Josh Freeman is Headed to Togo, West Africa!
The distance between Bradenton, Florida and Togo, West Africa is 5,540 miles. It’s a trip Josh Freeman has made before. However, his most recent journey to his new home ended dramatically in a way Josh, or no one, could have anticipated.
This is his story…
Josh Freeman grew up as the son of a pastor, but his early ambition was not to enter the ministry. Instead, his interest was in pursuing collegiate soccer. That decision is the unusual catalyst that brought him to Trinity Baptist College. After assimilation into college life, his studies and relationships impressed upon him that full time ministry was what God had planned for him, although he did not know in what capacity. He became attached to youth ministry and ultimately to leadership positions within the church.
When Trinity’s Oakleaf campus launched, Josh was on the original transition team working with the student ministry, all the while seeking what direction God would guide him. Around this time, Josh met missionary J. J. Alderman, a Trinity Baptist College graduate, already on the mission field serving the people of Togo. Through many discussions with J. J., the counsel of others and much prayer, it was impressed upon Josh that Togo was where he was supposed to be. A country of poverty, ancient rituals, but one full of people who have not yet been reached with the gospel.
The next few years were busy with learning a new culture, working with a new team and learning a new language. The team Josh was part of developed specific programs for church planting (establishing new churches) adapting ministries for children and creating intern programs. Things were coming together!
Josh flew those 5,540 miles earlier this year to begin his new life and ministry in Togo.
He found a house, settled in and then the unexpected happened. Twenty-eight days into his eagerly anticipated ministry, the doors that had been thrown open were now closed as the pandemic COVID-19 forced him to evacuate back to the United States. Though naturally disappointed, Josh used the time back in the states to continue sharpening his French language skills, and further planning for his eventual return to Togo. At this writing, he will be making the flights back to his “new” home on October 21st.
Josh realizes much good can come of this set-back: “We know that we are walking into a different Togo. The Lord has continued to move despite all the setbacks to ministry. One of the most exciting things is that even though brick-and-mortar churches and gatherings of more than fifteen have been closed since March, there are two micro-churches that have been started!”
Josh plans to hit the ground running and will be focusing on working with local Togolese pastors in planting churches where none have been before. He will utilize his knowledge and skill in soccer to reach the youth of Togo and build relationships in a country known for their love of African football.
If you are wondering how you can help, to actually be part of this far-reaching ministry, here are some suggestions:
- Prayer, of course, for…
- Josh embracing life in a different culture.
- His team during this transition.
- God to continue to provide financially.
- Souls to be saved, and disciples made.
Trinity Baptist Church sponsors Josh and other missionaries like him on a monthly basis, enabling them to continue spreading the gospel all over the world. Because of the generosity of ordinary people, an extraordinary work is being accomplished. With your help, we can continue to ensure our missionaries are supported and encouraged.
Here is a link to join with us in giving: https://tbc.org/give/
You can follow Josh’s journey at his website www.joshuajfreeman.com for his newsletter and blog.