Côte d’Ivoire - Ivory Coast
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From the mid-1800’s, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) was under French colonial rule as a protectorate. However, in 1960, it became an independent nation, retaining close ties to France. French is the primary language of the nation, although there are some 60 ethnic languages spoken here. Islam and Christianity are the two leading religions practiced here, though many traditional African religions contribute to one of the most significant religious challenges: syncretism, which is the blending of religious belief systems or incorporation of other beliefs into an existing religious tradition. In 1987, the Church of the Nazarene established work, bringing the transformative message of Scriptural holiness to the region. Today, the work of the church in the Francophone (French-speaking) countries of Africa is some of the fastest-growing work in the Africa Region. It is estimated that 60% of the population of Côte d’Ivoire is under the age of 25 years.
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| 60 Fully Organized Churches; 148 Not Yet Organized Churches
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| 98 District Licensed, and 68 Ordained Ministers on 1 District
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Pray for the communities in the Ivory Coast that the students visited, that the seeds of hope and love they planted through their service may continue to grow and inspire lasting change.
- Ask for guidance and strength for the students as they return home, that they may carry the lessons learned and the compassion they experienced into their everyday lives, influencing others positively.
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Pray for the Nazarene clinic and all healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to serving the community, that they may have the resources, strength, and support needed to continue their vital work in helping those in need.
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Praise God for the students' transformative experiences during their mission, which deepened their understanding of faith, community, and the power of love across cultures.
- Thank God for the joyful interactions and bonds formed between the students and local residents, highlighting the beauty of collaboration and mutual respect.
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Thank God for the successful food distribution at Man prison, celebrating the impact it made on the inmates and the opportunity it provided for the students to serve those often forgotten by society.
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A Journey of Compassion: The Trevecca Nashville Students’ Mission in Ivory Coast
In mid-May 2024, a group of students from Trevecca Nazarene University arrived in the Ivory Coast eager to make a difference. Their mission began in the vibrant district of South Ivory Coast, where they painted a local community center, bonding with residents through laughter and shared stories. The fresh paint symbolized hope and collaboration.
On May 12, the students participated in a vibrant worship service that transcended language barriers and engaged with children in Sunday school, igniting their passion for teaching. The following day at a Nazarene clinic, they witnessed the dedication of healthcare workers and the resilience of patients, deepening their understanding of compassion.
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Midweek, they organized a football game for street children, emphasizing the joy of togetherness over competition. On May 17, they traveled to Andokoi, where they interacted with the local community, shared stories, and enjoyed a praise concert that united hearts in celebration.
As their journey neared its end, the students prepared for a significant food distribution at a local prison on May 19, delivering 1,000 meals and witnessing the inmates’ gratitude—a profoundly emotional experience.
Reflecting on their transformative week, the students returned to Nashville not just as learners but as ambassadors of compassion, embodying the power of connection, service, and hope. Their journey reminded them that love knows no boundaries, promoting understanding and unity in a divided world.
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Is God calling you to serve on the Africa Region? For more information, click here.
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NMI Central is available in a curated PDF archive.
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