Amazing Redemption of Those Controlled by Evil Spirits

As we prepare to honor our Savior during this holiday season, it's good to remember His power in the lives of mankind...

Sometimes we need reminders of God’s incredible ability to save the lost. We also need the inspiration of people who’ve sacrificed normal lives to serve the Lord. 

So let me share the story of Ivan and Doris Schoen. In 1956, Ivan heard about 5 missionaries martyred in Ecuador, and the next day he gave 2 weeks’ notice at his job and fully committed to ministry to unreached people groups living in jungles.

We aren’t all called to make this types of sacrifice, but we are definitely called to pray for people who make it. And it builds our faith to hear about their dedication and the incredible power of the gospel.

Ivan and Doris went through biblical and medical training and headed to the jungles of Suriname with their 3 small children. They gave up every modern convenience to live among natives who had never heard the gospel. 

These tribes were known for their violence and their culture was based on fear of evil spirits. The painted their skin each evening to keep the evil spirits away. And they killed most of their newborn children thinking they were appeasing demonic spirits. 

As the Schoen’s learned the language and began understanding the culture, God gave them amazing and creative ways to share the gospel. 

Please set aside 76 minutes this week and listen to this video explaining the Schoen’s mission. I know it will bless you as it did my husband and me. Video: Lifted. 

These other resources will also encourage you:

A Saint's Life about the son of one of the missionaries martyred in Ecuador. See also Steve Saint.

Less, Not More about the sister of one of the men martyred in Ecuador and what she gave up to share Christ with the tribe that murdered her brother.

Big Feet of Gladys Aylward about a woman whose big feet gave her favor to share the gospel in China.