of his unknown message. In their village, things hadn't changed for a long time. The same gods, the same traditions and the same way of life were all they knew.
But a cycle of bondage was also something they were familiar with—and the villagers would soon find that Jairam's new message, the message they feared, was the only thing that could set them free.
"People in the village came to know that there is power in prayer, and that healing takes place when the pastor prays," Jairam said.
"Many sick used to come for prayer," he continued. "People suffering with stomach pain, fevers, paralysis, even demon possession. Gradually, many came, and the Lord healed them."
Jyotika is one woman who found freedom from demon possession through the prayers of a missionary like Jairam. Her story is one that Jairam has seen take place countless times, but each represents someone freed and given new life.
The message they feared was the only thing that could set them free.Here Jyotika shares what it means to be freed:
"I was very troubled by an evil spirit in my house. When it would attack me, my limbs, neck, and my entire body used to stiffen. I felt there was no strength in my body. My limbs hurt and felt warm.
"It used to happen at least three times in a week. I went to doctors, but no one helped until the missionary came to my house. He told us that if we pray to Jesus and believe in Him, He is able to deliver us.
"When they prayed for me, the demon started screaming. My head hurt severely. The spirit said it didn't want to stay in this house because of Jesus.
"I didn't hear the demon speak, but they told me it said, ‘I will leave her because she has accepted the Lord Jesus.'
"Then, I felt as if the demon was running away. I felt very light and not stiff. I believed that only Jesus can save me—I felt very happy.
"Now there is peace and happiness at home. I worship the Lord and share about what He did for me. Even though some people oppose me for being a Christian, I will not leave Jesus."
Jyotika's story is happening every day all across Asia. Even though missionaries like Jairam face hardships, they are motivated by people like Jyotika. And God is faithful to bless these missionaries' sacrifice.
