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Church Planting |
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The dominant religion in the nation of Ivory Coast is Islam (35-40%) followed by the indigenous (25-40%) and Christians (20-30%). Among the Christians, less than 10% are evangelicals. The majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%). There is therefore a great need for evangelism and revival in the nation.
There is no hope for any nation outside JESUS CHRIST. During our last trip in May 2007 we organized a crusade and planted our first church in Bingerville. The town of Bingerville is a very strategic town because of what it represents in the history of the nation. The French Colonial Administration was based in Bingerville which was also the capital of Ivory Coast. The destiny of the nation was decided in that town and the first leaders were trained in the colonial schools there. Also, the first resistance between the indigenous and the French troops occurred in Bingerville with bloodshed. In order to reverse the curse over the nation and allow the Spirit of God to be poured upon the people, there must be revival in Bingerville. The crusade took place on Friday and the church was born that Sunday. Twelve people were in attendance and we offered 100 bibles to the church. Today, the church (The tabernacle) has a full time pastor (Bogui Jehosaphat) and is thriving. Its members are people who have been rejected by their families for choosing to believe in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. We pray that the Lord will give us the financial resources to continue to support that young local church, the only evangelical church in that town and its pastor. Update 2008: One of the greatest joys of visiting the Church in Bingerville was seeing the members from last year when the church first started. The church has grown and we now have a pastor, a regular praise and worship team. Everyone was excited to see Tano again and his message was well received in both churches where he delivered a now word from the Lord. We had about forty people in attendance half of whom were children. We made a financial commitment to move Pastor Jehosaphat to the town of Bingerville in order for him to be more accessible to his members who affectionately refer to him as Papa. Click here to view the photo gallery from our trip in 2008. Click here to view the photo gallery from our trip in 2010. |
