From Egypt in North Africa, where spiritual battles are deeply intertwined with cultural contexts, to Brazil in South America, where dark forces continue to challenge believers, the need for spiritual freedom is evident. On the continent of Asia, marked by religious diversity, and Australia, where spiritual awareness is increasing, Adventists are seeking answers. Similarly, in Europe and North America, cultural shifts such as the resurgence of interest in the occult and witchcraft have heightened awareness of the influence of the demonic realm. Today, many Adventists report personal encounters that challenge their faith and emotional well-being.

As Director of the Set Free in Christ Institute, I have received pleas for spiritual assistance from nearly every continent. In fact, over the past four months, I have been overwhelmed with dozens of emails each week, reflecting a growing concern about demonic oppression among Seventh-day Adventists—yes, Adventists—across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.

With the consent of those involved, I will be sharing in upcoming issues of Adventist Frontiers magazine the spiritual challenges Adventists face in various cultural contexts. Their testimonies reflect the urgent need for spiritual deliverance and renewal.

The Impact of Spiritual Oppression Across Continents

In Europe, the situation is multifaceted. While some Western Adventists contend with secularism and skepticism regarding spiritual matters, others struggle with remnants of superstition and fear surrounding the demonic, leading many to seek deliverance from generational curses and spiritual strongholds. However, the stories of families experiencing freedom from oppression are becoming profound testimonies of faith, contributing to a stronger and healthier church community.

The Transformative Work of the Set Free in Christ Institute

Through the work of the Set Free in Christ Institute, lives are being transformed, and churches and missionaries are being strengthened in several key ways:

Restored Spiritual Vitality—Many believers experience renewed faith and a deeper connection with Christ after breaking free from spiritual hindrances.

Stronger Families and Marriages—Through this program, people are healed from spiritual oppression, generational bondage and past trauma, leading to healthier family relationships and marriages.

Missionary Readiness—As the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to expand its mission, church workers, members, and missionaries equipped with spiritual discernment are better prepared to engage in cross-cultural evangelism and stand firm in faith.

Biblical Understanding of Spiritual Warfare—The ministry provides biblical education on deliverance and spiritual discernment, preventing fear and superstition while reinforcing Christ’s victory over evil.

A Practical Example: Spiritual Influence in Objects

Earlier this year, a couple reached out to the Set Free in Christ Institute, seeking guidance on whether a Native American wedding vase—gifted to them—could carry spiritual significance. It is crucial to remain vigilant about the objects we keep in our homes, as they can sometimes carry unseen influences.

While a wedding vase is traditionally a symbol of love and unity among certain Native American cultures, it is also important to consider the spiritual significance attached to ceremonial items. Many cultural artifacts are not merely decorative but hold deep spiritual meaning.

I shared with the couple the experience of a Christian man who brought home a wooden mask with a carved face after visiting an animist community. Shortly after, he began experiencing deteriorating health and unexpected marital struggles. Though he did not initially connect these events, intense prayer and discernment led him to realize that the Holy Spirit was pointing to the mask in his office, which seemed to gaze at him with lifelike eyes. He later discovered that the object carried negative spiritual influences, affecting his life. Only after burning the mask did his health and marriage return to normal.

A Biblical Perspective on Spiritual Discernment

Scripture repeatedly warns against keeping objects associated with ungodly practices:

Deuteronomy 7:25-26—God commands His people to destroy idolatrous objects to prevent spiritual contamination.

Acts 19:19—The early believers publicly burned their occult books and artifacts to sever any spiritual ties to past practices.
Even if a gift is given with good intentions, it is essential to discern whether its presence in your home brings unease or spiritual conflict. The enemy often uses seemingly benign objects as entry points to subtly influence our lives.

As a general counsel to all, if you ever sense discomfort or spiritual unrest in front of an art object, tribal statue or cultural artifact, consider removing it from your home and rededicating your living space to the Lord’s presence.

For those seeking spiritual renewal, deliverance or deeper discipleship, the Set Free in Christ Institute serves as an invaluable resource—reminding us that true freedom is found in Christ alone.

The Set Free in Christ Institute is a regular AFM project. It is the only such ministry in the worldwide SDA Church and needs your support. If you sense God’s leading, please become a monthly contributor to keep this important ministry going. You will be entering into the front lines of the battle against the hosts of evil.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue this life-changing ministry.

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