July 2011
Ivory Coast: The Civil War is Over. It's time to rebuild!
Hebron Pastoral Institute
Located in Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), West Africa, the Hebron Pastoral Institute trains Ivorian young people for ministry, providing a solid biblical and theological foundation for those who take the gospel to their countrymen and pastor the churches they plant. Founded in 1992 by Ivorian leaders, it is associated with the West African Evangelical Mission, a branch of WEC International.
The curriculum at Hebron is designed specifically for the unique context in which Ivorians live. In addition to biblical and theological subjects, students are trained to be mechanics, carpenters, bricklayers, secretaries, textile workers, janitors, and also in animal husbandry. The goal is to provide means for them to support themselves in ministry as bi-vocational "tentmakers." They are also equipped to teach these skills to others.
A Destructive Civil War
In recent months international news media focused on internal conflicts in Ivory Coast. A presidential election held October 31, 2010, followed by a runoff election in November, resulted in both candidates claiming victory. Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent, refused to accept his defeat to challenger Alassane Ouattara. Attempts at diplomatic resolution by international and inter-African organizations failed, leading to an extended period of violence. Mr. Gbagbo was captured and taken into custody in April, and Mr. Gbagbo's generals have since pledged allegiance to Mr. Ouattara.
Hebron Pastoral Institute, located just outside Bouafle, remained relatively unaffected until March of this year when pro-Ouattara forces invaded the city, turning the campus into a battlefield under heavy fire while combatants broke doors and smashed windows in a search for pro-Gbagbo forces.
Unprotected by fence or barrier, the Institute suffered many acts of destruction. Buildings and materials were heavily damaged. Both the inside and outside doors of the library, administration building, and students' residence were smashed. The school's vehicle was confiscated and found later heavily damaged.
A Slow Return to Order
The war ended in mid-May 2011 in most regions. Businesses, schools, and shopping centers are reopening, and public transportation is running again. But life is slow to return to normal, and people are still very much afraid because the new administration has been unable to provide adequate security. In addition, inflation has skyrocketed, with food staples such as rice, oil, and sugar increasing by 300% to 400%.
With the closing of banks and almost total stoppage of economic activity, churches have seen a substantial drop in giving and are no longer able to provide support for the school, either for day-to-day operations or for students' fees. Consequently the Institute is months behind in paying staff salaries and is unable to repair the campus or pay bills for water or even phone service, which has been cut off since early June.
An Opportunity to Provide Significant Help
With your help we can provide funds for our African brothers and sisters to repair the damage done to the Institute and update the support of the staff. Please consider the situation of the Hebron Pastoral Institute and make a contribution. I know that the combined gifts we raise can make a substantial difference. They will restore security for the students and will be a wonderful encouragement to them. Please partner with us in preparing workers who will plant and pastor the much-needed churches of the Ivory Coast.
Thank you and God bless you,
Alec D. Brooks, President
