Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high–sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. — Colossians 2:8.

Every single one of us is heavily influenced by the prevailing worldviews and beliefs of the culture in which we live. But the Bible teaches us that in everything, we are to have the mind of Christ.

While there may be much in our cultures that is good, we are to avoid beliefs and practices that go against the way of Christ and his teaching and that cause harm. For localities where accusations of witchcraft against children are an everyday reality, SCWA has developed training resources and an effective Model of Change to help realign distorted thinking that leads to children being abused in this way.

Give thanks…

Thank God for transformed thinking:

When SCWA first started in 2012, we were told that it is impossible to bring about change in the thinking and practices that are associated with witchcraft accusations against children. But our experience has shown us otherwise, as can be seen in our latest report, "Getting to the Heart of the Matter — One Year On".

Please join us in thanking God that our Heart of the Matter training resource is having a powerful, transformative impact on thinking and practice wherever it is being used:

“I noticed a big change in my life. The training I received opened my eyes on many things concerning children. Before, I used to believe that disability and some children’s behaviours were linked to curses, or a spell cast on the family, or demon possession. But the module on normal childhood developments and the impact of trauma led me to understand that mood changes, sleep difficulties, aggression, have nothing to do with the demonic. Since then, my approach when faced with such behaviour in children has changed. I understand them better, I understand the child now and I accept them with love and work with them to change their behaviour. This training was for me a light that illuminated my darkness.” — participant from Heart of the Matter training in Togo.

…let God transform you by changing the way you think…

Please pray…

Remember these needs in prayer:

• for those who have been trained like the church leader in Togo, that they will continue to ‘walk in the light’ and share their learning with others.
• that those working in church and community development and mobilisation will be alert and sensitive to prevailing harmful beliefs and practices in the areas they are working and willing to sensitively address them — perhaps using SCWA’s Model of Change as a guide.
• SCWA is running an event in London on October 23rd for church and leaders of organisations. Please pray that many will come, and that all of us who attend will have our own thinking and understanding enhanced.

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. — Romans 12:2.