Deeply rooted in Africa’s cultural heritage are its traditional animist beliefs. Animism is the belief that non-human entities, such as animals, plants, and even inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence or soul. Many animist traditions involve the veneration of ancestors, who are believed to exist in a spiritual realm where they have the ability to influence the lives of their living descendants. Natural elements such as rivers, mountains, trees, and animals are considered to be the sacred abode of spiritual beings or deities, and animists perform rituals and ceremonies to communicate with and appease these spirits.

It’s important to note that in Africa, traditional animist beliefs have often intermingled with other religious traditions, such as Christianity and Islam, through a process known as syncretism. As a result, many African communities practice a blend of animism with elements of other faiths.

In the east African country of Uganda live the Bahima people, a tribe of cattle keepers who believe that appeasing and routinely sacrificing to their dead family members will result in the multiplication of their cattle herds. Because of the superstitions they adhere to, these people have been very hard to reach with the gospel message. Consequently, our people have shied away from engaging the Bahima in conversation about Jesus’ soon coming.

Katete, like many other Bahima, practiced a blended religion including many traditional animist practices. Scanning the radio channels as she went about her day, she became intrigued by a program on Adventist World Radio in which Pastor John Kaganzi gave a daily Bible study. He talked over and over about preparing to receive Jesus in peace when He comes again. Katete tuned into that radio station for a full year, listening to the foundational teachings of God’s last-day church.

One day on the radio, Pastor Mark Finley presented a message on the signs of Christ’s soon coming. As Katete listened, the Holy Spirit spoke to her heart. She realized that time is running out and that she needed to prepare for Jesus’ coming in the clouds. One sign in particular that stung her heart was the rise of spiritualism. Pastor Finley made it so clear that Katete realized that her religious beliefs were keeping her in bondage to the superstitious idea that you can still communicate with the dead, and that they can bless or curse you. Something inside was calling her to abandon these beliefs, to stop trying to appease her ancestors, and to accept what the Bible taught. After listening to God’s Word for a whole year and accepting its teachings, she decided it was time to put these doctrines into practice, even if it meant losing her cattle or her earthly possessions.

Contacting Pastor John at the station, Katete told him that she wanted to be baptized. Pastor John set up a time to meet her personally and find out if she really understood the teachings of God’s Word. Just recently, Katete was baptized into God’s remnant church in Mbarara, Uganda. Many others of her people are slowly coming to know the Lord.

Please pray for this large tribe who need to know the real Jesus and the truths of the Bible. Please help us continue reaching the lost souls of southwestern Uganda by marking your gifts “Uganda Workers” or “Uganda Evangelism.”