Ivory Coast Update from HOPE worldwide
“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” - Isaiah 2.
April 5, 2012 - In Abidjan, the sounds of music, dancing and football along with the bustle of people back at work has replaced the noise of gunfire and mortars exploding during last year's civil war. Everywhere you look people are on the street. It’s so exciting to see the city come back to life after the war when over 3,000 people were killed.
HOPE worldwide has already provided vocational training to 158 residents. They have created 63 small businesses. From cell phone kiosks, to driving schools, to large market stalls selling vegetables – it is amazing what has happened there due to the training and financial assistance. Due to the support of our donors and partner churches, 154 church members are able to fully support their families and children. Many of these families lost everything when their homes were ransacked. Their children are returning to school since they have some income and they can return to their homes.
In addition, HOPE worldwide has:
- Trained more than 100 counselors,
- Provided counseling for 866 local residents
- Prepared 13,800 + meals
- Provided 539 with housing
- Given medical care to 531 disciples
- Distributed school supplies, uniforms and helped with fees for 124 children
The Abidjan Church of Christ
The Abidjan Church has had 160 baptisms and restorations and 60 marriages since the civil war started last year. After the trauma and horror of civil war, everyone seems motivated to get baptized and get married. Baptisms have replaced bombs and marriages have replaced murders. It is an amazing sight to see. I’m so happy for all the disciples and their families. They want to thank you for all of your support.
Merci beaucoup!
- Number of meals served: 13,860
- Number provided with housing: 529
- Number of medical consultations: 531
- Number of displaced people provided with transports: 551
- Number of people provided with educational support: 124
- Number of people trained in psychotherapy: 100
- Number of individual provided with counseling: 866
- Number of group counseling sessions: 43
- Number of people trained to acquire a job or in IGA: 158
- Number of group IGA financed: 11
- Number of individual IGA financed: 63
- Number of people employed because of the CRISIS Project: 154