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CHURCH BUILDING FROM THE GROUND UP

About a year ago a young man got saved.  A few months later, his father (the chief of their village) also came to know Jesus as Savior.  The Chief provided some of his own land for the building of a church, that the Word might be brought to all those around his village.

Eleven poles were set in concrete as the basic framework for the church.  Notice that the poles are not finished lumber, but actual tree trunks trimmed of bark and branches.

Stringers are run across the front back and center before roof "joists" are placed.

One of the nice things about being older is that you get to watch the "youth" work.

Jon and crew.

Shane "weighing in" to help hold wood steady for saw.

Jon notching stringer to allow two joined for length.

Mon ami.  The village chief and I

Love the fact that old people are respected just because they are old.

The young feel that just because you are old, you must have knowledge and value and are worthy of respect.  This makes me think that the people of Togo are more advanced than the people of America..........

One young man of the village who will be going to church when it is finished.

Chiefs front yard.  Goats (kids doing what kids do) butting heads, chickens and chicks.

All bird eggs work toward an omelet.

The cycle of life.  Fried eggs, fried chicken, other than smoked snails (to spicy) like the local food. Why do I see most animals as food??? 

Farming tools, well worn.  Yes, the bones are left over from animism.  Islam, animism, voodoo and even ancestor worship in various forms are practiced by many.  The Chief said he would be cleaning house of old ways since he now knows Jesus. With the Chief accepting Christ, others will be drawn.

The Chiefs son and son's wife lived here.  The art work, by the Chief's son, was done years ago.

Looking in the door of the Chiefs home a picture of President Faure of Togo is prominently displayed.  Respect for those in authority is evident everywhere. 

Work progresses. 

The next step will be a tin roof and then thatched walls.  Benches will complete the church and Jon will be preaching there soon.

Rom 10:13-15
13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

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Isabelle helps at Saturday Kids Bible Study that Heidi holds at their home every week.

All of the kids love the flannel graphs and puppet shows with the Bible stories about Jesus.

Sunday morning church service.

Abby, picking more flowers for Heidi, in church yard.

Church service.

Shane brought the Word of God with it being interpreted to the people in Kabiye.

Local pastor Moussa and his family

Sisters from kids church

While the adults are in church the kids get taught in "Sunday School"

After church we stopped at a park near the Presidential Palace for the kids to play.

The park was built to honor one of the President's brothers.

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Abby loves to pick flowers for Heidi and some of them actually survive the trip home.

On the road home.  This is one of the better roads.  They actually get worse as you get close to civilization.

We are headed to Codhani along the route Nationale 1 near Niamtougou, Togo.  This is the main highway North South in Togo.



Codhani is a cooperative of physically handicapped artisans.  It was created in 1977 to help those with physical disabilities in the village of Niamtougou. From the beginning when the cooperative manufactured soap to the present when they produce house wares, clothes for men and women as well as accessories such as wallets and purses.  All designs are created by the members themselves.  Outside the store was a group of UN volunteers offering shots and medical advice regarding malaria, aids, prenatal care and basic health information to the locals.

As a child in the Methodist Church I used to collect for UNICEF at Halloween time.  This is the first that I saw where these monies went.  He was very proud to be able to help his people this way.  There is so much need in Togo that anyone can contribute something to help.  The people are wonderfully respectful and thankful for even the smallest offering.  Digging a well, building a neighborhood toilet and shower, filling holes in the dirt roads, and it goes on and on......  With each act comes the opportunity to be a witness for Jesus.  Demonstrating the love of God with action and deeds. 

Matt 25:34-40

34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

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A DAY AT THE WATERFALLS

Hiking to the waterfalls

Awesome

Isabelle, thinking about going in.....

Cooling off

Boys on the other side.

Dad trying to act like it was not cold water.

Heidi and Abby watching over us.

Almost as if we were the first to visit.

Like a fly on a wall

Isabelle likes this

Guess there are no crocodiles.....I guess there are no......

Isabelle joins the boys for a swim

Waterfalls are positive and sooo soothing.  Would love to have a home next to one.

On the other side of the falls

It's a race.

Even Abby went for a swim. 

Saying good bye to the falls and

hiking back out.

There were so many wonderful experiences in Togo that it is not possible to rank them.  If there were ways to rate them, this would have to be one of the best.  Imagine being in a place where there is nothing but peace and beauty and God's handiwork all around you.