Charlottesville, VA - March 2, 2007 - January 2007 Islamic extremists destroyed a church established by Christ’s Power Ministries, an indigenous ministry in Benin, just three days after it was built. The church was established among the Ayizo tribe by a native missionary working with CPM. [Photo right: The church building just before it was destroyed.]

Four months earlier, Muslims destroyed CPM’s center of discipleship, which was started in 2000 and trained more than 1,500 disciples and 650 children’s ministry workers.

Muslims, who have subjugated North African countries under Islamic law, are rapidly moving southward in their quest to convert the entire African continent. Ministry leader, Claude Sossa, has experienced the devastating effect of the Islamic infiltration of his country, as 30 percent of Benin’s population is now Muslim. Two of Claude’s schools of missions have been ransacked and destroyed by Islamic extremists.

But despite these events, Claude continues his outreach to the very people who intend to harm his ministry, the Muslims. The son of a voodoo priest, Claude Sossa had a life-changing encounter with the Lord in 1985. He then established Christ’s Power Ministries. His work among an unreached tribe led to a program to train future native missionaries. [Photo left: The building flattened by extremists.]

Today Claude oversees 130 church congregations, five schools of missions and one school of discipleship. Hundreds of missionaries are now working in 45 mission fields, targeting 32 of the 62 tribes living in Benin with the gospel of Christ.

Claude also rescues orphaned and abandoned children. More than 300 children live in one of CPM’s three orphanages. Claude has also provided financial assistance to more than 200 families who have adopted an abandoned child, and nearly 300 children are receiving a free education at one of CPM’s five Christian schools. [Photo right: New believers.]

As the center gained recognition for its effectiveness, members of neighboring Christian communities interested in starting similar centers, visited to observe training methods and activities.

Ministry leader, Claude Sossa, writes, “We have lost our center after many years of work. But we continue to love those who destroyed it, because Jesus died for them and I believe that many of them will come to the Lord. The struggle continues.” [Photo left: A Church congregation.]

Christian Aid began supporting CPM in 1996 when Africa Director, Rae Burnett witnessed the incredible work accomplished by Claude and the missionaries he had trained. He now needs our help to rebuild the church that was destroyed. Please help us to encourage him through prayer and support.

Contributions are needed for the following items:

• Cement: $1,400
• Sand: $800
• Wood and other building materials: $1,500