Flags waved, voices rang out in song, and people from countries across West Africa and beyond danced down aisles in colorful, traditional attire. In Grand Bassam, just outside of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire where the deaths of a recent terrorist attack are still being mourned, nearly 500 representatives gathered from March 31 to April 3 to celebrate the third Africa Regional Conference.

Africa Regional Director Filimao Chambo opened the conference with a message on the conference theme, "Prepare the Way," taken from Isaiah 57:14. After four days of inspiring worship, prayer, preaching, and workshops, the conference culminated in a ceremony in which 43 pastors from countries across West Africa were ordained. Africa West Field Strategy Coordinator Daniel Gomis described the conference as "a demonstration of God's faithfulness and love for His church."

The conference was especially meaningful because it included Christian brothers and sisters from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone who were formerly restricted from traveling outside their countries because of the Ebola epidemic.

Liberia Monrovia District Superintendent Daniel Johnson explained what the conference meant to him and his fellow Liberians.  

"Although we had many difficulties like bad roads (some traveled by bus for three to four days) and hassles at checkpoints, the trip was well worth it," he said. "The morale of the church members was strengthened through fellowship with others from all over the region. For many, it was their first time out of Liberia and they got to see a broader perspective of the church.  They are used to seeing the church from a local and district level but now see that our church is an international church and that we are one. Despite language barriers, we are unified ... We felt the joy of the Lord and hope to come again."

Pastor Moise Toumoudagou from Benin described a similar experience of unity. 

"For many, it was their first trip out of the country, and it was a real joy to see so many different people worshipping the same God," he said. "We are not alone, but part of a large family. I am not alone in my country, but my country belongs to many countries."  

He described how many on his district are new in their faith, and the week's messages, which challenged listeners to live Christlike lives of loving service to God and others, inspired his people to grow stronger in their faith, in fellowship, and in their relationships.  He also said the daily workshops were extremely helpful.

"The church did not invest in vain, for a seed was planted in each of us," Toumoudagou said.

Pastor William Grant from the South East Liberia District said the message by General Superintendent Eugenio R. Duarte "... challenged us and opened our eyes on the subject of holiness." Gomis also enjoyed Duarte's message, saying he would "personally remember Dr. Duarte's inspiring and prophetic words to the Church in Africa: 'What are we supposed to do with His Truth? ... There is a lot of food on the roadside. But, there is no need for us (Nazarenes) to go after the roadside food. We have good food.' May we continue to eat the good food and grow in Christlikeness in such a time like this."

The previous two Africa Region conferences were held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in March 2015 (the first regional conference held since 2003), and Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2015. 

--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region