Countrywide
VCP Statistics as of June 2011:
Members - 175,900
Churches - 1,122
Training Centers - 42
Coordinator: Simon Lekpai

Côte d’Ivoire is the longest running VCP field of the Into Africa Project. Simon Lekpai is the country coordinator, where Into Africa partners with the following 11 denominations:

• Eglise Evangélique le Jourdain
• Mission Evangélique Béthel
• Eglise Torrent de Vie
• Eglise M.I.D.E.A
• Mission Evangélique Christ Is Lord
• Mission Evangélique Grâce Abondante
• Assemblée Evangélique la Grâce
• Eglise International d’Abidjan
• Mission Evangélique Lumière et Perfection
• Communauté Evangélique pour la Mobilisation des Missions
• Mission International d’Evangélisation

All of these denominations are new and fast growing, and together have a presence throughout the entire country. Simon was born in Dédégbeu in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire, and gave his life to Jesus while in high school in 1993. He is married to Seri Nahi Nadege.

In 1996, Simon felt called by God into ministry. In 2001, he started going to Bible school. But a year
later the school was closed down due to the war, as rebels took over the town where the school was located. He then relocated to the commercial capital of Abidjan and continued his studies with the Presbyterian school. He completed his degree two academic years later in 2004.

In 2006, Simon was ordained as senior pastor in Issia. He connected with the Into Africa Project in 2005, and in 2007 was appointed country coordinator. In this capacity, he travels extensively to villages throughout the country, leaving his family behind at home. He concentrates on teaching the necessity of church planting and encouraging church planters to initiate new congregations. "It is challenging work, but at the same time very rewarding when I see souls redeemed and come to know and accept Jesus in their lives," says Simon.

By God's grace 422 first generation, 157 second generation and 33 third generation churches had been planted in Côte d’Ivoire at the end of 2008, and the average membership was 50 people on Sunday mornings. Participating in the Into Africa Project were 22 trainers and two strategic administrators. See above for recent country statistics.

Testimony

My Name is Anoh Moh Ulrich, and I live in Maféré Center. I used to live in destitution, and crime was my way of life. I was well known for this reputation in my village. Everyone was scared of me wherever I went. One day I was invited to a prayer meeting, and it was during that gathering God took hold of me. A big fight ensued within me, as I was possessed by many demons.

But God prevailed, and when I came back to my senses I felt a need to follow God. When I returned home, people were scared of me as usual since they were well aware of my lifestyle. But to their surprise, I told them not to worry and shared with them what had happened. Some didn't believe my story, and a week later my family went to see the man of God who had prayed with me. It was then that they became convinced about the transformation in my life. Today, my whole family is saved along with some of my friends. And peace has returned to my village. Glory be to Jesus!

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Click here to view scenes from churches and baptisms in Cote d'Ivoire.