Suddenly I was aware of someone standing in my office doorway. I whirled around in my chair, expecting to see one of the girls heading upstairs to the dorm, just stopping by to say hi. Instead, I was immediately aware that this was a student in distress. Her tear-stained face and dejected demeanor spoke of someone in need of comfort. Classes were in session, so I assumed she had just walked out of class.

“What happened?” I said, standing up and pushing the chair out of the way. “What’s wrong?” Her sobs came faster now. Since she seemed unable to speak, I hugged her instead. “Did something happen in class,” I said softly, pulling her into my office where she could sit down.

It turns out her distress was not particularly related to the class she was in. Instead, she was struggling with the lies of the enemy, accusations of worthlessness. She was misinterpreting anything that could be misinterpreted and, thankfully, was aware she was doing so. She has been working through the Mending the Soul curriculum (see https://mendingthesoul.org/about-us/ for more information) with her mentor and was in a vulnerable place.

Normally, the student life or Spiritual Formation staff are available to help students through times like this but this time I was at the right place at the right time and had the privilege of leading her through several pertinent scriptures and then praying with her. One more hug and she was able to return to class. I was grateful she looked in the right place for someone to accuse, seeing her struggle as a spiritual battle and not the fault of any of the staff or students around her. I considered it a privilege to be able to help her move forward in her journey.

Please keep praying with me for the students and staff. There has been a fair amount of demonic activity on campus this year. Pray that God would grant wisdom and patience especially to those who are leading the student groups
through the Mending the Soul process. IBC is currently involved in producing a Native version of this material, with the support and encouragement of author Steve Tracy and his wife, Celestia.

Gratefully,

Martha