“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…” John 16:8,13 1n 1856, a young girl by the name of Nongqawuse, claimed that the spirits of the ancestors revealed to her that people must kill all their cattle and burn their crops, because a day would come when new cattle and crops would arise along with an army of the ancestors who would drive the British soldiers into the sea. By February 1957 more than 200 000 cattle had been slaughtered and left to rot. All the summer crops had been burnt. The day of deliverance never came, and many people died of starvation which made it easy for the British to take control. It is 158 years later and one would think that they have learned a lesson not to rely on the ancestors, but it seems not. LAST year, a nine-year-old boy got married to a gogo (63) and on Saturday, they did it again. The first ceremony took place at the house of the groom, Sanele Masilela (9). This time it all happened at bride Helen Shabangu’s house in Kildare Village near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. About 100 guests attended the wedding. The story about the first wedding ceremony in Mamelodi East’s extension 6, Tshwane appeared in Daily Sun in February last year. The boy’s mum, Patience Masilela (47) said she named Sanele after his late grandfather. “My grandfather never married my mother in a white wedding, so that’s why the ancestors told him to get married,” said Patience. “Sanele chose Helen (69), who works with me at the dumping site. Something bad could have happened if we did not do what the boy asked. It’s a ritual that the ancestors wanted.” Villager Eugen Martin (19) said: “I would also do something like that for the ancestors because they bring us luck.” But Tressy Mathebula (22) said: “I am shocked. This is wrong.” The bride shared a piece of cake, a toast and a kiss with both her young groom and her real husband, Alfred Shabangu (66), who attended both wedding ceremonies with their five kids. Sanele aged 9 told Daily Sun: “I chose her because I love her. I’m happy that I married her.” In some cultures you need to slaughter a goat/sheep to the ancestors to say thank you for good things that have happened to you, or to slaughter a chicken for protection. One would go to the grave of dead family members with various requests; to ask for protection on a trip or for wisdom on an important decision (eg: starting a business). It is believed that because the ancestors have departed this life they are closer to God and can act as mediators and talk to God on your behalf. Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” We as Christians have been released from this falsehood through the power of the Holy Spirit who led us into truth, now we have this commission: “Therefore go and tell!” Matthew 28 Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” John Mbiti, African Philosopher, “African Religion… has been a valuable and indispensable lamp on the spiritual path. But, … it cannot be made a substitute for the eternal gospel which is like the sun that brilliantly illuminates the path… The gospel has come to fulfill and complete African religiosity.” Pray that your feet be the ones this week that will rescue someone from the deception of the enemy. God bless.