Khadir had become more than an acquaintance over the years he served as our driver when we made trips to Togo’s capital city located eight hours south of us.
As a bush taxi driver, he was familiar with the many challenges of negotiating African roads. The time we spent together during these “adventures” allowed us to share the good news with Khadir.
Khadir, steeped in the Islamic beliefs widespread in his region, was reluctant to pursue the gospel. I was hopeful after he agreed to read the evangelistic booklet “My Father Was an Imam”—but if fell on deaf hears and a closed heart. The thought of turning to the Lord and Savior of the Bible was too much, especially with the ensuing persecution he knew he would face.
After a series of difficult circumstances in his personal life and family, Khadir began to notice a profound difference between Christians and the Muslims around him. He observed the genuine love the believers had for one another and the way they cared for others—and how my wife and I, and our teammates, demonstrated unconditional love for him regardless of his religion. Over time, this testimony deeply impacted him. He found himself questioning Islam and felt a lack of purpose and deep emptiness. The Holy Spirit worked in his heart, and he placed his faith in Christ as Lord and Savior.
When he asked if I would baptize him, I was both honored and overjoyed to do so. Khadir’s faith and hunger to know God have been remarkable. He is now participating in four to five Bible studies each week and is attending the Bible institute. I am especially grateful for a missionary teammate who continues to disciple him.
I recently invited Khadir to assist in the Togo Village Water Well and Pump ministry that provides clean water in order to share the living water. I had been praying for a Togolese Christian ministry partner for years, and God was unexpectedly providing an answer. To date, we have drilled over 240 wells in arid villages that desperately needed clean water, and that has allowed us to begin many Bible studies and multiple active church plants. Khadir is now traveling to each of these villages, assessing the status of the water wells and pumps, checking on the spiritual health of the village, and determining the opportunities to establish future Bible studies. Please continue to pray for Khadir as he faces persecution on a regular basis.
“There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” Luke 15:10.
Editor’s Note: Khadir’s name has been changed for security.
