Deng (far left) with Abebe and SIM-Sudan nurse, Vickie Beattie (holding a Mabaan Bible)

The missionaries serving at Doro, South Sudan, make regular village visits to share the Gospel. One such visit took them to the village of Deng, a Mabaan witchdoctor. Demon-possessed since his youth, Deng’s ability to foresee events and wield power in the community had earned him respect, notoriety, and wealth. He even owns a vehicle, whereas a simple bicycle is considered an outstanding possession.

As Ethiopian missionaries Sebsibe and Abebe spoke about Jesus, Deng was attentive. He told them of the demonic influence in his own life—powers that put him out of his mind, urging him into the bush for days at a time until family members found him and dragged him home. “Can you deliver me?” he asked. Sebsibe replied, “No, we are not able. But we serve the God who is able, who is more powerful than the demons.”

As Sebsibe and Abebe prayed, Deng was cast onto the ground, shaking violently. Then the demon departed & Deng became still. Sitting up, grateful & amazed, Deng asked what he must do to be saved! Should he get rid of one of his two wives? Give up drinking? Remove the fetishes?

Sebsibe and Abebe told him the Good News of God's love in Jesus, and Deng put his trust in Christ. The Lord would instruct him what to do next, they said, promising to visit him regularly for Bible teaching. Deng immediately followed the pattern of the jailer in Acts 16 by calling his family together and testifying to them. That day, his wives and two other family members believed in Christ.