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BeninHostile
Christian Persecution in Benin
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 a designated place for animal sacrifice (and sometimes human sacrifice). 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. Every village chief serves as both a political leader and a voodoo priest.
Major Religion:
About 30 percent of the people in Benin 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
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Yobiri to continue growing in his faith after receiving an audio Bible in his own language.
- Pray for Lea, whose husband was killed by his father because of his Christian faith.
- Pray for Benoit, whose family tried to have him cursed by a witch doctor because of his Christian faith.
- Pray for those receiving Bibles in a region where most people practice voodoo.
- Pray for front-line workers who are helping Christians who have been driven from their homes.