by Amber Smith, a Pioneer in Poland
The Shiva-like statue of the demonic goddess leered at us from across the open field. The nearly monotone chanting began with large speakers carrying the voices of priests to where our little group sat in the mid-day heat trying, but failing, to remain incognito. Refusing to stand or kneel in adoration of the goddess, we quickly came under the scrutiny of others. From all over the field suspicious and slightly annoyed faces stared at us. A woman punched her husband in the shoulder to get him to turn around and behave. We remained silent observers as the mother goddess was hailed through sacred rites and proclaimed to be humanity’s light, teacher, guide, and the one who will lead her people into life. Our souls, however, raged within us. The flesh of sacrifice was rent and distributed amongst the faithful. Wine flowed like blood; or, was it the other way around?
After the ceremony, an Edge team member felt the Holy Spirit leading her to pray over an elderly, hunch-backed woman sitting a few rows in front of us. We approached her and I explained that Kerri would like to pray for her healing. At first, the woman nodded affirmatively. Then, a cloud of doubt passed across her face. Once she realized our intention to pray for her in Jesus’ name, she became very frightened. “No, you better not,” she responded, “I don’t want you to put a curse on me. You might be Satanists.” We walked away discouraged. “Perhaps, God would have chosen to heal her but, she was not willing,” I thought dejectedly.
The image of the dark goddess was scattered around the field and the buildings of the Bright Mountain fortress. In her ornate worship chamber, masses of people knelt before the Queen of Heaven. In order to get a closer look at the one whom they adore, many dropped to their knees and crawled the circumference of her most holy and revered idol, standing only when they had exited her alcove. On the walls hung medallions representing body parts along with crutches, canes, and other offerings from those who had received the miraculous healing they had prayed for so devotedly. A chill ran down my spine as another Edge team member pointed out the satanic symbols of horned bulls, the sun, moon, and the all-seeing eye ensconced on every side of us. Outside, we found booths where medallions and other talismans were being blessed, and we visited a museum where costly offerings to the goddess were proudly displayed.
During lunch, the severe spiritual oppression that had been building all morning became too much for me. I do not weep for this nation often enough; yet, my heart is cleft when all around me the battle rages. Satan has a strangle hold on this country where the Mother of God reigns supreme. Christ has been bloodied and beaten and is utterly defeated. And, that is exactly where the deceiver wants Him. During the train ride home, the lyrics of a song resonated in my ears: “What choice do I have, but to join the battle? No debt that I owe, but that I love you forever.”
Please pray that those walking in darkness will see the great Light. Pray that many workers would come to this spiritual void to reach the lost and to rescue the prisoners. May the true and living Christ be proclaimed in Poland!