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The long-awaited book about CDH Stephanus was published at the mission conference in June of this year. We would like to share a sample reading and encourage you to read the entire book. The excerpt is from the chapter "Light is Stronger Than Darkness." The story takes place in Ethiopia.
The cruel shaman
In another place, Shaka, lived a shaman. He was extremely powerful and influential. Shamans from neighboring countries came to be blessed and strengthened by him. There are various holidays when people travel from all over the country to worship him. They bring him gifts such as bulls, goats, umbrellas, perfume, gold, and even virgin girls. This man already has more than 300 wives.
The Ethiopian government kept its distance in this region. People were afraid because this powerful shaman ruled here unilaterally and was often cruel. Many communities wanted to settle here. But if they built a church, it was burned or destroyed in some other way. For years, Christians had been unable to gain a foothold. If someone converted and then attended a church, even if the journey was quite long on foot, this shaman would curse the new convert's livestock. He caused immense harm in this way. No one could do anything against him.
The very first Christian in this place died and was buried. Three times in total, some locals dug up his body and threw it in front of the gates. They didn't want a believer resting in their cemetery. Finally, they buried him somewhere in the woods. For the Christians, it was hopeless here. The congregations stopped every attempt to establish anything in this place.
The brothers and sisters were visiting one of these communities. They asked: “Please spread the word in Germany and Poland and pray that God will intervene and do something in this hopeless situation.” They then passed on this prayer request.
They decided to build water reservoirs at that location because the water is often quite polluted and poses a serious problem for the village. They informed the authorities about the construction to obtain technical support and advice. The residents were delighted when they heard about the plans and supported the project by transporting stones, sand, and cement. There was no road for transporting the building materials. Even the pupils from the rural primary school helped haul the materials. The site where they planned to build was near a place of worship used by occultists.
Shortly afterward, the residents stopped helping with the construction. The shaman emphatically forbade them from continuing after learning that the Christians had initiated the construction of the water reservoirs. The lead contractor also withdrew. He would fear for his life if he disobeyed the shaman. The siblings tried for a long time to persuade him to continue. He finally agreed.
A spiritual war
As soon as he resumed work, he was struck by a skin infection from head to toe. He was hospitalized. He remained there for a long time, but his condition simply didn't improve. Then the mission and the local Christians realized that a spiritual war was raging. They began to pray and fast for his healing. Sure enough, he soon recovered completely. The man believed it was a miracle. With his help and through persistent prayer, they finally finished the construction.
As usual, they wanted to hold an inauguration ceremony and proclaim the gospel. The ceremony was to take place in the school. The fearsome shaman was present at this gathering. He was sitting on a sofa. Around him were 40 armed men with machetes or even Kalashnikovs. Our brothers and sisters felt very uneasy in their presence.
At the opening ceremony, a local politician gave the welcoming address, then the brothers of CDH Stephanus boldly proclaimed the Gospel. The guards tried to stop the sermon, but the shaman ordered them to continue. No one could believe what happened. One preacher urged him to accept Jesus as Lord. "That's too much!" the others thought. "He's going to drive us all away any second now." But the shaman listened with interest.
The power of a song
To conclude, they began to sing a song: “Муж Галилеянин тебя не пройдёт” (Musch Galilejanin tebja ne prajdiot / lit. The man from Galilee will not pass you by). It is a well-known song among the locals as well. Although they don't understand the lyrics, they enjoy the rhythm. In many churches where they sing the song, the congregation stands. Often, they begin to pray after this song, and the presence of God is palpable. The locals often request, “Sing us this song.”
Oh, what inner resistance they suddenly felt as they began to sing this song in the shaman's presence! Breathing became difficult. When they reached the refrain, "моя Победа, Победа в Боге" (My victory, victory in God), they felt the glory of God descend and begin to take effect. Everyone got goosebumps. Suddenly, one of the men was possessed by a demon. He uttered curses. But our brothers and sisters continued to sing.
Suddenly, the shaman shouted at the cursing man. The man crumpled and fell silent like a mouse. The chanting continued. Now the shaman stood up. The government representative who had traveled there with them turned pale with fear. He was responsible for the safety of the white foreigners. If anything happened to them, he would be in serious trouble.
The shaman, now standing, removed his head covering. He raised his hand. Everyone around him was silent. The tour group had just finished their song. He began to speak: “These people came to us with good hearts. They brought us light. They shine. But we are stuck in darkness. We need this light they speak of.”
Roman Jawdyk, the bishop from Poland, took a few steps closer to the shaman: “I want to give you a Bible. It tells of the light.” “I can’t read,” the shaman objected. “There are many young people around you. They should all listen, and one of them who can read should read aloud. People need this light.” He accepted the Bible. They parted amicably.
Light is stronger than darkness.
Several years have passed since then. The shaman still hasn't converted. But many in his family and inner circle have turned to Jesus Christ. Even his first deputy, who was responsible for the finances, is now a member of the congregation. After his conversion, he came to his boss and said, "If you want, curse me. Kill me. But I can't serve two masters. I've turned to Christ, and I want to serve him." The shaman reassured him: "I won't stop you. If you want to serve Christ, you can. Perhaps I'll find my way to him someday, too. But I still have matters to attend to. I can't yet."
For a long time, the shaman had forbidden anyone near him from building a house. Although the buyers had legally acquired the land, he forbade them from building on it. He didn't want any neighbors in close proximity. He cursed them, causing them to die or be plagued by illness. But now he has moved, and the people have been able to build houses on their land. The shaman is growing weaker and losing influence and power. The community is growing, and there are more and more Christians.
In the last decade, during which the Stephanus Mission has proclaimed the Gospel in villages, 23 new congregations have been established. Some even in places where no church had previously dared to go. This is the fruit of unconditional love, the courageous proclamation of God's Word, and close cooperation with local authorities and congregations.
However, there are still places where people have never heard the Gospel. Some tribes live in the forest. In others, people don't wear clothes. They all need our help, our prayers, and above all, the clear message of Jesus.
Order now & read the whole book
On over 350 pages you can read many more heartwarming and motivating reports from projects worldwide: street children find a home, desperate families receive help in their time of need, and people tormented by sin receive a new life in Christ.
This book is not only a memorial to our fathers and mothers who made countless sacrifices. It is also a wake-up call for today's generation. God is calling us to carry the torch and rekindle the passion for missionary work.
Read and order the first 50 pages of the book preview here: