Tools for Change

Mercy Ships has held its first Church Leaders Conference in Cotonou, Benin, at the Hall des Arts Conference Centre.  Over 350 church leaders attended the conference, which presented how the Church can be an instrument for practical change in West Africa.

Chris Ampadu of Ghana was the main presenter at the conference, and he exhorted the church leaders to unite for change. “Our problems are the same,” Ampadu said. “We should be part of the solution.”  He said the Church has a responsibility for improving everyday quality of life issues, even in areas like water and sanitation.

The attendees learned about Seed Projects, which are micro-projects such as children’s discipline training or providing agricultural tools for the blind.  They also learned about how to begin agricultural projects, how to care for the terminally ill though Compassionate Care, and how to bring mental health issues to light and encourage mental well-being.

Reverend Henry Vidégnon of the International Christian Chapel in Cotonou believes he can implement his new knowledge immediately.

“I am planning very soon to start to develop agriculture and a programme in health for my community,” Rev. Vidégnon said. “Through those two things, I can go to the other parts, like orphanages, and also consider how to take care of the widows and those suffering from AIDS.”