After landing in Malawi last Friday, we got a night’s rest under our belt, packed up for a weekend crusade and headed out. Driving through some of Malawi’s tea estates, the brilliant sunshine and midday breeze made this an overwhelming beautiful and peaceful journey. Scattered throughout the countryside were endless hills and beautiful village people clad in vibrant patterned skirts. The markets bustled with merchants and locals as the sweet smell of fresh baked bread danced its way down the street into the noses of hungry customers.
When we rolled up to the village, I was having a difficult time feeling settled. Something was sitting heavy on me and I could hardly move, let alone laugh or engage in conversation. Stacey and Aubrie prayed for me, and I decided to choose joy amidst my uncertainty – and to believe that God has big plans for the weekend…He did.
At the close of one of our services, we were all called forward to pray for people in the village with ailments, etc. We estimated that there were roughly 400 people in attendance, and we pretty much prayed for each one of them. Many people had headaches and stomachaches throughout the village – and believed it was directly linked to witchcraft, while the Lord showed us several children struggling with nightmares.
One little boy I was able to pray for was no more than four or five. He had a bad stomachache. Placing my hand on his tummy and back I smiled and mmbegan to pray. When I spoke of Jesus his tummy started convulsing and he tried to pull away, almost falling down. I braced him with my hands and continued to speak of Jesus. He squeezed his eyes really tight and clenched them close. I began to speak to the fear that was tormenting this little boy and his eyes rolled back behind his eye-lids…so I did the only thing I knew to do…I sang. I sang the LOVE of Christ over this little boy and felt him shaking even more.
little one, to Him you belong, they are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves you! Yes, Jesus loves you!
Yes, Jesus loves you, the Bible tells me so.”
After this, I let go and the little boy stumbled away, rubbing his fists in his eyes. One of the church elders motioned to me and explained this little boy had been tormented by witchcraft. It blows my mind that the Lord allows us to be His instruments in praying for the healing and deliverance of those oppressed – to speak out His freedom, see atmospheres changed and victory break out.
