Welch Update #8 - 06.03.25
Four Months in Togo
Hello Family and Friends,
It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in Togo for 4 months. Time has moved both quickly and slowly as we’ve settled into new rhythms, learned to navigate new challenges, and experienced God’s provision in countless ways.
Life at the Hospital: Grace in the Midst of Challenge
I (Alyssa) have continued to acclimate to the hospital and surgical care here. The work is deeply rewarding but often incredibly difficult. We face significant limitations in resources, yet the medical needs are often complex. I am reminded daily of my deep dependence on the Lord as I am stretched beyond my own surgical knowledge and training with over half of the cases that I see being outside the scope of a typical general surgeon—ranging from urology and gynecology to orthopedics and ENT. With very limited access to surgical subspecialists, we often become the last line of hope
A Glimpse into Medical Care in Togo
Medical care in Togo is marked by both resilience and heartbreaking barriers. Unlike in the West, nothing happens at a typical Togolese hospital until it’s been paid for—no IVs, no fluids, not even basic wound care. Families must provide everything: medications, bedding, medical supplies, and often even blood donors.
A vivid example came during our second month here. While driving back from Lomé, we came across a man lying in the road, surrounded by a crowd but receiving no help. There is no emergency medical service in Togo—no ambulance to call. And tragically, fear prevents many from helping. If someone dies in your vehicle or while you’re aiding them, you could be held responsible. And if you bring someone to the hospital, you are expected to pay for their care.
By God’s providence, another expat had stopped with a truck, and we were able to transport the man to the nearest hospital—still an hour from our own. But upon arrival, nothing was initiated until we paid, item by item. An IV wouldn’t be started until we went to the pharmacy and brought back the tubing. Fluids wouldn’t run until we repeated the process. There were no trauma protocols, no urgency—just waiting.
Despite our efforts, the man passed away a few hours later. We’ll never know what his outcome might have been with prompt, equipped care. But we do know this: we take so much for granted.
That experience made me even more grateful for the care we can provide at Hôpital Baptiste Biblique. It’s not perfect, but it’s a place where patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay upfront. There are funds to help those in need. What a privilege it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus here.
1 of our 2 operating rooms
Pray for Pauline
(See Prayer Requests for Details)
The truck we used as an “ambulance” to transport the injured man
Joe’s Many Hats
Joe has been jumping in wherever he’s needed—and that’s meant wearing many hats. From helping in hospital finance and administration, to assisting in the guesthouse, to tackling special projects, he’s stayed busy!
A special blessing has been working alongside a mid-term missionary family who recently returned home. While their presence is sorely missed, their friendship and support had a lasting impact on our lives and the start to our work here.
Some highlights of Joe’s involvement include:
Helping to organize a massive Easter soccer camp where over 350 kids heard the gospel
Assisting to lead Saturday morning soccer ministry on the old airstrip behind the hospital
Helping run a weekly Wednesday afternoon kids club
Visiting the Fulani people—a predominantly Muslim group—with the heart to share Christ’s love
Easter Weekend Soccer Camp with over 350 kids from the surrounding area who attended and heard the gospel.
Visiting a nearby Fulani village
Joe with Steve who helped orient him and started most of the ministries Joe is currently involved in.
Our Kids & Antoinette: Everyday Blessings
The kids are doing great, and we are deeply thankful every day for Antoinette, our house help. She has been a huge answer to prayer—bringing stability, warmth, and joy into our home. The kids absolutely adore her.
Eden recently started preschool with three other missionary kids, and it has been a joy to watch her flourish. Gil, meanwhile, keeps us on our toes! He’s full of energy, curiosity, and already testing out Mom’s medical expertise with his adventurous spirit.
Teach Us to Number Our Days
“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
Church has been challenging for us—long services, mostly in Ewé with some French, no childcare, and often sweltering heat. It can feel far from life-giving. But we continue to ask the Lord for greater capacity to love and invest in our brothers and sisters here.
This past Sunday, the pastor spoke on Psalm 90. I didn’t catch most of the message, but verse 12 stood out:
“Teach us to number our days.”
Here in Togo, the rhythm of life is different. The days feel long—filled with language barriers, heat, resource constraints, and frequent reminders of life’s fragility. And yet, somehow, the weeks slip by quickly.
This verse isn’t just poetic—it’s a plea for perspective. It’s easy to get lost in the overwhelm or discouraged by the brokenness. But when we remember how short this life is in light of eternity, we’re given the wisdom to focus on what truly matters. Whether we’re in the OR, playing soccer with kids, or wiping sticky hands, may we recognize the sacredness of the time we’ve been given and wisdom to see Him even in the small, quiet, unseen moments of the day to day.
Praises
- We got a van! – we are incredibly thankful to have the ability to purchase a van for our family. It is a huge blessing for us to feel a sense of independence and to be able to run errands and travel more freely off the compound. Thank you for making this possible!
- Baby steps of capacity – the day to day living here can seem all consuming and it is a daily prayer that the Lord would increase our capacity to be able to serve more, not in our own strength, but His. And we can see areas in which He has already begun to do this.
- Growth and joy in our kids – We’re praising God for how Eden and Gil are adjusting and thriving. While it’s easy at times to dwell on what they might be missing out on, we’re reminded daily of how the Lord is faithfully providing for them here and now.
Prayer Request
- Pray for Pauline (photo shared with permission) – Pauline is a 21 year old woman with a 2 month old baby who came to me in clinic with an advanced, fungating breast cancer with spread to her lymph nodes. She is like so many of the breast cancer patients that I have seen since being here, almost always presenting extremely late in the course often with an large open wound that smells to the point that drives their family away. While we are able to offer surgery to take away the visible disease, there is invariably disease left behind that in the states would be treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Unfortunately, here, this is only available 3 hours away in the capital and the cost is prohibitive for almost every patient. Pauline is currently recovering from surgery, but my prayer is to be able to find a way to get her further adjuvant therapy to treat her cancer.
- Community & Work – there are several families that have left/are leaving for year long furloughs, 2 of which are general surgeons. This leaves the hospital short staffed for about a 6 month stretch. Pray for stamina, wisdom, and provision of help during this time.
- Ministry & relationships
Pray for continued connection and unity among our team and local staff, for open hearts to the gospel, and for endurance and grace as we seek to love and serve faithfully.
Grateful For Your Prayers
These months have brought deep joy and deep dependence. We are learning every day to trust God in new ways. Your prayers are a sustaining gift, and we are profoundly grateful and truly humbled for your continued support—both spiritually and financially.
We love hearing from you and would love to know how we can be praying for you specifically as well – please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
