The Encounter with Ikpaisong Spirit
*July 1964: A Turning Point*
In July 1964, a visiting American medical missionary, Dr.
Henry Farrar, had an undocumented encounter that shook the foundations of the
churches of Christ worldwide. This encounter took place at Ikot Nsekong Abiakpo
Ikot Abasi Inyang village, now in Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
*The Shrine Explodes*
As Dr. Farrar preached the gospel to the people, the shrine
of Ikpaisong exploded like gunshots, announcing the departure of the Ikpaisong
spirit. This dramatic event was seen as a fulfillment of Isaiah 19:3, which
says, "The spirit of Egypt will fail."
*Repentance and Baptism*
The native doctors and the elders
of the community submitted to Dr. Farrar's message, and all the messengers of
Ikpaisong repented and were baptized at the Ikot Abia River. Hencforth Dr ordered that the small forest near the shrine
be cleared, and the natives
immediately began to establish a church of Christ.the church at the shrine
*Eyewitness Account*
According to eyewitness reports, Ikpaisong was the first to
repent, with an explosive and expensive sound never heard before. This was
followed by the repentance of Ikpaisong's messenger, Abraham Etokakpan. All
were baptized, and the church of Christ was established near the shrine.
*The Power of God*
The people witnessed the power of God in action through Dr.
Farrar's ministry. No wonder the Ngwa brethren cried out, "We lost the
power of God since the departure of Dr. Farrar." He came with the power of
the Holy Spirit to their land.
*Consequences of Defying Ikpaisong*
However, the spirit of Ikpaisong was not pleased with the
clearing of the forest. One day, the spirit slapped the Ikpaisong priest, Jumbo
Adiaudom, on the ears, and he became deaf. This incident was widely known, and
it was said that Ikpaisong was angry with his priest for allowing the Whiteman
to clear the forest.
*The Priest's Punishment*
The priest's punishment was seen as a warning to others who
would dare to defy the spirit of Ikpaisong. However, this incident also marked
the beginning of the end of the Ikpaisong spirit's hold on the community.
*Healing and Restoration*
The priest's first son, Sunday Jumbo, reported that his
father was healed instantly when Dr. Farrar prayed for him. This miraculous
healing took place after the priest had been deaf for weeks and had appeased
the gods with some sacrifices.
*Rejection of the Whiteman*
It was gathered that the gods were angry with the priests,
and slapped the chief priest, Jumbo Adiaudom, of the Adiaudom family of Ikot
Nsekong, now Ubon Abasi Ibom. For fear, almost all the native doctors who had
been baptized returned to their shrine and started fighting the Whiteman,
sending him out of the land to Ngwa, the land they used to send twins to, with
the phrase "Idioknkpo ka ngwa owo," meaning "Bad thing go to
Ngwa." However, this land is now home to the Nigerian Christian Hospital,
founded by Dr. Henry Farrar.
*Fulfillment of Scripture*
This event fulfilled the scripture that says, "When God
comes into Africa, the idols will move and tremble, and the Egyptians will
fight against Egyptians and turn to charmers and wizards, and the spirit of
Egypt will move out" (Isaiah 19:3). In this case, the spirit of Ikpaisong
fought against the priests of Ikpaisong and blocked their ears.
*The Chief's Response*
The matter was reported to the highest chief, the clan head
of Ikot Abia, Chief Marcus Udonsekong. However, as Dr. Farrar preached to him,
he surrendered to Christ and was baptized at the Ikot Abia River and became a
member of the church of Christ.
*The Legacy of Dr. Farrar*
Dr. Farrar's encounter with the Ikpaisong spirit marked the
beginning of a new era for the people of Ikot Abia. His ministry brought about
a significant shift in the spiritual landscape of the community, and his legacy
continues to inspire and impact the lives of people in the region.
*Conclusion*
The encounter between Dr. Farrar and the Ikpaisong spirit is
a powerful reminder of the supernatural nature of God's work in the world. It
highlights the importance of faith, courage, and perseverance in the face of
adversity, and serves as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
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