The Togo team leaves for Togo on Saturday, July 26. Their trip will focus on three different ministries: pastor training, women's ministry, and children's ministry. The goals and plans for each ministry are described below, as well as some ways you can pray for them. As is almost always the case with misson trip plans, plans are made on this side of the water knowing that when touchdown happens on the other side of the water, the plans may change depending on multiple factors, most importantly because God may direct their time and plans differently.
Pastor Training--written by Dennis R.
Our missional focus has always been on education in Togo, whether that be in health and hygiene, agricultural, leadership, or theological. The pastors training class is obviously focused on the theological education for those who live in rural areas and have no access to theological education. Now in its third year, we will be seeing our first graduates soon. I am very excited that this year several of us will be spending time teaching the students on a variety of subjects centered around the role of pastor and leadership development. We will be meeting with the students as many times as possible to share with them the things we have learned in leadership positions. This year Gary Jones will be leading this effort. Gary is a urban pastor from Kansas City and has a lot of great practical experience to share with the students.
Due to time restraints, we will not have an organized program for the agricultural education. We normally use the trip in January to focus on farming techniques and agricultural business development. They will be nearing harvest when we arrive so we will be evaluating this years production while we are there and plan for our next ag training in January.
Women's Ministry--written by Jennifer B.
In Togo this year we are starting Women’s Ministry. Our goal is to show these women their value in the eyes of Christ. It is our heart that they know how they were created, that they are beautiful, and they have a Savior who sees them, hears them, and loves them. We will talk about how we were created by Him and for Him. During the women’s ministry the Togo team will be immersed in the culture of Togo by shadowing a woman during her daily routine. This enables us to see the needs for future ministry and how we can best serve these women.
The second part to the women’s ministry is serving the women during a banquet. Our culture will be shared with the women through a meal and worship. The team will prepare a banquet meal and serve these women dinner. The actual serving the women is an integral part of this ministry. This will allow us to impart some understanding of their value in Christ. The message of the Gospel will be shared at this time and also a time of Worship, both American and Togolese (there will be some chicken dancing going on). We are encouraging those who already attend the church at Mission Tove to bring a friend and we are planning on 100 women. The banquet will allow us to share some scripture and testimonies with these women. We will also leave them with a picture of themselves to hang, cards of scripture to encourage them, and each woman will receive a T-shirt that says Be-You-tiful with Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” on it.
Please pray:
For woman who will be attending, that her heart is open to the message
That the team would be an encouragement to these women
For boldness for the women who are inviting friends who are unbelievers
That the women would understand the Gospel and see God as the One True God.
That the team would be able to communicate effectively with the women through the translators and that even without the translators, the message of Jesus shines through.
For those giving their testimonies, that the words that He would have us speak would come through.
For protection from any health issues for those going
For spiritual awakening for those going and the Togolese people.
Children's Ministry--written by Janel D.
In the evenings while we are in Mission Tove we will be flying kites, blowing bubbles, and having fun with the kids!
Thank you for praying for this team! Prayer from us on this side of the water is key and instrumental to what happens on that side of the water. Check back on the blog as the team is in Togo for updates and possibly pictures!
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