My church members told me last Sunday (Easter) about a man who was crazy. His wife attends our church with his young twins, a boy and a girl. The people of the church wanted me to visit him, but, since they told me that he is sometimes tied down because of the way he acts, I begged off until Monday. That way, Razak and the pastor would be in Kalsagri and if something happened, they were stronger than me. As it turned out, we didn't go on Monday because the man wasn't home. So, we went today. Not with Razak and the pastor, but, with at least twenty people from the church.
"He lives just over there," I was told. Fifteen minutes later, we arrived. We asked permission to visit and it was granted. We were led to a place under a large mango tree where two benches were set out for us. My eyes saw what they never saw before. And, my spirit wept. For there, in front of me, sitting on the ground was a man in a dirty, ripped up green shirt and filthy trousers. But, that wasn't what made me weep. That is almost normal in Kalsagri. What made me weep were the shackles on his wrists and ankles. Ofonso, the person we came to see, was in shackles because he has been harming others. He literally picked up a couple of men and threw them to the ground. I kept praying, "Jesus. Jesus." And, I kept thinking of the Bible stories of Jesus casting out demons. And I kept thinking, "Jesus loves you."
Samuel was our spokesperson. He talked with Ofonso and led us in prayer. The women sang. It was a holy time. And, here is the spoiled American (me) thinking, "I wish I could snap a picture." But, it wasn't the time or place. It would have been rude and inappropriate. As we prayed corporately, I wept for this tortured soul. Oh, how Jesus loves him. I prayed against the powers of the evil one. I prayed for his restoration. I prayed that he would be given visions and dreams that he would know personally the Lord and Giver of Life. I prayed that he would answer the knocking at the door of his heart and welcome Jesus inside. I prayed that he would one day live his life for the Lord.
After we prayed, Samuel spoke with Ofonso some more. He spoke of grace and mercy and the love of God. As we finished up, we asked if we could visit again in a few weeks. He said, "yes." So, please, I beg you, pray for this man, that God would restore him and give him life. And, that Ofonso will live his life to glorify God.
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