When Global University representatives in the Philippines told us about the testimony of a young woman named Andrea (her real name is not being used) we knew that her story had to be told. With time and the Lord's help, we were able to locate and interview her. What she shared with us was remarkable. She was a religious person, but never had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a youth she attended Bible studies in which The Great Questions of Life was used. Later, she wanted to pursue a career in religious service, so she went to live with her aunt. However, her ambitions were shattered when she was abducted by a group of Satanists. It was then that she discovered the saving, redemptive power of God.

In a candle lit warehouse somewhere in the Philippines, a ritual began. Outside, the rain poured down in sheets and lightning illuminated the faces of worshipers within. High priestess Santa ("Saint") circled the sacrifice menacingly as her cult chanted.

Santa looked down at the offering-Andrea-lying on a bed before her, bound with guitar strings and paralyzed with fear. Santa examined her prey victoriously as her eyes glazed over in a distant stare. Her voice deepened and became that of a man. "I am possessed by the archangel Gabriel," she bellowed, baring her teeth. Her voice changed again, this time into that of a woman. "I am possessed by Mary Magdalene!" She spoke a third time, but with an infant's voice, "I am possessed by St. Niño!"

At this, Santa took up a dirty, rusty chisel and stalked forward. The chanting stopped. For a moment her eyes locked onto her victim's. Then her face morphed into a demonic mask, her waist-length dark hair stood on end, and her eyes became bloodshot.

Andrea believed she was about to die, but was she ready for eternity? Her mind raced for something to hope in, and it came to her as a distant memory. She recalled the Bible study where The Great Questions of Life was used. "Jesus Christ can save you," she remembered. But she didn't know Jesus personally! Could she? As the chisel plunged towards her chest, she desperately called out to Him.

"I just remembered that if this satanic group exists, and if Satan is existing, much more the God who made the heavens and the earth is existing," Andrea said. "I was just so very, very scared. And it was [by] the grace of God alone that I was able to shout the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to help me."

The chisel missed its mark and tore into her left shoulder! Andrea recalls "some kind of force" diverting Santa's stroke. The cult panicked and began screaming. Santa stabbed Andrea's arm repeatedly, desperately trying to thrust the chisel into Andrea's heart. But God's hand prevented her. Instead, Santa's blows scraped much of the muscle tissue from Andrea's upper arm. The pain and sound of tearing flesh was unbearable, and Andrea passed out.

Andrea was thrown behind the warehouse where a little boy found her soon after. When police brought her to the hospital, they received a tip that led them to the cult. One police officer stated in court weeks later that the cultists appeared to have been drinking Andrea's blood and devouring her flesh. They were incarcerated that night but continued their demonic ritual in jail, determined to take Andrea's life!

Andrea awoke in the hospital and realized her left arm had been amputated. While lying there, barely alive, an evil spiritual presence invaded her room and oppressed her nearly to death. However, when a Christian friend entered the room, it retreated.

Andrea's friend explained God's love for her. She believed and invited Jesus into her heart. Her friend also taught her how to ask God for help because he, too, sensed an evil presence. Andrea's friend left her to rest, and the evil presence returned. This time she rebuked it in Jesus' name and it vanished!

Andrea's attackers were brought to trial, convicted and imprisoned. International Correspondence Institute (now Global University) personnel in the Philippines heard Andrea's story. They invited her to study at a Bible school in another province and even found someone to sponsor her education. She graduated in 1996 with a degree in Bible and Theology.

Soon thereafter, thousands heard Andrea's testimony either at evangelism crusades or in local churches, where she ministered with missionary and Christian educator June LeBret. "I just pray that God will grant revival to the entire nation," Andrea said. "I want [the Philippines] to become a true Christian nation."

The Bible studies in which GQL was used had an impact on Andrea's life. When evil threatened her, she remembered Jesus could save her. "The Lord [used] the seed that was placed in her heart to sustain her through her ordeal," LeBret said. "[Andrea] is such an example of what a simple message of truth can do."

Today, Andrea is co-anchor of an evangelistic radio program heard once a week throughout much of the Philippines. Andrea frequently reads GQL and other Global University courses over the air. The seed that was planted in her has now been replanted in thousands of other lives. We are convinced that, through GQL, millions like Andrea all over the world can learn about Jesus and be saved, too.