KOSSIN DELOU NO LONGER AN OUTCAST!

Sixteen year old, Kossin Delou, spent the last four years of his life sheltered by his family and kept out of the public eye due to an enormous tumor that dominated the left side of his face. In the early stages of the tumor growth Kossin visited local hospitals in Lomé, Togo but due to lack of money Kossin’s family was not able to afford surgery. As the tumor grew larger, Kossin’s life steadily became more difficult.

The tumor grew from the upper jaw bone above the teeth. As it grew larger the growth started to cover his eye and hinder his vision. Kossin’s father is a local pastor and the church is an important part of his family life. Due to the difficulties created by his tumor, Kossin was shamed into staying home during his father’s church service.

Kossin’s dream is to study at a university to become a teacher. He is inspired to enrich the lives of children with knowledge and love. Such a deformity of the face would have kept Kossin from getting the proper education to be able to teach.

Physical problems are not the only worries Kossin endured during the four years of this tumor’s growth. Emotional turmoil has been his greatest demon. Children who were once friends ridiculed him on the streets and at school. He even felt like an outsider among his own siblings.


After many hours of surgery Kossin emerged with a newly constructed face. Joy radiated from Kossin and his family as he spent time in the Africa Mercy ward in recovery.

Kossin’s father, Pastor Delou, gives thanks and glory to God that such mercy was bestowed on his family. “In this life each one of us need help in some moments of our life. I can say that through Mercy ships, we have found that help.” Said Pastor Delou, “you can have a bad story but before the end of your life God will open a door and smile deep into your heart. I know that God is working through Mercy Ships for the best in my life and in Kossi’s life.”

Kossi can now join his family and friends at church service and play with his siblings without being made into an outcast. Also, in September of 2010 Kossi will be able to start school again where he will kickstart his education on his way to becoming a teacher.

 Just three weeks after his surgery, Kossi is healing well and is ecstatic about his new life.
















“I just want to thank everyone on Mercy Ships. I am so glad that Mercy Ships came through you people and blessed me”.