*Narong and *Junta were deeply immersed in the occult practices and folk Buddhism of Thailand when they encountered Jesus and became His disciples.
Narong, in particular, embraced his newfound faith with joy, actively sharing the gospel and leading others to Christ through acts of kindness, personal testimony, and the simple teachings of Jesus.
In Thailand, new disciples of Jesus typically do not face the physical threats and persecution that are common in neighboring communist or Muslim countries. However, a surprising and unsettling threat began to loom over Narong and Junta’s family. Junta fell victim to a mysterious and debilitating illness that grew progressively worse.
Despite multiple blood tests, doctors were baffled by her condition. As Junta’s health deteriorated, the family was forced to make significant adjustments, including changes in their living situation, finances, and ministry. Eventually, her condition became so severe that the church gathered to pray for her, seeking relief from her pain and for her heart to be prepared for what seemed like an imminent death.
During this time of prayer, the wife of their movement catalyst discerned that Junta had been cursed by another woman who sought to take Narong as her husband. Upon investigation, they discovered this to be true. Despite Narong and Junta having been married for over ten years and blessed with two healthy daughters, a well-known shaman had been enlisted by the woman to curse Junta to death.
Narong’s kindness had attracted many spiritually hungry people, but it had also drawn the attention of enemies of Christ, leading to this targeted attack through black magic.
After this revelation, the movement catalyst and his wife led the family in a dedicated season of prayer and fasting. Today, Junta has made a full recovery, and her testimony has become a powerful source of encouragement within the movement, offering hope to those who fear the power of black magic. Narong and Junta’s two daughters have since grown into bold, articulate young leaders within this rapidly expanding movement.
*pseudonyms