A former church secretary in Louisa, Virginia, may spend the rest of her life in prison after being convicted of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from her longtime place of worship. Brenda W. Ragland, 64, who has been a member and employee of the unnamed church for over 20 years, was found guilty on Monday of 14 counts of embezzlement. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years, adding up to a possible 280 years behind bars.

The church discovered Ragland’s alleged misconduct when attempting to donate funds to support another local congregation’s building project earlier this year. Unable to locate Ragland to retrieve a necessary bank letter, church officials reached out to their financial institution directly. To their shock, they learned their account lacked the funds needed for the donation.

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“It is a sad day for the church,” said Louisa Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire, emphasizing the trust the church had placed in Ragland. “They put their faith in Mrs. Ragland to manage the church resources, and she violated that faith by turning church resources into her personal piggy bank.”

Investigators later found that Ragland had diverted more than $670,000 in church funds over the years, including tithes meant for the church, which she funneled into her personal bank account via Cash App. Authorities suspect the total amount may be even higher, as they were only able to review seven years of bank records.

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Senior Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Megan Riordan, who worked with McGuire on the case, expressed hope for the church’s recovery, noting the impact of Ragland’s betrayal. “Ragland wreaked financial havoc on the church that she was supposed to be helping,” Riordan said. She also thanked the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for its “thorough investigation.”

Ragland’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025.

This case serves as a stark reminder that God is purifying His church, exposing wrongdoing within its ranks to strengthen the body of Christ. Scripture tells us this in 1 Peter 4:17: “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins first with us, what shall the end be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

A full-dress reenactment of the ancient water libation ceremony has taken place in Jerusalem, drawing attention from religious observers and prophecy watchers alike.

The event, held during the Sukkot festival, mirrors the actual ritual that was performed in the temple, with Kohanim (priests) and Levites leading the ceremony dressed in traditional vestments. Starting at the Dung Gate in the Old City, participants proceeded to the historic Shiloach Spring, with joyful music and prayers echoing through the streets.

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The Temple Institute assisted in the event, creating a special gold-plated silver vessel to carry water from the spring. The group is dedicated to preparing for the third temple, a topic of deep significance in both the Jewish and Christian faiths. For Christians, the construction of a third temple plays a critical role in end-times prophecy. According to many interpretations, the rebuilding of the temple is connected to the final events before the return of Jesus Christ. As referenced in Daniel 9:27, the prophecy of the Antichrist standing in the temple signals the beginning of the Great Tribulation, a time of great suffering that precedes Christ’s Second Coming.

The Pool of Siloam, where the reenactment took place, has deep biblical roots, tied to the rituals of purification in the temple era. The pool, fed by the Gihon Spring, was a key site where pilgrims cleansed themselves before entering the temple to offer sacrifices. Its reemergence in discussions about the third temple fuels anticipation among those who see these developments as prophetic markers.

Events like the water libation reenactment and the highly anticipated red heifer ceremony are flashing indicators of the approaching end times. According to biblical prophecy, the red heifer, which is necessary for the purification rituals of any future temple, plays a crucial role in preparing for the third temple. Numbers 19 also outlines the significance of the red heifer’s ashes in ceremonial purification. Many Christians and Jews believe the preparations for these ceremonies as fulfilling prophetic milestones that signal the nearing return of the Messiah As these events unfold, they align with Scriptures pointing to the rebuilding of the temple and the acceleration of end-time events described in Daniel and Revelation.

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The Bible, particularly in the book of Revelation, speaks of end-time events that will unfold around the temple. In Revelation 11:1-2, the apostle John describes the measuring of the temple, a moment that is tied to God’s plan for the end times. While these events are significant, Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance, stating in Matthew 24:42, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord will come.”

The Parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 also serves as a powerful reminder that we as Christians must be prepared for Jesus’ return at any time. Like the wise virgins who kept their lamps ready, believers are called to live in a state of spiritual preparedness. Regardless of when these prophetic events occur, we are to obey the words of Jesus: “Therefore you also must be ready, for in an hour when you least expect, the Son of Man is coming” (Matt. 24:44).

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Chris Reed, former president and CEO of MorningStar Ministries, has publicly apologized to ministry founder Rick Joyner, expressing regret for the way he handled his departure. In a heartfelt message, Reed acknowledges the hurt caused on both sides and emphasizes his deep respect for Joyner, whom he calls “a man of integrity.”

“I apologize for the things that I said against an elder when I felt like I was being thrown under the bus. I was wrong, and I was in rare form,” Reed says, explaining that his actions stemmed from hurt and misunderstanding. He admits that he and Joyner did not communicate extensively before or after his resignation, which led to a “vacuum of suspicion.”

