by Colleen Louw
(2–3 minute read)
The morning had barely begun in the farming village of Ban Sai Phatthana when ASAP church planter Phanuwat heard urgent voices outside his home.
When he opened the door, he found a frightened family. Forty-eight-year-old Pang Yang, her husband, Jue Ka, and several of their seven daughters looked exhausted and shaken. Whatever hesitation they once felt about approaching the Christian ASAP missionary who had moved into their village two years earlier had disappeared.
“Please help us,” they pleaded. “We don’t know where else to turn. Evil spirits are tormenting my wife.”
For the previous month, Pang’s life had become a nightmare. Like her husband, a farmer, she had spent her life following the spiritual traditions of her ancestors. When illness or misfortune struck, she sought help from shamans and spirit mediums.
They tied sacred threads around her wrists and ankles, gave her protective amulets, and instructed her to keep ritual objects, incense, offerings, and a Buddha image in her home.
Pang believed these things would protect her family. Instead, fear took control of her life.
During the terrifying episodes that overtook her, her face changed, her voice became unfamiliar, and she displayed unusual strength. The episodes could last for hours.
Desperate for relief, the family spent what little money they had seeking help from one shaman after another. They followed every instruction and performed every ritual they were told might bring peace.
Nothing worked.
Then, when every other hope seemed to have failed, Pang experienced something she could not explain.
Three times, she heard the same message:
“Get up and go to Phanuwat, the servant of God. His house is near the bridge by the canal. Only he can help you.”
Pang remembered the church planter who regularly visited homes and invited families to learn about Jesus. Gathering her husband and daughters, she hurried to his home.
They believed it might be their last hope.
Meet Phanuwat
When Pang arrived at his door, Phanuwat had already spent two years living in Ban Sai Phatthana. He visited families, built friendships, listened to their struggles, and shared the love of Jesus.
He was not a stranger appearing in a moment of crisis. He was a trusted local presence, planted in the community before Pang’s family realized how much they would need him.
Phanuwat is one of many local missionaries serving with ASAP Ministries across Southeast Asia, bringing the hope of Christ to communities where He is least known.
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Instead of another charm or ceremony, the small room filled with voices singing praises to Jesus.
Together they sang four hymns. When the singing ended, Phanuwat knelt beside Pang. Placing a Bible gently on her head, he prayed earnestly in Jesus’ name, asking God to rebuke the evil spirits and bring His peace.
As he prayed, Pang suddenly convulsed and collapsed.
When the episode subsided, Phanuwat noticed the sacred threads and protective charms around her wrists and ankles.
“If you truly want God to set you free, are you willing to let these go?” he asked.
“Do whatever you need to do,” Pang answered. “Just help me be healed.”
One by one, the threads and charms were removed.
But the struggle was far from over.
For Four Days, They Stayed
Throughout the day, the terrifying episodes returned. Each time fear threatened to overwhelm the family, Phanuwat, his wife, and the church elder responded in the same way.
They worshiped.
They prayed.
They asked Jesus to help.
As daylight faded, they remained beside Pang. Through the night they sang, prayed, and reminded her that God was near. The next day brought more attacks, and then another night.
For four days and four nights, they refused to leave her to face the darkness alone.
During those difficult days, Phanuwat asked, “Are there idols or spirit objects in your home?”
Pang nodded.
“If you want to follow Jesus, will you allow us to remove them?”
“I will do whatever God wants if He will set me free.”
While Phanuwat’s wife remained with Pang, Phanuwat and the church elder went to her home. Before entering, they prayed.
“Lord, we come only in Your name. We have no power of our own. Please protect us and guide us.”
Inside, they gathered the objects Pang had trusted for years: the Buddha image, spirit altar, ritual knives, sacred threads, incense, paper offerings, and protective cloths.
They carried the items outside and burned them while Pang’s younger sister watched silently.
Pang was too frightened to return home. She stayed with Phanuwat’s family for an entire week, surrounded by people who prayed with her, worshiped with her, and reminded her that Jesus had not abandoned her.
Everything Became Green Again
Little by little, the episodes became less frequent. The prayers and hymns continued, and each day reminded Pang that Jesus was stronger than the fear that had held her captive.
Then, after four days of continual prayer and worship, the attacks stopped completely.
For the first time in weeks, there was peace.
“My old life was like the dry season,” Pang later said. “Everything was hot, empty, and lifeless. After God helped me, it was as though the rains had come. Everything became green again. I have peace now. I have joy.”
Her husband and daughters watched the change unfold. The woman who had lived in constant fear was now calm, joyful, and filled with hope.
“We know now that God is real,” they told Phanuwat.
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A Family Made New
Phanuwat knew this was only the beginning.
For the next two weeks, he and his wife spent evenings with the family, praying, answering questions, and opening the Scriptures together. The church welcomed them with friendship and encouragement as they grew in faith.
One Bible story especially touched them. In Matthew 8, they read how Jesus delivered two demon-possessed men and set them free.
Pang and her family realized they were not simply reading someone else’s story. They were learning about the same Savior who had changed their lives.
Only two months after arriving at Phanuwat’s door, Pang Yang, Jue Ka, and all seven of their daughters publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ through baptism.
Nine members of one family.
Nine lives transformed by the grace and power of God.
Their decision marked more than the end of fear. It was the beginning of a new life.
The family no longer sought help from shamans or spirit mediums. The objects they had trusted were gone. Instead, they gathered with other believers to worship, study God’s Word, and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Their home, once filled with fear, became a place of peace.
A Light That Continues to Shine
Pang’s transformation did not remain within her home.
In a village of about 150 families, people noticed the difference. Neighbors saw her peace and joy. Relatives who had questioned her decision became curious about the God who had changed her so completely.
Conversations about faith began where none had existed before, and the family’s home became a testimony that Christ still transforms lives.
Today, Pang, Jue Ka, and their daughters continue following Jesus. They worship together, encourage other believers, and gladly share what God has done.
Their story began with a desperate knock on a missionary’s door. It continues as a witness to an entire community that Jesus brings true freedom, lasting peace, and new life.
What Door Will God Open Next?
Pang Yang’s story is one of thousands unfolding across Southeast Asia as local missionaries share the hope of Jesus in communities where Christ is least known.
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