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Côte
d'Ivoire is one of the most prosperous nations in sub-Saharan
Africa, although the December 1999 coup d'etat and its aftermath
have seriously hampered economic growth. Missionaries are welcome,
and the people, especially the youth, are open to the gospel. The
official language is French, but there are at least 60 languages
spoken. Jula (Maninka), the trade language, is spoken by most of
the Muslims in Côte d'Ivoire, currently estimated at about
40% of the population. Current SIM ministries in Côte d'Ivoire include Christian literature production, radio outreach, and church planting. SIM is a participating member of International Christian Academy in Bouaké, serving missionary children from West and Central Africa. Abidjan is the base for SIM media ministry to French-speaking Africa. An FM broadcasting ministry, Frequence Vie, is on the air. An excellent library of programs and a good foundation have been prepared for this radio outreach, with participation of about 30 other churches and missions. SIM participates with other organizations in Christian Publishing Enterprise (CPE), providing literature for evangelism, discipleship, theological training, and leadership development. Life Challenge Africa (LCA) provides materials, training and a resource centre to help Christians understand and reach out to their Muslim neighbours. Church planting efforts are focused on the Jula (Maninka) speakers. Islam is a growing influence in the country, especially in Abidjan, which is now estimated to be 50% Muslim. A correspondence course has recently been started in order to reach out to educated Muslims. Converts are often expelled from their families and deprived of their means of support, calling for wise and compassionate response on the part of the church. Please pray for:
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