Tanzanian Witchdoctor Gives Life to Christ

TANZANIA – Pastors Johnson Odoyo and Amos Komanya planted a church in the district of Mang’ola through faithful, determined ministry. It involved hard work as they went from door to door in village after village sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Their work also involved intense spiritual battles, as they encountered the forces of evil in every village where they ministered. 

In the district of Mbuga Nyekundu, lived one powerful witchdoctor named Ng’wengweche. The community both nearby and far off feared him greatly. Politicians and government officials came to him seeking blessings for themselves and curses for their enemies. He held tight control over the village: nothing could happen without his permission. Those who opposed him risked being struck blind or lame. Children were even given to him for use in sacrifice.  

People warned Johnson and Amos to avoid this man’s door. But armed with the Spirit of God, they went anyway. Ng’wengweche assumed they were outsiders coming to seek his permission and his blessing. Instead, they told him about the one true God who offers eternal life to anyone who follows Jesus. The witchdoctor was furious. He warned them not to speak another word about Jesus Christ or they would suffer great harm. He also demanded that they beg for forgiveness for entering his territory without permission. If they refused, he promised they would die within two days.

Here in America, we had no idea of the spiritual battle that was happening, but faithful prayer warriors were lifting up our pastors, and God brought a great victory. Within those two days, the feared witchdoctor fell silent. His tongue became paralyzed, and he couldn’t speak. As time passed and he failed to recover, he sent messengers to Johnson and Amos, begging them to come and pray for him. They went to his hut and laid hands upon him in prayer. His tongue was immediately loosened, and he declared that Jesus Christ was more powerful than any god he had ever served. He bowed before them and surrendered his life to Christ. Then he called for his eight wives and told them, “My time is over. Listen to these men. They will tell you about the one true God.” Soon after, he died.

The community was stunned. Could the man they feared most truly be dead? Many remain skeptical. His burial is scheduled for Friday, July 4th. Johnson Odoyo will deliver the message, expecting a large crowd. Some will come not to honor the witchdoctor, but to see for themselves if he is really gone. We are praying they will experience more than the loss of a witchdoctor. We are asking for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to set people free this coming Independence Day.

Johnson and Amos will stay in the area to once again proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God on Sunday before returning home to Mwanza.