The Gospel of Compassion at
Hôpital Baptiste Biblique - TOGO
By Bea Ward
Seven-year-old Boukari arrived at the hospital in acute respiratory
distress. Dr. Bob Cropsey put a tube down his throat to aid his
breathing, but he kept fighting to pull it out. We kept him sedated
for 36 hours until the infection subsided. In a few days, Boukari
was ready to leave the hospital.
Communication with this family was difficult because they spoke
Hausa and knew very little Ewe, the language of this area. One
of our nurses, however, speaks Hausa and was able to share the
gospel with the family. We gave them tracts when they assured us
someone in the village could read. They left, grateful for the
life of their son, but not yet responsive to the gospel.
Incidents such as this occur over and over as we have the privilege
of sharing the gospel with thousands who seek physical healing.
During 2001, more than 600 patients and their families decided
to trust in Christ as Savior.
As happy as we are about what God has done in the past, we know
we have much yet to do. Togo is home to over four million people,
many of whom need physical and spiritual healing.
With new missionary doctors preparing to serve in Togo, we can
expand our medical outreaches. We plan to hold clinics at which
good health practices will be taught as the gospel is preached,
with the goal of establishing a church in that location.
We also hope to develop a radio station and Christian schools.
These expansions are possible in Togo because of the strong foundation
of mature, godly Togolese believers who are enthusiastically evangelizing,
discipling, and planting churches.
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