Mission Moroto Stories: Nile Baptism & Sad Encounter

Mission Moroto Stories: Nile River Baptism & Sad Encounter

In July of 2023, Papa Matthew and Rebekah and a couple of Ugandan pastors were ministering in Juba, South Sudan and we were invited to baptize some new believers in the Nile River. It was a glorious baptism service and as we walked up out of the river we saw that a crowd of curious onlookers had gathered so we began to share with them about Jesus and some of them prayed and asked to be baptized as well. The pastors complied. But one young man in his late teens stepped out of the crowd and walked straight up to Papa Matthew and said in an otherworldly voice, “Man of God! What do you have for me?” Papa Matthew immediately recognized that he was a demoniac so he reached out to lay his hands on the young man and pray for him. The young man jumped back and yelled, “Don’t touch me!” Papa Matthew said, “I want to pray for you.” The young man yelled, “Don’t pray for me!” Then he began to quote scripture rapidly, and sing old gospel hymns loudly while sneering. Matthew asked, “Where did you learn these?“ He replied, “I went to religious school as a boy.” Papa Matthew said, “You know, Jesus is what your soul has always longed for, submit to Him!” The young man said, “I have a demon.” and Papa Matthew said, “I know and I can help with that. Let me pray for you.” He shouted a curse and stepped towards Papa Matthew aggressively. Rebekah took hold of Papa Matthew’s sleeve and began leading him back to the vehicle. The young man followed asking, “Are you afraid of me?” Papa Matthew replied, “No, you are afraid of me.” The young man flinched and stepped backward. Matthew went on, “I’m walking away for your protection but I’m going to pray for you anyway.” The young man said, “You have to give me something.” Matthew said, “All I have to give you is prayer.” The young man cursed and walked away. We still pray for him today when the Spirit brings him to mind. 😢 www.missionmoroto.org #missionmorotostories