Share the Message

Editor’s Note for Parents/Guardians: This true story includes references to spiritual conflict and supernatural themes that some children may find intense. While the events described are more dramatic than what most children experience, the Bible reminds us that the enemy often works in quiet, subtle ways to influence hearts and choices. Parents are encouraged to read the story first and talk it through with their children afterward.

“Sshhh,” Marguerite[i] whispered as wind tossed the branches of a palm tree far above her. “We’re almost there.”

Kisangani, a city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to more than 1.6 million people—and many of them are children. In this big city beside the Congo River, spiritual battles between light and darkness are very real. Even adults are afraid of witchcraft and the dangers it can bring people involved in it. This is why one group of young people kept a dark secret—that they were being trained to be witches.

Marguerite slipped to the outskirts of town and into a graveyard where some of her friends were already waiting. The evil angels were late this evening. Night after night they personally trained Marguerite and her friends in sorcery. Marguerite liked the idea of having special “powers” and being called a witch, even though she was still a child.

“Our teachers are late tonight. I wonder what has held them up,” Marguerite spoke aloud.

“Maybe they are keeping our parents fast asleep so that they do not miss us,” one of her friends said.

That night in the graveyard changed everything for Marguerite and her friends.

Suddenly a flash of light enveloped the group. Instantly they knew that this presence was different. Marguerite fell to the ground and squinted as she held up a hand to shield her face. Out of the light she could see the form of a heavenly being.

“What are you doing here?” a voice spoke firmly. “You do not have time for this.”

The night rituals. The hours she spent under the demons’ instruction paled in comparison to the words of this new visitor.

When the children did not reply, the angel spoke again: “Jesus is coming soon.”

This world is full of material that will draw you away from God. Is there anything in your life that isn’t preparing you for God’s kingdom—and maybe better preparing you to live in darkness? If so, put it away. God is speaking to you today: You don’t have time for this. Jesus is coming soon!

That night in the graveyard changed everything for Marguerite and her friends. They told their parents everything and refused to meet the demons again. They opened their hearts to the Holy Spirit and felt a burning desire to share the angel’s message with the people in Kisangani. Many churches opened their doors to hear the story from the lips of the children who wanted to tell the world that Jesus was coming soon and that no one had time to be baited by the devil’s tricks. Marguerite’s testimony was powerful, and many people were touched by her experience in a graveyard where heavenly angels intercepted demons. Less than a year later Marguerite attended an evangelistic series in her city and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church along with her family.

Did you know that you have a testimony to share? Do you believe that Jesus is coming soon? Look for opportunities to share what He has done for you! Maybe He’s given you victory over sin or obviously protected you from danger. Just like Marguerite, be ready to listen to His voice and share what He has done for you! He will give you courage to fulfill His mission!

[i] Names have been changed for privacy.