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Togo, West Africa… where Voodoo has prevailed for centuries, the Gospel is now overcoming.

By Jon Nelms
As I prepared to arrive in Brussels, I wondered if I would be able to make my connection since my flight out of Atlanta was over two hours late leaving. I knew that when I arrived, I would have to go through immigration to the baggage area, where hopefully I would meet up with Pastor Louis DeMeo of Uchaud, France. We would have to pass through customs, then go on to secure our boarding passes and get to our gate. We had less than one hour to do it all, and barely made it.
I had asked Louis to accompany me on this, my first African tour, because of his ability to speak French, and because some of the works I would visit were launched from his church.

We took our seats before we hardly had a chance to greet one another. About seven hours later we arrived in the city of Lome, the capital of Togo. Only two years earlier I had met a former missionary to Togo and was embarrassed that I didn’t even know where the country was. For those of you who are as I was, let me help you. Togo is located on the “Horn of Africa”. It is the hump that projects off the western side of the continent into the Atlantic Ocean. This tiny nation is only ninety miles wide and about five hundred miles from north to south. It is inhabited by slightly more than 3,500,000 people. Among them, there are thirty-eight tribal groups. French is the dominant language but many of the people still speak their own tongue.

When we arrived in Togo, we were met by Luigi Palmieri, an Italian-born, French missionary from Louis’ church. Luigi, his wife Isabelle, and children Sarah, Melody, and Sebastian, came to Togo five years ago with a team of three single team members, all from the same church in France. They came determined to win a nation by training the nationals to concentrate equally as much on discipleship as on evangelism. Luigi and his family moved to Togo with only $300.00 of monthly support. Today they receive about $1,000.00 per month. Out of that, Luigi pays his house rent (where a number of his younger members also live) and the rent on a house that provides shelter for ten castaway children. Operating the two facilities consumes more than 50% of his income.

What impressed me most about these French missionaries is that they live with an “open door” policy. They do not shut themselves off from their members or the public at large. I know it must be uncomfortable to always have someone living with them, never having a moment for the family to be alone, but they don’t seem to see it that way. It would be much more pleasant to live out of the city in a cooler, prettier area, but as Luigi says, “if you want to minister, you have to go where the people are”. That is exactly what they have done and their progress is phenomenal. The advantage of their “open door” was apparent one morning when a teenage girl came running through their gate. Her father ran in behind her and continued hitting her in the face and head with his fist. She called out for help and the Palmieris went to rescue her. In Togo, it is common for a man to beat his wife and children to the point of bringing blood. In this instance, the father was angry because the younger child was not recovering from an illness. Since the teenage girl was to care for the child and it had not recovered, the father judged that the daughter was not giving good enough care, thus he beat her. As I learned, when such events occur, the child needs to have a house of refuge to stay in, at least temporarily.

Another recipient of their care is an eighteen-year-old boy named Beaugard. When he received Christ three years ago, his father cast him out of the family. He now works for the church and lives in the house Luigi provides. He is also in training to become a preacher.

Upon arriving, and after dropping off our bags, we all went to the church where a session of the Bible Institute was underway. There were sixty-two students present, mostly men, mostly in their twenties. The three-year course will have its first graduation in one year. It will be exciting to see what these graduates will do, but in reality, you don’t have to wait to know, for no one affiliated with this ministry is sitting around with dreams of serving God, they are doing it now. As the Bible says, you produce after your own kind. This missionary warrior is producing other warriors to help him combat the Lord’s enemy. Everyone is involved in outreach: street preaching, hospital visitation, jail ministry, bus ministry, house-to-house evangelism, village outreach, film ministry, and on and on. Most every day and every night gives the converts ample opportunity not only to evangelize but also to disciple their converts.

Most of the converts produced so far are Togo citizens of the Ewe tribe (pronounced A-way). In fact, all the classes and church services are translated from French to Ewe, since only those under the age of twenty are likely to be fluent in French.

