THIS IS THE WOMEN???S LEADER OF THE CHURCH IN COTONOU, BENIN, WEST AFRICA. (She is in desperate need of an operation to save her life.
THIS IS THE WOMEN???S LEADER OF THE CHURCH IN COTONOU, BENIN, WEST AFRICA. (She is in desperate need of an operation to save her life. Her painful condition is explained at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/osteonecrosis.)
This is a letter from her. My own letter follows.
My name is B??abylie Lakoussan. I live in Cotonou, the capital city of Benin. I have been suffering from osteonecrosis for eight years. This disease attacks and gnaws away at my bones. I walk with great difficulty, and it is nearly impossible to move my legs. All attempts at medical intervention have been ineffective. Radiology results show that my disease is at an advanced level. The estimated cost of an operation is 4 million Central African Francs (about $8,000). This is an astronomical amount here in West Africa, about 13 times my annual salary.
In the face of such a situation, and in view of my meagre means, I am writing to beg for financial help, without which the operation is impossible. Jesus Christ has given his life for us (1 John 3:16), and with this in mind I am relying for your kindness, which can save my life.
I want to thank you for taking an interest in me, a simple person, even if you don't know me. May God, the giver of all blessings, fill you with abundant grace.
"Happy are those who are concerned for the poor; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble. The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives; he will make them happy in the land. He will not abandon them to the power of their enemies. The Lord will help them when they are sick and will restore them to health???" (Psalm 41:1-4).
Note from Douglas Jacoby: During a recent visit to Benin, Cotonou, I met with B??abylie, as well as Stanislas (the preacher for the church in Cotonou), and our leaders in the neighbouring nation of Togo, who oversee the work in Benin. This request is legitimate. Medical documentation is available on request (French language).
If anyone would care to make a contribution, here are the details:
Please send a check to IBTM, 1411 Logan Circle, Marietta GA 30062, writing "Lakoussan" on the memo line. If you would like to donate by credit card online, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Instructions will follow.
IBTM is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and all contributions by US donors to IBTM on behalf of B??abylie Lakoussan are tax deductible. Please give generously.