As famine looms in Uganda, child sacrifice is on the rise. The crisis hits the poorest fuelling the demand for the rituals. A police report confirms 23 deaths since the beginning of the year. One child abuse worker says unemployment and poverty have caused people to turn to witch doctors in increasing numbers to try and sort out their problems. Lee DeYoung with Words of Hope agrees and notes a startling trend: “The numbers have increased, and at least in some cases, those sacrificed have been the children of believers.” Christian radio broadcasts have contributed to the growth of the church. DeYoung says, “The church is being mobilized to speak against this terrible evil. When a child is executed in this kind of ritual sacrifice fashion, it is a violation of Ugandan law. However, human trafficking is less clearly prohibited in the legal code.” The rise of the grisly practice has been slow, but steady. According to government reports, last year ritual ceremonies linked more than 300 casesof murder and disappearances. Only a handful of perpetrators were found. DeYoung says there is an increasingly aggressive presence of witchcraft. A specially trained police task force has been established to seek to control human sacrifice. Since then however, there have been 15 more murders. That concerns police, who are investigating another 200 disappearances. DeYoung urges prayer. “It does seem that where the Gospel is spreading, the enemy retaliates. We need to be in prayer that those who experience this may be able to respond, and that the Lord’s provision will prevail.” Source: Intercessors Network via Australian Prayer Network
One day, hopefully soon, Diane will write a post about her (our) involvement with Christian Solidarity Worldwide. My intercessory zeal for the persecuted has certainly been fueled by her passion in this area.
The story that follows is (yet another) heartbreaking reminder that we are blessed beyond comprehension, and can’t ever forget that.
4 Comments to Child sacrifice on the rise in Uganda
So am I. She has to, now that I've thrown her under the bus, right?
David changing a peoples traditional beliefs, even on as cruel as child sacrifices, for wealth and prosperity, is always difficult. Witch Doctors still retain a great deal of power in several parts of the world, even among educated people, in places like India.
My guess is that witch doctors can only retain their control over their followers in a closed minded society. Where people simply accept their long standing traditions. War and poverty do create the desperate conditions that contribute to the willingness to try anything, even child sacrifice, but it will likely take a cultural revolution in the villages in places like Uganda to get people to change their system of belief in the power of witch doctors.
At least the government publicly recognizes the problem, and has convict some witch doctors. There are also many organizations from outside that country trying to get the people to change how they think. Hopefully now that the problem has finally being exposed more success in stopping it will follow.
“My guess is that witch doctors can only retain their control over their followers in a closed minded society.”
I’d say you’re spot on there Ed, and with the revolution to change. The govt recognising is always an important step, but there remains a lingering doubt that its sincere, and aimed at pleasing the rest of the world rather than actually dealing with the problem
However, as you say, hopefully there will be more success in stopping it. Let’s never stop hoping!
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November 23, 2009
Wow, that's heartbreaking! Looking forward to reading Diane's post.