Pastor Rev. Kossi Nayo’s heart for his village in Togo was clear, as he often tended to church members and non-members during times of crisis. Hoping to empower the church to address poverty in their community, he introduced RESTORE savings groups to his congregation. The groups quickly grew, attracting both church members and those outside the congregation. In time, eight groups were formed and several Muslim women from the community joined, a surprising development given the openly Christian curriculum.

Our Model Training Center partners in Togo and Ghana recently hosted our long-time church partner Life.Church, as well as Jerilyn Sanders, a member of our U.S. team. While there, they had the chance to meet and hear from Rev. Nayo. He shared the story of how his church-based savings groups have become a coalition of Christians and Muslims partnering in community development.

Muslim Women Welcomed into Christ-Centered Savings Groups

God’s story of change forms the foundation for RESTORE savings groups, yet as some Muslim men saw the financial benefits, they encouraged their wives to join. As they have practiced the biblical principles of transparency, trust, discipline, and fellowship, the Christ-centered groups have become a beacon of hope in the community. They provide a safe alternative to exploitative, and even violent, financial lenders. 

The trust built among these groups has created a spirit of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in the village, which is rarely seen in neighboring villages where tensions between faiths remain high.

Rev. Nayo shared, “We help each other when anyone has needs. We’re brothers and sisters. We pray for them. We live together in love and peace.” This deep commitment to unity, kindness, and mutual service has laid the foundation for the community’s flourishing.

Flourishing Lives and Businesses

Many women shared that the groups helped them break free from traditional expectations. Previously, their husbands bore the full responsibility of providing for the family, but now they contributed too. They took pride in providing for their children in ways they hadn’t before—buying school supplies, clothing, and even medicine. 

One woman joined from the beginning of the groups and learned to make and sell soap. Over five years, the group helped her acquire the necessary equipment, and her small soap-making business flourished. Another woman began by buying cloth and soon expanded into a seamstress business, eventually purchasing her own sewing machine.

Reconciled to Christ

“This [savings group] is drawing people to Christ!” one of the pastors told us. The impact of these groups is clear: they are not just about money, but about bringing holistic reconciliation—between people and their work, between neighbors, and ultimately between individuals and God.

Through these savings groups, the reconciling power of Christ became evident. What started as financial support blossomed into relational healing and spiritual transformation. Muslim women, moved by the love and care they experienced, began asking questions about Christianity. Some even began following Jesus.

One especially powerful story comes from a woman who was a Muslim when she joined the group. Through the savings group, she came to know Christ and began attending church. During that time, her pastor ministered to her and prayed for her as she grieved not having any children. Later, she and her husband welcomed a son, Samuel, into their family. Years later, when Samuel fell gravely ill, the pastor walked alongside them again, and Samuel eventually recovered. Attributing their son’s health to the grace of God, the family rejoiced alongside their Church at God’s answers to their prayers.

This is the Gospel—Christ reconciling all things to Himself and His church being the faithful witness of this good news and restoration.