SCARING THE CHILDREN!!

 

"We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world." Eph. 6:12

 

When the Lord sends us to preach the gospel of reconciliation to the uttermost parts of the earth the enemy often shows his resistance.  In the industrialized countries of the world satan puts on a difference face than he does in the African countries.  But he has the same purpose.  He is a deceiver, a liar, a thief and a murderer and wants that none would be saved.  When he places souls in the shackles of sin and fear and darkness he will resist when the Prince of Peace sends his servants into the domain of the  prince of darkness. He uses his diabolical powers to retain his grip.  For instance he uses alcohol as a tool to control many, along with witchcraft and ancestor worship.  When the power of the gospel - the forgiveness of sins in the name and blood of Jesus - is brought forth many are set free.  

 

When the preached word has touched hearts and God gives the strength to repent and believe, satan growls like a lion to remind of his power.  He especially wants to frighten children because he desires to possess their souls.  In the ministry of the United Lutheran Church many schools are visited and the Word of God is freely spoken to the children. We,  Pastor Dennis Hilman and myself, Pastor Bob Maki, have confronted satanism first hand in a number of schools.

 

One middle school was traumatized a few months ago during the school day when a large black bird flew overhead dropping things on the children.  The children were frightened out of their wits and many passed out from sheer fright.  The bird then flew to the roof of the school and the roof collapsed killing many children!  This week when we went to that same school a thousand children were assembled in front of us.  They first sang Christian hymns and prayed.  The Christian principal then introduced us and Bishop Mphahlele from the ULCSA and we began to preach God's word, naming the name of Christ.  

At that moment  a black cloud appeared in the midst of the children and frightened them badly.  All of them ran towards us on the platform in front of them. If it had not been for the quick thinking of the Bishop in opening the two doors into the school corridor many would have been trampled and hurt.  The principal quickly took control and with God's strength and Word calmed the traumatized children.  We all comforted the children and assured them that greater is He who is in them that he who is in the world.  That He is always with us and His perfect love casts out all fear. Then with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, we were able to fend off the evil one and continue with the service.

Pastors Dennis Hilman and Bob Maki