IVORY COAST: ‘THIS DREAM BECAME REALITY’

Being part of a community of believers is vital for THOSE CHOOSING TO BECOME ChristianS in the Ivory Coast. MANY have often left a traditional religion to follow Jesus, while in the north OTHERS have converted from Islam and face THE growing threat of jihadist activity. ISOLATION IS A COMMON FEELING.

That isolation isn’t just about facing rejection from community – but literal isolation. Many live in far-flung parts of the country that are hard to access. That means it can be hard for Open Doors partners to reach out, support and meet with these isolated Christians.

But, thanks to your gifts and prayers, seven local evangelists who serve remote churches in the Ivory Coast were recently given motorcycles to help them travel to various parts of the country. For many of the evangelists, this support was an answer to ongoing prayer.

‘I SAY THANKS TODAY’

“I had difficulties in reaching these churches,” shares Pastor Tahe Alexis. “To even go and greet the brothers and sisters, to make a pastoral visit, was very difficult. Since our arrival in this region, it has been a prayer point which we kept asking the Lord to do something about it.”

Pastor Blé Bai Laurent agrees: “I have difficulties to move around since the believers are far away. Some are in encampments, others are in villages which are very far away from the main road, and to reach there is difficult. Sometimes I travel by bicycle and, once it rains, it’s no longer possible.

“I say thanks today to the brothers and sisters who offered me a motorbike so that I can move around easily. I believe it will boost my ministry mostly in encampments and far away villages.”

“This dream became reality”

The same joy is shared by another recipient, Emmanuel Hien: “Tiredness will be less and moving will be easy now thanks to this motorbike. I really don’t know what to say: this dream became reality, thanks to my brothers and sisters. I can just say thank you; may God bless you. May God bless you abundantly.”

Because of these motorcycles, believers in especially isolated areas will be visited more often and reminded that they are never alone. This is so important. Thank you.

Much like other countries in West Africa, Ivory Coast faces an escalating threat from Islamic militants. This has led to a climate where Christians increasingly feel marginalised and insecure.

While Christianity makes up 35% of the Ivory Coast, converts from Islam or a traditional religion face pressure and persecution from their families and communities. Jihadist activity at the border regions is increasing – the Ivory Coast isn’t the epicentre of the extremist violence in sub-Saharan Africa but, as this violence grows, the nation is coming under greater threat. Please keep praying.