Something in the Water: An Incredible Story of Rescue

A poisonous brew leads a Togolese couple on a journey to find the living water of Christ.

From Message magazine issue "Sent: Introducing Our Newest Missionaries"

A young Togolese couple arrived at ABWE’s mission hospital with a pressing emergency.

The 21-year-old wife Bertine had just tried to put an end to her life by drinking a deadly brew. Fortunately, she was admitted in time, and by the grace of God the doctors were able to stabilize Bertine without any lasting damage to her health.

The staff met with her husband Julien to ask him some questions. The primary goal was to determine what may have caused Bertine to attempt suicide.

Throughout the conversation, it became clear that Julien and Bertine were living in despair and without Christ. Their home lives were miserable because they no longer trusted each other. Bertine was suspicious of Julien and believed he was being unfaithful to her.

The chaplains took time to present the gospel to the couple. After listening carefully, they asked questions about salvation and how to be saved. The chaplains showed Bertine and Julien the truths of God’s salvation from Scripture, sharing verses like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10.

Both made the decision drink the living water (John 4:14), receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. With the chaplains, Bertine and Julien gathered in prayer and surrendered control of their lives to God and repented of their sins.

A week later, Bertine was completely healed and able to be discharged. Ever since, they have been focused on studying the Bible and are also going through counseling with the chaplains to grow spiritually and to seek healing for their marriage.