As they love to say in Africa “God is good!”
This week the local Breakthrough Partners Team, the organizers of the seminar on Christian Economic Development have been overwhelmed with the response. There was an expectation of 150 participants from different regions of Ivory Coast and 11 other African nations. However, there have been 207 men and women in attendance.
During the past two days we have visited some of the most sacrificial and gifted works of young Africans served by the Breakthrough Partners Ivory Coast Team that we have seen in the world. Let me tell you of Dominique, a vibrant young Christian woman, who has established a savings and credit association for some 1,300 people. This past year she worked with the pastor of the local church to see it have a roof for the church building and provide care for widows and orphans. The result is that the church is growing dramatically, widows and orphans are brought out of a vulnerable and destitute state and the region is observing the creativity and love of Christ.
Thank you for walking with us to build leaders for rebuilding communities,
Yours truly, from Bingerville, Ivory Coast,
Gary Edmonds
[You may our work in the Ivory Coast through Breakthrough Partners by clicking here.]

Koffi shared the joy of having Breakthrough Partners with him in worship on Sunday. “Wonderful!” Koffi expressed thanks for gifts received and promised us further reports with pictures.
Please pray for us as we depart Friday, November 27 to the Ivory Coast. In the 10 days that we are there, we will train people in Christian Economic Development and the dignity of womanhood.
How do you move from despair, fear, and suspicion to hope, peace and equitable prosperity?

Traveling in Africa, I see the strong hold that a culture of fatalism has on the people. “We are poor. This is our lot in life. We can do nothing to change our fate. Therefore, we hold our hand out and ask you to redistribute your resources so that we may live.” Of course this thinking keeps the people stuck in abject poverty and dependency.
In my weaker moments, I want to blame it on my family and friends. They all say it. My 89 year old mother still says it, as do missionaries, Sunday School teachers, evangelists and good Christians around the world. So what hope is there for me?
I am often asked about the best steps in developing young leaders. My answer normally astounds people. “First, Listen!”
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