Hostile
Benin
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 (in January) 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 often serve as both political leaders and voodooist religious leaders.
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. Give Bibles
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. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Benin
- Pray that those practicing witchcraft and voodooism will know the power of Christ and follow him.
- Pray for young Christians who face persecution from their family when they leave voodooism to follow Christ.
- Pray for believers in need of food, shelter and other necessities after being kicked out of their homes by voodooists.
- Pray that Christians and churches in communities dominated by voodooism will be a light for Christ.
- Pray that families of Christian martyrs will feel the comfort of Christ in the midst of their loss and grief.
