Recap:
We crushed it today. We fit so much in… it’s crazy.
Fist, we woke up at about 5 or 5:30am and drove about 45 min through some villages and rough roads to a small town called Togoville. This is where JJ purchased some lakefront property for a camp that they will be building there. It’s very rural out there and it’s so beautiful. JJ showed me the layout of where the buildings, sports fields, etc. will be going. They will use this for camps as well as for a Bible Institute all year long. I can’t wait to see this start taking shape. They will be clearing land soon and can really use some money for buildings. This WILL be a place where HUGE life changes takes place. It’s not my opinion… it’s a guarantee! If you’re interested in being a part of it on a trip or supporting it financially, hit me up on facebook. Even if you just wanna hear about updates or pray for the progress, make sure to connect with JJ on facebook and follow what’s going on.
On our way to the camp property, we stopped on the side of the road in a small village and got donuts that a lady was making. She was frying them in hot oil next to the road. These things were so amazing that we stopped on our way back to get a few more. Village Krispy Kreme!
On the way back from the camp, JJ had me ride on top of the Rovers roof to get a different perspective of the land. It was beautiful. Such a great experience. Another time that I wish I could bring all my friends to experience it.
One of the villages that we had to go back through was super small but had a huge open air Voodoo Temple there. I walked in to take some pictures. This is a place where they do human sacrifices. Witchdoctors come from all over to work together here. It’s a dark and depressing place. Hearing the stories of things that happen at places like this is disturbing. It’s a dark place.
After visiting Togoville, we drove back to Aneho where JJ lives (another 45 min) for our morning guitar lessons. I was able to spend some time with Jonas this morning. He is doing extremely well with his lessons. He’s a very impressive person. Whatever he puts his mind to, he seems to excel. He is a great teacher and a great discipler as well. He has such a heart for the Togolese.
After our morning guitar lesson, we drove back into Lome (the capitol..45 min away) for a few errands we had to run. We also stopped by the fetish market there. It was the most erie place I’ve ever been to in my life. It was as if you walked into an open air flea market that only sold dead animals and skulls. The smell of death filled the air and there were mainly just witch doctors there. The moment you walked in, it felt like someone laid a stack of books on your chest. Everywhere I’ve been in this country, I’ve seen smiles. If you’re around these people for any length of time, they are laughing and enjoying each others company. It was not like that in this market at all. There was a solemness that filled their presence. Everywhere I’ve gone here, all eyes are on you (because you are white/different), but there was something else that wasn’t right about this place. It’s as if they sensed Jesus on us and it created a tension in the air. This stuff is the real deal… however… MY GOD IS BIGGER!
I’m constantly reminded by the fact that there is no middle ground in this country. It’s either dark or it’s light. Christians stand out here! There is boldness that they cary that is inspiring.
On the way back to Aneho (another 45 min drive.. ha) we passed a passenger that was carrying a ton of weight that had gotten stuck in sand…all the way down to their axel. They would have most likely been there all night trying to get out. We stopped and helped them and they were out in about 15-20 minutes.
Tonight, we started the guitar practice. We started with a worship service. I really enjoyed this. At one point, we stopped and just prayed out loud together (all at once). It was a powerful moment hearing 3 different languages crying out go God all at once in worship. I will not soon forget things like this.
After this, many of the guys expressed a thanks to me for coming all the way to teach them. I’ve come to realize that for me, giving ends up bringing such a rewarding feeling to me rather than just benefiting the recipient. I told them that they have inspired me with their strong sense of community and their boldness. They do everything together. They study the Word together, they share their faith in groups, they practice guitar together, they build bricks together, etc.. This is how God intended us to do life. I will miss this guys very much. I wish I wasn’t saying goodbye.
I will most likely not be blogging for a few days as I’m in transit.
For you that have followed this trip and prayed for me or supported me financially, I want to express a huge thank you. It means so much. I hope I’ve been able to shed some light on what the missionaries here work with on a daily basis. They are the real deal. It’s one thing for me to come for 2 weeks and work, but they are killing it like this every day. They are Heros. Please pray for JJ and Melissa Alderman (and the new baby Alderman…currently residing in Mel’s belly). If you haven’t already, make sure to follow them on facebook.
If you are interested in visiting Togo, please let me know. I’d love to speak with you about a future trip. I really wish I could bring every one of my friends here to let them all experience what I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing these weeks.
For more information on this ministry, visit www.togopalms.org or JJ’s FACEBOOK
For pics from today, visit my Facebook HERE
