09. Strange Power: Ecuador

CHAPTER NINE STRANGE POWER: ECUADOR

Meet Pablo Lopez, Quichua Indian and genuine witch doctor, with powers which make him dreaded and respected by practically all Indians within a wide radius of the Arajuno area (the mission station nearest to Auca territory). The word power is not used lightly here for the man traffics in things demoniac, things which in the civilized world are scarcely acknowledged because of their rarity.

Born of a father who worshiped Satan and who once, while in a narcotic trance, was heard to say in Quichua, “We are Satan, of those who crucified Jesus of Nazareth,” Pablo has followed in his father’s footsteps. Partaking of certain narcotic roots, on occasion he goes into a trancelike state under which he has done strange things. Not the least of such feats was his assertion - in response to a question as to the fate of the five martyrs by neighboring Indians - that all five men were dead bodies lying on the beach of the Curaray River - and this some days before any rescue party was able to verify the truth of the tragedy.

Time and space do not permit a more accurate description of what appears to be true demon possession, but the Scriptures give us the answer of cure in prayer and fasting. The real tragedy is that many are held back because of this one man.

Dr. and Mrs. John Woods Quito, Ecuador, South America