People often ask me, “When you go off and do these missions, does any lasting good from it?” Sadly, many miss out on knowing how to answer that question because their team only visits a locale once and then moves on to greener pastures. Through our fellowship, Subiaco Church in Perth, Western Australia, we have been returning to the same region of Africa, Bungoma, in Northwest Kenya for over ten years. In that time, we’ve witnessed twenty three new church plants, an orphanage and school, and countless numbers of lives transformed. Sarah is one of those stories.

Sarah was a witch, making her one of the most powerful and influential persons in her community. Her mother was a witch as was her mother’s mother and so on. Young apprentice girls would seek her out when wanting to learn the secrets to her dark practices. Spells and sacred instruments had been passed down from generation to generation. About five years ago, we conducted a mission in her village. Typically, a stage and sound system is set up in the village centre. A number of people both locals and visitors present their story of how Christ impacted their lives. On this occasion, I was called upon to give a challenge to embrace Jesus, receiving the new life available through the cross and committing to follow Him. After the presentation, those listening are called upon to come forward by faith. A local pastor instructs the respondents and points to a large trees saying, “Next Sunday, we will begin a new church and we will meet right there. You are all welcome.”

Among those who responded was Sarah.

Immediately, it created a stir. Was this witch really serious about following Jesus? For starters, three days later, she had agreed to a ceremonial burning of her sacred instruments. This entails the destruction of all the magical items passed down to her as well as potions and forbidden plants. By doing this in her village, she was making a powerful statement about her intentions and the superiority of Jesus over the powers of darkness. On these occasions, some villagers while being curious are too frightened even to attend the burning. Pastors and key lay leaders from the neighbouring villages are present and the singing, praise, and prayer is a sight to behold.

A couple of years had passed and I was back in Bungoma doing a follow up tour to encourage these fledgling churches started through these missions. As we walked up to this new African building, traditionally made of mud and wooden beams, as is the custom a number of women came to welcome us holding a chicken dish and handmade bread. As we exchanged greetings, I recognised Sarah’s face. “Are you still following Christ?” I asked with expectation. “Yes” she replies as she covers her mouth embarrassed by her poor English. Excited to see her again, I immediately asked that a photo be taken of the two of us.

Later, as the more formal program began, the new building is packed with villagers. Only years ago, there was no believing witness in this community and now the facility is over flowing with men, women and children giving praise to the Lord. Many approach me to let me know that they were a part of that original group who began meeting under a tree years ago. The pastor who was appointed to spearhead this initiative unfolds the story of fellowship’s progress. Land is always the most difficult acquisition. In this case, someone had come forward to donate this property at no cost to the church. Who would surrender such a costly possession that would have been in his or her family for generations? It was Sarah. She was asked to stand and speak in her own dialect. “I wanted to ensure that a living testimony to Jesus would exist in my village so that everyone could know the happiness that I have experienced.” Even as I reflect on this moment, tears of joys well up in my eyes. A woman who once held sway over a community through fear was now humbling herself by waiting on others with food in hand.

When people ask me, “Is there any lasting difference?”, my reply is simply to show them the photo of me and Sarah.