Lifting up God’s word in Akébou There’s nothing like hearing from people on the day they first get their hands on a copy of God’s word in their language, to get a sense of what it means to them.
For the Akébou people of Togo, that moment came on 2 August 2025, when the New Testament with Genesis was launched with great celebration in the town of Kougnohou, Togo.
Here, four people talk about the impact it has made on them.
Koudjovi, a motorcycle mechanic
‘I was born into a pagan family and was therefore a pagan myself, but on the day the New Testaments were dedicated, I was there. During the ceremony, one moment made a deep impression on me: all the pastors and priests gathered around the table where the copies of the New Testament lay. They prayed together, and at the end, the priest raised the book high, surrounded by the entire pastoral body. This solemn gesture touched me deeply.
Holding the precious book close ‘I then asked myself a question: in our traditional ceremonies, do we see such mobilisation, such unity among the people around a sacred book? This image remained engraved in my mind.
‘That night, I had a disturbing dream. A huge man dressed in white approached me. He was holding that same book in his hands and handed it to me, saying, “Take it, take it, take it… this is life.” I took it, and at that moment I woke up.
‘This dream moved me deeply. The way this man spoke to me, with such authority and gentleness, convinced me to change my life. I decided to abandon my old ways, bought the book, and accepted Jesus as my saviour.
‘I give thanks to God for this transformation, and I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this project. This book is a blessing.’
A book to be treasured and cherished Alex, a teacher and church youth minister
‘When I learned that the New Testament had been translated and was going to be dedicated in the Akébou language, my heart was filled with enthusiasm.
‘I had planned to attend the ceremony, but a last-minute obstacle prevented me from doing so. Despite this, I was able to follow the entire dedication on Radio JVA [a Christian radio station in Togo]. What I saw and heard deeply moved me. Tears streamed down my face, and I couldn’t hold them back. I asked myself: is the word of God really translated into Akébou? Is that possible?
‘Driven by this emotion, I decided to visit my brother Junior, a member of the translation team, who lives in Kougnohou. Once I arrived, I asked him to show me the New Testament in Akébou. When he handed it to me, I held it in my arms like a treasure… and burst into tears. My tears flowed so freely that my brother became concerned. I was overwhelmed with emotion.
‘I then asked him to read John 3:16 to me in our language. And when he finished reading, I asked him this question: is this really what God wants to tell me? For 25 years, I had heard this verse, read it, preached it… but I had never understood it as I did that day. Listening to it in my mother tongue, it was as if God was sitting next to me, speaking to me directly, heart to heart.
‘That day, I understood that God also speaks Akébou. And that he wants each of us to hear his voice in the language that touches our soul most deeply.’
BIKA Jean, Deacon of the Assemblies of God
‘My name is BIKA Jean, and I have been a deacon in an Assemblies of God church for 20 years.
Well worth a read! ‘During my journey, I went through a period of deep doubt. My confidence in the Bible had eroded. Certain verses seemed contradictory to me, and I could no longer understand them. This distanced me from Scripture, despite my commitment to the ministry.
‘But everything changed during that New Testament dedication ceremony in Akébou. That day, I acquired a copy in my mother tongue. As I read it, something awakened within me. The verses I knew took on a new meaning, clearer and more vivid. It wasn’t the Bible that was at fault; it was my perspective that needed to be renewed.
‘Today, I testify with conviction: the word of God is true, powerful, and accessible. It does not lie; it enlightens. Thanks to this Akébou version, I have regained my confidence, my passion for the Scriptures, and my joy in serving.’
Doumouka Yawa
Akébou people holding their New Testaments ‘It is thanks to this work of translating the Bible that today I too can read and write.’
‘I could not stay home and not participate in this dedication ceremony. That is why I did everything I could to be here today to take part in this beautiful and unforgettable ceremony.
‘I am very happy because I have faith that this New Testament will bring about many changes in my life. I give thanks to almighty God.’
The launch of the Akébou New Testament was one of those featured in the State of the Bible 2025 report. Download the full report here.
