Missionaries Côte d'Ivoire

Sharing the Good News in Côte d'Ivoire

The first Free Will Baptist missionaries to Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) arrived in 1958. Work was started among the Koulongo in the Gouméré area, and two years later among the Agnis in Koun.

In 1962 Dr. LaVerne Miley and his wife, Lorene, launched a medical ministry in Doropo and began a work among the Lobis. Free Will Baptists operated the hospital and clinic for 38 years. Since 1998 the medical center has been operated by a non-governmental organization (NGO) directed by national Free Will Baptist laymen.

By 1996 the staff in Côte d'Ivoire had grown to 24 Free Will Baptist missionaries, six ordained pastors and more than 30 lay preachers.

A Bible institute program was launched in Bouna in 1985. A leadership-training program also began in Bondoukou and has expanded to other areas of Côte d'Ivoire.

A Community Health Evangelism program (CHE) was begun in March 2000 in Bouna and Gouméré. African nationals were being trained to do evangelism and church-planting using the community development strategy of Medical Ambassadors International.

In October 2002 all Free Will Baptist missionaries were evacuated from Côte d’Ivoire because of civil war. A ceasefire and evident progress toward peace, led to two missionary couples returning to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in June 2003. In May 2004 another missionary couple and one single missionary joined them in Abidjan.


Geography and Climate

Côte d'Ivoire lies 3,000 miles south of France and 5,000 miles southeast of New York. Before the war it was the showplace of West Africa. Situated on the southern bulge of West Africa between Liberia and Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire is approximately the same size as the state of New Mexico.

The southern part of the country is covered by tropical rain forests. These forests spread north from the coast for 200 miles. Further to the north the savannah grasslands contain scattered trees and small forests along creeks and rivers.

During the rainy season the daytime temperature varies from 75 degrees to 95 degrees with 90 percent humidity. In the dry season the temperature varies from 70 degrees to 105 degrees and the humidity is as low as 20 percent.

Population

Approximately 17 million Ivorians come mostly from five principal ethnic groups. Although more than 60 dialects are spoken in the country, French is the official language taught in the schools. About 25 percent of the population consists of immigrants from other African nations who had been attracted to Côte d'Ivoire by its previous high living standards.

History

Portuguese traders first arrived in Côte d'Ivoire in the 15th century. They established trading posts along the coast. Spanish, Dutch, and English traders also visited the country. However, the French made the greatest impact on this region.

The area became a French colony in 1893. Between the world wars it became one of France's most highly developed colonies. Following World War II the colony became a French territory. Finally, on August 7, 1960, the colony became an independent nation.

Current Conditions

A low (50.9 percent) literacy rate is one of Côte d'Ivoire's greatest problems. Literacy programs and compulsory primary education are beginning to alter this situation.

Many of the people (estimates range as high as 63 percent) are animists, or fetish worshippers. One-fourth of the population is Muslim. A scant 8.7 percent of the population is Protestant.

Religious freedom makes it possible for our missionaries to minister freely. Côte d'Ivoire is currently in the upheaval of civil war and its religious freedom may be at risk.

Free Will Baptist Ministries

For more than 35 years the medical ministry in Doropo met the physical needs of the Lobis. During that time it opened many doors for evangelism.

Missionaries and nationals have been allowed to teach Bible classes in several of the new public schools in Côte d'Ivoire. The Bible institute, CHE, the decentralized leadership training program, films, and literature have served a crucial role in training and evangelistic efforts. Twenty-four students have graduated from the Bible institute in Bouna and some 56 others are involved in leadership training.

After nearly four decades of faithfully sowing the seed of God's Word, our missionaries and national workers are reaping a bountiful harvest. Young people are especially responsive and a national youth program has been formed.

A National Association of Free Will Baptists has been orgainized as well as three regional associations. In 2006 these included over 60 churches and congregations.

Prayer Requests

Pray many of the Muslims in Côte d'Ivoire will be saved. Ask the Lord to keep the resurgence of militant Islamic activities around the world from disrupting the work of our African missionaries.

Praise God for the four churches in the city of Abidjan and ask Him to help them grow.

The youth ministry is extremely important, so pray for God to supply a qualified youth minister, and pray for those already involved with the youth.

Pray the reading room ministries will contribute to the establishment and growth of strong local churches.

Pray the Lord will give wisdom to the missionaries and nationals as they disciple new converts.

Ask God to bless the national pastors and leaders. Also, ask Him to call more pastors and leaders to serve in Côte d'Ivoire.

Pray for the Bible institute in Bouna and for the leadership-training program in Bondoukou.

Pray for stability in the country so the gospel can prosper and our FWB churches and people will be safe to continue their work.