Answers to Prayer in Togo

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12)

TOGO: A land long held in Satan's domain. The home where ABWE missionaries held their first meetings in 1974 was only two lots away from a witch doctor's compound. Drums sounded out from his yard every weekend and a fresh, bloody, sacrificial chicken hung over the entrance. Two blocks away other witch doctors practiced their trade in the "Sacred Forest."

Even today, animism, voodooism and sorcery with their mysterious and malign powers permeate society. Missionaries of the gospel live in the midst of evil and oppression.

A missionary was awakened in the dead of night by devilish sounds coming from a drunken neighbor who was cursing and spewing out profanities. While she prayed for God to silence the obscene words, her bed began to tremble and shake. Noticing that nothing else (such as pictures on the wall) was moving she ruled out an earthquake. After declaring that the blood of Christ was the grounds for dismissal of the evil spirit(s) and praying for God's promised deliverance from the powers of darkness, almost instantly the shaking stopped; the vile talk was silenced and the missionary peacefully returned to a sound sleep.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand" (Ephesians 6:13)

Missionary to TOGO Randy Alderman arrived at a new preaching point where 130 people awaited his message. 25 men had walked 15 km to attend that meeting and hear the gospel for the first time in their lives. At the close of the message Randy suggested that any who wished to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ should step forward. At first, it appeared that no one had responded to the invitation. On closer inspection, however, Randy realized that ALL 130 had taken that one step ahead. Thinking the people had not understood, Randy carefully explained again. Once more the entire group stepped forward to receive Christ. The challenge facing the missionaries now is following-up the group decision with personal discipleship training.

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