The Return

August 2023

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Dear Friends,

Our second term in Togo has begun. We completed our furlough in June. It was a

very encouraging time. We were able to visit all of our supporting churches (several more than once) and to see most of our individual supporters. Because of the generosity of so many of you, we were able to get financial clearance to Togo without difficulty. We are filled with gratitude. Our furlough also gave us time to reconnect with family and friends that we haven’t been able to see for years.

We returned to Togo in late June and arrived back in Mango on July 1st. As you can imagine, after being away for a year, we had a lot of unpacking and organizing to do at our home. This was made easier with the whole family participating.

The kids were especially excited about being back. We are thankful that they love their lives here. They have all enjoyed the freedom of exploring the hospital property — seeing the farm animals and avoiding snakes. Gus has enjoyed catching small lizards or insects as temporary pets. They have also reconnected with many friends that they haven’t seen for a year.

All of the kids have kept busy with some schooling this summer while they await the opening of the missionary school next month. After a year without enough full-time teachers, we are looking forward to having an abundance this year. A friend of ours from one of our churches has decided to spend at least her first year of retirement teaching at the MK school. We also have a married couple who are coming for the school year, giving our existing teacher the opportunity to take a much-needed furlough.

During the summer, Hudson has resumed working at the farm. This year he has

even been able to develop some shepherding skills. Karissa is already busy with a three-year writing conservatory and has taken a role as the summer librarian at the MK school. She has also been able to rejoin a Bible study with some of the young ladies at a nearby sewing school.

Bethany has been getting our home into operating shape. One of our goals was to expand our opportunities for hospitality. Our hope is that our table will be a place of encouragement and discipleship. We have already had several wonderful meals getting to better know our Togolese colleagues and discussing the work of the Gospel here in northern Togo. We also hope that our home can be an encouragement to both short-term and career missionaries.

I started back at the hospital on July 10. The physical needs are still as great as ever.

As the hospital has provided good care, it seems as though we are rewarded with more. A few months ago the Hospital of Hope saw its 100 000 unique patient. I continue to see numerous fractures and have resumed doing c-sections, but I have also been taking care of patients with thyroid issues, intestinal perforations, burns, as well as other surgical problems.

Of course we came here because there are more than physical needs in northern Togo. Our goal is to see the Gospel go forth fruitfully, for people to come to Christ, for churches to be established, and Togolese leaders to be trained. In light of that, I am working with a modified schedule. My hope is that this will give me time to study the local tribal language, help Togolese believers, and preach and teach. I was thankful for the opportunity to do some of that this past Sunday at a village church to the north of Mango.

Please pray for our family to continue to make the most of the opportunities that God gives us. Pray for our team, that we work together harmoniously and effectively. Pray for the believers of Togo — that they will grow in their faith and knowledge of the Scriptures. Pray for our neighbors in the city of Mango and for the patients who come from afar — that they would hear the Gospel message and that they would respond in faith. We are thankful for your prayers on our behalf. If you have any requests for our family to pray for, please send them our way. It is a blessing to know that our God hears us and cares for us.

Soli Deo Gloria,

The Chmil Family