A village chief in Kenya who had jailed Christians for years never heeded their message until he attended a funeral – officiated by a native worker he had often arrested. A member of the Teso tribe, the chief had arrested the pastor and other native Christian workers for 10 years for steering people away from tribal religious customs, the leader of the local ministry said. Addressing mourners at the funeral, the pastor spoke not only of the hope of eternity with Christ but the need of salvation from corruption, death and God’s wrath.

The spiritual battles fought in outlying areas of Kenya are literally matters of life and death. In many areas, witchdoctors tell sick villagers that medical treatment would be futile against the curses placed on them, the leader of a native ministry said. “During our outreaches, we meet people who are desperate and helpless because of life’s challenges – many are bound by sicknesses and demonic spirits,” the leader said. “Some people opt not to seek medical help because they believe they are bewitched due to the falsehoods they are told. This is causing many people to die.”