Burning Bridges in Togo
By Russell Ebersole
Fetish: A natural or man-made object of animal parts, herbs, rocks, or even human fingernails and hair, which is deeply believed to have magical power. The fetish is known as a "juju" and is placed in fields, on houses, or carried, in order to protect and help its owner.
In the early months of 2003, Russell and Melody Ebersole were thrilled to see a new believer burn the bridges to his old lifestyle of fetish worship. "This fetish-burning ceremony exemplifies the reason we are here in Togo ," says Russell. After taking his courageous stand, however, the Togolese believer went on to face attack and persecution.
The story began at a new little church about 25 minutes up the mountain from the hospital in Togo. Russell writes that "the church is a thatch-roofed structure, held up by rough-hewn poles, but the spirit of the fifty or so adults and children there is wonderful.
Making a Dramatic Stand
"It was here that we saw one of the newer believers make a public stand for his faith in a dramatic manner. After church, we all walked a short distance to the village itself, and he brought out several bags, notebooks, and other items involved with fetish worship and placed them on the ground in full view of a gathering crowd. He then poured kerosene on the items and set them on fire.
The Son of a Prominent Fetish Priest
"We didn't know then that he was the son of the most prominent fetish priest in the area, not just in that village. The books he burned were explanations for various fetish practices. His father, the priest, had died earlier this year, and everyone expected the young man to carry on in his father's footsteps.
"The items he burned that day were not just his own, but the fetish objects for the whole village. Many villagers were unhappy with his actions, and he would soon face significant persecution because of what he had done.
"His brothers brought another fetish practitioner and more fetish projects into their compound, making his life very unpleasant. The cabbage field he depends on for income (since he no longer does fetish practices for a living) was completely razed by his family and others. Then fetish objects were placed around the pulpit area of the church in a direct challenge."
Idol: An object made of wood, mud, or metal. The idol is sometimes made to look like a person adorned with feathers, beads, and bones, and is worshipped in ancestor spirit ceremonies in which the fetisher (witch doctor) slaughters animals, and offers food and drink oblations to appease or invoke the spirits.
American Idols
"The idol-burning ceremony made us think of the idols we have as Americans. What a testimony this young man was, standing alone among his family and fellow villagers, burning all these items. Meanwhile, the two pastors were telling the onlookers that they did not have to be tied to fetishism - they could be free.
"We wondered if more of our neighbors in America would come to Christ if we would do the same thing. But how does one burn the idols of self, aspiring to degrees or education, trying to climb the social ladder, one's job, or house, or children, or sports? This demonstration was a challenge to all of us, missionaries included, and we wish you all could have been there."
Persecution Continues
Russell sent a recent update on the believer in Togo that shows the persecution continues: "Several weeks ago, he was brought in to the hospital for urgent care, having been attacked with knives by two of his brothers. The Lord graciously protected him from more severe injury, but he did require operating room time to repair several stab wounds and defensive wounds to his hands. Please pray for him as he would like to return to his village and be a witness, but is understandably concerned for his safety."
Learn more about ABWE's ministries in Togo.
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