A West African’s desperate situation propels her to Christianity.

My name is Rachel Essossolam Abiti, and my story is one of struggle, heartbreak and, ultimately, God’s amazing grace.

One of the greatest trials of my life began when I lost my father at the age of 13. His death left a void in our family that remained even after my mother remarried. Unfortunately, my relationship with her new husband was strained from the beginning. Tensions at home only worsened, and the environment became unbearable for me.

Then my aunt visited and offered to take me to live with her in the capital city of Lome. I was eager for a fresh start, and my life took a turn for the better as I enrolled in school and progressed academically. But three years later, things began to change. My aunt’s husband became hostile and complained that I was a financial burden. He refused to pay my school fees, so with no other option, my aunt returned me to my mother.

Sadly, nothing had changed at home. My stepfather still didn’t want me in the house and blocked my efforts to study. Then I was sexually assaulted by an abusive man, and I ended up pregnant.

During this difficult time, I happened to hear an evangelist named Joel preaching in the street. He handed me a small pamphlet that read: “Jesus is the only one who can save you from all your troubles.” Those words struck me. I had been raised in a pagan home where we worshipped idols and offered food to the “spirits” of departed loved ones. In fact, I had been told that these spirits were the cause of all my troubles, and that I had displeased my dead relatives.

How I longed to complete my education so that I did not have to stay in the circle of poverty around me.

When I shared my situation with Joel, he listened with compassion and immediately offered to pay my school fees. I was overjoyed! The love and care that he and his wife showed me made me realize that I was being called by Jesus. When it seemed that no one wanted me, I learned that Jesus did.

As I studied the Bible with Joel, I learned that the dead do not harass former loved ones and that the true Sabbath is Saturday. As I continue my studies and prepare for baptism, my heart overflows with gratitude. God met me in my darkest hour and used His servants to lead me into His light! What the enemy meant for harm, God has used for my healing and transformation.

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In Rachel’s community, Bible workers are often the only spiritual lifeline to their communities. But their work is underfunded, and many must go without basic support. Across West Africa, young women and men like Rachel are searching for hope—hope that only the gospel of Jesus can bring. Soul-winning doesn’t happen on its own. It happens because of faithful Bible workers, compassionate local churches and people like you who choose to give.

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Location
Togo

Author
Told by Rachel to Agamah Balakibawi, a district pastor in the Kara region of Togo.

How You Can Help
Pray for Rachel as she learns more about God’s last day messages. Pray that God will give her strength to cope with the challenges in her life. 

Pray for the eight Bible workers as they seek out those who are searching for the truth.

Donate to the evangelistic work in Togo by sending your gift marked “Togo Bible Workers” or “Togo Churches” to: 

Mission Projects International 
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501

To give securely online, visit: www.missionspro.org/donate

Thank you. Your gifts sustain eight full-time Bible workers and one full-time evangelist who are bringing God’s last warning to Togo. Thank you so much for your support of these workers!