For generations, the people of Cinquere, a farming community in the southwest of Burkina Faso, have remained closed to the Gospel. Deeply entrenched in ancestral idolatry, their traditions—rooted in practices passed down from the Ivory Coast—kept Christianity out. Various mission organizations and denominations tried to reach them, but the chiefs and elders firmly rejected every effort. As a result, spiritual darkness, sickness, and affliction plagued the people for years.
Through prayer and perseverance, God has worked a miracle. Our missionary, Élie Sansara, has made history by bringing the Gospel to Cinquere. Against all odds, the people finally opened their hearts to hear the message of salvation.
A pivotal moment came when 97 people gathered to watch the Jesus Film, a powerful visual representation of the life of Christ. As the story of redemption unfolded before their eyes, conviction gripped their hearts. By the end of the film, 41 individuals made the life-changing decision to follow Christ.
This breakthrough is nothing short of divine intervention. Just as the early Church saw Peter miraculously released from prison through prayer, we believe the prayers of believers around the world have paved the way for this transformation in Cinquere.
Please continue to pray for Élie Sansara as he disciples these new believers. Pray for spiritual strength and protection over the people of Cinquere, that their faith will take root and flourish despite opposition.
The people of Cinquere are primarily part of the Lobi ethnic group, an indigenous people found in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Lobi people primarily speak Lobiri and Gan, both belonging to the Gur language family. Their language is rich in proverbs, oral storytelling, and ancestral wisdom passed down through generations.
Lobi society is traditionally organized around extended families and clans, with elders playing a crucial role in leadership and decision-making. Clans serve as the backbone of their community, ensuring social harmony and governance.
Before the introduction of Christianity, the Lobi people practiced animism, believing in a variety of spirits and ancestral worship. Their rituals, often performed in sacred groves and shrines, played an essential role in daily life.
Lobi craftsmanship is world-renowned, especially their wooden carvings, masks, and ritual figures, which serve both spiritual and cultural purposes. These artifacts are used in ceremonies to honor spirits and seek guidance.
The Lobi people are primarily farmers, cultivating staple crops such as millet, maize, sorghum, and rice. They also engage in cattle herding, hunting, and fishing. In recent years, urbanization has led many to migrate to cities in search of economic opportunities, though agriculture remains a vital part of their livelihood.
The Gospel’s entry into Cinquere marks the beginning of a new era for the Lobi people. What was once a stronghold of spiritual resistance is now a place of hope, transformation, and salvation. As these new believers grow in faith, we trust that many more in the region will come to know the power of Christ.
Let’s continue to pray and support missionaries like Élie Sansara as they bring the light of the Gospel to the darkest corners of the world.
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