April 7, 2006
Recently, there has been unprecedented openness to the gospel in northeast Thailand. “It is a real movement of the Holy Spirit!” said Alliance workers Ed and Sue Danneker. In one village, there are scores of new Christians, who need to be taught and discipled. “Before this move of God started, the people in this village were under bondage to evil spirits,” Ed and Sue added. “Now the believers are being set free in the Lord Jesus!” People from neighboring villages also are responding to the good news.
One woman who accepted the Lord was challenged to abandon her former occult practices. At designated times, she would be called upon to “take care” of an evil spirit. This involved letting the spirit occupy her body and participating in appeasement ceremonies. Although the believer did not wish to continue these practices, she feared that the demon would retaliate if she refused. As she was preparing for the ritual, the Alliance pastor and his team arrived for their weekly visit, and they were able to explain the power Jesus has over evil spirits. After the team prayed for her, the woman stood her ground and did not participate in the rituals. Pray that she and other believers will grow in their faith and stand firm against persecution.