It was our blessing on several occasions to share with these people the activity of other believers around the world. In turn, it was a blessing to minister alongside them on the streets and in the villages. It gave me a chance to see what they are up against. And do not be deceived, they have a real enemy in their struggle for the souls of men; and that enemy is Voodoo. As Luigi informed me, the people are very religious, but it is all in vain. They worship the Voodoo spirits of their ancestors in order to have power and protection. They have no concept of a God who is loving, caring, and kind; and to be honest, all who hear about Him do not necessarily want to forsake their own gods to follow Him. Yet, as I say, they are religious, for they give Christian names to most everything. Even a bar might be named “the Good Shepherd Bar” or “the Sure Return of the Messiah Discotheque”. It is unbelievable that there can be such a “form of godliness”, and at the same time, such a “denial of the power thereof”.

Like most everywhere I go, the society is controlled by the religion. It is not something you do on Sunday, it is your life. For instance, Togo has beautiful beaches, yet virtually no one uses them. They believe that if you go into the water, you can be taken by the spirit of the water. This spirit is a mermaid (sometimes male, sometimes female), named Mami Wata. (They pronounce it Mummy Wata). It seems incredible that such a faith could exist, but even many of our ancestors believed in a male “mermaid” named Neptune. The people believe that Mami Wata pulls the person underwater and out to sea. A more likely explanation is that the undertow, which is amazing, has resulted in many “missing” swimmers and fishermen. The belief is real, however, for a morning walk along the beach will reveal the carcasses of animals that were sacrificed the night before.

The power of Voodoo is seen everywhere. Many homes and villages have “fetishes”. Often Voodoo priests enslave girls and women to work for them making money that they can use personally and in their worship. These females wear white skirts and no tops. Fear of retaliation of the priest’s power forces many to give donations to them. On one hot afternoon, we went to a fetish market. As we drove up, the men had just finished sacrificing chickens to their ancestors. Blood flowed down the sides of the altar, and feathers were scattered everywhere. They would drop to the ground as if in worship, then rise to their feet with hands extended into the air. All around were rotting animals and bones for use in medicines and incantations. The smell of death was in the air. What a contrast, I thought, between the death of Voodoo and the life offered through Jesus.

The beauty of Togo, however, was in seeing those who had turned from this spiritual darkness to the Light that we have in the Son of God. Their smiles were brilliant and their singing uplifting.

The Church in Africa is truly an African church. That culture has led many to delve into the charismatic teachings, which are at best, unfulfilling and doctrinally unsound. Luigi and his people take a strong stance against these doctrines, but they do so in a loving way. As a result, many of the students come from such backgrounds and are eager to know the true Biblical teaching on eternal security and other subjects. Luigi sees an importance in helping to train such converts that have never been taught otherwise. When he was saved, it was in an Italian charismatic church. After meeting Pastor DeMeo in France, he enrolled in the Theological Institute located at the church. His doctrine immediately changed. I have observed that a former Catholic is very effective in witnessing to current Catholics. Even so, a former charismatic, who now sees the truth, is very effective in pointing it out to others.

On my journey, I noticed several areas of difficulty in ministry. One is that even most Baptists are charismatic, with doctrines “for sale” to the highest bidder. This is an unfortunate reality. Most people simply don’t know why they believe what they believe. Another hindrance is the weather. Most days, by ten in the morning, the temperature is already reaching up to 110 degrees with humidity levels of 70%. For us, it was a difficult time, and it even hindered the work of the locals. Another problem is disease. The people are not clean, and malaria kills tens of thousands each year.

But as everywhere, tragedy and discomfort often lead people in a search for truth. Togo is no exception. Stop and show a film on any street, and you are guaranteed a crowd of several hundred; in a village, it may be several thousand. For $30.00, Luigi rents a projector and sound system for two days. He shows an African movie about a man who was saved out of Voodoo, cast out by his family, who then wins them all to Christ. It is very effective to say the least. Unfortunately, he cannot buy the film because the cost is prohibitive ($600.00).

Before leaving, I also made contact with several ABWE (Association of Baptist for World Evangelism) missionaries whom Luigi knew, and who have asked us to support their church planters as well. At least twenty of their national preachers already meet our criteria of having experience in church planting and discipleship. Their applications are expected in our office at any time.

