A Life Changed: Ben’s Story
Ben was raised in the slums of Korogocho — or the ‘city of trash’ in Nairobi, Kenya. Ben often wondered if he would be another statistic — one who died from drug addiction or disease.
You Want to Change the World?
What is proof of a changed life? Does it include an education or a relationship with Jesus? What does a changed life look like to you?
A Life Changed: Samuel’s Story
After his father’s death Samuel found himself on the streets at 5 years old. He felt abandoned and thought his fate was to become a drug addict or a thief.
A Life Changed: Jey’s Story
At the age of 9, Jey was sent to prison for stealing a purse. It was from there he prayed, “God if you exist, please take me out of this prison. I don’t want to live this life any more. And when you get me out of prison, get me out of poverty.”
A Life Changed: Olive’s Story
When The Lord’s Resistance Army came into Olive’s town in Uganda, her family was forced to flee from their home. However, things dramatically changed when she was enrolled in our program.
Epilepsy Is Not a Curse From the Gods
Gertrude* has epilepsy. Her family initially rejoiced when she was born, but that soon changed. Three months after her birth, Gertrude started having epileptic seizures.
When her family realized her condition, they abandoned her and her mother because in their village, epilepsy is considered a curse.
In Adaboukope, Togo, where they live, nearly 80 percent of the population is animist.
They love Voodoo statues made with their own hands. When people there are overwhelmed, they resort to these gods.
Many times, Gertrude’s grandmother brought her to the sanctuary of these gods for ceremonies, yet she was not healed. Her grandmother almost gave up.
When the Assemblies of God Church Adaboukope opened, Gertrude was one of the first children to join the center.
A few months after registration, Gertrude began treatment for the epilepsy, and gradually her seizures have reduced.
Her family members started visiting her and no longer consider her a curse. She spends time with her family without being rejected.
Gertrude is overjoyed at starting school this year.
Voodoo is a major part of Togo’s culture. The Akodessewa Fetish Market is world’s largest fetish market and can be found in Lome, the capital of Togo.
You can also view The World’s Largest Voodoo Market on YouTube.
*Not her real name.
World Water Day 2013
Water is essential to life but can also be very dangerous. It is something we need for survival but can be the cause of so many problems.
Welcoming Our New President and CEO, Jim Mellado
After a three year process and much prayer, our President and CEO Wess Stafford is passing the baton of ministry leadership to Jim Mellado. For 20 years, Jim served as president of the Willow Creek Association and will become the fifth president in our 61-year history.
“Would You Like Me to Marry You Right Now?”
When Joe Castillo went to Colombia to visit his sponsored child, he did not expect to attend a wedding, much less perform the ceremony.
What is Forgiveness?
Once a victim of horrendous sexual, physical and emotional abuse, Sylane Mack shares with passion, vulnerability and even with humor, about the unfailing love of Jesus that has completely, outrageously transformed her into living freely as “more than a conqueror.”
A Different Kind of Compassion Sunday
This Compassion Sunday in Togo is a very different kind of Compassion Sunday than we are used to in the United States.
