Togo is sandwiched between Ghana and Benin in West Africa.

There is a bitter divide between the north and south – the Gur in the north control the army but resent the Kwa who live in the more developed south.

President Eyadema has single-handedly controlled Togo since independence in 1967 – becoming one of Africa’s longest serving leaders. Eventually pressure from inside Togo and abroad forced the government to be more democratic – giving people a choice to re-elect Eyadema or not. However, it seems that this ‘democracy’ is little more than an illusion as the President seems intent on holding onto as much power as he can for as long as possible.

80% of the population live a hand to mouth existence growing cotton or cocoa crops.

There has been more freedom to share the gospel since the early ‘90s - more and more people are hearing about Jesus.

The Assemblies of God churches set a goal of growing to 36,000 by the millennium. By 2001 they had over 100,000 members – three times more than they hoped for which is amazing!

Eyadema’s government has been corrupt and cruel – marginalizing the Kwa in the south and crushing anyone who opposes him. Pray that Togo can have a fairer and more just future.

There a hardly any opportunities for Christian leaders in Togo to be trained and supported.

Pray that God can breakdown distrust and suspicion between different denominations and bring a greater spirit of unity to see Christianity spread across the whole country.

There are still so many parts of Togo that haven’t heard the gospel – pray that Christians from Togo, Ghana and Benin who understand the culture and language will be called into mission there.