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Reed goes on to affirm his admiration for Joyner. “I respect Rick Joyner. He has been faithful to his wife, he’s a man of integrity, he’s a true man that has heard from God, and he’s a prolific author,” Reed states. Despite their differences, Reed expresses his continued love and support for the MorningStar leader: “I miss him, and I love him.”

In addition to his personal apology, Reed condemns recent allegations of abuse within the ministry, defending Joyner’s character. “Rick Joyner in no way had any knowledge of Ericson’s abuse. … He would never put up with that,” Reed says firmly, distancing Joyner from the misconduct of others while supporting the victims.

As Charisma News previously reported, MorningStar Ministries is in the midst of legal battles related to volunteer ex-police officer Erickson Douglas Lee, who has been convicted of sexual abuse and misconduct against minor boys in the church.

Reed went on to emphasize the biblical principle of honoring spiritual leaders, citing the importance of turning “the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers.” He believes this principle, from Malachi 4:6, is crucial to the health of both the church and the nation.

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“I’ll never let the fear of man dictate a decision I ever make again,” Reed explains. “I’ll do what’s right. I’ll listen to a multitude of counselors, but in the end, I’ll never let fear influence a decision I make again. So I apologize to the people that I hurt. I apologize to Rick and Julie. I sincerely apologize to them, to their family and to MorningStar, our family, in any way that I mishandled this. I want to take the low road and I want to be humble about it.”

Reed’s apology highlights the power of repentance and forgiveness, aligning with scriptural teachings. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Reed’s public statement reflects a commitment to humility and reconciliation, key elements of the Christian faith. As Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent interview with Charisma Media, former Satanist-turned-Christian evangelist John Ramirez weighed in on a viral Reddit post revealing that witches are casting spells on former President Donald Trump.

Despite their best efforts, the spells don’t seem to work. Ramirez points to the power of prayer and the spiritual protection surrounding Trump, explaining that “the reason they can’t touch Trump is because you can’t penetrate the blood.”

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The Reddit post describes how witches are shifting focus away from Trump after their spells proved ineffective, citing what they referred to as “some kind of protection around him.” Ramirez, now a leading advocate against witchcraft, attributes this protection to the prayers of believers. “I pray for Trump every other day because I understand God’s plan and purpose for the earth,” he says, noting that Christians around the world are interceding on behalf of the former president.

Ramirez explains that witchcraft, while often portrayed as harmless or even positive, is rooted in the devil’s schemes. Citing his own past in the occult, Ramirez makes it clear that witchcraft is anything but innocent. “I was ignorant for 25 years, right? And God saved me, so they deserve salvation, too,” he says, referring to those caught up in occult practices. He is adamant that salvation through Christ is available to all, including witches, but underscores the spiritual danger of practicing witchcraft.

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According to the Bible, witchcraft is condemned as evil. Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery as one of the “works of the flesh,” warning that “those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Additionally, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly states that anyone who practices witchcraft is “detestable to the Lord.” The biblical warnings leave no doubt that witchcraft is a tool of the enemy, designed to lead people away from God.

Ramirez also shared his personal experience with spiritual warfare. He recalled a time when, as a satanist, he tried to curse a neighborhood but was unable to do so because the Christians there knew how to engage in spiritual warfare. “They chased me out of the region in the spirit,” he says, noting that it was their prayers and understanding of spiritual authority that made the difference.

“You have believers that were armed and dangerous. They knew how to play, and they knew spiritual warfare,” he adds.

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In today’s America, Ramirez believes the spiritual battle is intensifying. He warns Christians that as the country faces moral and spiritual decline, the church must rise up in prayer and spiritual warfare or risk letting satanic forces gain ground unchecked. “The kingdom of God will always reign,” Ramirez declares, but only if believers stand firm in their faith and take action.

As America faces increasing spiritual warfare, Ramirez urges Christians to remember that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper,” (Isa. 54:17). But victory requires active participation in the battle. “If you want to frustrate the devil, frustrate Satanists, frustrate the darkness, you need to expose the devil’s playbook,” Ramirez adds.

For believers, the stakes are clear: the spiritual battle is ongoing, and it’s time for Christians to take their place on the front lines.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Recently, Pastor John MacArthur returned to Grace Community Church for the first time since undergoing a medical procedure that kept him sidelined from preaching. MacArthur sat down for a Q&A session led by Nathan Busenitz, executive vice president of The Master’s Seminary and an elder at GCC, as reported by Church Leaders.

