Read: Ephesians 6:10-16
Take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (v. 11 NIV)
The Theological Education by Extension Program was finishing its fifth year. The goal of this program was theological training for the many new believers who would be teaching and evangelizing among their people. Over four hundred Tzeltals participated, each taking three courses a year.
At the final service, each of the teachers gave a report. Estevan came from a remote area of the tribe, but had taught one of the largest classes, with fifty students in Aguasarga.
He began by saying he was the third teacher for his area. The first two had become ill and were unable to teach. He told how just before his first class session, his right eye clouded over so he couldn’t read. He prayed and it cleared up, and he taught the course.
When it was time for the second session, his left eye did the same thing, and again it was healed after he prayed.
When it was time to teach the third session, both of his legs tightened up as with a paralysis. He was unable to walk. So he asked the fifty students to pray with him. His legs were healed. He was able to teach.
Satan knows the power of God’s Word, and tried to disable the teachers. But Estevan knew the power of prayer, and the Source of this power. Satan was forced to withdraw when they called on the name of Jesus for healing. —Helen Hofman
As you pray, call on the name of Jesus to empower you to do what he has called you to do.
About the Author
Helen Hofman is a retired missionary. She and her husband Sam worked with the Tzeltal and Tojolabal Indians of Chiapas, Mexico for more than forty years. In their work, they helped set up a Bible School to train the Tzeltals, taught in the Bible School, prepared Sunday School materials, textbooks, hymnals and audiovisuals. They also coordinated the translation of the Amatenango Tzeltal New Testament and the revision of the highland Tzeltal Bible.
