The Republic of Bénin, a nation with a rich heritage of art, culture, and politics, was once the seat of the powerful Dahomey kingdom. This West African nation is known as the home of the voodoo religion, which, in the past, demanded human sacrifices. To this day, fetishism underlies much of the daily life of the people. Although Béninois voodooism is widely practiced and has been exported to many parts of the world, the church is growing and strong.

Current SIM Ministry

This West African nation currently enjoys religious freedom. The people of northern Bénin are mostly Muslims, whereas in the south a large number of Béninese follow traditional religions.

The UEEB, the church body that has grown out of SIM pioneer work, includes 426 churches in 11 language groups led by 147 pastors. The UEEB provides pastoral training in French and in nine vernacular languages. Theological Education by Extension (TEE) programs are contributing to church growth in several language groups.

The UEEB operates the only evangelical hospital in northern Bénin at Bembéréké, with 127 beds and 140 staff. The hospital's maternity ward specialises in complicated births, with 866 (81%) being so classified in 2006. Village health ministries and rural development complement church planting efforts. The UEEB AIDS ministry addresses the needs of both those who are seropositive and their families.

Radio broadcasts in 14 languages over 19 local stations prepare the hearts of many people to respond to the Gospel message. Bible translation and literacy work in seven languages have made a major contribution toward church expansion and growth. The UEEB also operates two Christian primary schools.

SIM's Partner Church

All of SIM's work is in association with the UEEB. Many churches are growing rapidly. Receptivity to the message of Jesus is increasing among the youth and the predominantly Muslim Fulani people.

Scripture Availability

Complete Bibles are available in five national languages, and another is in the process of being printed. Of the 57 ethnic groups in Bénin, only five have more than 5% evangelicals. Many groups have not yet been reached. Bible translation is a serious need; 24 languages are without a New Testament.

Unreached People

Reports indicate that 28 people groups remain where less than 20% of the population has any affiliation with a Christian church. Bénin is the least evangelised non-Muslim country in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

History of Christianity

The Roman Catholic Church began work in 1680 and returned in 1861. English Methodists who arrived in 1843 and focused on the coastal Gun people are the largest Protestant denomination with 40,000 adherents. Other major Protestant groups include Assembly of God, Southern Baptist, UEEB/SIM, and over 200 other mission-established or independent churches.

SIM opened its first stations in Bénin at Kandi in 1946 and at Nikki in 1947 among the Bariba people. While much of SIM's work has been focused on the Baribas, we also work among the Fon, Yoruba, Yowa, Ditammari, Monkole, Boko, Lokpa, Fulani, Sola, Xweda, Dendi, Ife and Kotokoli (Togo). In 1961, a general hospital opened at Bembéréké.

• spiritual renewal, effective leadership, visionary thinking, and unity within the church.
• more new pastoral students and the provision of scholarships for them. Bible school teachers who clearly communicate God’s truth into their cultural context.
• missionaries to work with high school and university students. ministries within the UEEB churches that address HIV & AIDS awareness, prevention, and care for infected and affected individuals.
• pastors involved in radio outreach as they prepare broadcasts and visit target areas.
• funding to pay for radio ministries. missionaries to work among the Dendi, a strongly Muslim people group found throughout Bénin; thank God for good response to the Dendi radio outreach.
• Bible translation teams and the UEEB consultants who help the teams check their work for accuracy.