In 1979, West African native Kokou Loko came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior – which changed everything for him. Almost 10 years later, Kokou and his wife, Yvette, answered the Lord’s call and traveled to the United States for Kokou to attend New Orleans Theological Seminary. When his studies were complete, the Lokos traveled home to Togo to share the gospel with their community.
When they arrived back in their home country, they learned that their government now allowed Christian radio to be played in West Africa. Unfortunately, as they listened, they discovered the programs spread the “prosperity gospel” instead of solid, biblical truths. Bothered by this, the Lokos sought the Lord for a solution.
Kindness of a stranger
In 2001 – with much prayer – the Lokos started making headway in creating Radio La Grace (Grace Radio), a Christian radio station. Within a few months, they received a radio license. However, they lacked the funds to purchase the equipment needed to get the radio started. Kokou explained the troubling situation to a Mississippi seminary friend, Bill Collier.
“I don’t know much, but I can call Brother Don [and] see what they can do,” Collier told Kokou.
Much to their surprise, Don Wildmon, AFA founder, was able to help. When he heard their story, Wildmon and AFR donated, packed, and shipped radio equipment to the Lokos.
“I had never met Brother Don before,” Kokou told The Stand. “They shipped the whole thing … a 250-watt transmitter, two microphones, and headphones.”
On January 1, 2002, Radio La Grace aired its first program in the early morning hours. Since that day, the Lokos have seen many people saved because of the station’s impact. Last year, Kokou explained that 15 individuals participated in a baptism service. Of those, 13 had come to know Jesus through the truth aired on the station.
“God invented radio,” stated Kokou. “A lot of people who are afraid to go to church … are not afraid to listen to the radio.”
A stronger partnership
In the past 22 years, the Lokos have continuously seen the Lord work through their ministry. On a recent visit to AFA headquarters in Tupelo, Mississippi, the couple shared many exciting testimonies and ministry updates while also expressing their gratitude for the late Don Wildmon’s generosity. During their visit, Tim Wildmon, AFA president, learned that the original equipment sent in 2001 was no longer working, only functioning as a reminder of God’s goodness.
So Tim decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and send new, upgraded equipment to Togo to ensure that Radio La Grace stays strong for years to come. This time, two AFR engineers – Kevin Robbins and Josh Taylor – plan to travel to West Africa to install the equipment. The engineers will be installing a new transmitter, automation system, and conference studio as well as meeting other needs.
“My dad was moved by their story, and he donated the equipment and offered our engineering expertise to get them on the air. Because of that, thousands and thousands of people have heard the gospel of Christ who would never have known about Jesus or the teachings of the Bible,” Tim explained. “AFA is happy to be able to help the Lokos again, and I know my dad is looking down from heaven smiling.”
(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the July 2024 print edition of The Stand. Click HERE for a free six-month subscription to The Stand magazine.)
