Despair leads one woman to witchcraft
Release No: 05-58
By Gerald Sonnenberg
Aug. 26, 05— CARACAS, Venezuela: “Marie” is a Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) listener from Trujillo where she was born.
Baptized in a Christian church at the age of three, Marie she says this was the only experience she had in the church until she, at the age of 25, was married.
“My husband, Hernan, and I had two children and a very happy household until a time when a series of problems arose with my neighbors,” said Marie. “My neighbors, my husband, and I were involved in some strong arguments where we told each other many offensive words and insults, as well as being physically aggressive toward each other. This could have caused a human tragedy.”
Some years later, Marie’s husband was negotiating for some land that was far from their home. He left Marie and the children in order to claim the land and begin working it. The young family hardly heard from Hernan, and Marie said she became bitter and sad. She spent most of her time alone listening to neighborhood gossip.
“During that difficult time in my life, I met a lady that introduced me to the practice of witchcraft, which I thought would help me to solve my problems,” said Marie. “During the witchcraft sessions, I had the cards read to me, which prepared ‘works’ or tasks for me to do that would cause harm to my neighbors. I was also prepared to defend myself against the witchcraft of others who may want to harm me.”
As Marie continued her practice of witchcraft, she found out that things did not change. Instead, things were getting worse.
One day, she and her daughter listened to an LHM program on the radio. Interested in the topical booklet offered during the program, she called to order it. She also asked for spiritual counseling. Through studying the Word of God, Marie began to receive help.
“I attended several Bible courses and carefully studied the material,” she said. “Through them I got to know more about Christ, and one day I just knew that only Jesus could make my life more complete through His forgiveness and grace. I asked Him to take me into His arms and, with His great love, guide my life into the grace and peace that I needed so much.”
Marie said that since that moment, she has felt the greatest joy and sense of peace she has ever known.
“Currently I am a member of a Christian church, and I feel very happy because I am a child of God. I give thanks to my heavenly Father and to LHM, the instrument that God used to guide my spiritual life and to find His real ways.”
The staff and volunteers in Venezuela thank everyone who sends their prayers and gifts of support to this and other LHM ministry centers. They pray that these supporters and even more will continue to do so.
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