Spiritual Power

Editorial by Gary Gibbs

As the evangelist preached to the crowd gathered at a stadium in Africa, a spiritual battle was raging behind the stage platform. A woman was writhing, kicking and foaming at the mouth. Her deep, gruff voice sent shivers up my spine as I and others prayed for her to be freed from tormenting demons. Through prayer in the name of Jesus, a peaceful calm ultimately swept over her, and she left that night free and happy.

While it is often less obvious, the unseen spiritual battle surrounding us is no less real. Invisible evil forces are constantly at work, leaving a wake of misery and destruction. How are we then, as weak humans, to contend with these powerful supernatural beings?

The only invincible weapon in this cosmic conflict is prayer. “There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings” (Ellen White, Prayer, p. 267).

Because a praying church is a powerful church, one of our mission strategies this quinquennium is to enlist all our members in intercessory prayer. I invite you to pray daily with me for the growth of God’s kingdom in Pennsylvania. As Faith for Family evangelistic meetings and Bible studies are happening, intense spiritual battles are being waged. And just like behind a stage in Africa, your prayers in the name of Jesus are needed to free the suffering captives. United together in prayer, we will fulfill the mission!

Gary Gibbs serves as the president of the Pennsylvania Conference