Under a bayon tree in Sierra Leone, a group of children and teens gather in the cool shade every week to study God’s Word and discover more about who Jesus is. OM worker, Deborah*, who facilitates the Discovery Bible Study (DBS), knows that the public meeting place provides a safe space for others who might be curious but shy to join in.
In a country where over 75 per cent of the population is Muslim, there are many obstacles to discovering Jesus, according to the country OM leader. Alongside their Sunni Islam beliefs, many people also practice traditional African folk beliefs, which include animistic elements. They believe the spirit world is active in their day-to-day lives, showing either favour or disfavour to people. Good or bad luck is determined by appeasing the spirits, and witch doctors or shamans guide communities in knowing how to please the spirits.
“My grandfather told me I should not join the Christians because they have demons. So if I join [you], the demons will kill me,” 10-year-old Fatou* told Deborah about why she couldn’t participate in the DBS. Familiar with the broader cultural beliefs in the area, Deborah quickly reassured the girl, “Come, let me prove to you that is a lie. The church is very close; let’s go see what happens when we step inside.” Together, they walked the short distance to the church and went in. Deborah invited Fatou, “Look at me closely; see if you see any demons.” They spent several minutes in the church, allowing Fatou to observe what might happen. When no dangerous spirits revealed themselves, Fatou was surprised and questioned her grandfather’s warning. She decided to join the group to study God’s Word.
Fatou began attending the DBS regularly — sitting with the others under the tree to learn about Jesus. Discovery Bible Study places a high emphasis on obedience to God’s Word, encouraging participants to consider what from the Scripture passage can be shared with others and what practical things can be put into action in their own lives. Over several months, Fatou fell in love with the Jesus she read about and decided to follow Him. She quickly began to speak with her family about Jesus. Since then, her mother and sister have both decided to follow Jesus, too.
Fatou challenges her father to see that his deceased father’s words about Christians being filled with demons are false. The DBS group has provided her with the community she needed to learn about Jesus, to find accountability to live out her faith and the desire to share about Jesus with those who don’t know Him. Even though she is young, her passion for God’s truth and His love for her community compels her to share. She longs to see more people transformed by knowing Jesus.
*name changed
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