In the country that birthed voodoo, Beninese Baptists are working collectively to pray for and support the spread of the gospel.

IMB missionary Barbara Singerman speaks with an Ayizo woman while writing down symptoms during a medical clinic in Benin.

It’s a story IMB missionary Barbara Singerman can’t share without tearing up.

“They are investing in missions,” she said. “They are expressing a love and appreciation and oneness —participation in the work. We are completely overwhelmed.”

She and her husband, Jeff, lived in the West African country of Benin for 24 years. When they moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), they continued to encourage Beninese Baptists to actively own the Great Commission.

Then tragedy struck: A week after a visit to Benin in March 2018, the Singermans both endured severe injuries from a horrendous car accident in the DRC.

They had no idea God was using this awful experience to mobilize their Beninese brothers and sisters.

‘Giving to God’

Friends from Benin presented an astounding love offering to Jeff and Barbara, who wept. Widows gave out of their lack to help their “Beninese brother and sister” who were suffering. Others were upset they hadn’t been able to contribute right away.

“They’re not giving it to us. They’re giving it to God,” Barbara said.

IMB missionary Jeff Singerman preaches in a Baptist church in Benin.

This is the first time she and Jeff have seen this group of Christians unite in prayer and sacrificial giving toward taking the gospel to the nations. Church leaders across the country are calling on their congregations to pray. People have told the Singermans they will pray until they are healed.

“We’re excited to see what happens,” Barbara said.

• Please join the Beninese Baptists in praying for Jeff and Barbara Singerman’s physical healing.
• Ask God to continue to use this horrible accident to spur Beninese Christians to own the Great Commission.
• Pray Beninese Baptists will boldly share the gospel with their countrymen and the nations.

IMB missionary Jeff Singerman walks with a group of Ayizo people after witnessing the first baptism among the bordering Ci people in Benin. They trekked through clay mud for the event after Ayizo Christians shared the gospel with the Ci people.

Your gifts through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® support Southern Baptists such as the Singermans who are taking the gospel to people in Africa — and who help national believers lead out in that effort. Thank you for giving.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is a registered trademark of Woman’s Missionary Union.