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 Christians were trained to do evangelism and church-planting using a community development strategy.

In October 2002, all Free Will Baptist missionaries were evacuated from Côte d’Ivoire due to civil war. Although some missionaries returned for a period of time, political instability and lack of security precipitated an earlier than anticipated transfer of many ministries from the Mission to the Ivoirian Church. As of 2013, FWBIM no longer has resident missionaries in the country. However, we maintain an active partnership with the Ivorian association of Free Will Baptist churches.

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 23 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 (43 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 7.6 percent of the population is Protestant. Religious freedom makes it possible for Free Will Baptists to minister freely.

Free Will Baptist Ministries

Since 1963, Free Will Baptists have maintained a medical ministry in Doropo, located in the northeast corner of the country, which includes a rural hospital with surgical capabilities. Many doors for evangelism and church planting have been opened through this ministry. In 1998, the hospital’s administration was transferred to a local Free Will Baptist non-profit organization (BERACA).

Christians have been allowed to teach Bible classes in several of the public schools in Côte d’Ivoire. The Bible institute, CHE, the decentralized leadership training program, mobile medical clinics, literacy classes, films, and literature have served a crucial role in training and evangelistic efforts. Thirty-nine students have graduated from the Bible institute in Bouna.

After more than five decades of faithfully sowing the seed of God’s Word, our churches 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 organized as well as three regional associations. In 2017, these included over 129 churches and congregations with over 7700 in attendance led by approximately 39 pastors. In 2016 the National Association began church planting efforts in the neighboring country of Ghana.

International Missions no longer maintains resident missionaries in the country, but continues to be involved through a partnership with the Ivorian national association. IM supports local ministries and their efforts to train leaders, plant new churches, and send their own missionaries to other countries in the region.

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 five churches in the city of Abidjan (population 4.7 million) and ask Him to help them grow.

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

Pray the Lord will give wisdom churches 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 and beyond.

Pray for the Bible institute in Bouna as it trains pastors and leaders.

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