Follow forward across borders
Adobe
ChatGPTI crossed a border in 1998, thinking it was a two-year assignment. Almost 30 years later, I am still here in South Africa seeking to obey God's call. Given my experience of following forward into a new country, it is not surprising that I find Emmanuel Agbovi's story so interesting. Three years after my move from the UK to Africa, he was heading from his homeland in Togo to the United States.
Formed by two worlds
Emmanuel grew up in Lomé, Togo, surrounded by deep community and family life. Reflecting on his childhood, he says:
"Growing up in a family of fifteen… it was a blessing to be part of a community of families and friends."
I spent time in Togo with Emmanuel in 2025, and it was wonderful to see the community in action. It seemed that he had friends and family on every street. Like many who grow up in close‑knit cultures, Emmanuel was shaped by these relationships, and he still holds family and community in the highest regard.
So, although many may think that moving to the US was simply about seeking greener pastures, there was a cost to leaving Togo.
Moving countries is never simply about changing address—there are always profound adjustments to be made.
And yet, all these years later, he can appreciate the contribution both countries have made to his life.
Anchored in faith
As a young person, Emmanuel had a strong faith in Jesus. When he moved to the US, he was acutely aware that it could compromise his convictions. He explains:
"There's a lot of opportunity in the US, but if you're not careful, you can drift away from the Lord."
Instead of drifting, he anchored himself and sought Christian community through a campus-based ministry. As marriage, family, and career have all progressed on American soil, Emmanuel has continued to build on the foundation of his faith. In turn, this has shaped his growing sense of responsibility to give back to those in need in his home country.
From small obedience to growing impact
Emmanuel's commitment to education in Togo began simply by helping friends who lacked the resources to finish their studies.
"Those little things helped guide my wife and me toward a much broader vision."
That vision eventually became Developing Africa Together (DAT). Remarkably, this organization—which has now built multiple schools—was birthed through a simple challenge. One Sunday, in response to a sermon based on the Parable of the Talents, their pastor gave out $100 bills with the instruction to use them in a way that would multiply the Kingdom.
"As soon as we got that hundred-dollar bill… we knew exactly what we were going to do."
What followed was a mac-and-cheese assembly line in their home. Through that initiative, they raised enough funds to build their first school. The outcome was transformational.
"When it rains now, kids leave home and come to class. They don't run home anymore."
From these humble beginnings, DAT now impacts hundreds of young people by improving school infrastructure and providing safe, secure environments for learning.
Grow where you're planted
Through traversing two continents, Emmanuel has learned a great deal about following forward in obedience. He holds to some key principles that shape his life and ministry:
"Grow where you're planted. A great leader begins by being faithful in the little things."
He continues:
"Leadership without character and faith will crumble… Your calling is not rooted in position—it's about purpose."
Whether we cross borders physically or are called to live faithfully in one place over time, the invitation remains the same: be rooted in Christ, use what you have, and take the next obedient step.
Maybe the borders you cross are not geographical, but cultural, socio-economic, or generational.
How have these experiences shaped your approach to leadership?
Is there something new you sense God may be calling you into? What small steps could you take to test that calling?
Or perhaps your role is to encourage someone else who is stepping out of their comfort zone in obedience to Jesus. Could you send a message of support or find a simple way to cheer them on?
Following forward across borders is not about geography—it is about faithfulness. And as Emmanuel's story reminds us, when we take steps of obedience, God does the multiplying.
 | Dr. Tim Tucker is the Africa Development Director on the global leadership team of The Message Trust. He has a PhD in Practical Theology from North-West University (South Africa) and has written four books, including Grab a Towel: Christ-centered Servant Leadership for the 21st Century (Message Books 2018), Grief and Grace: Facing the Future I Didn’t Choose (Message Books 2019), and The Pace Setter: Paul, Timothy and the Art of Multiplying Leaders(Message Books 2014). Learn More » |
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- When faith is shaped by culture instead of Scripture (by Bob Russell)
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- Emergency succession should be the first, not last, succession plan (by Christian Muntean)
- Follow forward in your context (by Tim Tucker)
