So, this is a scary subject and I’m assuming questions arose in your mind when you read the title. But the truth is I’ve learned this is a reality, and a very common, present reality here in Africa. I don’t know what I thought about it before I came but that’s probably because I didn’t really “think” about it at all. Head knowledge I knew it was real but I don’t know why I would have even said that. I don’t think I ever really believed in it…until I saw it! We have witnessed first hand people possessed by demons and experienced the fear of manifesting demons. It is intense, scary, draining, and eye-opening, to the reality of the spiritual realm.
One story I want to share happened Friday, September 23 (which seems forever ago now). We were in Uganda and had gone to a small village called Bulgarihe, a few hours from the orphanage in Makenke we were staying at. We went for 3 days and had crusades. It was Friday morning and a few of my teammates and I were sitting in the living room just spending time with the Lord, reading the Bible or listening to worship music some praying…just beginning the day. A lady came in with a young girl who I think was in her late teens and sat her at the feet of our Pastor who was reading across the room from me. I looked at her and for a second felt like something was wrong with her, by the way she was breathing, but I didn’t know “what” or even spend anytime thinking about it because Pastor didn’t seemed phased by her. He just kept reading so I did. Plus, at that time, and even still, I’m not at a place to discern spiritual warfare so I wouldn’t haven’t been able to tell what was going on even had I been a little more alarmed. Then I heard Pastor talking to her and asking her questions in Lugandan (or the local tongue) and then preceded to pray over her.
This is a picture of what then happened: He began shouting louder and louder over her…she was shaking uncontrollably…squirming on the floor…she shook more with the increasing intensity of his voice…one man was standing between her and the wall so she wouldn’t rare back and hit her head…on lady was standing straddling her legs squeezing them so she couldn’t kick…then a lady had to grab her hand because she was physically hitting herself, hard, on her chest and legs over and over again…that went on for what seemed like 20 minutes, but I have no idea.
Later we found out that Pastor began by asking her questions but she was responding normally, she wouldn’t say her name, she definitely wouldn’t say “Jesus” and those are moments when they can tell they are speaking to the demon. The demon had control. Apparently there were multiple demons in her and they were yelling that they were going to come out together, and she was screaming! Just screaming! Pastor explained that when you cast out a demon its like your kicking them out of their home and they are angry, some dwell in a person’s body for long periods of time and can manifest or lie dormant. So when they leave the body the person feel physical pain, sometimes burning and that’s why they yell. The demons don’t feel any pain but the person clearly does! They are the victim.
So while all this went on, I was sitting across the room and I began to pray but the only thing I knew to pray was “Jesus Jesus Jesus” over and over under my breath but faintly audible. I knew the name of Jesus had power and if I said it aloud the enemy would have to flee but I was not bold enough to say it loud enough for anyone around me to hear. The I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to get up and go over her and pray, with boldness, “Jesus”…same as I had been but without restraint or hesitation or pride…to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus for everyone to hear. But…I didn’t. I was too scared, my pride got in the way. I thought I would be in the way…I don’t know what your “supposed to do” in this situation…they do this all the time…what are my teammates going to think…a million reasons went through my head. I know they were all from the enemy and I still didn’t move. I selfishly sat there watching this poor girl endure this horrific experience and I chose my pride over what could have potentially helped her in that moment.
They carried her out of the room, but I didn’t think she was okay. I went into my room where two of my teammates were and cried because I was so upset that I didn’t obey and how selfish I was. My teammates encouraged me to next time not let myself doubt and not to let my emotions after that hinder me the next time because that’s exactly what the enemy would want to happen. So I went back out for breakfast and as soon at my team began to bless the food I could hear Pastor in the next room praying again…so I immediately got up and went into the garage. There she was, shaking and squirming on the concrete while Pastor prayed over her…and I chose to obey this time. I went and grabbed a blanket to hold her head because I was worried she was going to bust her head and didn’t want her to have to endure anymore physical pain from the demons. Then I began to say “Jesus” over and over, louder and louder. I could feeling it coming from deep within me…I was pleading on her behalf in that moment and for a brief second I knew that was exactly where I was supposed to be. I would have never wished her to have experienced that nor to have witnessed it, but afterward I thanked the Lord for the chance to be obedient where I had disobeyed earlier. At the end of the weekend, we took the girl back to the orphanage with us so they could watch her and pour into her more, and every service I saw her sitting down front and I waved and smiled. She may not know my face because she may not have been aware of my presence or even noticed me after praying…but I will forever remember hers! I continue to strive to move the minute the Lord says move, and act in faith the second the Spirit prompts and not to question because nothing of myself was worth more that what that girl was fighting.
“For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
