I personally believe that witchcraft is rife not just in Africa but right across the world.

The congregation that I preach to is a small, multi-ethnic one.

It is roughly one-third African, one-third Caribbean and the remaining third are English.

A few weeks ago a Jamaican boy was brought to me by a friend.

He told me that three years ago he had been enticed into witchcraft by a coven of witches, older than himself that he had met at school.

He described to me how he would leave his body at night and travel to different places.

Once in these places he said he was able to help his school friends.

Spiritual aides

He felt he was bringing about positive happenings, such as helping to mend broken relationships.

He spoke to me of his spiritual aides and their voices that he heard in his head.

He showed me the ring that he wore and the herb-like looking plants that he used to make spells.

The boy also showed me his book.

He had written about and documented all his experiences with drawings.

Chose to change

Things had changed for him though and he no longer wanted anything to do with the practise.

During the Easter holiday he had, with some peers, attended a Christian camp.

He told me how when he was praying at the altar he had felt things more powerful than anything else he had ever experienced.

His spiritual aides ceased talking to him.

And they haven't since.

This he interpreted as a sign and so chose to become a Christian.

He explained to me, how at once he had this deep knowledge within him to leave behind his previous life.

He insisted that he had to get rid of everything and that was the reason why he had come to me. His friend, a local in my area, knew of other deliverances that I had carried out.

The tone

There are other children that have been affected too.

They all speak about it in a similar manner.

It is always the tone of their voice that gets me - very matter of fact, as if they were describing what they ate for dinner.

They all have this fundamental, unquestioning belief - acceptance.

However they are also extremely guarded about their experiences. Like sex with English people, it is not something that is talked about!

The topic is only approached with either those who are in it, a part of it, or with those who are trusted to get them out of it.

There is a lot of suspicion and they are very aware that if they were to chat to their school friends about it all they would be called crazy.

Manifestation

Children are not the only ones affected that I have witnessed.

A Nigerian woman used to come to my church.

Her husband had left her.

So suffering from severe depression and struggling financially, she turned to Ju-ju (Nigerian witchcraft practise). She called on her ancestors to help her regain her life and assist in the restoration of her marriage.

Over a period of six months I saw her go mad.

She started randomly turning on people, speaking completely out of turn.

In the middle of our worshiping the other pastors and I would watch her eyes glaze over and her body stiffen.

We saw demonic manifestations in her.

I appointed one of the elders to watch over her because I was worried the children amongst our congregation might become frightened, or even influenced by her behaviour.

She would sit there, drawing strange pictures, while I preached.

I tried to 'deliver' her. I called her forward for prayer deliverance many, many times.

War within her

She wouldn't co-operate though. Our prayer was fruitless.

She spoke of a war within her, especially when the worshippers were especially emotional.

I do believe that Jesus will only operate within your will, whereas the devil will try and take your will away from you.

She doesn't come to church anymore.

I have seen her in the area though and her appearance has completely changed - her hair has fallen out, she has lost her teeth.

Her face is different."