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Africa: Hostile Access

Overview:

Benin is a small country bordering western Nigeria. It is the birthplace of voodoo, and Christianity is viewed by many in the north as a threat to their traditional beliefs. Every village and many homes in the north have designated locations for the ritualistic killing of animals (and sometimes humans) in an attempt to appease demonic spirits.

Voodoo is an official religion, and Voodoo Day is a public holiday. Witchcraft is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is openly practiced. Christianity is considered a foreign religion that steals a community’s youth and prevents them from being properly initiated into the local tribes.

Village chiefs serve as both political leaders and voodooist priests.

Major Religion:

About 30 percent of the Beninese are Christians. Nearly 40 percent practice ethnic religions, and another 30 percent are Muslims.

Persecutor:

Believers are persecuted by their family and community.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Benin

Persecution is prevalent in the north. New converts to Christianity are beaten and sometimes killed, while church buildings are routinely destroyed. Villages keep evangelists out and prevent construction of new churches.

Access To Bibles

Bibles are available, but they are hard to find in rural areas.

VOM Work

Most of VOM’s work involves urgent persecution response, providing food, shelter and personal items for individuals who have been driven from their homes. We are also providing Bibles in a region where most people practice voodoo.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for Christians like Ariane, Marc, Aisosa, Renee and Rebecca, who escaped voodooism to follow Christ.
• Benin is the birthplace of voodooism. Pray that many will flee from voodoism and find freedom in Christ.
• Pray for the safety and effective outreach of Amadi, a Christian broadcaster.
• Pray for Christian converts like Edosa and Maelle, who faced persecution from their Muslim community.
• Pray for greater access to Bibles, especially in rural areas.
• Pray for all who have lost families or homes because of their Christian faith.

The Voice of the Martyrs. U.S.A

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.