In this series, those involved with CLC foreign missions profile one aspect of our overseas endeavors.
The “prosperity gospel” is rampant in the world, especially here in Africa. It promises people health and wealth (especially if they “sow a seed of faith” by giving money to enrich whichever preacher is making such promises). That is in stark contrast to Jesus’ words above from John 16:33 and the teaching of Paul and Barnabas that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22 ESV) I recently shared these passages with a friend who had the idea that being a Christian should mean having an easy life. I pray he will continue to come to our church to hear the unadulterated truth.
Worshipers arriving for the Sunday service in Togo
Here in Togo, as in the U.S., we enjoy relative freedom of religion, although the government here wants to forbid (or has already forbidden) the forming of new congregations at least in the capital city. When we moved the main church here, we had to convince the government that it was just a move and not a new congregation. I can sympathize with this desire, as I stumble across a new church on almost every other block as I walk around my neighborhood. Judging from the names and signs, I hesitate to imagine the “gospel” they are hearing in these churches. But we also want to start new congregations and preaching stations that faithfully preach the true Gospel. I guess one must often accept the bad with the good in this sin-stained world.
Many countries don’t experience such freedom of religion. While India may be a secular country on paper, the goal of the ruling Hindu party is to make India a Hindu nation. That fact that Hindus are in power in national and state governments has led to the persecution of Christians, even in the more open south where the brothers and sisters in our fellowship live.
Thankfully, I did not experience any persecution when I was in India beyond some dirty looks and occasionally being questioned as to why I was there. But our pastors in India have experienced much worse. I remember meeting two who had both been beaten. The perpetrators were young hoodlums who were paid by Hindu radicals to keep tabs on Christian preachers. Doctors for one of the pastors said it was doubtful he’d be able to walk again, but he has recovered almost completely; thanks be to God! The other pastor still has some hearing loss and pain in one of his hands. When I met them, they were happy and laughing. I often wonder if I would be as carefree in their situation.
Later in the same city we met with a group of believers in a home. On the way back to the hotel I asked if that was a house church. I was told no, they did have a church building, but they didn’t think it would be safe for me to go there.
Many Indian states have “anti-conversion” laws. These laws sound reasonable on paper, as they make it illegal to force someone to convert, or entice them by bribing them. We would agree that those are not valid reasons to “convert.” But these laws are often abused by people making false allegations. One head pastor had a police case filed against him because he baptized two people in a village. He was accused of paying them to be baptized. He didn’t. The two who had been baptized said he didn’t give them money. But how do prove you didn’t do something, especially to police who are usually Hindu and predisposed against you? You cannot.
While this case was settled over six years ago, the situation has not improved. Our pastors there are routinely arrested on false charges. In 2023 there were twenty-five attacks against our evangelists. In 2024 there were forty-five attacks on members and pastors. The head pastor reports that 2025 looks to be one of the most violent and difficult years for them.
Jesus warned us that we will be hated by the world, slandered, beaten, and even put to death; but persecution is not an easy thing to face. Pray that our brothers and sisters will continue to hold fast and boldly proclaim the true Gospel of eternal life through Jesus’s death and resurrection as they rejoice in their eternal reward in heaven.
is a full-time foreign missionary for the CLC.