When Thessakpe* became a Christian in 2017, his choice wasn’t too costly. He lived in an animist community in Togo, near the border with Burkina Faso, and his new faith was tolerated. He lived and worshiped freely in the community.

But that changed when Islamic extremists from Burkina Faso crossed the border into Thessakpe’s part of Togo. The extremists began to attack the area where Thessakpe lived. So Thessakpe and his family were forced to flee in late 2023. The move was extremely difficult because of Thessakpe’s disability that affects his ability to use one of his legs, but the family made it out safely.

Unfortunately, this situation is not unique in this part of Togo. Cross-border attacks from Burkina Faso have increased. By mid 2025, according to the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM)—an insurgent group in West Africa with ties to Al Qaeda—had been responsible for 15 attacks in northern Togo and killed at least 54 civilians.

Countering the pattern of persecution

After they fled, Thessakpe and his family lived in a precarious situation. However, because of his disability, he benefited from a tapestry and upholstery apprenticeship from an international charity for the disabled. The only catch? The business owner where he did his apprenticeship was a Muslim and forbade Thessapke to go to church on Sundays. Thessapke continued to attend church anyway … and after his apprenticeship was over, his boss wouldn’t let him use any equipment, even though it was subsidised by the charity. Then, Thessakpe was refused space to set up his business because he insisted on openly practicing his faith.

“After I did my apprenticeship, I struggled to open my own workshop,” says Thessakpe. “Many organizations didn’t support me because of my faith in Christ.” Local partners however came alongside Thessakpe and provided him with some seed money. The support enabled him to buy upholstery tools and open a workshop. He and his family also received financial support to buy food and clothes.

With the financial boost, Thessakpe was able to get the necessary materials to start work despite the persecution he encounters. Today he has his own upholstery business, generating an income that helps him support his family.

Even though he was discriminated against at work for refusing to abandon Sunday worship, Thessakpe didn’t compromise on his important spiritual practices. Holding fast to the Lord, he’s been able to rebuild life, one faithful seam at a time.