An ABWE missionary is turning a workout into an outreach in West Africa. George* has been serving in Togo for the last five years, and while he made significant in-roads in his community, he struggled to reach younger Muslim men. Then, George noticed that they had a real interest in weightlifting. And just like that, a new ministry was born.
George set out to create a gym that would open new doors for the gospel. He bought weights, had benches made locally and hired an upholsterer to sew a punching bag filled with rice chaff. Then, he built pull-up bars, made concrete free weights, and purchased two Olympic weight benches and stationary bikes.
Finally, George rented an old slaughterhouse downtown, and in October, he opened the gym.
More than 700 people showed up for their first free day.
“They have never seen a gym before,” said George. “It was fun to watch them try to bench press and kickbox.”
In the first month, 240 people paid to work out for an hour, helping to fund the maintenance of the space and the ministry.
“Among Muslims it is so important to build friendships in order to build trust. These young men are excited about the gym and spending time with me,” said George. “Already many of them have started coming to my home to greet me, which is a sign of real friendship in this culture.”
*Name changed for security reasons.