A Story Unfolding from Tanzania
TANZANIA – Ten years ago, the village of Kigoma breathed a sigh of relief when a young girl named Nurat moved away. Nurat’s presence had always made the social scene uncomfortable, for her behavior was bizarre and uncontrollable. Stories were told of her, and derogatory names were given to her. Children were told not to play with her. No one disagreed that Nurat was seized by a madness.
Her family moved away with her to the village of Kisesa and tried to establish a new life. The change in the environment, however, did little to change Nurat, and her condition worsened. Weeks ago, in June, she saw an outdoor gathering of over 100 teenagers: singing, dancing and obviously having a good time together. Curious as to what would assemble so many teens during a break in the school’s calendar drew her over to get a closer look. What she saw both intrigued her and disturbed her, for these teens were singing songs of praise to the God of heaven and Earth. Something in her soul was greatly troubled whenever they sang out the name of Jesus, and her behavior reflected that inner turmoil.
Pastor Johnson Odoyo’s attention was drawn to Nurat and with God-given authority, spoke to the evil spirits within her. The presence of God was too strong for those stubborn spirits to remain. They fled from the girl, setting her free and the Spirit of God came to fill the emptiness with new life in Jesus Christ.
Nurat is now thinking clearly, and the news of this miracle is spreading throughout the surrounding areas, “bringing many to Jesus Christ.” That same evening, many came forward for prayer. The pastors and prayer warriors met the challenge and stayed until late at night praying for those who were seeking for more of God. The numbers of participants grew to hundreds to the glory of God.