I’m not really even sure where to start. This experience for me was so intense I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet. First of all, I have seen and experienced some pretty “weird” things in my short life but something happened in me this time. I was broken. I think I felt a little bit of how God’s heart feels when He sees His children doing exactly what He says not to do in His word.
As you know, the past couple weeks we have been in Panajachel working with Pastor Ben and his ministry. His family has such a crazy testimony (he actually used to practice witchcraft). He has been radically saved and he has been pouring into us so much. I have learned countless things from him and feel so thankful that we got to be with him our first month. I now feel properly equipped to continue throughout the rest of this year.
Back to the witches…
We had a little hike to even get to the cave. Along the way we saw different altars set up, you could even smell the candle wax and meat sacrifices from where they had just left, not the most pleasant smell. There are so many people who practice witchcraft here and the saddest thing is they think they are worshipping God. Doesn’t really make sense to me, but that’s what they think. If you saw them in the city they look exactly like everyone else. No pointy hats, broomsticks or warts on their noses. Children learn these rituals as early as 4 or 5 years old, grow up doing it and pass it along to their children. There is so much deception, all I could do is cry out for God to have mercy on them. Pastor Ben was able to talk to a young boy, about 10 years old, and reveal truth to him. The boy accepted Christ and we are taking him a Bible tomorrow.
I really can’t explain what we experienced but a teammate did video part of our time there. It is a little long but you can see the rituals, hear the chants and watch me literally cry as we worshipped and brought light to this dark, dark place. This is real life people…this is reality, not only in Guatemala but all over.
