TOGO

COLONISED BY GERMANY & FRANCE (1884 - 1960) Togo formed part of the Slave Coast, from where captives were shipped abroad by European slavers during the 17th century. In modern Togo, Aného is a coastal town known as one of the largest slave centres in West Africa. Slaves from Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of the region were brought to be displayed, sold and thrown onto slave ships bound for the American plantations. Togo became a German protectorate in 1884. German rule in Togo was brutal. After their defeat in World War I, the Germans were forced to give up their African colonies to the French and British. German Togoland was partitioned between the British and the French. British Togoland would go on to become part of Ghana and French Togoland became Togo. French rule was also harsh and exploitative. In 1960, Togo received its independence from France. A joint UN-Organisation of African Unity investigation into claims that hundreds of people were killed after controversial elections in 1998 concluded that the government was guilty of multiple human rights violations. TODAY - The political and economic situation remains unstable. High levels of poverty, illiteracy and a lack of economic opportunities have led to the widespread use of child labour and child trafficking. In many rural areas, parents hope that sending their children away to work for a couple of years will help them make ends meet.

HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Christianity started in Togo in 1830 upon the establishment of a German Catholic Mission station.

CHURCH TODAY: 43.7% Christian, 35.6% traditional animist, 14% Sunni Muslim, and 5% followers of other religions. This region is believed to be the birthplace of voodoo, and its spiritual hold on the Togolese nation persists today. There is a great need for the younger generation to be reached, with over 300,000 orphaned and unwanted children exploited in the sex trade and child labour.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration for the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism.
• Pray that the Church will be able to break away from the traditional beliefs, such as African traditional religion and voodoo practises. Pray that the Togolese believers will continue to grow in their faith.
• Pray for an end to child trafficking, prostitution, and exploitation of the poor.
• Pray for peace and political stability. Ask the Lord to raise righteous and just leaders in the government of Togo.
• Pray for indigenous mission agencies to establish themselves and for those who do not know Christ to have encounters with Him through dreams and visions.
• Pray that the church of Togo will fulfil Jesus’ prayer from John 17: to be one with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Psalm 98:4

PRAYER

As a deer pants for the waters so our souls pant after You. Thank You that we are able to meet in the presence of Your Church ready to be fed with food for our souls and direction for our path. Amen.