Israel’s Message Well Received in Ivory Coast and Rwanda
“When will you come back again?” This heartfelt question echoed from both Ivory Coast and Rwanda after our previous conferences for pastors in these nations. The impact of those events had been profound, and the desire for more was clear.
Ivory Coast
After much reflection and preparation, I travelled to Ivory Coast in January, accompanied by Rev Frank Heikoop, Chairman of Christians for Israel Netherlands. Together, we hosted two impactful pastors’ meetings in Bonoua and Saioua, with the latter drawing an impressive 500 attendees. We presented two key resources to the pastors: ‘Why Israel?’ and ‘Land Without Borders’ (both translated into French). ‘Land Without Borders’, written by theologian Johannes Gerloff, provides a detailed history of Israel’s political landscape over the last 120 years, offering a compelling case that Israel is not an illegal occupier but a legitimate state with a right to its land.
500 people, from whom over 150 pastors, attended our conference in Saioua, in the inlands of Ivory Coast. Rev Frank Heikoop is speaking.
Rwanda. | Photo: C4I
During our time in Abidjan, the largest city and former capital of Ivory Coast, we were honoured to meet with the Israeli ambassador. She graciously invited us to an introductory meeting and a Holocaust commemoration.
Our Israel & Christians Today newspaper is offered to the Israeli Ambassador in Ivory Coast, Mrs Rony Yedidia Clein. | Photo: C4I
Rwanda
In February, I travelled to Rwanda alongside Johannes Gerloff, a theologian, journalist, and longtime resident of Israel. With his deep understanding of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, Johannes provided a perspective rarely heard in mainstream media, captivating the Rwandan audience. In Kigali, we had the privilege of meeting all 130 pastors from the national Presbyterian Church. Together, we spent a day engaging in Bible study, sharing insights from Israel, and answering thought-provoking questions.
Furthermore, we had the opportunity to speak with 60 students from the Protestant University of Rwanda. The university board also attended, and our discussions were both insightful and promising. The board expressed strong interest in partnering with us on future educational initiatives for their students.
60 students of the Protestant University of Rwanda listening to our speaker Johannes Gerloff from Israel. | Photo: C4I
Looking back, we are deeply grateful for these richly blessed and fruitful meetings in both Ivory Coast and Rwanda. The connections made, the lives impacted, and the doors opened have been truly humbling. We look forward to the next steps of our ministry in these nations.
