A Little Child Will Lead Them

A little boy in a village woke up one Sunday morning with his heart set on going to church, where he would participate with other children of all ages - three to twelve years old - in their Sunday school program, which usually includes rhythmic dagara praise songs, the beating of a drum made out of a plastic water container, dancing feet and clapping hands, prayers directed by the children's minister, and a bible story with a memory verse. 

His father wasn't so sure about his son's interest in this religion. For as long as he can remember, his family and community have practiced traditional African religion, using sacrifices and rituals and fetishes to ward off evil spirits. This Christian religion teaches against these things, which upsets the authorities that try to protect and preserve African culture. 

The father told his son he would beat him if he chose to go to church. He went anyway. 

His father chased him down and found him on the road, where he stopped him and beat him. The boy got up and kept going anyway. 

The father was surprised and puzzled by his son's determination. Seeing that no punishment would keep his child from attending the church, he himself decided to follow the next Sunday and see what it was all about. 

There, under the shade of a tree, he heard the gospel preached. 

For many who have believed in and practiced animism all their lives, this gospel of love and freedom from fear falls like good news on hope-hungry hearts. 

And many are hearing because of the child-like faith of their sons and daughters.