Freedom from bondage of witchcraft
Thursday 16 Apr 2009
Gospel for Asia
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
SOUTH ASIA (ANS) -- Witchcraft is probably not something that would attract people to a new neighborhood. But for Pankaj, a Gospel for Asia-supported pastor, demonic bondage in a village of Dalits (“Untouchables”) drew him to spend his life there bringing them spiritual freedom.
When Pankaj graduated from Bible college, he sensed the Lord’s call to a village where no Christians lived. The people were held in bondage through their worship of evil powers, and many were sick and impoverished. On top of that, they lived with the curse of being seen as worthless. They were “Untouchables”—tossed aside and shunned by those of higher social castes.
But as Pankaj began his ministry in this village, one by one he saw people delivered from sickness and bondage. The villagers saw the power of Pankaj’s prayers—and they learned that it wasn’t because Pankaj knew more powerful rituals than they did. It was because his God, the one true God of love, was setting them free. As a result, many in the village began turning from their witchcraft to serve the powerful God who cared for them.
Although Pankaj came as the only Christian in the village, he was soon leading worship services for more people than could fit in his home. Thankfully, a new believer offered space for them to meet. And as they prayed and believed, the Lord provided for them to have their own building where 90 people now gather.
Pankaj has faced plenty of opposition, but God’s faithfulness sustained him. He says that anti-Christian extremists tried their best to hinder his ministry, and he has faced persecution numerous times. But just as God delivered the Dalit villagers, He has protected Pankaj and allowed him to continue working there.
Pankaj asks for prayer that the Lord will continue blessing his work and bringing many more to know His love.
Read about a woman whose life changed forever through Pankaj's ministry.
Gospel for Asia is an evangelical mission organization based in Carrollton, Texas, involved in sharing the love of Jesus across South Asia.
