Where does a young believer turn when he’s faced with the forces of darkness? In East Timor, Nazarene youth are finding deliverance from traditional spirit mediums through the help of their local fellowships.

In the past week, a man named Manny from a Nazarene youth center was admitted to his local hospital. Manny had been sick with a deep cough for some time, was losing weight, and experiencing other symptoms often associated with tuberculosis. However, in previous visits to medical clinics no one seemed to be concerned about his cough and would just give him a pill or two and send him away.

On his most recent visit the doctor finally felt that Manny was quite ill and needed more attention. Unfortunately, the medical staff only found him a bed to sleep in but did not run any tests or start any treatment.

Manny has an aunt who is a custodian at the hospital. She contacted Manny’s older sister and soon there was a family gathering in the hospital. They corporately decided to take Manny out of the hospital.

The family then tried to force Manny to go to the matan dook (witch doctor) for treatment. Instead, Manny—a new believer—convinced his family to take him back to the youth center. He explained to his family that he believes in Jesus and would not go to see the matan dook.

At the youth center, Manny’s family argued angrily with Manny’s pastor trying to persuade him to allow their son to see the “matan dook.” During this incident, Pastor Sam was able to send an SMS (short message service or text message) message to other Nazarenes who were meeting together at a Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Child Development workshop. Everyone in the workshop immediately stopped to pray for the situation.

Missionary Warren Neal reported, “What a blessing it was to hear our East Timorese pray for Manny and Pastor Sam. And then to see God answer our prayers!”

Back at the youth center, Pastor Sam was encouraged to boldly explain to Manny’s angry family that God’s power is greater than the devil’s. He refused to allow them to take Manny, and the family gave up their efforts to force him.

Since then Manny has been able to get some blood work and a sputum test done. His tests have come back negative. Manny says he feels good in body and in spirit. The doctors are still concerned, however, and are sending Manny to another city for a chest x-ray.

Many in East Timor praise God for answered prayer and the strength of believers who band together in faith to overcome evil.
–NCN News-Asia-Pacific