Jesus Versus the Dragon By Andrew McChesney Something strange happened to Kue in northern Laos in late 2020. Her body, and especially her belly, started to swell up. Her worried husband, Cheng, took her to the local shaman, who informed them that a dragon at impregnated Kue and intended to take her away to an … Continue reading –>
A Daring Witness By Rick McEdward At the beginning of the semester, a university classmate asked Sandra if he could take a picture of her class notes with his cell phone. “I saw that you are writing in English,” he said. “I want to improve my English.” Classes were not taught in English at the … Continue reading –>
By Ocrhain Matengu People came in a seemingly constant procession to look pityingly on 2-year-old Akurious in the hospital in Katima Mulilo, Namibia. The boy had been ill for months, and the people wept as they saw his terrible pain. “The hospital is failing us,” one told Akurious’ parents. “You should consult with the witchdoctor.” … Continue reading –>
Part 12: Father is Baptized! By Andrew McChesney The day of Father’s baptism finally arrived, and he arrived with Mother and Junior at Manaus Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, a larger church where the baptism would be held, in Manaus, Brazil. About 400 people were seated in the main sanctuary. Pastor Sergio Alan A. Caxeta, president … Continue reading –>
Part 10: Power of a Name By Andrew McChesney Father was awakened by invisible hands clutching his throat in Manaus, Brazil. Futilely he tried to pull away the hands. Finally, he gasped, “Lord, please help me!” But the deadly grip tightened. When all hope seemed lost, he heard a soft voice say, “Ask Jesus to … Continue reading –>
Part 9: Growing in Christ By Andrew McChesney After Mother’s baptism, Father faced a severe spiritual struggle. Evil spirits possessed him at night, and he struggled to sleep. Whenever he was possessed and saw Mother, the spirits spewed hatred at her. Father and Mother strengthened their faith by praying and studying the Sabbath School lesson … Continue reading –>
Part 8: Married to Christ By Andrew McChesney A week after giving his heart to Jesus, Father started to clear out the temple in Manaus, Brazil. He gathered the images and the stone altars where he had sacrificed animals and bowed to evil spirits. At the spirits’ request, Father shipped the temple paraphernalia to two … Continue reading –>
Part 7: Father Surrenders By Andrew McChesney Four days after Junior’s baptism, evil spirits ordered Father to kill his family. Otherwise, they warned, Junior and Mother would destroy him because they were praying for him. For the first time, Father mustered up the courage to talk back. “How?” he said. “Aren’t our prayers are more … Continue reading –>
Part 6: Temple Plot Foiled By Andrew McChesney Months passed before Junior and Mother found out why Father had changed his mind and went to Junior’s baptism. Evil spirits had forbidden Father from going to the Sabbath afternoon baptism, so he had turned down his son’s invitation to attend. On the day of the baptism, … Continue reading –>
Part 5: Crashing a Baptism By Andrew McChesney The day of Junior’s baptism arrived. Five people, including Junior, were to be baptized at 4 p.m. at Alpha Seventh-day Adventist Community Church in Manaus, Brazil. “I won’t go,” Father said. “Drive me to the temple.” On the way to church, Mother wondered out loud whether Father might … Continue reading –>
