An international year of prayer for
Morocco
| Week 33 |
Unusual MarketAs we walked through the old city looking for a few souvenirs. we rounded a corner and came upon a scene that literally took our breath away. The sensory assault began with a riot of color infused by an indescribable aroma. Arrayed before us in front of dozens of "hole in the wall" shops were hundreds of large flat earthenware vessels piled high with every possible spice, herb, and dried flower bud.Dazzled by the ambiance, imagine our horror when our eyes finally strayed overhead to be accosted by large dried lizards, bunches of dead chameleons, partially de-feathered bird’s wings, and various other body parts from long-dead animals. Further inspection revealed the insides of the shops were lined with shelf after shelf of glass jars containing such exotic things as brightly colored dried beetles, strange seed pods, porcupine quills, and hairy bits of dried skins. We had stumbled upon the "folk medicine" and sorcerer’s supply market. Sorcery is big business in Morocco. Although some of these shopkeepers just sell ingredients to independent practitioners, others have secret ancient formulae handed down to them through generations that they use to cast spells, place curses, concoct amulets, and to engage in various forms of witchcraft. Many Moroccans have a great fear of such things and rarely speak of them for fear of bringing a curse upon themselves. When Christians have stood and prayed against the evil that surrounds these places, shopkeepers have sensed the spiritual battle being waged and asked the intercessors to leave. Without Christ, average Moroccans turn to the services of such purveyors of "folk medicine" mainly for their less unsavory healing services. "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:11,12,15,16
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