Your support at work in Togo

How you helped a persecuted teenager stand strong as she follows Jesus

Akpe* is 17 years old and a member of a local church in Togo. She may be young, but her faith is a demonstration of how resilient young believers in Togo can be, thanks to God’s faithfulness.

Akpe’s parents raised her as a Christian, but in 2022, Akpe's father left their church after being strongly influenced by traditional African religious practices. He eventually joined a new fellowship that merges charismatic Christian practices—focusing on prophetic gifts—with traditional African religious beliefs.

Over the years, Akpe has insisted on staying with her church, even as her father pressured her to leave and join his syncretistic group. But Akpe was convinced that was not the right path for her.

Things came to a head in April 2025, when Akpe's father was unable to convince her and her mother to join him. Because of this, Akpe’s parents separated and her father married another woman. He stopped all financial support to Akpe and her mother and kicked them out of the house.

But thanks to your gifts and prayers, that wasn’t the end of the story for Akpe and her mother.

In May 2025, local Open Doors partners supported Akpe financially, which allowed her to complete her academic year. In September 2025, she received further financial support to continue her studies.

“The money allowed me to pay for my school fees, buy food, buy clothes and pay for my school materials… without this money, I wouldn’t be able to go to school,” Akpe shares.

The help Akpe received extended beyond the classroom, though. “The support from brothers and sisters in Christ allowed me to continue my studies,” she explains. “It gave me peace and enabled me to focus on my ministry at church, which involves singing in the youth choir. I continue my worship and my walk with the Lord in my daily experience.”

Akpe continues to hold on to the Lord, and her resolve to follow Him. She shares a favorite verse: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).” Thanks to your support, Akpe remains confident that God is with her despite her earthly father rejecting her.

This kind of resilient faith is on display in Togo and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Whether believers face displacement and violence from Islamist groups, endure hardships because of ongoing conflict, or pressure from family members, the situation across the continent is difficult for many followers of Jesus.

You can help believers like Akpe through your gifts and prayers—but also by speaking out. A great way to do so is to sign the Arise Africa petition. The church in sub-Saharan Africa has challenged us to raise 1 million voices of prayer and petition by November 2; those signatures will then be presented to governments around the world, ensuring the stories of what’s happening to God’s people don’t go unnoticed.

Will you speak out today?

*top image is representative