When we asked you to pray for the family of Edna, our house gal whose father-in-law passed away, we had no idea how much spiritual protection she would need.   We knew that African funerals involve a week of mourning, hosting friends and family who come for the wake, and the usual grief we all experience at the loss of a loved one.

What we did not know, but Edna was dreading, was all the traditions involved in the Animistic beliefs.  Family members are to completely shave their heads (men, women and children), and there are rituals in which the family members’ faces are washed in a particular concoction of stuff, and oil poured on their heads.  Edna refused to have her head shaved, and she’d arranged in advance for her children to only be present for part of the week’s events, and lodged at the home of a Christian friend for most of the time.

It was when Edna stood up for her faith in Jesus and refused to participate (or allow her children to) in the animistic rituals that the opposition came.  She was under incredible pressure the whole week.  Her husband’s mother is the 3^rd wife of the deceased, and her husband is the elder of the only 2 children she bore.  For that part of the family, he is responsible to carry on the duties as head of the family.  A first generation believer, her husband is not as strong in his faith as Edna, a 3^rd generation believer who had the support of her believing mother at her side. 

I was amazed listening to Edna tell all that was said to and about her in the course of the week.  She was afraid that her husband’s family would harm her, they threatened to find a new wife for their brother, now that they see she is not planning to carry on the traditional ancestor worship (which includes sacrificing a goat once a year, feeding the ancestors by placing food and palm oil at their graves).  They are certain something terrible will happen to her or her kids since she refuses to honor her husband’s ancestor’s graves.  But she quietly assured them that “My God will take care of me, I am not afraid.”

I was so proud of her; I hugged her and told her that many of you, our prayer partners, were praying for her and her family.  She felt your prayers, saying, “I didn’t know how I did it!”  Over the course of the week, she’d talked till her voice gave out, explaining why she would never be able to carry out the animistic rituals they expect of her.  Now she knows it was by the power of Christ through your prayers on her behalf. 

Please continue to pray for Edna and her husband.  His family will put great pressure on him to find another wife, a second wife, who will perform the duties demanded by the ancestors.  Pray that they have wisdom to handle each challenge as it comes, including the annual sacrifices to the ancestors, which now include his father.  Pray that no tragedy occurs in the extended family, or it will be assumed that her refusal to participate is the cause.  And pray that his family will one day put their trust in Christ, who conquered the grave, and no longer be slaves to rituals demanded by false gods.