BY JASON HANASH
“My first encounter with a demonic spirit came in 2003 when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, serving in the Navy. During this time, I was actively involved at Family Fellowship Church in Oceanside, leading the men's discipleship classes. One Wednesday evening, an unexpected call from the Executive Pastor changed the course of my spiritual journey forever. He asked if I would accompany him that evening instead of attending the usual Bible study. He mentioned that someone in desperate need of prayer was coming to the church, and he wanted me to join him in this urgent matter.
As the sun set, casting long shadows over the church grounds, we waited in the hushed, dimly lit sanctuary. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The pastor explained that a witch had called earlier that day, expressing a desire to learn more about Jesus. Someone had witnessed to her, proclaiming that our God was greater than Satan, and something had stirred within her. She was ready to break free from the dark grip of her family's religion.
When she arrived, I couldn't help but notice the palpable tension in the air. She was accompanied by another woman who had also sensed the urgency of the situation. We led them to a private prayer room, a small sanctuary of hope within the church. The woman, visibly distressed, shared her story. Her eyes, dark and intense, seemed to hide untold horrors. She spoke of years of bondage, of rituals, and the deep-rooted fear that had plagued her life.
As we began to pray, the atmosphere shifted. The room seemed to grow colder, and an oppressive weight settled upon us. My pastor, seasoned in spiritual warfare, took the lead, calling upon the name of Jesus with unwavering faith. Suddenly, the demon within her manifested. Her voice changed, becoming guttural and unearthly. She lashed out violently, her body convulsing as the demon fought to maintain its hold. The battle was fierce, and at times, it seemed as though the darkness might prevail.
But we pressed on, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit, declaring the authority of Christ over the forces of evil. The woman retched and vomited as the demon's grip weakened. The struggle was intense, yet our resolve never wavered. We witnessed the power of prayer and the might of our Savior in those harrowing moments.
And then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace. The woman's eyes, once dark and lifeless, now shone a brilliant, clear blue. She looked around the room with a newfound awareness, free from the chains that had bound her for so long. We were astounded by the transformation, a testament to the undeniable power of God's love and deliverance.
We ensured that she was taken to a safe place with extended family and supported her as she continued her faith journey in another city, far from the clutches of her family's witchcraft and abuse. Her story of redemption and freedom became a beacon of hope, a powerful reminder of the spiritual battles we all face and the victory we have through Christ.
This encounter was a pivotal moment in my life, igniting a passion for spiritual warfare and a deep commitment to helping others find freedom in Jesus. It set me on a path to understanding the spiritual battlefield, a journey I now share with you in this book. Together, we will explore the unseen realm, uncover the strategies of the enemy, and learn how to stand firm in the victory that is ours through Christ.”