2g4wa | 2gether4westafrica

WHO WE ARE

We, Mike and Lynn Hutchinson, are the founders (January 2013) and current leaders of Together for West Africa (TFWA). TFWA is a Mississippi, USA, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with field personnel located in Lisbon, Portugal. In addition to this website, TFWA has a social media presence on under the group name 2gether4westafrica. TFWA is organized exclusively for religious and charitable ministry purposes.
The specific program services of TFWA include:
1. Throughout the year, ameliorating the struggles of West Africans in Togo, West Africa, via assistance from resident Togolese supporters who can provide direct program services to the Togolese families and children using money and guidance from TFWA's field personnel in Portugal.
2. Twice a year, send TFWA field personnel to Togo to be on the ground providing direct program services for 1-2 months per visit.
3. To be the Emmaus Way ministry to West African migrants in Portugal. Just as the travelers to Emmaus after the crucifixion of Jesus were confused and life had dealt them a low-blow, similarly have West African migrants in Portugal been dealt a life's low-blow. But just as "Jesus walked with them, talked with them and broke bread with them," such work will also be the mission of TFWA in Portugal. Christians associated with the TFWA Emmaus Way program will work in Portugal in partnership with other Christians/Christian organizations in the community such as an immigrant project in Lisbon, Portuguese Baptist church, English language Baptist church, and criolou Baptist group (Guinea Bissau migrants).
4. To raise awareness of the people in the West African communities, both Togo and Portugal, as to their own assets, personal and material, using the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) methodology.
5. To encourage people of the Togo and Portugal West African communities as they use these newly discovered assets to deepen their faith and life skills. Ultimately, these discipling activities will enhance and enrich the quality of life for the families and children in these communities.
6. To host faith-based groups from the USA to help in delivering direct and advocacy program services to the West Africans in both Togo and Portugal.
7. To pursue financial support in the USA for the TFWA programs in Togo and Portugal.

WHAT WE DO

Jesus walked with two men going to Emmaus. They were confused and life had dealt them a low blow. But Jesus walked with them, talked with them and broke bread with them until he was revealed as the risen savior.

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) program services and advocacy services are delivered to residents (families and children) of Togo and West African migrants in Portugal, who are in need of life skills -- i.e., business, scientific, art, government, physical (food, shelter, job skills), and Christian spiritual development. Examples of these services delivered in the community are individual and small group interactions such as spontaneous Bible Study/discussions, meals celebrating friendships, educational discussions, and job skills mentoring/coaching visits. Also, serendipitous encounters accomplished through walking the community daily provide opportunities for ministry. This approach is very important to the TFWA missionaries and visiting USA support groups in building lasting relationships and trust with West Africans in Togo and Portugal and the Pastors/congregants of churches in both communities.