Behind 3 gates

14 years ago, our mission team laid out a very detailed plan of when and how church planting in Togo would work. We were wide-eyed, idealistic, and way off. God took our multi-chaptered plan, whipped out his red marker, and started making changes right away.

And we're so thankful he did.

2 languages and many team changes later, the Tabligbo team wishes a fond farewell to Hollandwo kata this weekend. It's been five years since we left, but I think I feel, along with a handful of others, the full range of emotions they're going through right now.

I think if I were driving down their road right now, I would have to turn my head and greet Papa Koffi and Ajo at their home across the street. I wouldn't have the heart to look at the 3 red gates, so many beautiful memories behind each one.

Behind the first gate, the school and office. How many hours of prayer took place in that little office? How many brochures, pamphlets, and books rolled off the printing press? How many sweaty hours of step aerobics on rickety benches? How did my six little kindergarten students get to be old enough for middle school so fast?

Behind the second gate, Jeff and Brenda's house. The mad hatter party, the "Dress like a team mentor" party, the time with Allen Avery and with Tom Moore. Zogbon for breakfast, gali for lunch and chicken enchiladas for dinner. It's like yesterday the 11 of us stayed there together and Scott had to sleep in the yard to keep his new puppy from crying. Our first worship with Tabligbites took place there, all of us sitting on planks in the front yard. So many dear memories of Komlan, who will never be the same again... not in this life.

The third gate hides another house of memories. It started out as cinderblock walls, but Frank had a plan. He and Jenna gave the house a kitchen and a bathroom and turned it into a home. I always picture Nicole there, her high voice squeaking out a joy in her heart that could not be squashed by a failing body. I'm glad she has a new body now, though I miss her sweet spirit terribly. So many talks with Sandi in that living room about whether David was THE guy or not. He was!

3 red gates, so much love. Jeff and Brenda could have done anything they wanted with their 20s and 30s. They gave them to God. They gave them to the Togolese people, to people like Ablavino, Koffi and Ajo, Edemno, la vieux, Afi, Komlan, Papa Antoine and so many more.

May God bless Jeff and Brenda and their precious children in their return to America. And may God bless the churches they have planted. May they grow and thrive and bear much fruit from now unto eternity.