Children accused of witchcraft

[Blue sapphire]

Well I have just watched a programme of children being accused of witchcraft and being devils.....so sad to see these children in Nigeria, Africia.....their parents dumping them....their bodies punished....and their minds hurting.

The progamme was on four corners Four Corners .....and the people saying these things about these children are supposes christian leaders...in the pentecostal movement.

The story had a happy ending in that the fellow (Stepping Stones Nigeria) assisting these children went to the governor and pleaded their case....he was heard and now a law is in place to forbid this practice.

My question is why does God allow this sort of thing to happen to children.....is it a matter of a curse to the third an fourth generation to those who hate Him.

Interested in your input.

 

[TG123]

Well I have just watched a programme of children being accused of witchcraft and being devils.....so sad to see these children in Nigeria, Africia.....their parents dumping them....their bodies punished....and their minds hurting.

The progamme was on four corners Four Corners .....and the people saying these things about these children are supposes christian leaders...in the pentecostal movement.

The story had a happy ending in that the fellow (Stepping Stones Nigeria) assisting these children went to the governor and pleaded their case....he was heard and now a law is in place to forbid this practice.

My question is why does God allow this sort of thing to happen to children.....is it a matter of a curse to the third an fourth generation to those who hate Him.

Interested in your input.

I too have heard such stories. They are horrible and sickening and the so-called "christians" who torment and abuse these kids will answer to God.
I don't believe this is happening because God is punishing them for the sins of their ancestors. It is happening because certain people choose to do evil and these children are their victims.

 

[Jad2009]

It is happening because certain people choose to do evil and these children are their victims.

That pretty much sums up all human misery.

 

[heron]

It's great that some headway has been made. So sad. If you are compelled to give to the ministry, remember that there are many scams coming out of this region.

 

[freeport]

Well I have just watched a programme of children being accused of witchcraft and being devils.....so sad to see these children in Nigeria, Africia.....their parents dumping them....their bodies punished....and their minds hurting.

The progamme was on four corners Four Corners .....and the people saying these things about these children are supposes christian leaders...in the pentecostal movement.

The story had a happy ending in that the fellow (Stepping Stones Nigeria) assisting these children went to the governor and pleaded their case....he was heard and now a law is in place to forbid this practice.

My question is why does God allow this sort of thing to happen to children.....is it a matter of a curse to the third an fourth generation to those who hate Him.

Interested in your input.

That is horrible.

There is much suffering in the world and God mourns at it, but He is also close to the hearts of those who do suffer -- closer then someone who has not gone through that can know. And He is good to give an eternal reward for all innocent blood spilled.

The heart of persecuted children is very close to God.

These things are a horrible matter and God knows the pain.

All I can say is that they are over more quickly then we realize, then on the eternal scale of things it will seem like nothing -- I hate to say, but it is true and needs to be said.

Think of times of pain when the clock just seems to slow down, it seems like forever to us, but then when it is over, after we have healed it seems like nothing.

Right now, we have brief intervals of pain, and sometimes long periods of great anguish, but it does end. As does time. And it will be forgotten, but for eternal reward.

As for God punishing people because of what their fathers did? No.

Absolutely not.

What does that say, 'they deserve it'? Each person is guilty of their own sin: the world is full of victimizers and victims. Plain and simple. The devil has blessed the wicked ones and they strive to do his will, not the will of the Father.

Our duty, as Christians, is to desperately pray and seek an end to the old, passing away wicked world.

Such horrible things are not the work of God, but the works of Satan, which Jesus came to destroy.

God allows it because He sees much further then you do and plans good out of it.

That is very hard for people to hear in the flesh, but it is true.

Never think bad things happen to people "because they sinned" [without evidence]. Yes, bad things do happen to sinners, but the world is full of victims. People oppressed by the wicked powers.

 

[Blue sapphire]

That is horrible.

There is much suffering in the world and God mourns at it, but He is also close to the hearts of those who do suffer -- closer then someone who has not gone through that can know. And He is good to give an eternal reward for all innocent blood spilled.

