On 29 March 2024, Open Doors’ local partners on the Ivory Coast provided seven local pastors with motorcycles to support them in serving remote churches across the country. For many of these pastors, the motorcycles have been an answer to ongoing prayer.
“I had difficulties in reaching these churches,” says Pastor Tahe Alexis, a beneficiary. “To make a pastoral visit was very difficult because to have a car to move around in this area is difficult. Since 2022, it has been a prayer point for which we kept bothering the Lord to do something about.”
Pastors, like Tahe Alexis, serve isolated believers in distant parts of the Ivory Coast. Many in the country’s west, east, and south have come to Christ from traditional religious backgrounds. Those in the north come from a Muslim background and face a growing jihadist threat.
“Tiredness will be less and moving will be easy now thanks to this motorbike,” says Pastor Emmanuel Hein. “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.”
Persecution in the Ivory Coast
Much like other countries in West Africa, the Ivory Coast faces escalating threats from Islamic extremists. In the northern regions, the growing influence of Muslims in politics and economics is palpable. Key investment projects are increasingly controlled by entities such as the Moroccan monarchy and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Christians increasingly feel marginalised and insecure, particularly as jihadist activity expands to remote regions.
Familial and societal tensions often flare up against individuals who convert to Christianity. Despite a largely Christian (35.2%) and Muslim (42.6%) populace, a significant number of people adhere to African traditional religions (21.6%).
Additionally, syncretism is common, blending Christian or Muslim faith with elements of traditional religions. When Christian groups oppose this mixing, they often encounter resistance from ethnic and clan leaders, especially in rural areas. Incidents like church vandalism and the forced seclusion of Christians during animist celebrations in the western regions further indicate the level of hostility.
Because of these motorcycles, believers in isolated areas will be visited more often and reminded that they are never alone.
“It was a real need, and this bike will help us to be near the believers, our brethren who really need our support,” says Pastor Alexis. “It’s a relief for us. May the Lord bless you. May God return it to you a hundredfold.”
Pray for Ivory Coast
- Join us in giving thanks to God for answered prayer.
- Pray for the pastors’ ministries, that the Lord will prosper their work.
- Pray for believers who live in isolated areas. Ask God to increase their faith and give them strength to follow Him no matter the circumstances.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.