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Freedom for the Captives

Alliance workers help to ensure people are released from spiritual oppression in Jesus’ name in places where spiritist worship prevails.

by Esther Schaeffer, serving with The Alliance in Burkina Faso, West Africa

The village of Konkourouna had been the enemy’s territory for millennia (see Daniel 10:12–13). But several years ago a villager experienced new life in Christ and returned to her village, determined that others would trust in Him.

She began a small fellowship, and they soon secured property. Today, this congregation has more than 100 adults and as many children attending.

Enemy Resistance

But the enemy of this world does not give up easily. He continues to spread his influence here, troubling the minds of the new believers and sometimes appearing to them in their dreams.

He also uses nonbelievers to curse the Christians. Stories abound of illness and even death because of a hex or poison administered to the unsuspecting victim.

Marie’s Journey

During a recent prayer gathering at the Konkourouna church, we counseled many troubled by evil spirits. Marie was one of them.

I had noticed this young woman when I presented the morning teaching. She had a darkened countenance. Periodically, she would shake.

Later, Marie sat next to me. Bending her head close to mine, she whispered to me about how the spirits that tortured her at night. Her husband is not a believer, so their house is full of idols, fetishes, and sacrifices to the spirits.

There Is Still Darkness . . .

“Have you put your trust completely in Jesus Christ?” I asked. “You cannot serve both fetishes and the Lord Jesus.” She began to tremble. “Yes!” Marie responded emphatically. “I have made Christ my Savior.

“But there is still darkness all around me.”

As several of us gathered around to pray for Marie, her trembling became more visible. She uttered strange sounds.

Jesus’ Authority

“Don’t be afraid, Marie!” we told her. “The enemy knows he must leave. He is just putting on a show—you belong to the Lord Jesus now; there is no plan of Satan formed against you that can succeed” (see Isaiah 54:17).

“Jesus continues to bring people to Himself, breaking the long-standing chains of the enemy,” Esther says, recalling Marie’s (pictured) transformation.

Our team quoted many Bible verses over Marie, proclaiming Christ’s authority over every throne, dominion, and ruler of this world (see Ephesians 6:12). We continued in prayer until I sensed Marie relax as her head rested peacefully on my shoulder.

One member of our group began to sing, and Marie joined in. She finally got to her feet, and a big smile spread across her face.

Marie is one of many here in Burkina Faso who are oppressed by the darkness of their family members’ traditional practices and their own past involvement in demon worship.

Often, new believers do not understand all that the Lord Jesus has done for them. We are thankful that He gave us this opportunity in Konkourouna to proclaim the freedom Jesus promises to the captives (see Luke 4:18) and to witness a visible transformation in villagers like Marie.

We are in a spiritual battle, but Christ is the victor. May we encourage one another and pray for each other to daily stand firm in the strength and mighty power of our Savior against our defeated enemy.

Pray

Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to join the Alliance family in interceding on behalf of our global workers, who rely upon the Holy Spirit to help free the spiritually oppressed in Jesus’ name.

Learn More

Read “Setting the Oppressed Free” for more information on how Alliance workers help release those suffering spiritual bondage because they live in a culture where demonic worship predominates.

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