The heart of persecuted children is very close to God.

These things are a horrible matter and God knows the pain.

All I can say is that they are over more quickly then we realize, then on the eternal scale of things it will seem like nothing -- I hate to say, but it is true and needs to be said.

Think of times of pain when the clock just seems to slow down, it seems like forever to us, but then when it is over, after we have healed it seems like nothing.

Right now, we have brief intervals of pain, and sometimes long periods of great anguish, but it does end. As does time. And it will be forgotten, but for eternal reward.

As for God punishing people because of what their fathers did? No.

Absolutely not.

What does that say, 'they deserve it'? Each person is guilty of their own sin: the world is full of victimizers and victims. Plain and simple. The devil has blessed the wicked ones and they strive to do his will, not the will of the Father.

Our duty, as Christians, is to desperately pray and seek an end to the old, passing away wicked world.

Such horrible things are not the work of God, but the works of Satan, which Jesus came to destroy.

God allows it because He sees much further then you do and plans good out of it.

That is very hard for people to hear in the flesh, but it is true.

Never think bad things happen to people "because they sinned" [without evidence]. Yes, bad things do happen to sinners, but the world is full of victims. People oppressed by the wicked powers.

Thank you freeport.....some things are difficult to understand......even King Solomon said that about the ways of God.

But I do know that human nature needs to struggle to reach a higher spiritual plane....the more we have to struggle the more spiritually we need to rely on God.

Having said this....we also need to find joy in our struggles

May God be with these children.

 

[freeport]

Thank you freeport.....some things are difficult to understand......even King Solomon said that about the ways of God.

But I do know that human nature needs to struggle to reach a higher spiritual plane....the more we have to struggle the more spiritually we need to rely on God.

Having said this....we also need to find joy in our struggles

May God be with these children.

Human nature will reach that understanding as Jesus continues to subject all power and dominion under His feet through the power of God up until the Millennium when Jesus turns over everything to God, as Scripture says.


The old world is quickly passing away.


And it will not come again.

 

[JTornado1]

It is so sad that in the 21st Century, people still believe in witchcraft and are willing to persecute people, even children, for it.

 

[BethelArsonist]

It sounds like you failed to put your finger on the real problem.
You are blaming God for something a bunch of lunatic pentecostals are doing.

 

[Blue sapphire]

It sounds like you failed to put your finger on the real problem.
You are blaming God for something a bunch of lunatic pentecostals are doing.

That is correct.....but God allows it for a period.

I am constantly amazed at the mind of God.....down through the centuries He plans and watches.......He sees generation after generation come and go and each generation do the horrible things that the last one did.

For thousands of years He deals with wayward man....each and every one of them. He is well aware what each generation will bring in this fallen world.......and yet He deals with it in His own way.......He brings justice and mercy to all and never fails in all His plans.

To understand the mind of God.....His ways....even in small amounts is a privilege.

And to quote a Proverb 16:9: "man makes his plans , but the Lord directs his footsteps."

Our God....out Creator....never tires of doing good.......is this how I live my life......do I seek out what is good for those around me.

I need to ask this question every day.

 

[AgapeBible]

I knew some Pentecostals at a "Christian" club in high school, they were pretty loony and extreme, did some very inappropriate things for a public high school. I should have spoken out against them, but I was shy, a milk Christian, very immature in not just my faith but in life.

Were children actually killed in this show you watched? Were the children mentally ill? WHat sort of witchcraft was it? Were they beaten or tied up? Did they have epilepsy? It is indeed such a shame that people are still ignorant and fanatical and they call themselves Christians and do cruel things like this. God is with suffering children. God does not punish people for their ancestor's sin, because that is not fair. I used to think that God cursed my family with mental illness because my southern ancestors owned slaves, but now I realized I am wrong that God does not curse generations like that.

GOd puts us through times of suffering to make us stronger and so we can emphathize with other peoples' suffering.

