A couple weeks ago we were preaching in the bush. After we finished at the church, we were driving down a trail and came across two Nyau. This was a first time for me. One was close to 9 or 10 ft tall and the other more like 5 to 6 ft in height. They both had masks over their faces and rags that covered all their body so there was nothing visible. (the picture to the right is an image from Wikipedia and not the exact image I saw).After speaking to some people about this I found out they are part of a "secret" group that communicates with the dead and prays to the spirits. Only men are allowed to be a part of this group and most villagers flee when they see the Nyau coming. Much of what is said about this group is associated with witchcraft, charms, fear, and evil works. They often are able to control whole villages through fear and intimidation and even though so much progress has been made in Zambia - this group is still a very real force in the spiritual realm.
In my opinion, many of us dont consider spiritual warfare much. We dont think of a real battle that is taking place. Therefore, many of us dont fight a spiritual fight. This following verse tells us that we dont "wrestle" against flesh and blood (things seen) BUT that we do wrestle (among other things) against spiritual wickedness.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
3 comments:
Nyau are such a barrier to the Gospel. One village that we are teaching in right now is full of Nyau and they are dancing when we are there. It is crazy what they have to do to become a Nyau and how possessed they are. When they wear the mask they actually believe that they become the animal that they are dressed like. It is crazy. Praying for you guys and your protection.
Wow!! Sounds like sons of Anak!
We are praying for wisdom and for the Power of God to have FREE COURSE! Surely the Nyau know who the REAL GOD IS!!! May the blindness of the people be removed when the light of the TRUE GOSPEL is shined on them!
Ran into something similar with the Hopi Indians here in the US. Similar teachings and if you ask them they know who the men are but are unwilling to tell. One man that I spoke with that had shunned that for following Christ told me of the spiritual influence when wearing such things.
Much prayer needed dear brother.
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