For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12, NIV
The Bible isn’t just a collection of words and pages. It’s God’s literal thoughts and messages, written for us to follow, seek guidance from and take refuge in. It teaches us how to follow Jesus, treat those around us and discern between good and evil. It provides hope in despair, light in darkness and clarity in confusion.
The Bible is transformative and powerful — if you have one. For many children living in poverty, the Bible is a roadmap they can’t live without but a luxury they can’t afford.
In Togo, the local church is empowering children with the living Word of God through the gift of Bibles. Alive and active, God’s Word is changing these children’s lives and their communities.
The Bible Isn’t Just for the Wealthy
In Djabargou, Togo, many families only hear the Word of God during Sunday sermons. Only the wealthiest Christians own Bibles. While a Bible only costs around six dollars on average, this is a price impoverished families can’t afford. After all, many families must feed their children, house themselves and try to survive on just $3.00 or less per day.
The town’s children are the least likely to own a Bible as children’s Bibles are too expensive to import. But the Pentecost Church of Djabargou, which runs a local Compassion center, knows that the Bible isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone.
“The Bible is like a letter of love that God sent to the world. God addressed this letter to everyone, including children. We must make sure children are aware that God loves them and embrace the content of this letter that God addressed to humanity. We are in the church, and the Bible is the book we use to reach children and adults. Children need to read and understand the Scriptures.” — Souk, Compassion center director
Every child in the Compassion program is offered an age-appropriate Bible of their very own. Children are then guided through Bible stories at the center and taught how to read the Bible at home, both on their own and with their families.
As the children learn about the Bible, they learn about Jesus’ love for them and how to follow in his footsteps. They also discover just how valued they are despite their circumstances, inspiring them to live with hope.
Souk, the Compassion center director, has seen the incredible difference in the lives of children who have a Bible and those who don’t. Honore’s story stands out to him the most, as it’s a testament to what the living Word does for children in poverty.
The Bible Changes Honore’s Life
Six-year-old Honore lives with his father, Mindabe, his mother, Namile, and his three siblings. He didn’t know anything about God until he received his first Bible just a short while ago.
When the Compassion center volunteer placed the Bible in Honore’s hands for the first time, he couldn’t contain his excitement. He immediately opened its bright pages and began to read. Little did he or his family know the change that would occur in little Honore’s life.
“I love the Bible because it speaks of God who always saves us from all situations.” — Honore
Honore’s parents once described him as a restless child. He would often wander from home, leaving his parents to search for him until late at night. Honore was also disobedient and refused to help his parents in their vegetable garden — a task that required all hands on deck.
After Honore received his Bible, he began to understand the importance of living a life honoring to the heavenly Father. And his behavior followed suit.
At home, he helps his parents with the house chores without being asked. He also takes care of his siblings when his parents are away. When playing with his friends, he teaches them from the Bible. Honore also makes time to pray for people and urges his parents to help others in need.
The change in Honore’s life is now inspiring change for those in his community. He and his parents open their home as a place for learning and spiritual growth for the families around them.
“The Bible has had a great positive impact on our family and our neighbors. When our neighbors’ children visit us at home, they benefit from our Bible study. We use Honore’s Bible for the family. There are questions and answers, which edify many kids.” — Mindabe, Honore’s father
Honore’s Community Is Being Transformed
Honore isn’t the only child impacted by receiving a Bible. In fact, many of the children in his community are growing spiritually.
“When we started the center, children couldn’t gather and pray. Each of them went their own way, and it was always difficult to gather them for prayer. But ever since Bibles became part of their lives, they don’t wait for us to gather them for prayer. Many of them know the time to gather, where to gather — and they pray by themselves before activities begin.” — Souk, Compassion center director
The children don’t just pray. They also tell Bible stories from beginning to end and recite their favorite Bible verses. Those who used to be aggressive with others or disruptive in class are now demonstrating patience and love.
Most importantly, the children know Jesus and his love for them — a love stronger than the circumstances of poverty.
“Our Children Will Grow in Knowledge and Make a Difference”
Souk and his staff are excited about what the future holds for their community. As children grow spiritually, they become sources of light, love and hope, sharing God’s truth with those around them.
They’re confident that through the children, more people will come to know Jesus, transforming their families, communities and nation.
“I am so excited about these Bibles because our children will grow with the knowledge of God and will make a difference in the community, thanks to the godly characters they are already developing.” — Souk, Compassion center director
Through the gift of Bibles, the living Word has become real to the children in Djabargou. While they once lived in devastating spiritual poverty, they’ve been freed through the truth in God’s Word, inspiring them to share it with the world. Today, let this be a reminder that even the simplest of gifts can change countless lives.
