Benin (MNN) ― Thousands of members of mystical African cults gathered from all over the world in Benin, where a national holiday - Voodoo Day - was celebrated on January 10th. Of Benin's seven million citizens, 65% believe in Voodoo. The day has been a national holiday for a decade.
That's why Bible Pathway Ministries' Ken Sharp believes it's a first for spiritually oppressed Benin. With a spiritual history so deep-rooted in the occult, the 30% who claim to be Christians have their work cut out for them.
Believers are holding a Bible Reading Marathon along with a National Day of Prayer. Sharp says these events couldn't have come at a better time. "It's truly God's timing to follow up about a month and a half after their national Voodoo Day, and just prior to their national election, to help combat the darkness and to give the people there in Benin, that strength and truth of the word of God."
The Bible Reading Marathon runs Feb 28 through March 3rd this week. What's more, Sharp says it has gotten national attention and support from high places. "The president of Benin is a believer and rules politically with the fear of God, and he wants to try to get this Bible reading marathon--they're planning on broadcasting it over the TV, nationwide."
Expected response is highly anticipated to be positive. Sharp says their team says many see that voodoo has only brought oppression and darkness. That means people there are looking for a source to bring them freedom and light emotionally and spiritually.
Dr. John A. Hash, founder of the International Bible Reading Association has seen the importance of people reading all of God's Word, Genesis through Revelation, to prepare their hearts to pray in the way God would have. It is because of his vision that Bible Pathyway Ministries partners with the International Bible Reading Association to support events like this. Click here for details.
