Grab a Towel French Edition Launched in Togo

In July 2025, over 200 leaders gathered in Lomé, Togo for a two-day Servant Leadership Conference. Hosted by Developing Africa Together and The Message Trust, this event marked a major milestone, as it featured the official launch of the French edition of Grab a Towel, titled Saisir une Serviette.

Given my passion for equipping African leaders, this is a significant step forward. Across Africa, 21 countries list French as a primary or secondary language, with an estimated 167 million French-speaking people. This represents a huge opportunity, especially as there is a clear shortage of Christian leadership resources available in French.

Why Togo?

This is one of those incredible stories that only God could orchestrate.

A few years ago, I received a Facebook message from Steve Williams, an American pastor from Ohio, who had read Grab a Towel and wanted to buy copies for all his friends in Christian leadership. One of those friends was Emmanuel Agbovi, a Togolese expat living in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also an elder at Christ Community Chapel, a church attended by some mutual close friends of mine, whom I was scheduled to visit in 2023.

This led to a divine connection. I was able to meet both Steve and Emmanuel in person. Emmanuel had read the book and shared it with English-speaking pastors in Togo, who all felt strongly that it needed to be available in French. Emmanuel’s charity, Developing Africa Together, agreed to sponsor the translation and commissioned Pastor Raphael Guegue, a Togolese leader, to translate the book.

And so, oulà, the journey began. The final result is a beautifully translated edition, complete with the interaction guide.

Launching in Lomé

In July 2025, I travelled to Togo for the official launch. Togo is a beautiful country located between Benin and Ghana. I was joined by two South African pastors and warmly hosted by Emmanuel and Raphael.

It was an incredible experience. We have now begun praying and planning for the opening of a Message hub in Togo. As you’ll see from the feedback below, the response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive.

We now hope to serve other French-speaking nations with servant leadership resources and training. If you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch.

The French edition is also available on Kindle. You can find it here:
👉 https://amzn.eu/d/46OXqYU
Please share the link with anyone who might benefit.

Conference Reflections from Delegates

Pasteur Didier Kougblenou

“I give glory to God for the success of this conference held in Lomé on 10–11 July 2025, under the theme Christ-Centred Servant Leadership.

The sessions reminded me once again that, to be a servant leader according to God’s heart, we must love, humble ourselves, and serve, while keeping Jesus Christ at the centre of our leadership.

I was enriched, encouraged, and strengthened. It is a personal challenge I now carry into the next phase of my ministry.

I commend the speakers for the quality and depth of their teaching, and express deep gratitude to Developing Africa Together for making this impactful event a reality, for the glory of God.”

Virginie Kpamnona

“This Christ-Centred Servant Leadership conference truly challenged me. Through gospel-based teaching, I rediscovered a leadership model rooted in humility, service, and sacrificial love.

The facilitators powerfully highlighted how Jesus, by washing His disciples’ feet and giving His life, embodies perfect leadership. It made me reflect deeply on how I lead, not by trying to impress or dominate, but by serving those around me.

What touched me most was the reminder that true leadership begins with a heart transformed and fully obedient to God.

This conference strengthened my commitment to live out Christian virtues more intentionally, both personally and professionally.”

Pasteur Ferdinand Kpakou

“I give thanks to God for this powerful conference held on 10–11 July 2025, under the theme Christ-Centred Leadership.

I left encouraged, strengthened, and deeply challenged. This event has had a profound impact on me and has brought real transformation in my life. By God’s grace, it will also bring lasting change in my ministry.

The speakers were experienced and shared not just theory, but truths they live out. I have studied servant leadership before, but this conference provided practical tools and fresh insights.

One phrase still echoes in my heart, ‘In unity and mutual submission, it’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one seeks the credit.’

May God continue to bless the organisers and speakers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”