I believe that there is no reason for not reaching a nation that is smaller in population than many of our American cities. If we will work alongside the nationals, encouraging and providing some funding, they will be able to do better what they are doing already … winning their own people to Jesus Christ and training them to do likewise. And who knows, in a few years we might just win an entire nation for the Lord.

Missions Family Night

Issue: June, 1995

Target: Togo

Idolatry, Secret Societies and Traditional Religions
by: Lewis Nelms
Togo, a small nation in West Africa, is sandwiched between Ghana and Benin. Its population, which consists of nearly 80 ethnic groups, totals approximately 4 million people.

In 1960, Togo gained its independence from France. But, the years following this important event have often been marked by anarchy and violence. Just in Lome, the capital city, an estimated 50% of the population have left the nation seeking refuge in Ghana or Benin.

In 1978, 20 religious groups were banned from the country. Only Muslims, Catholics, and five Protestant groups were allowed to function. In 1990, the government relaxed some of these restrictions, allowing much greater freedom for churches and missions organizations.

Togo and her neighbor have the highest percentage of unevangelized traditionalists in the entire continent of Africa. Traditional religions, followed by nearly 40% of the population, are a major force in nearly every people group. Only 15 of Togo’s people groups have an evangelical congregation within their cultures. Among twenty-five unreached people groups (about 21% of the total population), there are no known congregations. With idolatry and secret societies numerous, the powers of darkness are strongly entrenched in Togo.

Catholicism, with 32% of the total population, is the second largest religious group in this nation. It is followed by Islam, which comprises 21% of the population. Though Protestant groups make up only 9% of the total population, fortunately, they are growing at a rate of 5.4%.

Many of the spiritual problems faced in Togo are similar to those faced all across Africa: leadership training, support for full-time workers, and resources. These three problems create a critical bottleneck in a continent that is becoming poorer and poorer. (Currently, the continent of Africa comprises about 10% of the total world population but generates barely over 1% of the world’s earnings.) Western churches need to give as freely in providing spiritual food for church-planting and discipleship, as they have done in providing for Africa’s famines. You can personally help in this area by assisting a national preacher. To find out more, call 1-800-522-4324.

How to use the Missions Family Night…
The Missions Family Night is designed to be a teaching tool for the entire family. Each month one nation or people group will be targeted.

1. Designate one meal per month to celebrate missions by using the Missions Family Night materials.
2. Use the Recipes to create an authentic FOREIGN meal. Your children will be excited to help in the meal preparation.
3. During the meal, lead your family in prayer for the targeted nation or group.
4. After the meal, let the children color the Coloring Sheet and encourage them to participate in the monthly coloring contest. (See below for rules.)
5. Complete the other activities in the MFN and read and discuss the stories from the Missions Progress Report.

Let’s Get Acquainted…

The purpose of this feature is to introduce our readers to approved preachers who are not yet sponsored. It is our hope that their testimonies will verify their worthiness and need, and will lead to prayer and support on their behalf.

Preacher’s Name: A Chuoc

Country: Vietnam

Wife’s Name: Y. Rak

Number of Children: 4

Testimony:

I am serving God among the H’Lang people in the highland region where the church is in a very difficult situation. Gospel preaching is prohibited here. I was arrested several times and imprisoned. I work together with another pastor in shepherding our flock and bringing sinners to Christ.

This is my testimony: When I heard that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, dying for me on the cross, I knew I was a sinner and I received Christ as my Saviour. I was baptized and little by little, I grew as a Christian.

Because God loved me so much as to die for me, I am giving my whole life to serving Him until He comes again.

When my wife was a little girl, she was taken to church by her parents. There she learned that she needed a Saviour. She received Christ and was forgiven for her sins.

I am serving God by preaching the Gospel and by teaching Bible study groups in my tribal village. Because our church is not able to support us financially, I work on a farm in the mountains to earn a living for my family. My wife also does farm work to help out. We produce some of the food ourselves and some of it we have to buy. Our house is made of wood covered with tiles. There are three rooms in it. The main things we eat are rice and vegetable soup and we are very grateful for it.