 

[Blue sapphire]

agapedragon;54128686]
Were children actually killed in this show you watched? Were the children mentally ill? WHat sort of witchcraft was it? Were they beaten or tied up? Did they have epilepsy? It is indeed such a shame that people are still ignorant and fanatical and they call themselves Christians and do cruel things like this. God is with suffering children. God does not punish people for their ancestor's sin, because that is not fair. I used to think that God cursed my family with mental illness because my southern ancestors owned slaves, but now I realized I am wrong that God does not curse generations like that.

GOd puts us through times of suffering to make us stronger and so we can emphathize with other peoples' suffering.

Well the documentary showed this happening in Nigera.... you can view it here. Four Corners - 22/06/2009: Saving Africas Witch Children

These so called christians leaders......who in fact were more like devil worshipers told their congregation that certain children were possessed by devils......these children were as normal as any other child....however when they were labelled as devil possessed they were punished by isolating them....beating them and even killing them.

I wonder how some of these children will grow up.....I wonder how God will work with these children as adults for His purposes.

 

[Worcester Beacon]

It's the same problem as always, it is not God doing this, it is humans using God as an excuse to do what they want. I know that when it comes to face my judgement day iwill have a lot to answer for, but I would not like to be in their shoes when it comes to their judgement.

 

[JasoNnnN]

agapedragon, why are you being racist? "This is how black people treat their children.". Do you think the LORD prefers a white person over a black? Or a black person over a white? Of course not - so why are you? I'd also be careful when you say 'fools', for it was spoken: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.".

To answer the original question, you will find the answer in Matthew 7:21-23:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

 

[AgapeBible]

I suppose I should have thought more before posting my feelings. Something like this makes me angry, for people to treat their own children in such a cruel sadistic way. I know not all black people are bad, I have had some bad experiences meeting mean African Americans but I have also met some very nice people of color. I guess I should not be racist, the Lord loves everybody of every race, color, nation, tribe and tongue.

You cannot judge a whole race by what a few people do, people are individuals. I have heard a lot about black people beating their kids though. The Bible says man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.

I sure hope these poor children get the help they need, and somebody educates their families and villagers and stops these evil corrupt preachers that accuse them of witchcraft.

 

[JasoNnnN]

agapedragon, it's natural to get angry, but remember, it's how you respond that matters. For it is written: Ephesians 4:26: "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

There are two videos on youtube - just type in 'African witchcraft' - something along those lines anyway. They say it's all 'in the name of Jesus'. Hardly, as Jesus would never condone such a thing.

As for helping these children, it's young people like myself that need to do something. We need to unite, deny ourselfs, and help these children 'in the name of Jesus'. Indeed, we can pray for them, but shouldn't some of us being doing more? We should be out there. And I am confident that I will be out there, for I have waited, and it's only a matter of time before I soar like an eagle.

 

[AgapeBible]

Just what can we do about it? Give them money? Why is money always the solution? I don't have the money to give. What about going over there, to those third world countries? Pretty outrageous to ask a ordinary middle class American Christian to do that. How are we suppose to afford it? What about people with problems who are on medication or have health problems? What if a member of a mission party gets hurt or even killed? Then the church could get in big trouble with their families, sued or have criminal charges pressed against them.

 

[JasoNnnN]

Just what can we do about it? Give them money? Why is money always the solution? I don't have the money to give. What about going over there, to those third world countries? Pretty outrageous to ask a ordinary middle class American Christian to do that. How are we suppose to afford it? What about people with problems who are on medication or have health problems? What if a member of a mission party gets hurt or even killed? Then the church could get in big trouble with their families, sued or have criminal charges pressed against them.

Why do you fear 'death'? Jesus said: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."

And no, giving money isn't enough. There must be love also. Indeed, it is a big ask, but Jesus asked what are you doing more then them? (sinners). "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22).

