Côte d‘Ivoire’s capital city, Abidjan, is a beautiful, growing metropolis with more than 4 million inhabitants. New construction is visible everywhere, as are the shantytowns that have sprung up on the small patches of unused land between building sites.
Recently, the local government has been leveling these makeshift neighborhoods and clearing out the squatters. One of these shantytowns was poised precariously on the side of a ravine. During the rainy season, people and their homes were invariably washed away into the river below.
As a result of the government’s action, an estimated 8,000 people have lost their homes in this neighborhood near the Deux Plateaux (Alliance) Church. This thriving congregation, which hosts services in English and French, is building a new sanctuary.
When my husband, Randy, was invited to preach there recently, we immediately noticed that the unfinished sanctuary was filled with people. We rejoiced to learn that this congregation had opened its doors to many of the people who had lost their residences.
Because of this church’s generosity, homeless families now have a roof over their heads until they can find more permanent places to stay. Other churches in the vicinity are engaged in similar efforts.
Please pray that every family will find a new home. Pray also that the hospitality and kindness of Christians will speak clearly of the Lord’s love to those who do not yet know Him.
—Based on an update by Deanna Harrison, serving at FATEAC (West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary) in Abidjan
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Read about Alliance work in Côte d‘Ivoire, West Africa.