LOSS AND ISOLATION NOT CAUSING FALTERING
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| Ezekiel and Safira`s baby boy died. |
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June 3, 2009
by Dena McMaster
Ezekiel and Safira, Yanomami believers in Brazil, continue to rest in Christ in spite of stepping from one fiery trial to another.
Recently when their young boy became ill, the boy's maternal grandfather took him to a witchdoctor for treatment. Ezekiel, a strong leader in the Yanomami church, could only sob as he watched the witchdoctor chant over the toddler.
Yanomami culture dictates that the wife's father has the final say in matters concerning his grandchildren.
The couple was able then to take the child for treatment, but God chose to take the little boy and the heartbroken parents returned home with him for his funeral.
Though a traditional Yanomami funeral was held with wailing and complicated rituals, the couple stayed true to their Christian beliefs. Safira said, "God took him," and trusted in the God of all comfort. However, since the funeral Safira has been with her family constantly and is being influenced by the cultural beliefs and taboos of her family. Pray for Safira as she struggles with grief and with choosing between following cultural beliefs and standing strong in her faith.
The next day was the time for a Yanomami funeral ritual during which they burn the bones, grind the ashes to powder and drink the resulting potion. Then a few bones are saved for future use by the witchdoctor. Ezekiel refused to save any bones or partake in any ceremonies.
His brother became angry and wanted the bones saved to perform a ceremony for his own ill son. The contention grew into a large argument between family members. Though Ezekiel continued to refuse, the family took some banana sauce mixed with the powdered bones and began drinking it. He refused to partake.
One of the men screamed that he must drink the potion or he didn't love his son. But Ezekiel firmly refused, explaining that he is God's child and didn't need to partake in any ceremonies to show his love for his son. Though there were other believers in the group, Ezekiel stood alone with no one to support him. He showed great spiritual maturity and is determined to demonstrate to his unsaved family and friends that he is resting in Jesus through all adversity. |
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