Few things on time in Togo...

I (Brett) was able to spend a full week alongside Christian and his family, Vapor representatives in Togo, WEst AFrica at the Vapor Center. It was incredible to experience the different people and environment and to witness first hand how the Lord is using this center as a tool to truly transform lives in Christ.

Togoville is a village that has been taken by voodoo for centuries and it is woven throughout the entire community.  Young children who grow up in a voodoo family are recognized by the scar they bear below their left eye.  They were given this mark to carry at the early age of 2 to identify them with their rich history of idolatry.  Many homes have their man made idols in order to worship their god and ward off any bad spirits.  October is a big month for ceremonies and rituals that take place annually, so I was able to witness the height of their festive season.  It was an experience that was heavy on me throughout the trip because I was reminded of it daily.  It brought to light the idolatry that was prevalent in the Old Testament. Last week a girls body was found down in a well in the neighboring village and her chest had been cut open with her heart removed. There also was a boys body found without a head or legs. It is said that these kids were a sacrifice to the voodoo gods in Togoville. It is strengthening to witness how the Lord is using Christian and his family to shed such light amidst such darkness. God is truly using their presence to love the people into a relationship with Christ. 

1. Christian spoke on Sunday and a guy whose father is a voodoo priest got saved!  I was able to attend a voodoo ceremony and it was wild.  Walking to the party at night through the slums with the banging of the drums gave me chills as I came to an open area with low lighting, dancing, and singing.  I stood there feeling like I have interrupted something that I was not invited to.  But then Christian started going around taking video and shaking hands.  I was introduced to the priest of the area and he was extremely friendly.  I met some of the others whom Christian has developed a relationship with and they were bragging on him.  It was an experience that I will never forget.  

2. I was invited into that priests home and he wanted me to send his greetings and to bring a message:
    - He hopes we are appreciating Christian because he is doing a great work in the community
    - He recognizes that we follow Christ, and Christ did many great things while on the Earth and Vapor is following in his footsteps.  He is happy to be serving together in the community
    - The voodoo community will continue to support Vapor even if it cannot provide jobs because Vapor is changing lives and improving the community.  
    - Anytime we come to visit we are welcome to greet him.  

*What a message he gave!  Never thought I would here those words come out of a voodoo priests mouth.  This should encourage us that we serve the one true God that even the darkness can recognize.  James 2:19 “...Even the demons believe---and shudder”