Recently, a news story made the headlines around the world – the death of Dan Rivera, a well-known paranormal investigator. In July 2025, Rivera was travelling across the United States on a tour called “Devils on the Run”, accompanied by the infamous doll Annabelle – believed by many to be cursed. His sudden death has reignited an age-old question: Is paranormal activity real, or merely a creation of the human imagination?
By definition, the term “paranormal” refers to anything that is scientifically unexplainable or supernatural. While the occult portrayed in films is fiction, many people in real life wish they could press a pause button to escape the invisible weight of spiritual oppression and fear they feel in their daily lives.
Have you ever experienced something you couldn’t explain? Perhaps an object moving on its own, a voice calling your name when no one was there, a door opening or closing mysteriously, or waking up in the night unable to move or cry out? From ordinary people to celebrities, there are countless reports of supernatural experiences.
Actor Keanu Reeves once shared in an interview that, as a child, he saw an empty jacket floating across his room before it suddenly vanished. Singer Demi Lovato has spoken about her former home being haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Emily. Ariana Grande has also said that she once smelled sulphur and captured demonic faces in a photo she took while visiting Stull Cemetery in Kansas.
Stories like these, which sound like horror movie plots, point to an invisible yet very real spiritual realm. The Bible confirms this reality and recounts several accounts of people tormented by evil spirits – such as King Saul, who was troubled by a distressing spirit (1 Samuel 16:14–23); Mary Magdalene, from whom seven demons were cast out (Luke 8:2); and the Gadarene man, possessed by a legion of demons, who lived among the tombs and harmed himself until Jesus freed him (Mark 5:1–20). Only the power and authority of Jesus could restore these lives completely.
For many, the first contact with the supernatural happens during childhood or adolescence, through seemingly “innocent” activities like the Ouija board, Bloody Mary, or so-called “ghost challenges” popular on social media. What may begin as a harmless thrill often opens doors to dark spiritual influences, leading to fear, nightmares, and even long-term oppression.
Yet, while evil spirits enslave the mind, God offers true deliverance. Those who walk with Him have no reason to fear. Through faith, they live in peace and under His protection against every force of darkness.
To experience this freedom and be spiritually strengthened, join us on Friday, 31 October – the same day the world celebrates Halloween – for a special meeting: “The Friday to Completely Undo the Works of Witchcraft.” Click here to learn more and join us at your nearest Universal Church.
If you don’t want to wait until the 31st for spiritual help, you’re invited to join us this Friday, 24 October, when we will also determine deliverance from all evil. You can also reach out through our 24-hour Helpline, where a spiritual adviser will be available to pray with you and offer guidance.
24-hour Helpline: 020 7686 6000
WhatsApp: 020 7686 6010
Event: The Friday to Completely Undo the Works of Witchcraft
Day and time: Friday, 31 October at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: Your local Universal Church
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/10/keanu-reeves-shares-real-life-ghost-story
https://www.buzzfeed.com/laurengarafano/celebrities-share-ghost-and-demon-interactions
