Togo Mission

Pam Fernando June 2024

At the start of my 26th mission, I had a sense of unworthiness. Togo in western Africa is one of the least developed most impoverished countries in the world, yet in this challenging environment I discovered a profound sense of purpose. The hardships were many, including in our first days a lack of basic amenities like electricity. The heat and humidity were oppressive, temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Hydration was crucial, and despite drinking plenty of water, the intense heat meant we never once needed to relieve ourselves. The lantern I had brought, following an inner call, became our beacon in the dark, guiding us during our evening meals and debriefings. On the fourth day, we were relocated to a hotel with air conditioning, offering a much-needed respite and a night of restorative sleep.

The triumphs of the mission were remarkable. In just four and a half days, we attended approximately 1,500 patients and performed 40 life-changing surgeries. Our 13-member team was a tapestry of skills and compassion, comprising physician assistants, medical students, an ER doctor, a pharmacist, a physical therapist, a retired nurse, a prayer minister, and a versatile team leader. We witnessed numerous spiritual healings, including a Muslim woman’s joyful acceptance of Christ and liberation from demonic influences and witchcraft for many.

The prayer ministry became a conduit for Christ’s healing power, echoing Isaiah 61:1 as we brought good news, comforted the brokenhearted, and proclaimed freedom for the captives. We also provided training and support to local pastors living amidst demons and witchcraft, leaving with hearts full of gratitude for our calling but heavy for the persistent darkness that plagues parts of Africa.

Personal encounters were deeply moving. A woman’s chronic knee pain, which seemed to possess a life of its own, was completely cured as I prayed, following the pain’s path down her legs and ultimately casting it away. A 17-year-old girl, weighed down by a life of sickness and spiritual oppression, found joy as I prayed over her, breaking the power of a witchcraft bracelet that bound her. A woman, once a practitioner of witchcraft, was relieved from relentless stomach pain as the demons fled during prayer, leaving her healed and at peace. Another young woman, haunted by visions of the dead since abandoning witchcraft, found complete freedom and joy through prayer, later offering her assistance with a heart full of gratitude. These encounters underscored the power of prayer and the impact of our mission, leaving an indelible mark on both the lives we touched and our own.