Saints in Togo Consecrate Day to Community Service

In a unified display of faith in action, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the three stakes in Lomé, Togo, gathered on 16 August, 2025 to participate in a day of diverse service projects as part of the annual All Africa Service Project (AASP).

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For this year’s AASP which, as the name implies, is a Church-wide initiative across Africa, the Lomé Togo Agoe, Lomé Togo Be, and Lomé Togo Tokoin stakes engaged in community cleanup, blood donation, and environmental conservation. Local priesthood leaders had planned in advance and partnered with city officials and organizations to identify critical needs.

I. Cleaning a Critical Water Reservoir

Members of the Lomé Togo Agoe Stake gathered early in the morning at the 2 Lions intersection to address a significant sanitation issue. The large water reservoir there, vital for managing runoff, was surrounded by piles of waste blocked by its fencing system, creating unsanitary conditions.

Armed with brooms, rakes, and machetes, and supported by the town hall which provided wheelbarrows and waste collection, the volunteers worked for over three hours to restore cleanliness to the area. Their efforts did not go unnoticed by the community.

A passerby, surprised and amazed by the work, voluntarily offered to pay for water for all the volunteers. Sister Loccadie Vignihoede Devo from the Agoe Ward expressed her joy, stating, "We are happy now. When we arrived, this place was not pleasant. Now there is a nice breeze, and passersby can even sit down and rest for a while before continuing their way. We have followed the Lord's example by serving the community."

Echoing this sentiment, Bruno Mawouena Sokel, bishop of the Apedokoe ward, added, “According to the teachings of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon, when you serve your fellow men, you serve God. We are happy to serve our community; may God accept this service from us.”

The stake president explained the motivation behind the project: "We are a church that respects the commandments and follows the instructions of our leaders and the authorities of our country. We have come here today because the leaders of the Church have set aside this day for us to serve the community."

II. A Lifesaving Gift of Blood 

Simultaneously, members of the Lomé Togo Be and Lomé Togo Tokoin stakes gathered at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Lomé to donate blood. This event continued a four-year partnership between the Church and the CNTS, proving especially critical during the holiday season when schools—a primary source of donors—are closed.

On the eve of the drive, the Church hosted a blood donation awareness event following a community soccer match. Mr. Tete Sena Yao, Head of Blood Donation Promotion at CNTS, expressed his gratitude: “We want to thank the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Togo for its ongoing partnership... We are delighted with this renewed commitment during this period of great shortage.”

President Kouegan Anani of the Lomé Togo Be Stake, who led the effort, outlined three reasons for choosing this service, culminating in a profound expression of faith: "We chose to donate blood for three reasons: 1- The great need for blood products in our country. 2- In our community... we do not drink alcohol or coffee or consume harmful substances. We therefore believe that our blood is pure... 3- [To] raise awareness... about the need to donate blood. Apart from these three reasons, we want to follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave his life to save all of humanity."

III. Protecting the Environment and Marine Life

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The service day concluded with members from the Be and Tokoin stakes partnering with the environmental association ERD Afrique for a beach cleanup and a unique opportunity to protect marine life.

After collecting approximately 20 bags of plastic waste to ensure a safe nesting environment for sea turtles, volunteers participated in the release of about sixty baby turtles into the ocean. Hussunukpe Kossi Mawuli of ERD Afrique noted the profound impact on the youth, saying, “This experience will forever shape the future of these children, who are learning the importance of protecting the environment at a very young age.”

President Kouegan Anani reflected on the experience: “What captivated us most was learning about sea turtles and the need to protect them because of their important role in the ecosystem... Above all, we are happy for a day well spent because we listened to the voice of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who asked us to devote this day to community service.”

The day of service across Lomé stood as a testament to the Church's commitment to following Christ's example by lifting others and improving communities. Community service projects are a regular part of the efforts of congregations around the world to provide assistance and uplift those in need.