Light in a place of darkness: spiritual warfare in mission

By Juanita, a Peruvian missionn worker serving in Asia

Serving on the mission field involves not only sharing the Gospel, but also being aware of the spiritual reality that surrounds every context. Since I began working with various ministries, I have had the privilege of sharing the message of Jesus in a purposeful and relational way alongside our team. However, right from my first period of service, I was also aware of something that is often not mentioned enough: spiritual warfare is real.

As I immersed myself in the local culture, that reality became even more evident. Just as the Bible teaches, we must not ignore these situations, because the spiritual battle manifests itself in different ways, at different times and with varying intensities.

A spiritual battlefield

One of the ministries I’m involved in is working with children in two communities. What’s striking is that these places are situated right opposite Buddhist temples. They are places where spiritual darkness is clearly felt. Monks are constantly passing by, the sounds of their prayers fill the air, and the scent of incense is ever-present. That environment is not merely a cultural backdrop: it has become a veritable spiritual battlefield.

As we take on more responsibilities and make progress in learning the language to serve more purposefully, the desire to be a light in this nation grows ever stronger. But at the same time, spiritual opposition is also intensifying, seeking to disturb the peace and sow fear.

“As we take on more responsibilities… spiritual opposition is also intensifying, seeking to disturb the peace and sow fear.”

Facing Fear

There was a particularly difficult period when I began to feel fear and unease, especially when I was alone at home or in my room with the lights off.

Those moments were no coincidence. They were a warning.

I realised it was time to deepen my prayer life. I decided to strengthen my time alone with God, seeking more of His presence and grounding myself in His truth. However, shortly afterwards, more intense experiences began: constant nightmares and strange noises inside the house.

One particularly difficult night, I woke up crying, feeling deeply tormented. In the midst of that moment, I cried out the name of Jesus. Then something happened that marked my life: I clearly felt something leaving my room, and immediately an indescribable peace filled both my heart and the whole room.

Recognising the spiritual landscape

The following morning, as I left the house, I saw something that gave me an even greater understanding of the context in which I found myself: in front of my home, a devout Buddhist family had set up an altar with the aim of warding off evil spirits.

That moment was a revelation. I realised that God had placed me in a spiritually sensitive place. A place where the enemy has sought to establish darkness, but which is also territory where the Gospel can be proclaimed. Right there, I prayed, asking God to cleanse the neighbourhood and to send His angels to protect my home.

“A place where the enemy has sought to establish darkness, but which is also territory where the Gospel can be proclaimed.”

Clothed in the spiritual armour

In the days that followed, God led me to various Bible passages that reminded me of the importance of putting on the spiritual armour every day. Today I understand more clearly that this place is special to God, even though it is marked by darkness. Spiritual warfare is evident in many aspects of daily life: upon entering local homes, in the objects one sees, in the amulets, images and ribbons sought for spiritual protection.

But amidst all that, my identity remains firm: I am light. I trust that the armour of Christ covers me and protects me from every attack of the enemy.

We are not alone

Amidst this reality, there is also a truth that brings comfort and strength: we are not alone.

There is an army of men and women who pray constantly for us. Their prayers sustain us, encourage us and remind us that we are part of something much greater. We are a team. We are united. And together we continue to fight, steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ.

“Their prayers sustain us, encourage us and remind us that we are part of something much greater.”

Read more on this topic in VAMOS Magazine, Spiritual Battle Edition