36 Bored Soldiers

By Bea Ward

The aftermath of 9/11 has unexpected benefits in Togo

Togo seemed very remote from the terrorist attack of 9/11. I was in Lomé that day, oblivious to the panic and turmoil in the United States. Returning to the hospital, I laughed when one of the MKs (missionary kids) told me of the attack-preteens will try to get you to believe all sorts of bizarre stories. But I was as awestruck as the rest of the world when I watched the blurry CNN report.

The Togolese could not have been more sympathetic and protective of us. Over and over our incredulous friends asked, "Why would anyone want to hurt Americans?"

Imagine our surprise the next day when 36 soldiers from a military camp north of the hospital showed up to protect us! We have no wall around our hospital and homes here in the rural village of Tsiko, so the generals in Lomé insisted on thorough protection. We did not argue, although we never heard a harsh or threatening word against Americans in all the aftermath.

Our records for the year 2001 indicate about 600 salvation decisions among patients and their families as a result of the medical ministry of our hospital and clinic. But in November of that year, as a result of the terrorist threat, we were able to launch our mission to the military of Togo. We quickly realized that 36 bored soldiers were prime candidates for evangelism. Each soldier received a Bible and a presentation of the gospel. Those interested in knowing more conversed with staff evangelists. As the weeks went by, 100 soldiers were rotated in and out.

Over 30 of these trusted Christ as Savior and began a new believers Bible study by correspondence. One of our hospital chaplains held a temporary Bible study at their camp, but was denied permission from the general in charge to hold a permanent Bible study. A pastor from a local church near the camp has continued the follow-up. Since then, the soldiers stationed here have mostly been from a camp located in the same town as our blind center. Two converts there regularly attend a Bible study and are growing in the Lord.

In Togo, soldiers are not well-respected. We are thankful for the chance to demonstrate to believers here that God loves and died for soldiers, and that Christians can befriend these men. We have seen none of the horrors of terrorist attacks, only opportunities to extend the kingdom of God to an unevangelized segment of the population.