In a distant village far from the country’s capital, nestled between rolling hills and fertile fields, lives a man of power and authority known to all as Chief Riger. He was not only the headman of the village and the surrounding territory but also a devoted follower of the religious teachings of his ancestors. He guided his people with a firm yet benevolent hand.
Secret faith
The headman’s sister and family lived in the provincial capital. Rigobet, a nephew who was close to his uncle, eventually left the village to live with his aunt in the city so he could get an education. To his astonishment, he found that she and her family had become believers in Jesus. To his greater surprise, she conducted a home worship service every Saturday.
Through this family, the seeds of a new faith began to grow in Rigobet’s heart. He was impressed with their transformed lives and how kind they were to him. This led him to start studying the Bible and to a knowledge of Jesus. He soon embraced the Bible’s teachings too.
As time passed, Rigobet’s faith matured into a steadfast belief. However, he and the rest of the family hid their belief from Chief Riger. The old ways and beliefs held a tight grip on the village headman, and they feared the repercussions of revealing their newfound faith.
From music to mourning
One day, an occasion of great joy and celebration took hold of the entire village. The headman’s daughter would be married, and the village buzzed with preparation and anticipation. The sweet aroma of flowers filled the air, and the joyous music of wedding festivities echoed in the streets. However, tragedy soon struck.
As the bride’s father, Chief Riger, directed the proceedings, he had a sudden and fatal stroke, casting a pall of sorrow over the entire village. The wedding preparations abruptly stopped. People wondered whether the wedding should continue or if, perhaps, the death signaled a curse on the anticipated marriage. What would become of their village?
Breath of life
Rigobet remembered the story of Elijah bringing the dead boy back to life and told his aunt that they should ask God to resurrect Chief Riger. She and her family agreed. They placed hands on his lifeless body, which was now on an open bier in the village square. Earnestly they prayed for the God of heaven to manifest His power.
Villagers gathered around, watching the small group of believers praying over the lifeless body. To the amazement of all, Chief Riger sneezed, and then his body started to move. A great shout went up from the village as the dead man sat upright, his body filled with life again.
The grief that gripped the village turned to joy. Chief Riger stood up, a living testament to the power of Jesus and the God of heaven. With strength that defied explanation, the headman resumed charge of the wedding celebrations, guiding each aspect of the ceremony with renewed vitality.
Word of the incredible miracle spread like wildfire through the area. Chief Riger’s resurrection became an emblem of faith in Jesus.
Inspired by this remarkable event, the entire village is now receptive to learning about Jesus and the Bible. Chief Riger himself leads 10 Bible study groups each week.
The village that once hung under the shadow of demons and vengeful gods is now coming under the light of Christ, and fear is being replaced by peace and love.