Wilson

"When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him....Constantly, night and day, he was screaming among the tombs and in the mountains, and gashing himself with stones."  Mark 5:2,5

          His name was Wilson.  His mother had brought him to the school at Pijal  to be seen by us.  Four years prior he had gone out with friends in his normal state of mind, but upon returning home that evening his mind was seemingly vacant, according to his mother.  Since that day, he would wander aimlessly each day, spending many nights without sleep.  His responses to questions were minimal, and he seemed to stare constantly into the distance, moving his hands without purpose about his head and face.  He denied seeing things that were unreal, and denied hearing voices. His mother had taken him to several physicians as well as to a psychiatrist in Quito.He was on several psychiatric medications, but was no better -- perhaps worse.  The mother begged that we help her son.

         After spending some time with this year man, Shelia Duncan and I wondered if there was a spiritual context to this young man´s plight.  Although he definitely seemed very depressed, he was able to give appropriate, albeit brief, replies to our questions.  He did not appear to be psychotic.  As we were talking with him, pastor Wilman stood alongside listening.  As it turned out, he knew the young man´s family.  Led by the Holy Spirit, he began speaking with Wilson directly, face to face.  He asked out sin, and this seemed to hit the target.  He began to share the Gospel with Wilson, and shared about the love of Christ, His sacrifice, and His offer of new life.  Wilson was slow in his response initially, but by the power of the Spirit, he slowly began to experience the tearing down of a stronghold.  By God´s grace, he professed Jesus Christ as Saviour!  Wilman embraced Wilson as the tears began to flow.  My thoughts turned to the passage about the prisoners being set free.

         Wilson is not yet emotionally free, however.  We did reduce his psychiatric medication regimen, and encouraged a followup with his psychiatrist.  We also strongly recommended beginning reading the Word, and to pray, and to attach himself to a local body of believers.  Wilman was going to assist him in this.  We prayed.  Once again,  everyone in the clinic was graced by the strong presence of the Holy Spirit.
                                                   Washed in the blood of the Lamb,    Dr. Tim