Mashimon

One of the most interesting conversations I've had since being here was with my teacher Merle. Over breakfast the other day, I told my Guatemalan parents which pueblo (town) she lived in and they told me to ask her about "Mashimon". They both had a smurk on their face so I was anxious to ask her what they were talking about.

Apparently some of the people in her town, along with many others in Guatemala, believe and worship a spirit called Mashimon. From what I gather, this is not a pleasant spirit, and most people pray to him for bad things to happen against their enemies. Or, they pray for lots of money, and according to Merle, many receive once they ask. Merle is a Christian and doesn't worship Mashimon; however, she doesn't speak badly about him out loud because she has known people who have and their house has burned down. Some believe that he is the devil, but Merle believes he's only working for him and if you don't have Jesus in your heart and it is empty, it can be overtaken by the spirit.

There is a church for Mashimon in her town. She's been twice with people who were curious, and said she felt bizarro. Her heart was beating fast and it was a really bad presence. It also smelled terrible. On days where they have festivals for Mashimon in her town, there are really drunk men and prostitutes all around. Mashimon figures are sold and he looks like an indian with a sombrero and cigar hanging out of his mouth. It is believed that Mashimon's dress changes every day, and so the "Mashimon fraternity" will dress in the clothes that they believe he is wearing.

Another interesting fact is that the biggest celebration for Mashimon is on October 28th, which is Judas Iscariot's birthday. So, it is thought by some that he is Mashimon, though there is no specific person identified. The date of the celebration might be a coincidence, but it might not. I just can't believe that Merle experiences this all the time and this kind of worship goes on right in front of her. She said she prays that God won't destroy her town because of what they're doing - I respect that kind of fear and I hope that won't happen as well because obviously there are children of God where she lives.

I was told that the spiritual battlefield is different and more intense in poorer and third world countries - places where evil doesn't hide in material things, but is more out in the open. I am just fascinated to hear about it from people who have really experienced it. Darby has spent time in the mountains of Chichicastenango, which is a few hours from Antigua. She visited a "church" and felt the exact same feelings that Merle did when she went in to the "church" where Mashimon is worshiped. They both described the same symptoms.

There is good and evil in this world and it's becoming more prevalent to me as I spend time here in Guatemala. I wanted to share about Mashimon because I think it's fascinating and got me thinking about how we are always worshiping something, whether we realize it or not. Also, that there is a power, certainly not the most powerful, but a power that is evil and has consumed people around the world. Sometimes it's more prevalent in a physical sense, and other times it's hidden, but I look forward to the day when an end will be put against it.