Togo

By Kagni Sedofia Dieudonné
November 14, 2006

The American clergy arrived from Benin at Hila Condji, on the Benin-Togo border on November 13, 2006 around 7:00 pm. The eight clergy were accompanied by the Sub-Region West Africa 1 leader, Rev. Zinsou Paterne.

After a Welcome Ceremony at the border on Togo’s side, organized by the traditional chiefs, the prefect of the region, the mayor and some Ambassadors for Peace, the delegation left for the capital, Lomé, where they had dinner. Those who had to go to the interior of the country left for their different cities after dinner.

On November 14, a rally took place in each city as arranged. After the rallies, the participants and visiting clergy did not want to separate. Everybody was very happy and expressed great joy. In each city, the government was represented by the prefect, with the authorization of the Minister of Territorial Administration at the national level. Many political and religious leaders attended the events.

Afterwards, the clergy who had gone to other parts of Togo returned to Lomé. The following morning, the American clergy, Rev. Paterne, some traditional chiefs, Ambassadors for Peace,  and the President of UPF-Togo were received by the Prime Minister of Togo. The meeting was very warm with a friendly atmosphere and lasted for 90 minutes.         

Here are the impressions collected from the American clergy:

Rev. Ellis May III: Togo is a fascinating country with warm and vibrant people. If I was doing a movie about culture with its many variations, Togo would be one of the first to be presented.

Rev. William Revely: The whirlwind pace made it very difficult to experience Togo. My hosts and my aide were fantastic, and the venue for the service was OK. The people were wonderful, very friendly, courteous and kind. The reception was great, and I was made to feel special. The gifts were great, and nowhere have I been treated better. The accommodations at the guest house were limited, and we had to share beds. I appreciated the Prime Minister’s hospitality. The border experience and the road travel left much to be desired. Peace!

Minister Ahmon Mann:  Togo is a good place to start healing, with the wonderful partnership that started between UPF and Africa. Togo is a great place. I love Africa. Peace be to Africa. Thank you.

Bishop C. Phillip Johnson: I felt that Togo gave us a very warm welcome. The participation by the religious and political communities was outstanding: The team, however, was a little disappointed with the accommodations. Otherwise, it was great.

Bishop Donovan Rivers: Togo is a country that I would like to help. The problems are many; people deserve to have health care, running water and drinking water. My goal is to help the people of Togo. That is why I am starting a church in Togo.  

Bishop Rufus Okunubi: My experience in Togo was good. We were lodged in a cozy, private guest house that was excellent. The trips to the conference locations were exhausting, but it was impressive because I had the opportunity to deal with Muslim leaders. That was a special experience. I hope to be back one day to remind the king of the name he gave me “Adade,” somebody due to wear a crown, Amen. 

Pastor Cabbagestalk Jr.: I was really impressed by the many people that I preached to when I was there. Togo can really be a place for tourists to come and visit. The hospitality services were great. God bless!

Rev. Emma Lofting: The sisters and brothers expressed their hearts to us, especially brother Raphael, who shared his home with us. Since our travel had been lengthy, what could be a better expression of love than that! Peace and blessings to all. I will remember the faces of people as they listened to Father’s speech, particularly one of the attendees who wept.