“By merely facing the church entrance, I felt the immense Fire all around my body – I nearly turned around to return home due to the great unsettling I felt within me,” said Mr. Father Masedi who stood before the church, assuring them that the Spirit of God surely reigns in their midst.
Growing up for Mr Masedi was tough; abject poverty characterized his entire being together with the rest of his family. Due to the state they were in, they made it a point to always consulted witchdoctors – they were actually conceited to the idea and grew in the act. Father in this case was deeply rooted in this tradition amongst other elders in the family, forever being tormented by ghoulish nightmares as soon as he lay his head to rest. As soon as he closed his eyes, he would see a humungous snake with a human head coiled around him –a gruesome sight that sent chills down his spine and gave him sleepless nights. In accordance to his tradition, whenever he had a problem that he needed assistance with he would go to the hills and chant to the invisible spirits that lived in the caves. To his surprise, a response was made! He heard a voice instructing him to go to a river in Zimbabwe believed to house the very snake he encounters in the spirit world. This was equally a summons to become witchdoctor. Albeit these horrific incidents occurring, more heart shattering sights awaited him. Quite oblivious to the idea of him practicing, he rather dragged his feet at assuming the “calling”.
With the passing of time, Father would dream of snakes, and at times see himself administering herbal medication to fellow people who sought for help. At one point, during a visit to a witchdoctor, he told Mr Masedi, that if he were to yield to the “call” he would be greater than those of whom he has sought help from. This traditional practice was hereditary in actuality, his grandfather was a practicing witchdoctor before he mysteriously died. The rest of the family however, worshipped the spirit of a lion, “Shumba” as they would refer to it in their native.
Though seemingly great, Father Masedi had nothing to show at 50 years of age. Although he served as a supervisor in one of the local companies for 15 years, he never accumulated anything for himself; he never got married, he never got himself a car or built himself a house – according to him, he lives like a poor person though with means to better himself. At the very verge of succumbing to the call of the snake spirit, his body mysteriously failed him. Pains and aches, everywhere, he knew naught on how he should stop the pains he experienced. His uncle, who is a 3G Ministries regular, invited him to church, and it was in the Arena of Grace where it all went down! Not even setting foot in the presence of God, just a few meters away, he felt the Fire of the Holy Spirit – igniting a battle within him, whether he should enter or leave the church premises.
Walking into the church was enough to set his entire body at unease – his right hand became as heavy as a brick, tears were continuously running down his cheeks, all he wanted was to see himself outside the church. As soon the Prophet of God arrived onto the Altar, the discomfort he felt intensified. As everything in him opposed and fought the Light of God, a prayer offered in Jesus’ name and a prophecy outlining the “Witchdoctor spirit living in the family” it was enough to usher him to freedom. Father Masedi stands before the congregation a new creation – free and light, the pains that brought him to the presence of God, actually served him good as they led him straight to the Arms of the Father, Lord Jesus. Over and above that he was blessed with food groceries, to meet the need of his family. Truly, where God’s light shines darkness is exposed and freedom is introduced. Glory to God!
