On the surface, life in Kensuli seems pretty normal. Many Palawanos care for their livestock, gardens and rice fields. Everyone is typically very friendly and enjoys one another’s company, often sharing meals around an open fire.

But behind the scenes, demonic forces are at work, leading many into animism. Steeped in tradition, many people here pray to other deities and spirits who they believe control the wind, fire and other elements. When I learned this, I started praying diligently and prepared something for Sabbath school the following day that would illustrate biblically how worshipping spirits cuts us off from God.

That night, I was thrashed by demons in my dreams as they tried to instill fear. However, this made me want to share the truth with the Palawano people even more. I thought: If I am being attacked like this, then Jesus must have a real special place in His heart for these people.

The following day, Jiro, a local boy, was outside my house and screaming in pain because a giant elupian (Palawano word for centipede) had bitten him. I carried Jiro across the village to Sir Sunday’s, where he treated him with ibuprofen and a local herb known to help. Jiro screamed in pain the entire time we treated him. Later, his family came and carried him home.

During morning worship the next day, I received word that his family had prayed to the spirits, and Jiro stopped crying instantly. Spiritual warfare is real. Satan is on the prowl out here, ensnaring Palawanos and leading many people astray, people who are some of the most loving, caring and beautiful people I have ever met. Please pray that they truly accept Jesus into their hearts.

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