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Saturday, October 31, 2026 Updated 7:41 PM Central Time 9 stories

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire

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Persecuted church

Illustrative photo: Flickr - stringer bel - The road to Timbuktu, Mali (1)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Flickr - stringer bel - The road to Timbuktu, Mali (1) · Annabel Symington / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Good news and persecution

Missionaries Visit Remote Villages Amid Jihadist Threats in West Africa

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

Indigenous workers in a West African region have continued to visit scattered believers despite risks from jihadist attacks and political unrest. According to the International Mission Board, two missionaries recently traveled to three villages under difficult circumstances, including unpredictable fuel availability and travel regulations. During a visit to a specific settlement, they learned that jihadists had threatened to destroy the area if residents reported them to authorities. The missionaries taught on maintaining faith during trials. The group highlights the struggles of isolated believers facing persecution from family and villagers in these nations.

Illustrative photo: Wheat harvest on the Palouse
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Wheat harvest on the Palouse · Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Persecuted church

Iowa Bishop Urges Halt to Ivory Coast Woman's Deportation

Religion News Service United States

Bishop Dennis G. Walsh of Davenport, Iowa, wrote to the Trump administration to stop the deportation of Fatou Traore, an immigrant from Ivory Coast. Traore is currently detained in Louisiana after being arrested in Iowa. Walsh argued that sending her to Sierra Leone, where she has no connections, violates her human dignity. He contacted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and several Iowa lawmakers for intervention. This action reflects a broader trend of Catholic and other faith leaders challenging recent immigration enforcement surges. Traore had previously received a withholding of removal order in 2011. Her family and advocates have rallied for her release, citing safety concerns regarding her potential deportation.

Good news

Illustrative photo: White building with menorah art and arched gateway
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Hasan Mrad on Unsplash
Good news

30,000 Expected at COSA 2026 Evangelism Crusade in Abidjan

abidjan.net Côte d’Ivoire

The Body of Christ in Côte d'Ivoire will host the COSA 2026 evangelism crusade from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the BAE Stadium in Yopougon, Abidjan. Organizers expect 30,000 participants for this event focused on proclaiming the Gospel and mobilizing Christian communities. Apostle Kpangui Konan Bernard announced the initiative during a press conference on October 30, 2026, urging unity among churches. American preacher Charlie Shamp is scheduled as the main speaker. The event aims to foster spiritual revival and encourage deeper engagement in evangelism, with free access for the public.

Translated from Français

Illustrative photo: La "Cité chinoise" à Bamako, Mali (MédiHAL 612579)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · La "Cité chinoise" à Bamako, Mali (MédiHAL 612579) · Gilles Dubus / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Good news

Wassulu workers seek French Bibles for Mali amid instability

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

Ministry workers in West Africa are preparing a proposal for additional French-language study Bibles and library resources. Two years ago, they successfully distributed donated volumes to shepherds in a country before it entered a phase of instability that halted further transport. The group is currently waiting for safe conditions to resume deliveries. They aim to support pastors and other workers in the region with materials from the Word. The ministry hopes for opportunities to reopen transport routes to share these critically needed resources with local communities.

Illustrative photo: Flickr - stringer bel - The road to Timbuktu, Mali (1)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Flickr - stringer bel - The road to Timbuktu, Mali (1) · Annabel Symington / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Good news

First Indigenous Wassulu Pastor Begins Ministry in Mali

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

The International Mission Board reports that a young indigenous man has become the first local pastor in his community, settling in a village in Mali. He completed training at a local pastor school after years of gospel sharing by workers in the Wassulu region, which spans parts of Mali, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire. This pastor will serve his home village and nearby believers in the area. The organization highlights his calling as a significant milestone in the region's church development, noting that such indigenous leadership typically develops over time. The group encourages support for his continued growth and faithful service in a challenging environment for Christians.

Illustrative photo: La "Cité chinoise" à Bamako, Mali (MédiHAL 612579)
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · La "Cité chinoise" à Bamako, Mali (MédiHAL 612579) · Gilles Dubus / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Good news

Pastor Matthew Heals After Motorcycle Accident in Mali

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

A pastor serving communities across several West African nations was injured in a motorcycle accident while traveling to meet a colleague in a major city. The incident occurred as he prepared to share the gospel in an internally displaced persons camp. He required surgery for his injuries and is currently recovering. The International Mission Board reports that he is healing and hopes to resume his pastoral duties and evangelistic work in villages and IDP camps once his health is fully restored. (Source: IMB)

Good news

Mission Board Calls for Prayer for Christians in West Africa

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

A mission organization highlights an ethnic group spanning several West African nations, noting that colonial borders divided this community. The outlet urges supporters to pray for local evangelists and pastors to join current workers in the region. They also ask for prayers that Christian radio broadcasts reach audiences in neighboring countries. Additionally, the group calls for peace in one nation as it marks an independence anniversary, citing concerns that extremists seek to undermine civil government and enforce strict religious law. The organization encourages advocacy for these believers facing potential persecution.

Good news

Wassulu workers renew radio contract in Mali

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

Workers in a region of Mali have renewed their agreement with a radio station to broadcast Bible stories and Christian content. Although security concerns have restricted physical visits by missionaries to local villages, the radio service remains a crucial method for reaching the Wassulu people, who are concentrated in this cultural area. Local pastors report that these broadcasts strengthen discipleship among believers dispersed across vast territories. This medium is especially effective for oral learners with limited literacy. The International Mission Board emphasizes the ongoing significance of this outreach strategy in the region.

Good news and persecution

Missionaries Visit Remote Villages Amid Jihadist Threats in West Africa

IMB (International Mission Board) Mali

Indigenous workers in a West African region have continued to visit scattered believers despite risks from jihadist attacks and political unrest. According to the International Mission Board, two missionaries recently traveled to three villages under difficult circumstances, including unpredictable fuel availability and travel regulations. During a visit to a specific settlement, they learned that jihadists had threatened to destroy the area if residents reported them to authorities. The missionaries taught on maintaining faith during trials. The group highlights the struggles of isolated believers facing persecution from family and villagers in these nations.

Sources covering Côte d’Ivoire

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