Childern's Corner: Cocoa in Cotonou

Hi! My name is Cocoa. I'm a missionary dog (one of those wiener dogs) on my first assignment in Benin, West Africa. I live here with the "real" missionary, Jane Schmitz.

Cotonou, the capital city of Benin, has people everywhere. They all need to get somewhere so there are all kinds of transportation: cars, bikes, yellow taxis, and motorcycles. Besides these, people use three-wheeled taxi motos called zemidjan (pronounced zamijohn), which means "take me fast". Another means of transportation is a covered tricycle, which isn't quite as fast.

People follow many religions, but only a few are true Christians who know Jesus as Savior. The largest religious group worships idols or their dead ancestors. Some people believe the python snake has power to help, and they have a special house full of pythons. These snakes are well cared for and worshiped. Benin is one of the main countries that practice voodoo. That is a religion based on witchcraft and black magic. Do you see why boys and girls here need to know Jesus and why we are here to tell them that Jesus alone can save them.

Benin is a new country for ABWE missionaries. We are partners with local Christians who want to start more churches and train more African pastors. The African church leaders have also started deaf schools. You can learn how to say "hello" with your hands without having to learn French (the official language in the country) and the deaf children would understand you.

Maybe God would have you come help some day to tell people about Jesus here in Cotonou. You can start by praying for us. Just remember Cocoa in Cotonou and pray that the gospel of Jesus would change many lives. If you want to write to me my address is Cocoa, 04 BP 1498, Cotonou, Rep. of Benin, West Africa or send me an e-mail at janesabwe@yahoo.com

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