In a weekly church column usually published in the Medway Messenger, Graham Hill, who is Local Church Leader at the Emmaus Christian Centre, contemplates Hallowe’en.

Earlier this month as new decisions by the government were being announced about how to reduce the ongoing increase in Covid-19 cases, there was panic that Christmas would have to be cancelled, and all for the wrong reasons (for a moment the turkeys might have breathed a sigh of relief), but nothing was being said about Halloween being affected.

Already there are visible signs of this event as the front of houses are being decorated with all forms of horror on display.

So, will trick or treat be permitted? Will parents risk their children wandering the streets unprotected from this pandemic for the sake of a "bit of fun", or, from the "safety of the home" find other things to occupy their time that night?

The other day a friend of mine drew to my attention that certain shops are selling "spirit boards" as a toy to play a game which claims to connect people with the dead. In the article an ex-Spiritualist warns of the dangers that occur from such encounters, that the occult is no laughing matter, using such boards are often bad and at worst can be catastrophic.

During their time as a practicing Spiritualist they had a healthy respect for avoiding Ouija boards (for that is what these "toys" really are) and warned others to do likewise, but upon receiving Christ as their saviour, they have experienced freedom from hellish spirit attacks.

Christians, through having been adopted into our Heavenly Father’s family, are able to make that same bold claim which Jesus said, "the prince of this world (Satan) has no hold on me" (John 14:30b).

Death has been defeated through what Jesus did when he died for us on that cross. What He has to offer though is peace. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". (John 14:27).

I encourage you to have a read of the story Jesus told about life after death and a conversation that took place. You will find it in Luke 16:19-31

The final message I have for you is that if you have purchased one of these games is to destroy it and seek advice from your local church of what to do to avoid any harmful consequences.

As an alternative activity, on Saturday, October 31, I would also encourage you to engage with Saints Alive. It’s a time when Christians from across Medway normally come together in Rochester Cathedral, but this year it will be happening virtually online via mainstream social media platforms – search for Churches Together in Medway. The theme is "In God there is comfort for today and hope for tomorrow".

Shalom peace be with you.

If you would like to find out more about Churches Together In Medway or what it means to become a Christian, contact the chairman, Pastor Stephen Bello on 01634 920491 or email rccgvictoriousfamily@hotmail.com

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