An exploited teenager escapes and finds Christ.

My name is Julienne Atchati, and I am 25 years old. Life has not been easy for me, but through it all, I have found hope and healing in Christ.

When I was just 8 years old, my parents divorced, and my two sisters and I became torn between family members. For some time, my sisters and I lived with our grandmother in her village. Then when I was 16, my father suddenly came to visit. He and his new wife told me that they were going on a work trip and wanted me to come along. Trustingly, I followed—unaware that I was being kidnapped.

After an entire day of traveling, I found myself in the neighboring country of Nigeria. It was only then that I realized the truth, and my life became a living nightmare. My father handed me over to a family where I was forced to work as a domestic servant. I endured all kinds of verbal abuse and worked every day without rest or pay. Even worse, under the pretense of being hired help, I was handed over to other men—but this was only another form of exploitation. Each month, my father would come to collect the money I had earned. In all, I spent four long years in captivity, unable to escape, with no access to the outside world and no one to trust.

One day, everything changed. I met some Togolese brothers who were living nearby. They listened to my story and offered to help. With their assistance, I escaped my situation. We traveled together by hidden routes, and I finally returned to my home country. Once there, I worked to repay the cost of my transportation as a gesture of gratitude for their help.

Shortly after my return, my father was arrested in Nigeria for selling me into slavery. However, before he could face justice, he escaped the law with his wife. Fearing shame and retaliation, he fled and cut off all contact with our family.

Although my father disappeared, the scars of what I endured remained. Heartbroken and seeking stability, I returned to my grandmother’s village. There, something unexpected happened. I met the wife of Pastor Joel, who kindly invited my grandmother and me to church. At first, I was hesitant. After everything I had been through, I wasn’t sure if I could trust again or if peace was even possible.

But eventually, I agreed to receive Bible studies. Through these studies, I began to experience something I hadn’t felt in a long time—inner peace. I started learning about God’s love, His care and His power to heal even the deepest wounds. Now, I am taking time to build a real relationship with Christ—the One who has never abandoned me.

Today, I am filled with hope for the future. I ask for your prayers as I continue this journey with Jesus. Please pray not only for me, but also for my grandmother and the rest of our family. I dream of the day when they, too, will come to church and find the peace that I have found.

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Location
Togo

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

How You Can Help
Pray for Julienne as she heals from this trauma in her life.

Pray that God will help her to grow in His grace.

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 Evangelism” 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!