Poko’s life in a small village in Togo was marked by turmoil and tradition.
Poko’s family often resorted to idol worship, gathering around intricately carved wooden idols wrapped in fabric. Rituals and sacrifices were a regular part of their lives, yet Poko felt an overwhelming sense of purposelessness amidst the family and village division in her life.
Poko’s family making sacrifices to their families idols.
When the village king passed away, a sense of uncertainty and unease spread through the community. In the absence of the rightful heir, Poko’s father made the bold and controversial decision to take the throne. At first, his leadership brought stability to the village, but beneath the surface, tensions simmered.
The king’s son, the true heir, eventually returned. His arrival ignited a fierce rivalry for the people of Poko’s home. Loyalties were divided as whispers of betrayal and injustice echoed through the streets. The once peaceful community was now fractured, with families and friends torn apart by their allegiances. The battle for power threatened to tear the village apart.
Everything changed when a traveling pastor arrived with an extraordinary gift—a film screening for the village. The movie, OneHope’s GodMan film, captivated the villagers as they watched under the night sky.
The children at the Godman Film accepting Jesus
The film centered around the man Jesus Christ and the story of the gospel. The powerful message resonated deeply, especially with the children. That night, as the film concluded, an invitation was extended to accept Jesus. Among the many who raised their hands was Poko, moved by a realization, “It was because of my sin that Jesus came to die.”
That moment marked her acceptance of Jesus Christ.
Eager to share her newfound faith, Poko returned home and told her family about her repentance. The following Sunday, her family accompanied her to the newly established church. In a profound act of faith, Poko’s father brought their idols to the church. During prayer, he made the bold decision to burn them outside the church, symbolizing his complete surrender to Jesus.
Poko’s family making the bold decision to burn their idols outside the church
Inspired by Jesus’s sacrifice, Poko’s father chose to hand over complete kingship to the rightful heir, bringing peace to the village. “Because Jesus left His throne, came down to earth, suffered, and died for our sins, he too thought that he should leave everything—the throne and the idols—and turn to Jesus,” Poko explains.
Poko’s church filled with everyone from her village.
This transformation rippled through the village, fostering a new attitude of humility and unity. Now, every Sunday, the villagers gather together under one roof, sitting on stools to worship and grow in their faith together. Poko reflects, “The entire village attends church, and that’s why we are now peaceful.”
Poko’s story is a testament to the profound impact of faith and the power of community. Her entire family has embraced Christianity, and the village of Togo is a beacon of peace and unity through Christ.
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