Would you like another uplifting story?

I was privileged to teach a 2-week course on discipleship to students at Emmaus Seminary, near Cap-Haitien in northern Haiti, in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The following story of God’s power over Satan was sent to me by one of my missionary friends there, Colleen Taylor. I know these people: Lucner was my student, and we’re still in touch. Stacy Ayers, who wrote the story, was in her first year in Haiti when I was there in 2008.

This is the abbreviated version. For the whole story, please click here–it’s worth it.

Lucner, now a pastor in a village called Vaudreil, called a 3-fast for Thursday, October 31 – Saturday, November 2, to claim God’s power over a nearby Voodoo stronghold, Bois-Caiman. On Sunday, Lucner led a 24-church march on the 3-mile walk to Bois-Caiman.

On the way they were told that rocks and bottles would be thrown at them and that when Lucner shook the Voodoo witch doctor’s hand, demons would kill Lucner on the spot. Lucner’s response:

Let’s see what God will do. Have faith.

As Stacy tells it,

The Church, our brothers and sisters, our family, your family, were so many that they surrounded the entire area in a huge circle, and for the first time in the history of Bois-Caiman, 200+ years, GOD’S praises rang out.

A sacrifice of faith was given Sunday, instead, communion was taken by hundreds of believers, the wine poured out in remembrance of the Great sacrifice that covers all.

And as they sang and prayed and gave the place to Jesus, the people of Bois-Caiman came out of their homes and celebrated…for they have lived in fear FOREVER. They have lost their children, one dying every time the demon descends and returns. They have lived in bondage, and the church had stayed away. Light had NEVER been brought.

A man far across the circle emerged…aggressively walking alone, hand out-stretched to Lucner. “When he finally got to me, I grabbed his hand like he was a dear friend I hadn’t seen in 20 years,” Lucner said. “I shook it in front of everyone like my grip would break his bones, and it was totally silent, as everyone waited.” “He finally let go, and stared at me,” Lucner said, “and I grinned at him and began to tell him about Jesus.”

Colleen closed her letter:

Pastor Lucner came to my home last evening and shared again of what happened.  He said, “Haiti will change!!  Haiti is changing!!”   Believe with us.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6.10 – 12, ESV)

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4.4, ESV)