With your financial help and your prayers, we will be better able to meet the basic needs of our family and spend more time in serving God.

Note: We are currently sponsoring nearly eighty Vietnamese preachers but have another twenty or so available. Vietnamese preachers do not provide personal quarterly reports because of the persecution factor, but sponsors do get a report from Vietnam. If you are willing to sponsor a preacher for $30.00 monthly, call us at 1-800-522-4324; or see the “Now It’s Your Turn” cutout on page 23.

Child Care International

Name: Padavala Simon                                             Date of Birth: August 19, 1985

Country: India                                                                Age: 9
School Grade: Fourth                                                 Sex: Male

My father was a landlord. Our family had many cows and buffaloes. My father would sell the milk to co-operative stores and gain money for our family. My family had many servants that would help my father care for his lands and cattle. Because my father had much money, we had all we wanted. We used to go to school on a scooter with my father driving us. (There are three boys in my family.) We also had a color T.V. so that we would not have to go to other houses to see the programs.

One day my father and another farmer were having a talk. Suddenly both of them became angry and began to fight with each other. The other farmer brought an iron rod and beat my father on his head. He fell down dead. My mother heard the news and came running to him. She was crying very hard. She was a weak woman and so in her grief she died suddenly.

My parents had always been proud of having three sons. My two brothers had never cared much for their studies because they were very proud of their expected property inheritance. When my parents died, we were all too young to look after the land. My relatives sold away all the cattle and took away the money. They looked after us for a long time and then left us to be beggars.

Some kind-hearted people used to give us food as we would go from house to house begging. One family would care for us one day each week, but then they were moved because of a job transfer. We were without food for many days. Finally, my horrible position was noticed by Pastor Swatantra Kumar. At that time, he took me into his orphanage program.

A report from TEAM Myanmar

From: Bo Go Za (alias)
Location: Yangon
Date: April 8, 1995

What was the total amount of TEAM funds received?
$6.00

What were these funds used for?
Given to preachers as needed

Do you have any special needs we can pray about?
Pray for the change in our political system.

Below, please write a short letter of appreciation to your TEAM sponsors:

Words cannot express my gratitude to you for helping our destitute workers… It embarrassed me much when I would speak on behalf of others and myself. When we say thank you it is a real thank you and not a matter of courtesy… When we say we (have a) need – it is a real need. I (have) lost all sense. Life is like as if living in a tunnel. Thank you very much for helping your suffering brothers in the cause of God. You may not receive our reports in time, but I can assure you that our workers are working continuously.

NOTE:
In the excerpt above, Bo Go Za refers to the political difficulty they are now undergoing and the $2003.00 support sent for the preachers last quarter. We currently have only one TEAM sponsor for Burma (Myanmar). Would you prayerfully consider becoming a TEAM member for as little as $5.00 monthly? If so, please see the “Now It’s Your Turn” cut-out on page 23. These men desperately need your help.

From the Mailbag

Last quarter:

• Villages evangelized: 3
• Churches started: 3
• Number saved: 89
• Baptisms: 19

From: Thang Za Khup

Sponsored by: David Anspacher, Battle Creek, MI

May the Lord give you happiness and blessed life. Your help is great. I am depending only on your help. I also share some with my parents. I am serving the Lord in a new village this year. I have shared the Gospel to these three villages. Only 19 people get baptized because they are 89 in number and they have to be stick to the faith. I am hopeful that I may be able to establish three churches in these three villages before the end of 1995. I have conducted SS class in two villages on Sunday. They are 3 miles apart from where I stay. I have to go on foot always and sometimes I am afraid of bears and tigers. But the Lord keeps me and He will keep me all the time. Since I do not have any other income, I have cultivated a paddy field where I can get rice enough for seven months. With your help, I think I can have enough for the year 1995. I also work among some of the Charismatics too. Hope I can win them someday. Please pray for special ministry… I have to win many Catholics in other villages too. Thank you very much.

