This month in Cape Town, a young woman will graduate from the Bible Institute of South Africa (BISA). She came to study at BISA shortly after becoming a Christian to grow in her understanding of what the Bible teaches and guide her personal spiritual growth by studying it for herself.

Recently at the BISA ladies’ fellowship, she shared her story. While she loves her family and culture dearly, she recognizes that much of what she’s been taught is not what the Bible teaches and feels she can no longer participate in some of her family’s traditions. These rituals, while celebrated within the local church, are not truly biblical. They’re meant to satisfy the ancestors. She’s come to realize that Jesus is not just another holy man who helps placate the ancestors or shows us a good way to live—and that only the blood of Jesus can satisfy God’s righteous requirements. She no longer has to offer sacrifices to assure safety and prosperity. She knows Jesus died once for all and her sin has been atoned for forever. Fear and bondage is replaced by freedom and joy of new life in Christ.

Thank you for your gifts that help people around the world become grounded in God’s Word.