God delivers: Hewa woman are set free

Sunday morning our church gathered together in prayer for 4 Hewa women condemned to die. They along with their children and grandchildren were facing the reality of a "head witch's" decision that the measles outbreak was their fault and they must be killed because of it.

First Baptist Church joined with countless other believers all around the world in praying for their rescue and for this to turn to an occasion for gospel clarity and an embracing of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This morning we received this update:
 
"According to Lutheran missionary Anton Lutz, the message from the missionary and government delegation was well received. In the end, the local commander declared all suspects free and banned the sorcery courts.

ABC news in Australia is reporting that at the meeting not only were the women released, but a ceremony was held where the “head witch” turned over a stone declaring she would not be involved in this kind of activity again.

Praise God for a favorable outcome for Susana, Kontas, Mifila and Helen; their children and their grandchildren!

Please continue to pray for the Hewa people who have not yet and heard or believed God’s Word. Please pray for other villages and people groups in Papua New Guinea who have similar practices.
The youth coordinator for the Western Highlands provincial government of Papua New Guinea, Ruth Kissam, said earlier this month that violence against women accused of witchcraft is a national emergency and it is  creating a refugee crisis in some parts of the country."

Let us be reminded of the importance of prayer and the intense need for the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world - we can make a difference.