The conversation quickly turned to the topic of leadership failures within the church, most notably the downfall of Steven Lawson. Busenitz asked MacArthur how GCC should process the “adversity that comes from inside the church when people that we respect and trust turn out to be different than we thought they were.

“I know you’re talking about Steve Lawson, and I say that with the deepest agony in my soul,” MacArthur says. Lawson, a former leader at the church and a long-time friend of MacArthur, had recently been exposed for sexual misconduct with a younger woman. MacArthur was candid about the pain of the situation but emphasized that God’s hand is at work in exposing such behavior.

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“The first thing you have to understand is [that] God is blessing this church in many, many ways. And that is one of the ways He is blessing us: to expose someone who is in a position they have no right to be in to purify the church,” MacArthur explains. He adds, “It is fatal to a church to have that kind of behavior in leadership.”

MacArthur points out that God knew the hearts of the many pastors who have fallen into sin. “The Lord said, ‘For Grace Church, that’s enough. For the Master’s Seminary, that’s enough’.”

MacArthur sees this painful experience as part of a larger divine plan to purify the church. “As we get closer to the end, I think the Lord is purifying His church, and I’m so thankful for that,” he says. However, MacArthur expressed deep sorrow for his former colleague, saying, “My heart and soul aches for Steve, obviously, a friend.”

Despite his disappointment, MacArthur continues to pray for Lawson, adding, “I pray constantly, in fact, I find myself almost every night praying for him in some point in the middle of the night.”

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The situation with Steve Lawson, and in churches around the world suffering from fallen leadership, is a sobering reminder of the biblical requirements for pastors and church leaders. According to 1 Timothy 3:2, a pastor “must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, able to teach.” Leaders in the church are called to a high standard, and when they fall, the damage to the body of Christ is profound.

These reflections show the need for continuous prayer, not just for those in leadership but for all Christians. As more leaders fall into sin, it is crucial for believers to support their pastors in prayer, regardless of denomination. The spiritual war is real, and if the church does not stand firm, Satan’s influence will grow unchecked. As MacArthur emphasizes, “We would be foolish to think that there wouldn’t be an effort made by the enemy to plant in this church someone who could have a corrupting influence.”

The church must remain vigilant, praying for purity in leadership and trusting that God is at work in consecrating His people.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent broadcast, prophetic minister Joseph Z shares a striking vision involving billionaire Mark Cuban and a spiritual revelation concerning the political futures of Benjamin Netanyahu, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

According to Z, he experienced a vision in which Cuban appears with what he describes as an “imposter spirit.” In the vision, Cuban, dressed in a lab coat, announces a technology meant to rival Elon Musk’s work. “He was trying to do a form of technology that was better than what Elon was bringing forward,” Z explains, adding that it had to do with robotics. He warns that Cuban’s actions may be part of a broader scheme to replicate Musk’s innovations. “I see a spirit of impostor syndrome, or a competing counterfeit narrative,” he says.

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Shifting from technology to politics, Z discusses the prophetic parallel between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump. He points to the recent assassination attempt on Netanyahu and believes it symbolizes Trump’s potential return to power. “As it goes for Netanyahu, it will go for 45,” he says, referring to Trump by his presidential number. The failed attempt on Netanyahu, according to Z, “means that 45 is likely going back in.”

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He extends this political prophecy to President Joe Biden, whom he refers to as “46.” Z believes the current president could be removed from office, possibly allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to step in temporarily as “47.” Despite this, he maintains that Trump will ultimately return as “48.” However, he cautions that these outcomes are not guaranteed and urges Christians to pray fervently. “It is not just a done deal,” he explains. “We’ve got to pray, we’ve got to believe God.”

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Z emphasizes the critical role of prayer in shaping the future of all nations, explaining the biblical command responsibility of the church to intercede. In these uncertain times a strong Christian presence is essential to maintaining stability. “It’s still ours to lose,” he declares.

The importance of a prayerful Christian population is evident in Scripture. Proverbs 14:34 reminds believers, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” A nation rooted in prayer and obedience to God’s commandments has a far greater advantage of navigating the turbulent waters of the present than one beholden to the ways of Satan.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Pastor Rick Renner, in a recent teaching uploaded to YouTube, delves into the book of Jude to address the danger of false teachers infiltrating the church.

Renner, using detailed Greek translations, warns that the epistle is as relevant today as it was in the first century, exposing leaders who “defile the flesh, despise authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.”

