By Larry Sellers, Global Strategy missionary in Côte d’Ivoire

Editor’s Note: The Lakpolo Ministry Center project in Côte d’Ivoire is one of the four projects featured during Global Strategy’s 2019 impactX2 year-end campaign. To learn more about the Lakpolo Ministry Center project or to donate, visit the project page here.

In the approach to the dry season, a reddish-brown dust covers the car as we approach Korhogo in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Even the normally green leaves on the trees are brown with dust. In this arid region sits nearly two acres of prime property that the Lord has entrusted to the Church of God. The church intends to develop this property to launch several projects for expanding ministry and generating income to help the church become more self-sustaining. Plans for this property on the edge of Korhogo, the nation’s third largest city, include the development of a retreat and conference center, small shops for rent, literacy classes, and agricultural projects to serve the community on this growing side of the city.

The city is rapidly growing. Lakpolo, once a small village of the Senoufo tribe, has recently been incorporated into the urbanized area and is being developed by the local government. Houses are already being built in the vicinity. As a newly developing area, there is a great need for commercial space, literacy training, areas to hold public events, and Christian guidance. At this strategic location between a medical dispensary and a nearby elementary school, a church will also be planted, ministering holistically to the needs of the residents.

But it all starts with water. The first phase of development will include drilling a well, as well as the construction of sixteen small shops and a perimeter wall. The second phase will add a dormitory, conference center, and kitchen facility. Initially, the church will meet in the conference center, until a separate church building is built.

With sustainability as the vision, revenue from the rental of the sixteen initial shops will provide resources for the national church to carry out much of its ministry as well as to develop other projects on the property, including agriculture and livestock. Evening courses in Bible and literacy will be held for the community as many area inhabitants are unable to read and write.

Ivorian national church leaders (pictured at top) are excited about the vision for the Lakpolo Ministry and Activities Center. Global Strategy missionary Bobby Mihsill was with them in October and looked around the land, taking their photo in front of this sign, which, translated, reads “Church of God, Côte d’Ivoire.”

This project is currently featured as part of Global Strategy’s 2019 year-end impactX2 initiative. The first $50,000 given to the four featured projects will be matched through December 31, 2019.