“They put the devil outside”

As part of promoting religious freedom, Liberia has laws about when a religious group can worship. 

That’s why hearing the words “the devil is outside” on a Sunday morning was so surprising. 

“Putting the devil outside” is how Liberians indicate that the Poro society is doing secret business. All women, children, and any non-initiated members must go inside. If they are found outside, they will be taken and forcibly initiated or killed. 

The society is only supposed to put the devil outside at night. This is a law that everyone knows well. There was obvious intention behind their decision to choose a different time. 

Milton received the call just as he was getting ready to go to church. I was not feeling well that day, so I was planning to stay home. He immediately jumped on the motorbike to investigate the situation. 

As he entered the town, he could feel the darkness and confusion present, but he knew the service had to continue. He received news that one of the church members, Emmanuel, had been taken by the society. Some church members were in hiding. Others were scared to come to church that day from fear of what would happen to them. He drew the people together in prayer and continued to lead them to Christ in the midst of the chaos. 

When he returned home, we bowed in prayer for the town, for Emmanuel and for the people. In the midst of the confusion, we wanted to keep our focus on Christ and we wanted the same for the others. He invited the church leaders over to pray, not knowing what the future would hold. 

Stay tuned for part 2…