Benin Bible School: Keep Praying! The Walls are Up, the Roof is Next!
The latest photo … check below for the photo diary of this project
The walls of the dormitory are up. (March 2020) The next step is the roof which is estimated to cost $5,500. This will be a concrete slab roof, which will allow for additional construction upward in the future.
We have been helping with construction of a dormitory for the Mt. Moriah Bible School in the village of Danzounmey in southern Benin, West Africa. This much-needed dormitory will house the Bible school students and will serve as a major step forward for this property being used for the advancement of the Kingdom, especially in training ministers to reach Gospel-needy rural areas in Benin. I have been to the location twice. Susan and I have taught in the Bible School, and we have seen the progress there. There are also plans to establish a local church at the site, which will enable the students to put their education into practice by reaching out and making disciples for Jesus.
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With the help of our partners, we provided funds to drill a well and construct a tower as a water source for the site, which we dedicated when we were in Benin in January. As the Lord provides, we are now sending funds to help with the construction of the dormitory. The believers in Benin are also contributing both money and volunteer labor. The building has been progressing with help from our ministry and others, including Christians in Benin, where the average annual per capita income is $902. The total cost of the dormitory is estimated at $15,000. The work is progressing as the funds are available. Please pray for God’s miraculous supply for this need. Check below for a photo diary of the progress.
Progress Update…
As of March 1, 2020, a total of $4,817.00 has come in toward the dormitory project. This includes funds sent from Tom Shanklin Ministries and other ministries and individuals, including amazing contributions from Christians in Benin. It is a team effort for the glory of God!
Bible School student hard at work at Mt. Moriah Bible School.
Mt. Moriah Bible School students at Danzounmey. This is their present dormitory and kitchen.
Apostle Isaac Clossou, who we worked with in Benin, and his church, Messenger Church of God, are establishing Mt. Moriah Bible School as an affiliate of Vision University, which is based in the U.S. and has affiliates all over the world. Apostle Clossou said that the Lord showed him that there is a great revival is coming to Africa, but that there is a need for sound doctrine to sustain the work. This is why he was led to establish the Bible School.
I visited with Steve Mills, vice president for International Outreach with Vision University, We will be collaberating with Steve and his ministry on this project. Here’s what he had to say: “I was excited to have some time with Issac and hear what God is doing in Benin. His school is the newest school in West Africa to join Vision as an Affiliate Resource Center. We have planned our 2021 Regional Conference in Benin. I will be trying to raise some funds from my donor base to help with the building program in Benin. It would be a pleasure to collaborate with you for the work in Benin. We also have building projects in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Liberia.”
The Benin nationals are also taking steps for move this project forward. At a pastors conference in Benin in July, Messenger Church of God received pledges of about $300 towards the construction of the Bible School from pastors of small African churches who are a part of their ministry association. In Novemeber, Christians in Benin purchased materials worth $822 for this project. This is a great opportunity for us to come alongside and help facilitate the building project.
The estimated cost for the dormitory is $15,000. The total estimated cost (including the classrooms, toilets, kitchen, and office) is $52,000. Susan and I are both personally investing in this project. Even what seems to be a small contribution is a big step of faith toward the completion of this project. We will pass on 100 percent of the funds for the building project.
Photo Diary…
Below is a photo diary of the progress beginning in January 2019…
Dedicating the well. (January, 2019).
People from the village receiving water from the well. Plans are underway to establish a local church on the site, so that they can also receive the Living Water that comes from knowing Jesus.
Unloading cement for concrete blocks for the dormitory (June 2019).
Mixing cement and putting into forms to create the blocks.
These are the large blocks for the foundation.
The small blocks were created for the walls (October 2019).
Workers using the forms to create the blocks. The next step is the footings for the foundation. God is moving. Let’s keep our faith working!
The trench is being dug for the foundation (Nov. 6, 2019). Praise God, it’s happening!
Removing stump to facilitate foundation. (November 19, 2019)
Adding cement to the foundation.
A good view of the foundation.
Metal reinforcement being placed into the foundation for the dormitory.
The walls are going up. December, 2019