Last quarter:

• Villages evangelized: 1
• Churches started: 1
• Number saved: 6
• Baptisms: 6

From: Ch. Manikyam

Sponsored by: Mr. and Mrs. George Hair, Duluth, GA

Greetings from India. By God’s grace we are doing well and praying to the Lord for you. Thank you very much for your regular financial assistance. Even though I was in difficulties, even though sometimes I faced starvation, last month when a couple approached me for a Holy Bible, I sacrificed some amount from your support and purchased a Bible for them and donated it on behalf of you. These people came all the way from ten miles by walking just to receive the Word of God. You do not know how your money is helping our people in spiritual needs also in addition to the physical needs.

Once again I am conveying my special thanks to you for your regular financial help. Please pray for our ministry in India.

The John Nelms Family Report

It seems as our work enlarges, the needs increase. You will read about our trip to Togo in this issue of the Progress Report, but what you won’t read about is the need Togo has for TEAM members. At this moment, there are no TEAM members assisting Togo. I hope many of you will consider doing so for a minimum of $5.00 monthly (see below). One tremendous need for the workers there is to have air conditioning. I know this may sound frivolous, but believe me, it is needed. Not only would it help preserve sensitive equipment like computers from the intense heat and humidity, but also to relieve the many believers who suffer from malaria.

From the beginning of missions in Africa, this region was called the “white man’s graveyard”. This was because the heat and malaria killed so many missionaries. The average life span in the first hundred years of missionary work there was only six years! I hope to raise $2,500.00 to purchase four window-sized air conditioners. Let me know if you can help by marking your donation for this need.

We are now approaching the support of 800 preachers… There is no end to what we can accomplish for the Lord with your help. Also, our building is nearly completed. You can expect an update soon.

Yours for souls,
Jon Nelms

Proverbs 22:9 “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed: for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”

Facts To Know About Togo

People who are citizens of Togo are not called Togos, Togons, Togoans, Togocans, Togotians or Togomese. They are referred to as Togolese.

In 1900, Muslims made up only 4% of the population. Today they make up over 20% of the population.

On the average, workers in Togo make only 2% of what is made by the average worker in the U.S.A.

Cultic groups in Togo (mainly the Jehovah’s Witnesses), are currently growing at an annual rate of nearly 15%, which is more than twice the annual growth rate for cultic groups throughout Africa and almost three times as fast as the growth rate among Protestant groups in Togo itself.

There is one foreign Protestant or Evangelical missionary in Togo for every 12,600 people. There is one foreign Roman Catholic missionary for every 16,000 people. But, Roman Catholic missionaries sent out from Togo outnumber Protestant and Evangelical missionaries 2 to 1.

Scriptures have been translated in 14 of the languages spoken throughout Togo. There are still 29 language groups with no portion of Scripture available to read. The Kabiye Bible is currently in the process of completion. Kabiye is the key language of the north and one of the two indigenous languages used in the education system in Togo.

In Togo, there are still 20 unreached people groups where there is no witnessing church. Less than one half of the people in these groups have been evangelized.

In 1980, there were approximately 14 African nations which were “closed” to the proclamation of the gospel and Christians were restricted or persecuted. In 1990, government restrictions were relaxed in Togo, previously one of the 14 “closed” nations, allowing for greater freedom in proclaiming the gospel.

In Togo, 56% of the household income is spent on food (compared to only 18% in the United States). This high percentage spent on food consumption drastically limits the amount that could be designated for the purchase of ministry resources.

The Economy of Africa

No other continent has suffered as many natural, political, and economic disasters over the past 25 years as Africa. Of the world’s 40 poorest nations, 32 are in Africa, and of these, about 13 are in complete collapse. Though as a continent it contains 10% of the world’s population, it only generates 1% of the world’s earnings!

