Becky’s Story

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.  Psalm 118:5

Becky, a South American anthropology student, began attending the weekly Bible Storying sessions at the Baptist student center near her university. She was drawn to Christ but confessed to her missionary friend, “I don’t understand how to be Indian, an anthropologist, and a child of God.”

Becky began to study the Bible with her friend. Soon she began having nightmares. She shared, “A man was holding me captive. I couldn’t escape, but someone in my dream rescued me.” The missionary asked fellow believers to pray for Becky. They continued to study and finally Becky decided to be God’s child. The nightmares stopped and she experienced God’s peace.

At the end of the semester, Becky went home to visit her family. At their insistence, she participated in animistic rituals to heal her sick uncle. Her nightmares returned. She felt spiritually oppressed. Her family encouraged her to seek help from the witch doctor, which she did. But her torment only grew worse.

When Becky returned to the university, she was angry, withdrawn, and visibly struggling. Again her missionary friend asked the believers to pray. Then she confronted Becky, who reluctantly told about her involvement in animistic rituals and her visit to the witch doctor. She explained, “This is my culture. Why does God ask me to change my culture? What is wrong with being Indian?”

The missionary replied, “I can’t answer your questions, but we will study God’s Word and let Him answer. You can trust Him, Becky. Do you want to continue to live in bondage or do you want freedom? It’s your choice.”

Weeping, Becky prayed, “Forgive me, God, for rejecting You. I want Your freedom. I want You to be in control of my life. I still don’t understand, but I want to follow You. I give You my questions and my fears.”

God’s peace settled on Becky. She was transformed and excited about what God had done. The next Sunday she told her friend, “It isn’t about culture. My culture doesn’t have to practice witchcraft. That’s a lie of the Enemy. Pray for me, I’m sharing with my family!”

Father, thank You for revealing Your truth to Becky. Please help her to continue to grow in her faith and her understanding of Your Word. Enable her to become an effective messenger of truth to her people. Amen.