Recap:
We started with Guitar lessons this morning early at 7:30am. We learned some new chords as well as the purpose of a capo. After that, Melissa, JJ and I drove to the capitol to take care of some business. The capitol drive is about 45 minutes long. While we were there, we were able to go by a few shops, change out money and have a nice lunch near the ocean. I really take little things for granted like sewage, clean city water or clean pumped well water, and trash systems. I started to walk in the ocean today only to realize that there was trash everywhere. I mean it was impossible to walk out into the surf without getting small bags or trash stuck to you. Even in the large city of Lome (the capitol), there is no city sewage system, they only have septic systems which often can run into the water source that they pull from for water. I love this country and I love the people here, but an Atheist from Togo was quoted saying “the only thing that will change our Country is God”. I’d say the same thing applies to America. We like to blame people and companies, but finding the right leader will not fix any country. Only the outpouring of God’s blessing will make the change. He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.
After lunch, we returned back to Aneho (where JJ and Melissa live) for our evening guitar lesson. Shortly after the lesson time started, the electricity went out again. These guys are hardcore though… they didn’t skip a beat.. they just kept practicing. The same thing happened during our guitar classes last night too. I told the guys “this is perfect, I was going to have you practice blindfolded tonight anyway”. :)
During practice, I spoke with one of my students…Frank. You may remember him as the guy who got off the court to talk to a boy about Jesus. I asked Frank how he came to know Jesus. He said he came from Nigeria to Togo 2 years ago so he could learn French. Frank speaks English in his portion of Nigeria. About 6 months after he got to Togo, he met Ryan Cosson on the community basketball court here in Aneho. Ryan asked him about his spiritual journey, and Frank was under the impression that good works alone would assure his Salvation. Ryan was able to show Frank through the Word that his Faith in Christ alone is what assures his Salvation. Within one week of that conversation, Frank came to know Jesus personally and has been radically changed since then. The next question I asked Frank is “why do you want to learn to play the guitar”? He responded, that he held one years ago and has always wanted to learn and had always hoped that he would have an opportunity, so he jumped at the chance to learn when he heard I was coming to teach. Frank has done an incredible job. Not only does he retain knowledge well and apply it well… he has also proven to be a great 1 on 1 coach for the boys younger than him. He has also helped me tremendously with translating to French. Frank is scheduled to go back to Nigeria in January. He told me that his plan is to find a good church when he gets home, and he wants to get involved with their music program and use the guitar to bring glory to God. Frank has a heart for people and I can already see him doing great things for God. I love that God has given me an opportunity to impact people in Nigeria through Frank here in Togo. I am also so thankful for the people that have poured into him spiritually before I even met Frank. He is a true worshiper, and I’m honored to have the pleasure of working with him.
I’d say it was a very successful day of lessons. I am saddened that I only have 2 more full days with these wonderful people. I will miss them greatly.
To find out more about this ministry, visit: www.togopalms.org or you can follow JJ Alderman on his Facebook Page.
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