“I wake up in the night, and then my ancestors attack and kick me. They are angry because I don’t want to become a Sangoma1,” Poppy said.

Poppy was a young woman living in the community who was addicted to drugs and other harmful substances. When I handed her a KJV Bible at a tent community near Johannesburg, she opened to 2 Chronicles 31. She tried reading it, but she had no idea what it meant and struggled to understand many of the words.

I took Poppy to John 4 and shared one of my favorite Scripture stories: the woman at the well. Poppy became especially excited when we read verse 14: “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” I explained to Poppy that this promise was for her, too, and that, like the Samaritan woman, she could become a witness for Christ.

At that point, Poppy began opening up about her past. She explained that her mother would often take her to Sangomas because she was expected to fulfill her “calling” as a Sangoma. As she spoke, I realized that her greatest need in that moment was not a Bible study on the state of the dead. What Poppy needed was freedom, deliverance and confidence in Christ as One who is greater than every power of darkness.

We turned to Mark 5 and studied how Christ has authority over evil spirits that seek to harm people.

“What did the man do?” Poppy asked, “And what do I need to do for Jesus to do the same for me?”

I told her, “The man was not special, and there is nothing special you need to do. Jesus offers this freedom to everyone—even you. Would you like to receive freedom from these evil spirits and accept Jesus into your life?”

Poppy nodded yes.

Together, we prayed. Poppy accepted Christ as her Savior and prayed for freedom from the evil spirits tormenting her. During the prayer, she suddenly began complaining about pain in her side, and I realized Poppy was experiencing another attack. We continued praying and claiming Bible promises, and eventually the pain disappeared, and she felt relieved.

When I saw her again sometime later, the pale, exhausted look she once carried was gone. Poppy had a spring in her step, and she was reading the Bible she had received. She especially loved John 4 and Mark 5 and enjoyed sharing these stories with others in the community.

Christ’s method alone brings true success. By finding her need, showing sympathy, addressing it through Scripture, and ultimately inviting her to follow Christ, the gospel transformed her life.

I invite you to do the same. People all around us are carrying burdens, fears and deep spiritual needs—and Christ alone can truly fulfill them.

1 A Sangoma is the Zulu name of a traditional healer, someone who often practices necromancy.

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