In Jude 8, Renner explains, these “filthy dreamers” justify their immoral actions and show utter disregard for spiritual authority. “They derogatorily speak debasing, nasty, shameful, ugly words toward those in authority who are worthy of honor and respect,” he says, highlighting how such teachers belittle and disrespect those in leadership positions, a practice that continues all too frequently today. Especially with the advent of social media.

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Renner then contrasts this behavior with that of Michael the Archangel, described in Jude 9. In a fierce dispute with the devil over Moses’ body, Michael remains respectful and refrains from hurling insults. Instead, he simply declares, “The Lord rebuke you.” Renner emphasizes, “Even Michael… did not dare cross the line and get into judgment,” showing that true spiritual leaders must uphold respect for God’s authority, even in confrontation.

Moving to Jude 10, Renner explains how false teachers arrogantly speak about things they do not understand. He draws attention to the Greek term “blasfemo,” which means slander or speaking with the intent to harm someone’s reputation. These leaders act on natural, base instincts, which Renner likens to animals, saying they “do not belong in the pulpit—they belong behind the bars in a zoo.”

Renner’s teaching includes an analysis of Jude 11, where he notes that these individuals, like Cain, have abandoned the truth for greed. “They’ve given themselves fully to the error of Balaam,” Renner states, adding that they are morally adrift and corrupted by their pursuit of financial gain. He issues a dire warning to believers saying that embracing error leads to total spiritual ruin. “Those that embrace error don’t stop with one little error,” he says, “they go to the next level… until they lose their bearings completely.”

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Christians today must be equipped with biblical discernment to recognize and guard against false teachers who distort the truth for personal gain. By staying rooted in Scripture, we can detect teachings that stray from God’s Word and hold fast to sound doctrine. As Renner warns, these leaders may appear spiritual but are driven by greed and immorality, making it crucial for Christians to test everything against Scripture.

The Bible instructs us clearly in the matter, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world,” (1 John 4:1).

By relying on God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can protect ourselves from deception and remain steadfast in truth.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In a recent appearance on Daystar’s “Joni Table Talk,” best-selling author Rabbi Jonathan Cahn reveals the startling connections between biblical prophecies and today’s escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Israel.

Cahn dives deep into Ezekiel’s Old Testament prophecies, focusing on the imminent threat of an invasion of Israel. “Ezekiel speaks of a time when nations will come against Israel,” he says. “What we are witnessing today, especially with the recent events involving Turkey and its calls for Arab unity against Israel, is a direct fulfillment of these prophecies.”

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Cahn, stressing the importance of recognizing the spiritual underpinnings of these geopolitical events, issues a warning believers must take to heart. “When you see a nation like Turkey rallying other Arab nations, it’s not just a political move; it’s a prophetic alignment,” he explains. “We are witnessing the rise of the nations mentioned in Ezekiel—specifically in chapters 38 and 39—where God foretells a coalition against His people.”

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He paints a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare at play, emphasizing the significance of Michael the Archangel in this battle. “While there are demonic forces, like ‘Sar Paras,’ working against Israel, God has positioned Michael as the guardian,” Cahn says. “The spiritual realm is intricately connected to what we see unfolding in the physical world.”

Cahn’s analysis doesn’t stop at ancient prophecies; he also makes compelling connections to contemporary events. “Just as the Iranian president’s death sent shockwaves through the region, the timing of these events points to something greater at work,” he remarks. “We must recognize that every occurrence, from the Temple Mount tensions to the turmoil in the streets, is rooted in a cosmic battle foretold in Scripture.”

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Emphasizing the need for Christians to unite and stand firm in their faith, Cahn issues a dire call to action for the church. “This is a wake-up call for believers,” Cahn declares. “We can’t afford to be passive. Just as Israel faces opposition, so too does the body of Christ. We are called to be strong, to hold fast to our beliefs, and to recognize that we are part of this grand narrative.”

Cahn’s message is one that resonates with urgency: “The prophecies are unfolding before our eyes. It’s time for the church to awaken and prepare for the days ahead.” In these tumultuous times, Cahn implores fellow believers to look beyond the surface and seek the prophetic patterns woven into the fabric of current events.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

Tamara Mitchell’s journey into deliverance ministry is a testament to the power of faith, healing and redemption.

In a recent interview with Charisma Media, Mitchell recounts her harrowing experience of being attacked by a demonic force while she slept. “I felt something crawling across my bed,” she says, explaining that the presence lifted her a foot into the air. In that moment of terror, she remembered her grandmother’s advice: plead the blood of Jesus. “I just started pleading the blood of Jesus three or four times, and it dropped me,” she says.

