Trading an Evil Curse For a Real Cure
by Staff
March 5, 2007
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA (christiansunite.com) -- Prateep and Chaturi were happily married for 10 years and had a son they adored. Their life together was a stark contrast to Prateep's first marriage, which ended after only three years when his wife committed suicide. However, Prateep and Chaturi's happiness was threatened when their child fell ill. What the couple did not know was the root of their son's problem was spiritual-not physical. The family of Prateep's first wife had paid a witch doctor to put a curse on the child in revenge for their relative's death.
Like millions of people in India, Prateep and Chaturi were taught to worship the many Hindu gods. Having never heard the Gospel, or rejecting its message, they unknowingly jumped into a trap that many around the world fall victim to. People in many areas of India-as well as West Africa and many Caribbean countries-have cobbled together a mixture of religious practices which incorporate an established faith and blend it with local witchcraft and sorcery. When there is a crisis in their life, they turn to these spirits for help.
Prateep and Chaturi's son became ill quite suddenly. His body swelled and he complained of pain that felt like someone poking him with sharp pins from the inside. Later, scars began to appear on his skin. Not understanding that he was involved in a spiritual battle, his parents sought help from legitimate medical sources as well as the witch doctors. No one could diagnose the problem. Eventually, they gave up hope of ever finding a way to end his torment.
Pastor Girish Vadke, a Gospel for Asia missionary, met Prateep and Chaturi while conducting house-to-house visitation in their village. The tearful parents shared their story with Girish, who responded by telling them about the healing power of Jesus and praying for the boy.
The pastor continued to pray for the family at his own home that evening, and God revealed the root of the boy's illness. Pastor Girish had a vision in which he saw someone performing witchcraft on a clay image of the boy, and in turn, evil spirits would attack the child. The next morning, Girish told Prateep and Chaturi about the vision. The couple then learned of the curse that had been placed on their son.
Pastor Girish, members of his GFA-affiliated church and the boy's parents sought healing for the child through 40 days of fasting and prayer. God answered their prayers, the demons left the boy's body and he was healed. As a result of this miracle, both Prateep and Chaturi received Jesus as their Savior and began attending church.
Pastor Girish asks for prayer that the family would stand firm in their faith and live for God's glory. Please also pray that the people in Andhra Pradesh would respond to the Gospel and be freed from the bondage of Satan.
For more information on Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.
