We thought Claude was just our taxi driver. We had no idea he would become one of the most important people in our ministry. At first, we had no connection with him beyond his being our taxi driver. But we noticed Claude spoke excellent English and was always kind and polite. We continued to use his services to get around Lomé, Togo, while we were without a car. We had no idea how God would provide through our taxi driver.
As he was driving us around the city each day, we learned a lot about Claude. We learned about his childhood, the churches he attended, his family and how they had all moved to Benin. Claude shared that he was in college studying English when his father passed away, and he could not continue his education.
A few weeks later, Claude suddenly stopped driving for us because his car was in the shop. His boss didn’t want to pay for the costly repairs. Claude had nowhere to stay, so he slept in the car at the shop, holding on to the hope that it would be fixed so he could continue providing for himself.
Audrey and I had just found the house where we planned to stay long term, and the Lord gave us peace about an important decision. Attached to the inside of our property wall was a small room with its own bathroom, designed to serve as the maid’s quarters. We both felt clearly led to invite Claude to stay there for a few months in exchange for helping with small projects, running errands and teaching us French a couple times a week.
God provided us with a trustworthy communicator, teacher, helper and cultural guide in a world we knew very little about. And God also provided something for Claude. He began attending one of our Free Methodist churches every week and developed a growing desire to see God raise up healthy congregations that model real stewardship and genuine love for all people.
Eventually, Claude found his own apartment just a few blocks away, but he continues to help us almost daily. God placed someone in our lives who has done everything he can to help us feel welcome. His cultural insight and translation skills have been invaluable in our work.
I am deeply grateful for the relationship God provided, one where we rely on each other and grow together. I believe God has greater things ahead for Claude in the years to come.
Please join us in praying for Claude. Pray the Lord will use him for His purposes and for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