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Mitchell, who was raised in both Baptist and Pentecostal churches, admits that she strayed from her Christian upbringing during her teenage years. In her search for answers, she explored New Age practices, despite knowing deep down that it was wrong.

“I started studying New Age… things I wasn’t supposed to be dilly-dallying in,” she says. The Bible clearly warns against engaging in such practices, with Deuteronomy 18:10-12 stating:

There must not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or who uses divination, or uses witchcraft, or an interpreter of omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts spells, or a spiritualist, or an occultist, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God will drive them out from before you.

Her life began to spiral after the murder of a close friend, which led to severe anxiety, depression and a return of the spiritual visions she had seen as a child. “I started seeing spirits again… like I am looking at you,” Mitchell recalls during the interview. The intensity of these encounters ultimately led her to seek help from a pastor, where she experienced deliverance from this demonic oppression and committed her life to Christ.

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Now an active leader in deliverance ministry, Mitchell emphasizes the importance of spiritual healing and the reality of the supernatural realm. “It was the most extreme experience I’ve ever experienced. When it comes to demons crawling across your bed or trying to enter you, …it just really jolted me,” she warns. Her ministry now involves praying for healing, deliverance and leading others out of spiritual bondage.

Mitchell implores fellow Christians to guard themselves against the very real dangers of New Age practices and encourages others to embrace the truth of Scripture. “I was avoiding it for a long time… but I knew at that moment that God had a plan for me.”

Today, she continues to help others break free from spiritual oppression through faith in Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

In an interview with Charisma Media, Pastor Chris Garcia of Father’s Glory International shares his powerful testimony of encountering demonic forces and finding freedom through the gospel.

Growing up in a family with roots in Puerto Rico, Garcia explains that both sides of his family practiced spiritualism, witchcraft and voodoo, especially on his father’s side. His great-grandfather, described as a healer, would invoke spirits for curses and false healings. Looking back on his family’s background, Garcia notes, “Satan is a great counterfeit.”

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Although his mother shielded him from these practices, Garcia recounts seeing altars dedicated to deities in family members’ homes, particularly tied to Santeria, a blend of African spiritualism and Roman Catholicism.

“As a kid, I would ask questions, and my family members would tell me about those things,” he shares. However, these experiences always left him feeling uneasy. “It felt off to me, almost like a very scary feeling would come over me,” Garcia recalls, describing the strange sensation he often felt in these environments.

The turning point in Garcia’s life came on Mar. 3, 2006. After being introduced to the gospel and invited to a church service, Garcia faced a relentless spiritual attack. “Before going there, for seven days I was attacked by spirits,” he reveals. “Anytime I would try to go near, towards, the things of God, I would get attacked.”

These encounters were terrifying, including moments of attack by demonic figures.

He recalls, “It was what I could describe as a very tall, spiritual entity that went through the window and began to straddle me, and had its legs between my ribs right here, and I couldn’t move my body.

“I just didn’t know what it was. And this thing comes out of the the window. And the best way I could describe it is, like, it was like an invisible form. I can tell it was very tall. I can tell it was very big, and I can tell it had its feet right here, across my chest, next to my rib cage.

“And finally, just out of sheer desperation, the last name that I thought to mention, I said, ‘Oh, Jesus.’ And before I even said ‘Jesus,’ I didn’t even finish saying the name. It was like a reverberation in the air, like something was shaking, and there was like a boom, like whatever that was there fled as soon as I said, ‘Jesus,’ and it let me go,” he explains.

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Despite these terrifying episodes, Garcia turned to prayer and ultimately found freedom from this demonic oppression.

In response to this newfound freedom, God began giving him visions as a means of warning.

One particularly intense encounter occurred when Garcia and his wife prayed early in the morning. “I saw a specific person all dressed in white, and he fled in terror when I exposed it in prayer with my wife,” he shares. This vision confirmed to him that there was an attack of witchcraft against his church. After calling his pastor, Garcia discovered that there were indeed signs of witchcraft happening nearby, including dead animal sacrifices. “My pastor told me, ‘You’re seeing correctly,’” he says, confirming the accuracy of his visions.

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Since breaking free from demonic oppression, Garcia has continued to engage in spiritual warfare and lead others in prayer for their own victories over the devil. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual battles are real, and victory is possible through Christ.

As Garcia’s story shows, all who have accepted Jesus Christ have power over the devil and are called to engage in spiritual warfare. Scripture reminds us of this truth: “Look, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you,” (Luke 10:19). Through Christ, believers can stand firm against Satan’s schemes and walk in complete freedom.

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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.