TOGO: Pastors Targeted by Islamists

Pastor Kokouvi is one of many who serve in dangerous parts of Togo.

Several pastors in the north of Togo have been persecuted by Islamists, who sometimes cross over from neighbouring countries to attack Christians. In April 2024, Islamists attacked a village where Pastor Gbendja Félidja was serving, killing five people. He fled at that time, but he returned during the summer. On 7 February 2025, armed militants came to his house and shot and stabbed him to death. He left behind seven married adult children.

In the same region of Togo, Pastor Patrice Kokouvi continues to minister despite ongoing threats for sharing the Gospel with Muslims. For the past three years, villagers have continuously destroyed his crops, limiting his income and source of food. When asked if he had reported the destruction to the police, he said, “If I go to the court system, perhaps they [the villagers] will never want to know Jesus.” For their safety, Patrice has moved his family to the outskirts of the village.

• Pray for Gbendja's family as they mourn the loss of their father and grandfather. Pray for justice of the men who killed him.

• Pray for Patrice for wisdom and safety as he spreads the Gospel to Muslim people. Pray for many people to come to know Christ through Him.