Togo Week 3

Togo Week 3 

Sunday – Deaf Church & Team Beach Day

On Sunday I had the chance to attend a Deaf house church. Amitifa, the pastor has a passion for the deaf he volunteers at a deaf school (which only goes to grade 6) and then tutors older youth that want to continue learning. It was such a fun and engaging experience and so cool to se this heart for teaching the gospel! We learned a few sign songs and got to witness the pastor’s incredible joy and passion as he taught. 

After church, we had a team lunch at a beachside restaurant and got to enjoy a swim in the sea and some restful time together.

Monday – Benin

The week began with a day trip to Benin along with some of the VT girls. We had a local guide walk us through parts of the city, where we saw historic sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade, including the “Point of No Return” where it’s estimated that 10% of all slaves taken from West Africa passed through.

We also learned about how voodoo practices are still deeply rooted in the area, and were deeply intertwined with the slave trade. We passed by several idols, witch doctor’s houses, voodoo temples, as well as trees and shrines believed to be inhabited by spirits, including a tree historically associated with human sacrifice. One of the heaviest and darkest stops we made was the python temple, where 30-40 snakes are kept and worshipped, believed to be inhabited by spirits (we would consider them to be demons possessed).

It was a spiritually heavy and dark day, but we had the opportunity to pray, evangelize, and speak truth throughout our time there. 

Please pray for spiritual breakthrough in Benin and opportunities to carry the church planning movement into Benin and for national leaders to rise up with a heart for the people of Benin. And that the love of Jesus would pierce through deep-rooted fear and tradition.

Tuesday – Deaf DBS & Confidence in Christ

Tuesday I was in Lomé, and had the privilege of  participating in a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) with a Deaf couple who have 4 hearing daughters and an adopted deaf son. We learned a bit of basic sign and I got my unique sign name. We explored in our DBS how they would share the Gospel with other Deaf individuals and they practiced these conversations with us. It was powerful to see how hungry they are for the Word and how eager they are to share it with others. It was especially heartwarming and encouraging to see the joy the parents had as they watched their children participate and preach the gospel. 

Later in the day, we had another session of our Confidence in Christ and Callings course, which is helping us discern God’s voice and direction for our lives. Then we had the best evening babysitting Micah and Sadie for Jenna and James during a team meeting.

Wednesday –Colossians Study, DBS & Community

We started the morning with a DBS on Colossians, followed by time for homework and rest. In the afternoon, I met with Tina again for another Bible study continuing on in the book of James. She is currently recovering from malaria, so please keep her in prayer.

We wrapped up the day with dinner and fellowship with Steph and Savanna. 

Thursday – VT Work Day 

We started of with another Krav Miga class with the Vt girls before heading out to The Way of Christ church where we spent the day doing hands-on work. Our team cleaned out and reorganized a storage shed, dealt with a termite problem, swept the church lot, filled in ditches, did a LOT of weeding and some general cleaning which involved a lot of insects, rodents, and lizards. 

The sweetest part of the day was when some Village kids came to help out with the weeding, which turned into a joyful chance to share in the work together and then turned into a lot of games and snuggles. My heart was so filled up. 

We ended the day with dinner at the Freeman’s, Lectio Divina, and a game night.

Friday – Sabbath Rest

We took a much-needed Sabbath to rest and reset. Some much needed alone time, lots of chats with the other intern girls, a bit of baking, dinner with Savannah and Azlyn, followed by a worship night.

Prayers:

Breaking Strongholds

Lord, we ask that You would tear down every stronghold of the enemy. Where darkness has taken root in hearts, in communities, in cultural strongholds of voodoo entrenchment. We speak the light and truth of Christ, Lord let every lie be exposed, every chain broken, every territory claimed here in Togo and in Benin for the Kingdom of God.

New Believers Under Persecution

Father, we lift up the new believers here, Lord comfort them as they face persecution, rejection, isolation, and hostility from their voodoo entrenched families. Protect them, cast out fears, fill them with joy, and strengthen their faith. Surround them with a spiritual family. May their witness to those around them be bold, and may many come to know Jesus through their transformation. 

Strength and Energy

Grant continued strength and fresh energy, Lord, for the days ahead. When we feel weak, be our strength. Let Your Spirit renew us and may we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Guidance and Direction 

Lord, as I enter into this next week with set aside time for silence and solitude (Sunday to Wednesday), help me to be still and know that You are God. Quiet the noise within and let me listen closely to you. Lead me and give me clarity and direction for my future.