 

[AgapeBible]

I have personal experiences with witchcraft. I almost went down that dark road myself. As a child I always loved fairy tales and read as much of them as I could find. I wanted to be a princess and find my perfect prince and live happily ever after with him. If I wasn't pretty enough to be a princess, then I could be the fairy godmother, or the good witch. After suffering through a strict private Christian school when I was in third grade I went to a public school. In fourth grade I found some books about witches in the school library. One of them was for kids, and it talked about good, or "white" witches who practiced good, or "white" magic. In this case the term white does not have anything to do with race or skin color, it means that white is the color of goodness and purity, and black is the color of darkness, sin and evil.

So i thought it could be cool if I could be a white witch when I grew up, and had the magic power to end world hunger, bring about world peace, stop all the bad guys from committing crimes and acts of violence, get rid of all dangerous and bad drugs, heal the land where it had been destroyed by deforrestation, construction and pollution, etc. But of course, I know now that only Jesus Christ can do these things.

Then I read more, other books about how real witches signed their name in blood in a black book belonging to the Devil, real witches sold their soul to Satan to get power and worshiped Satan. That is what medieval Christians believed, and that is true because Satan has control over those involved in sorcery and the occult. This is why the medieval Christian Catholic church went after anyone accused of witchcraft, tortured them to get them to confess, and burned them to death at the stake. The Bible does indeed say that witches should not be allowed to live. Why is such cruelty and murder allowed in the name of God? Do Christians have the right to kill people even if they really are witches, just because they believe differently from us? Jesus told us to love our neighbor and treat people the way we want to be treated, yet the church has a history of very unchristian behavior and treatment for outcast people. This confused me, I was young and didn't understand, it questioned my faith in God and the Bible, the more i read of the Bible the more it angered and disgusts me, the more I disagreed with the harsh cruel laws of the old testament, the punishments always seemed to be death for the slightest infraction.

I would have moments when I would come back to the Lord. I came back to the Lord in Middle school and was very shy. I wanted to be a missionary, but that idea went sour. I have mental problems, and sometimes the way I was treated by psychiatrists just made it worse.


In high school I read more into mythology and fantasy novels, I like world mythology and fantasy books. My favorites are the Chronicles of Narnia, the Enchanted Forest series by Patricia C. Wrede, and Land of Xanthe by Piers Anthony. I went to prayer at the flagpole and met the leader of a Christian club at school. This turned out to be a rather unorthodox holy roller pentecostal thing. One kid was really extreme and condemn anything fantasy. Poor kid, he made himself miserable, because he liked the Never-ending Story, and so do I, he berated himself for watching it. And I thought it had Christian values of hope in it.

my parents are slightly racist. They were children in the 1950's, teens in the 1960's, young adults in the 1970's, and they lived in the south. I suppose I get it from them.

White people can abuse their children bad too, like the child called "It", his mother was white.

I would like to go to Africa and help, but I can't, I have many things standing in my way. That makes me mad. The government may not let me leave the US. I never fly on planes, it would be a diffcult process going through the airport. Would they let me take the medicine I need with me on the trip, or would they try to arrest me for bringing along the legal prescription drugs I need to stay sane and stable? I am mentally ill, there's the danger I could go crazy or get angry and find myself accused of being a witch.

 

[JasoNnnN]

agapedragon, you don't need to go to Africa to help - you can do things in your own country. If we are the body, then each body part has different roles - but all are needed. Remember the words of Jesus: "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Pray and ask God. But continuing praying.

I read a book called 'Don't Waste Your Life-John Piper' and it was really good. Some things he said were:

"Oh, how many lives are wasted by people who believe that the Christian life means simply avoiding badness and providing for the family. So there is no adultery, no stealing, no killing, no embezzlement, no fraud - just lots of hard work during the day, and lots of TV and PG-13 videos in the evening (during quality family time), and lots of fun stuf on the weekend - woven around church (mostly). This is life for millions of people. Wasted life. We were created for more."

and;

"God does not promise enough food for comfort or for life - he promises enough so that you can trust him and do his will."

Which is completely true - as Jesus said:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.