There are many reasons for Africa’s economic problems. First, there has been uncontrolled population growth. Currently, Africa has the highest growth rate worldwide. In 1985, Africa contained 415 million people, but by the year 2000, there will be an estimated 650 million people living on this continent. Second, maladministration has contributed to Africa’s economic problems. When those who are in power become corrupt or use their authority unwisely, the economy cannot prosper for long, and the poor will ultimately be hurt the most. Third, Africa’s low investment in agriculture has also added to its economic nightmares. In a time of rapid population increase, food production has been in decline. In addition, in 1992, famine (due to either war or drought) gripped much of Africa, causing 60 million people to face death through starvation. Fourth, Africa’s high foreign debt has hindered its economic freedom. Unwise borrowing has elevated the debt in the sub-Saharan area alone to over $174 billion. This averages out to $340 per person or 90% of the total annual earnings of the entire continent. Fifth, the ending of the “cold war” has contributed to Africa’s economic problems. Africa held the balancing vote in the United Nations during the conflict between the superpowers. When the cold war ended, foreign aid diminished.

Christ loves the people of Africa and He wants them to experience financial freedom. But, the first step in financial freedom is spiritual freedom. The Bible promises, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” No matter how severe Africa’s economic problems may be, God can remedy the situation. Blessing begins by bringing the message of salvation to the people of this continent. As people turn to Christ and obey His principles, Africa will begin to change economically.

News from Final Frontiers:
Since last month’s report, there were…

• 344 New Churches Started
• 1,606 New Villages Evangelized
• 8,388 Professions of Faith
• 1,876 Believers Baptized
• Total churches started to date: 3,840

MINISTRY INFORMATION…
The Progress Report is a free, monthly publication of the FINAL FRONTIERS FOUNDATION INC., whose purpose is to effectively take the Gospel to the more than three billion souls, who have never before heard. Currently, we are ministering in Latvia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, China, Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, the Ivory Coast, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and the West Indies. These are countries and peoples which are primarily closed to the traditional missionary outreach, but open to us because of our unique method of missions.

We believe that the training and subsidizing of national preachers is the most efficient and effective method of global evangelism. Thus, we seek to raise prayer and financial support from believers in America, for God’s servants abroad, who are actively involved in church planting and discipleship.

Selection of those we sponsor is dependent upon their doctrinal beliefs, need, and reputation. We support only those who are serving by faith, never those who are waiting for a salary in order to serve. Worldwide, the average preacher in a third-world country needs as little as $30.00 each month to support his family and ministry.

All those subsidized through this foundation are involved in church planting. Their various outreach ministries include: Bible translation and distribution, radio and television broadcasting, camps, Bible schools, outdoor and film evangelism, educational and health programs, blind and leper ministries, orphan and children’s ministries, feeding centers, and refugee ministries. The foundation also offers assistance in missionary training; and we provide mission trips for American believers who want to examine the ministries of the national preachers.

Current ministries available for support are:

• Sponsorship of a national or native preacher ($30.00 monthly)
• Sponsorship of a TEAM of preachers in a given country ($5.00 minimum per month)
• Sponsorship of an orphan through our CHILD CARE subsidiary ($30.00 monthly)
• Sponsorship of our radio evangelism ($30.00 monthly for free radio distribution)

FINAL FRONTIERS, as a non-profit, religious corporation, is governed by those serving on the Executive Board of Directors: Rev. Jon Nelms (founder, Chairman, and CEO), Dr. James Mastin (Vice President), Rev. Gene Carpenter, Rev. Michael Corsini, Rev. Jimmy Scheffield, Mr. David Fluth, and Dr. Dan Burrell (Secretary-Treasurer). Further counsel is provided by those serving on the Board of Advisors.

Contributions and gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible and are applied to the ministry’s evangelistic outreach. FINAL FRONTIERS is classified as a 509 (a)(1) public foundation, under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Regional Offices:

• Office of Ministry Expansion and Development, Sioux Falls, SD
  Executive Director: Rev. Lewis Nelms
• Office of Publications, Des Moines, IA
  Director of Publications: Mr. Bryan Jones
• Office of Asian Expansion, Akron, OH
  Director: Dr. Minh Dang
• Office of Refugee Ministries, Long Beach, CA
  Director: Rev. Rick Davis

International Offices:
International offices are maintained in every country of service for accountability purposes and are staffed by national and regional directors who are elected by the supported pastors and approved by the Executive Board of Directors. For further information concerning this ministry and its various programs, please call or write to the home office:

Home Office:
Final Frontiers Foundation
1200 Peachtree St.
Louisville, GA 30434 USA