Jonathan and Michelle Walterhouse, along with their teammate Meredith Henderson, recently returned from a powerful trip to Togo, where they led a three-day training for 10 Deaf leaders from Benin and Togo. The training focused on seven stories from the Bible, beginning with the story of Joseph, and explored how God can use even the most difficult experiences for good.
The leaders didn’t just listen, they engaged deeply, reflecting on their own lives and beginning to see their stories through the lens of Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20: “What you meant for evil, God meant for good—not just for me, but for many others” (Bible verse paraphrased for clear communication in French Sign Language context).
This trip was part of an ongoing partnership with Converge’s 6 Degree Initiative (6DI), which has been working in Togo for years. Their local presence and support have been crucial in building trust and opening doors for ministry within the Deaf community.
The team also collaborated with Wycliffe USA and Wycliffe Benin’s Sign Language Translation Team, which facilitated the participation of Deaf leaders from Benin. These partnerships reflect a growing, unified effort to bring the gospel to Deaf communities in their heart language.
The training itself was designed to be simple and easy to replicate. The team taught entirely from memory, using local materials such as water sachet bags, leaves and sticks instead of imported supplies.
This approach enabled leaders to apply what they learned and share it with others. In fact, one leader from Benin began pausing the dramatizations during the training to ask reflective questions, modeling the very method they were being taught. It was a powerful moment, showing that the training was already being put into practice.
Despite the challenges of navigating multiple sign languages (American, Togolese & Beninese Sign Languages ) and cultural differences, the team saw real connection and growth. The leaders didn’t just learn, they experienced the healing truth of God’s Word in a way that was personal and impactful. By the end of the three days, they had completed all seven sessions, which was more than the team had hoped for. The leaders left not only with new tools but also with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
Looking ahead, the Deaf Catalyst Team is planning future trips to Togo. They’re asking for continued prayer for the 10 Deaf leaders, that God would continue to work in their lives and use their stories to reach others. They’re also praying for wisdom as they seek to reach the estimated 200,000 Deaf individuals in Benin and Togo with the gospel.
This work is part of a larger movement to empower Deaf leaders and bring the hope of Christ to communities that have often been overlooked. It’s a reminder of what can happen when people come together across languages, cultures and ministries to share God’s love in a way that truly connects. The team is also excited to share that the Deaf Catalyst Team has received a matching grant to support their Deaf Global Workers, which will help sustain and expand this important work.