At 39-years-old, Ousmane* was known as a devoted son, having been raised in a respected family deeply rooted in Islam and ancestral traditions. Like everyone else around him, Ousmane followed this path faithfully — offering sacrifices, consulting spirits and invoking powers to protect his home, wife and three children.
But what Ousmane believed to be protection slowly became a prison. For two long years, he was tormented by evil spirits; his nights were sleepless, his peace shattered and his health deteriorated. Then came the day that changed everything — a violent crisis struck him down. Paralysed on one side of his body, Ousmane collapsed, unable to move his arm and leg. His loved ones feared the worst and darkness closed in.
It was in this moment of despair that hope arrived in the form of a Jesus follower named Chris. Chris often visited Ousmane’s uncle, a man who loved gathering people to listen to stories. Chris carried no charms or amulets — only a small radio that played simple messages such as: “Jesus Christ loves you, and He can set you free.”
‘He heals, He frees, He saves’
Ousmane listened to one of the messages. Not just with his ears, but with his broken heart. That day, he heard the story of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment and was healed, and something stirred within him. When Chris offered to pray to Jesus for his healing, Ousmane agreed.
And then, the light broke through. Ousmane felt a force enter his body, loosening the chains that held him paralysed. The next day, he regained movement in his limbs and stood up on his own. The paralysis was gone. Fear vanished. Darkness fled. Peace — true peace — filled Ousmane’s soul.
Hungry to know more, Ousmane asked his uncle for the radio, wanting to hear more about this Jesus who had given him new life. Soon, Ousmane joined a Discovery Bible Study group, and today, his home stands firm on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
Ousmane shares his story with conviction, sharing that there is no salvation in fetishes or rituals but that “true security is in Jesus alone. To all who hear me: do not be afraid to leave the darkness. Come to the light. Come to Jesus. He heals, He frees, He saves.”
*name changed
