Pray for Christians in Benin: 

Benin is the birthplace of voodoo, and witchcraft is deeply ingrained in local culture. Through many years of evangelism in the country, many turned to Christ and 40% of the population are categorized as Christians. However, many of them commingle the Christian faith with animism. Many Beninese view Christianity as a threat to their traditional beliefs, and Christians are often harassed and/or attacked by voodooists.  Please pray for God’s protection.    (4/27/2023)

Pastor Michel leads a small church in northern Benin. In September 2021, around 60 Voodooists who live in his village arrived at the church during a service. The occultists broke down the church door and smashed its windows.

They then ordered the Christians to stop worshiping and praying. They also attacked Pastor Michel, breaking his leg. The Voodooists said if he did not stop holding church services, they would kill him.

Pastor Michel’s leg never fully healed, and he requires a crutch for mobility. Because he can no longer work as a farmer, he has been provided with a small mill he uses to grind crops to support his family. 

Izegbe is a former Muslim who was seriously ill. Some friends told her that Jesus could possibly heal her sickness, so she met a pastor who told her the gospel. “Islam never gave me any satisfaction,” she said. “But Christianity gave me peace inside.” Izegbe began attending church regularly, became a follower of Christ, and was gradually healed of her sickness.

Despite her healing, her Muslim husband was upset with her decision to follow Christ and kicked her and her two children out of their home. Since then, she has developed a severe rash across much of her body and has been hospitalized for the last three months.

Doctors do not know the cause of the rash. She believes some Muslims and Voodooists have placed a curse on her as voodoo is widely practiced in Benin, even by many Muslims.