Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." — John 8:12 

Many of the people who accuse children and adults of being witches are themselves bound up and held captive to fear. They feel the need to be constantly vigilant against the powers of darkness. Life is lived in an atmosphere of suspicion. They may take extreme measures to protect themselves from perceived malevolent influences — even if it means bringing harm to others. In this context, unscrupulous so–called ‘diviners’, ‘prophets’, and ‘pastors’ may play to these fears and gain status and financial gain by offering ‘deliverance’.

Thank God that, at this season, we celebrate the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, who came to ‘set the captives free’ from the dark shroud of fear and oppression, and to give us life to the full!

Thank God for illuminating hearts and minds. Let’s celebrate that light is breaking into the thinking and understanding of many people in D.R. Congo, as a result of a ground–breaking new audio resource for churches, created by Feba.

It must be broadcast … to make the cry of the child heard.

This resource comprises seven short radio programmes, recorded in the Lingala language, that follow the same topics as SCWA’s Heart of the Matter training toolkit. Each episode includes drama (based on real life stories of street–living children affected by accusations of witchcraft), interviews with children, pastors, and parents, and prayer. The resource grew out of a request from children living on the streets of Kinshasa, who wanted to share their experiences and to tell their communities and churches that they are not witches. Designed to be used in Bible study and discussion groups, responses from those who've listened to the episodes shows it is having a significant impact!

“It must be broadcast on a large scale to succeed in eradicating this phenomenon and to make the cry of the child heard,” was a recurring comment.

In addition, a seven–episode radio drama series using the stories and acting skills of street–living children has been created and piloted.

Give thanks:

• for this pioneering work that is helping to overcome barriers to talking about witchcraft accusations, using different communication and media channels.
• for the courage of children speaking out against the issue of child witch accusations.
• for pastors, parents, and community members who are leading the way in championing child protection.

Please pray…

Remember these needs in prayer:

• that the voices of the children will increasingly be heard.
• that these resources will be used widely across D.R. Congo and other nations, to shine a light on this damaging practice and to change people’s hearts.
• for the means to translate the resource into other Congolese languages and to share them widely.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. — John 1:5.