Adventist Leaders Visit Long-Imprisoned Church Member in Togo

December 9, 2025 | Togo | Abraham Bakari, West-Central Africa Division, and ANN

A delegation from the Seventh-day Adventist Church conducted a pastoral visit to Bruno Amah, a man who has been serving a life sentence at the Civil Prison of Lomé since 2012.

The visit took place on November 14, 2025, and brought renewed solidarity, spiritual encouragement, and strengthened advocacy on behalf of a man whose faith continues to inspire many.

Background on the case

On March 15, 2012, Adventist pastor Antonio Monteiro and church member Bruno Amah were arrested in Lomé, Togo, after a former inmate, later assessed as psychologically unstable, falsely implicated them in a series of murders amid public panic, unverified rumors of ritual practices, and strong pressure on authorities to produce quick results. Despite the absence of forensic evidence and serious procedural concerns, both men were detained under harsh conditions.

Following months of international advocacy and global prayer, Monteiro was fully exonerated on January 13, 2014. However, Amah, though widely believed to be innocent, received a life sentence and has remained in prison. Sources say he has quietly continued to practice his Christian faith behind bars.

The visit was led by Nelu Burcea, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) director for the Adventist Church’s General Conference, who traveled to Lomé on November 13 with the specific purpose of meeting Amah. He was accompanied by Abraham Bakari, PARL director for the West-Central Africa Division (WAD), Djossou Simon, president of the Eastern Sahel Union Mission, Apedoh Claude, treasurer of the Eastern Sahel Union Mission, Agbedigue Enyonam, president of the Adventist Church in Togo, and Togo Conference chaplaincy leaders Dzade Koku Emmanuel and his associate, Akakpovi André.

Upon arrival, the prison administrator received the delegation and expressed appreciation for the Adventist Church’s continued spiritual and moral support to inmates. A special room was arranged for the encounter, reflecting the cooperative relationship between the Adventist church and the prison authorities.

When Amah entered the room, he did so with a “radiant smile,” leaders said. “Despite more than 13 years behind bars, he appeared strong, serene, and deeply rooted in Christ,” they added.

For about thirty minutes, the delegation listened as Amah shared his testimony marked by gratitude, faith, and resilience.

After the visit at the prison, a picture was taken inside the compound. [Photo: West-Central Africa Division]

After an introduction by Adventist pastor Djossou Simon, Burcea reassured Amah of the global Adventist Church’s prayers and concern. “The Church has not forgotten you,” he said. “Stay focused on your calling. Your mission continues—even here.”

Amah responded, “For more than thirteen years, the Lord has kept me healthy—without any medication. Millions pray for me every day. I see God’s hand clearly. My presence here has a purpose, and I live each day to fulfill it. I remain forever grateful to God for giving meaning to my life, even in this place.”

Prayer, reflection, and testimonies

Although the delegation intended to encourage Amah, they said he ultimately encouraged them. His confidence in God’s providence left a deep impression on all present.

Bakari and Burcea prayed for the nation of Togo, its leaders, its prisoners, and for the preservation of religious freedom. As Amah returned to his cell, the delegation left with mixed emotions, noting the contrast between physical confinement and the spiritual freedom they witnessed in him.

Several members of the delegation later shared their reflections.

“Each time we visit Brother Amah, one testimony stands out: his unshakable trust in divine providence,” said Simon. “Even when concerned for his family’s future, his words remain filled with gratitude toward God.”

“We found him in good health and strong in spirit,” added Claude. “He draws strength from prayer and from the Church’s support, and he remains deeply grateful to the worldwide Adventist community.”

Emmanuel described “an atmosphere of warmth and hope,” noting that Amah is convinced “God is in control and that his liberation is only a matter of time.” Associate chaplaincy director Akakpovi André emphasized that regular visits and intercession help Amah feel supported by a global family of faith. “He has never fallen ill since this ordeal began,” he said. “His request is that we continue until God’s appointed time of deliverance.”

Enyonam said the group was struck by Amah’s strength: “We expected a man weakened by years of imprisonment. Instead, we found someone lively, hopeful, and steadfast. He has turned his time in prison into a ministry of evangelism.”

Support for family and ongoing mission

On November 15, the delegation participated in worship services and training sessions for pastors and members, focusing on strengthening pastoral care, deepening understanding of religious liberty, and praying for the country.

On November 16, the leaders visited Amah’s family. They met his wife, Elise; their sons, Jordan, Josias, and Joseph; and Elise’s mother, who has supported the family since the early days of the crisis. Burcea offered words of encouragement and assured them of the church’s continued solidarity. The delegation also visited Amah’s elder sister, whose steady support has been vital over the years.

As the visit concluded, leaders said Amah’s gratitude, vibrant faith, and ongoing ministry inside the prison remain a powerful testimony for Adventists around the world. His message to the global church was simple and direct.

“Your prayers are my strength,” he said.

Burcea departed Togo on November 17, while Bakari remained until November 19 to complete a training program on media and communication that began on November 8. These activities form part of broader efforts to strengthen the Adventist Church’s communication and mission work in Togo in preparation for the Adventist Church’s OneVoice27 global evangelistic initiative to take place in September 2027.

The original article was published on the West-Central Africa Division news site.