Mathieu’s story

Mathieu is our oldest student this year. He is in our trade school program but he is passionate about learning to read and write in Braille as well. He loves learning to make things with his hands and doing something different every day. I asked him how he likes being the oldest here at the school. He says it’s definitely a different culture being at a school with so many young people, but he loves teaching them and says they also teach him. Mathieu has become a father figure in many of the kids’ lives.

Mathieu became blind in 2008. It was a very difficult time for him and he cannot talk about it without getting emotional. As a child, Mathieu was unable to complete school. Because of this, he became a disappointment to his father and was kicked out of his father’s house. When he became blind he sought out his father again because he needed help. However, Mathieu was met with more feelings of disappointment from the man he wanted to please most.
Life in his village of Vogan is difficult. Mathieu once was independent, but now that he is blind he is fully dependent on others. Many in his town refuse to help him because he has nothing to offer them in return. He is learning to weave baskets, make soaps, chalk, and other sellable items. We hope and pray that Mathieu can provide for himself once he completes his time at the Village of Light.

Mathieu grew up Jehovah’s Witness but says he felt restless and unsatisfied in the church. He started going to Catholic mass but felt the same feelings. One day he decided to go to the local Baptist church and heard the Gospel for the first time. He realized that this was the truth he was searching for. He was baptized and walks closely with Jesus now. He now has satisfaction and hope because of Jesus.

Ways to pray for Mathieu:
Mathieu’s village is very dark and some consider it the voodoo capital of Togo. Pray for boldness and courage for him to be a light to his neighbors and family. Pray for his life after school, that he will be able to provide for himself. Pray also that his identity will be rooted in Christ and not his approval from men.

-Shared by Lauren Lunsford