Postcard from Africa: Sierra Leone
“My name is Ahmed Tejan, and I am 63 years of age. I am divorced, but I have four children. I am a Muslim. I am an ex-soldier and fought in Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil rebel war. Throughout those years of bloody war, I was in intense use of charms and amulets which I believed served as means of protection from bullets and any other attack from enemies. I so much believed in those charms, and they were very easy to use because my faith permits their use, so I have been into them ever since I was young. I strongly believed that they had been the ones protecting me from harm and danger from the enemy until I reluctantly watched the Jesus Film.
“I was invited to the Jesus Film by one of the pastors showing the film. I didn’t want to attend, and I challenged them that watching the movie would not change me into being a Christian, informing them that I am loyal to my religion. At the show, I was amazed at how Jesus Christ performed extraordinary miracles I had never seen. That ignited my spirit, and I realised God is my only protector. I was so touched by the instance where God saved the disciples in that terrifying storm. I realised that the charms I have been using were not exactly what protected me, but the love God has for me. So, when the pastor gave an altar call, I went out and gave my life to Jesus Christ who is the protector of my life. From that moment on, I have been living in peace and confidence that I have a God who can protect me without rubbing or hanging charms around my waist for protection.
“Please pray for God to give me the strength to reconcile me with my family and that I will be a testimony that God not only saves, but he also protects.”
