Editor’s note: The following story, from Joe’s time as a pastor in Guinea before joining AFM, was related to him by Stephane, a married father of three.

I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. God used Pastor Joe to restore me from a life of depression during the time of COVID-19. Since I was truly a committed Christian, I did not believe that I could be a target of Satan. My understanding of the Christian life was that Christians would lead lives without trials. In 2020, when I lost my job, I lost the support of friends, my church and even my parents. This is when I plunged into depression.

I, who was very involved in the church, was grieved when the church did not want my presence. My situation became so difficult that I could no longer make monthly rent payments. Because I owed so much to the owner of the house, he put me in prison. When I got out of prison, I had no choice but to return to the family home.

In 2021, when Pastor Joe learned of the situation in which I was living, he left his city to come and pray for me and anoint me with oil. When he returned home, Pastor Joe exhorted us over the phone with a prayer of deliverance because we come from animist families. He explained to us what it is to live a Christian life. We then understood that the powers of darkness had their hands behind my situation.

As we prayed, things became increasingly complicated, but Pastor Joe encouraged us to persevere. He said that the world of darkness was using its last weapons. There were times when I could no longer feed the family, and I had to send them to the Ivory Coast to live with one of my brothers for a while. After two years of praying and fasting, the Lord visited me and restored me. Jesus always wins.

I now understand that Christians are also called to pass through difficult times. But in difficult times, we must persevere in prayer. Though I had almost lost faith, God sent his servant, Pastor Joe, and I found faith again.

Dear brothers and sisters, stories like those of Stephane are not isolated. There are many more like his throughout Central Africa. I invite you to join our support team through your thoughtful prayers and donations.

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