Choosing Life

“Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:19-20, NIV.

In Southeast Asia, there are many religious observances to appease and gain protection from the dead. In our community, they are observing the Festival of the Dead. For one week the people we know and love are being driven by fear. They take food, flowers, and burn candles and incense as offerings to idols in the hopes of being protected. During these times we find many opportunities to share about the mighty power of Christ over all the other spirits.

One man named Boon* has been working with us for several years. He is not yet a believer, but we are encouraged by the work of God that we see in Boon’s life. Boon has read the entire Bible but has not yet accepted the truth. Then Boon faced a life and death situation during the birth of his second child. During the delivery, Boon’s wife had complications and began bleeding. He prayed, “Father spare my wife, and I will serve you 100%.” God granted his request, stopped the bleeding, and healed his wife!

Boon still has not made a statement of faith. But we’ve noted that during the Festival of the Dead this year, Boon studied the Word instead of sacrificing to idols. He has seen that the Father holds the power of life, and we are praying that he is on the road to choosing life, instead of trying in vain to appease the dead.

*Names changed for security reasons. Written by a Last Frontier couple serving in the Pacific Rim.

Pray that:

Boon will follow Christ and keep his promise to the Father to serve Him 100%.

Boon’s people will see the truth that Jesus is greater than any other spirit and will turn from offering sacrifices to demons to worshiping the One True God.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.