Tokpota Church Planting: The First Church and a Story of Faith
Tokpota church planting is a powerful example of how ServeNow is bringing faith, hope, and transformation in Benin. Tokpota, a village once known for idol worship, seemed impossible to reach. But through faith, perseverance, and the support of partners like you, God’s light began to shine. This is just one story of the millions of lives being transformed through ServeNow’s mission: sharing Christ’s passion for the world by serving the most vulnerable through national churches and leaders.
Evangelism and the First Believers
When The Basic Series (TBT) came to Benin, Pastor Ligan and his team brought the first book, The Basic Things You Need to Know About Jesus, to Tokpota, sharing Jesus with villagers who had never heard His love.
A few villagers accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, including the village chief, who had once worshipped idols. Soon, families came to faith, and the vision for the first church in Tokpota was born. Locals and the team affectionately call it the ServeNow Church, a testament to God’s provision and the community’s dedication.
Believers gather in the original space for worship in Tokpota before the new church was built.ServeNow’s Community Impact
Building a church in a community facing poverty was a challenge. The chief generously offered a space for worship! ServeNow provided support through micro-enterprise projects, helping families start small businesses in agriculture, soap making, and other trades.
When Ben and Simeon visited Tokpota, villagers offered gifts of crops as a sign of gratitude. While Ben and Simeon couldn’t take the crops home, the gesture reflected the heart and generosity of this new faith community.
ServeNow also improved access to clean water by building a borehole and installing a water tank, reducing water-borne illnesses in the village. Iron sheets were provided to protect the grass church from rain and heat during the dry season.
ServeNow helped provide clean water for Tokpota through a borehole and water tank.Building the Concrete Sanctuary
Community members contributed by making bricks for the new church sanctuary.Today, the ministry in Tokpota continues to thrive. Just two weeks ago, the community began constructing a solid concrete sanctuary, with believers making bricks themselves despite limited resources. Though progress is slow due to financial constraints, the faith and perseverance of the community remain unwavering. Locals and our team affectionately call it the ServeNow Church, a testament to God’s provision and your faithful support.
Encouraged by this first church, other believers in the area have established an intercessors’ venue, expanding the reach of Christ’s love throughout Tokpota. The church leaders share:
“We give thanks to the Lord, the Provider. The construction of the Tokpota church has begun with some financial aid we received from friends. Work is stopped at this stage because there are no more funds available. May the Lord Jehovah Jireh provide the necessary funds to continue and complete the construction before the rain.”
Touching Millions of Lives
Through your support, God is moving in Tokpota and in thousands of other communities around the world. Together, we are touching millions of lives with hope, provision, and the love of Jesus.
Join us in prayer for the people of Tokpota and this growing church. Your generosity and encouragement make stories like this possible, shining God’s light where it is needed most.
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