Spiritism Center Closed

We parked in the dust in front of the “Centro Espirita Nossa Senhora da Conceicao” (Spiritist Center of Our Madam Conceicao). It is closed and locked. The “Senhora” is no longer allied with the spirits that she once served.

Dona Magdalena, greeted us with a gold-capped smile. “Welcome.” As the flies buzzed around the kitchen she told us of her journey to faith in Jesus.

Her childhood had been steeped in the spiritist practices of her father. When she began using the spiritist rituals herself to try to help people they told her, “You are doing a good thing.”

“Even though they told me this, I always doubted… I led them on the wrong path. But now I will lead them on the path of righteousness.” She went on to list the names of the demons she had made pacts with—a dozen infamous spiritism demons.

She told us how two weeks before she was walking when something unseen knocked her down violently. “See? Here are the scars on my hand. It also hurt my legs. I knew it was the enemy [a demon]. So I said, ‘I know it’s you! I know it’s you! I’m going to show you. I’m going to become a believer!’”
Silvia (Quezia’s aunt who invited us here) led Dona Magdalena in a prayer where she asked God to break all the pacts she had with the spirits. The senhora’s legs trembled and voice faltered, but she would not quit. After the final “amen” her eyes opened in what seemed a new brightness.

“You’re famous all around this area,” Silvia said to Dona Magdalena. “And when people hear that you’ve turned to Jesus, many will be saved.”

In a follow-up visit, three of Dona Magdalena’s daughters (who also assisted in spiritism rites at another spiritism center) prayed to ask Jesus into their hearts.

It has been a remarkable time here in Mutum, Brazil. Here are the highlights:
Philipp and I preached at the church (many recommitted to Jesus and asked for prayer—including Dona Magdalena).
We have been doing discipleship visits at the homes of 13 new believers in the church.
MaryGrace is leading Bible story times with the children at the church.
With Rhema, a local development ministry (they provide clothing, education, adoption services and more), we are helping with their web site, preaching in the schools and sorting the clothes we brought for donation.
The local radio broadcasted a recording of the message I shared at the church.
The local newspaper had a front-page article about our ministry in Mutum.
Thanks for reading, praying and supporting our ministry here in Brazil with the DTS from YWAM Woodcrest!
God be with you,
Jeff

posted by Jeff @ 11:33 PM