Temi is quite small and looks like he might be 10, but he is actually 22 years old, the eldest child in his family. Last year he was a high-school student, just one year from graduating. But then his father died, and he had to set aside his studies to take care of his mother and siblings. Looking so young, it is difficult for Temi to get work. Few people take him seriously.
Two years ago, Temi started to have horrible headaches. He visited several hospitals, but they couldn’t diagnose his problem. His family took him to traditional healers in their home village, and Temi got better for a while, but then the headaches returned with a vengeance.
One day we were in Temi’s village leading an evangelism group, and two high school girls introduced us to Temi. He asked us for a ride to Tanguieta, and we agreed. One of the girls came with us, and along the way she told Temi that we pray for people who are having health challenges and ask for God’s healing. Temi asked Fidel to pray for him, and Fidel was happy to do so. That evening at prayer meeting, we prayed for Temi again. From then on, his headaches were gone. He made a decision for Christ and became a faithful and engaged worker for Him.
Soon after Temi’s conversion, the time came for the ceremony to honor the anniversary of his father’s death. It is customary here for people to shave their heads for the dead, which is forbidden in Deuteronomy 14:1. Fidel advised Temi not to cut his hair. So when Temi and his brothers and sisters went out to the village, he refused to allow his hair to be shaved, and he also told his brothers and sisters not to allow their hair to be cut. His uncle was angry. He berated Temi’s mother for following along in the strange ways of her son, and he told Temi never to visit his house again.
When Temi came back, we prayed for him. He continues to study the Bible with Fidel and is making strides in his Christian walk despite persecution. Yesterday, he and his younger brother had headaches, so Fidel and some other men prayed for them last night, and Temi’s brother gave himself to Christ. Please pray for this family as they move forward in their walk with God.
