During Francois’s short visit to the Mwinika, he could visit with many local church leaders and neighbors. Even though the believer community has been through many ups and downs, he is still encouraged to find that the church has grown so much that they decided to re-teach the evangelistic cycle Bible lessons with these new members. Praise the Lord!
One of the struggles the believers face is marital infidelity. Several incidents have come up in recent months. Much prayer is needed as the leadership in the believers’ groups grapple with these issues, learning to respond in a Biblical way. Please pray especially for the men in leadership that are also vulnerable to infidelity. Culturally, not only infidelity but also polygamy is part of life among the Mwinika. As believers they must learn to follow a different path.
Do you remember Jami? She was our closest neighbor in the village and a good friend, that turned to witchcraft. During the last months we lived there, it was clear that the demonic spirits “left” Jami. She was not being visited by them anymore and not only lost financially, but also lost “face” as a witch doctor. Sadly, rather than turning to the Lord after the spirits fled (we believe due to our combined prayers!) she left the community and is now living closer to a town where there is hardly any Christian witness. Please continue to pray for Jami’s and all her children’s salvation!
Photo: Despite being a witch doctor, Jami is also very religious. This picture was taken a few years back. The middle eastern religion is mixed with animism to form a syncretism of beliefs that most of the Mwinika are still trapped in. So many lost peoples in the world! Are you willing to go?