A woman finally experiences hope after her losses.

I was born in 1962 to a farming family. My siblings and I worked in the fields, participated in sacrifices, and regularly visited idol temples. It was simply a way of life, and we did not question it.

At that time in our community, education was considered important only for boys—but my grandmother thought differently. When she visited us from Sanda Afohou and learned that I was not in school, she took me back with her so that I could live under her care and enroll. I was happy and eager to learn! Grandmother took great care of me, and I experienced a different kind of life—one where I could dream beyond the farm.

Sadly, the season of peace did not last. Six years later, my grandmother became seriously ill. The cost of her medical treatment became so great that she could no longer afford to keep me in school. I left my studies to care for her at home, and she passed away when I was 17 years old.

After her death, I returned to my parents’ farm and resumed working in the fields. Life felt heavy, and the opportunities I once had seemed to disappear. Then my parents arranged a marriage for me. I did not know the man, and I was given away against my will. Due to our cultural tradition, I had no voice in the matter: I went to live with my husband, though my heart was not in it.

Out of the eight children that I gave birth to, only three are alive today. The grief I carried through the years is difficult to describe—it was a constant sorrow, and my heart felt broken, yet I continued to move forward for the sake of the children who remained.

I became a widow in 2011. My eldest son began attending university, and there, he met a fellow classmate—a son of Pastor Joel. As my son studied the Bible with him, I noticed a remarkable change in his life. Curious and hopeful, I asked to meet the pastor myself. He visited me and saw that I was suffering from some health challenges. He offered simple yet powerful advice about nutrition and health, and when I followed his guidance, my condition improved. For the first time in a long while, I felt hope.

My heart was open to learn more. Through Bible studies, I came to know Jesus Christ. My life began to change in ways I never thought possible! I found peace, strength and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, I am preparing for baptism. All three of my children are now Seventh-day Adventists, and I am deeply proud of them. Looking back on my life—the hardships, the losses and the struggles—I can see how God has been guiding me all along. He has transformed my life and given me hope beyond my pain.

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Location
Togo

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

How You Can Help
Pray for sister Helen as she heals from the 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” or “Togo Bible Workers” 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!