In October, 2021, Evangelical, Catholic, and Muslim groups collaborated in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso (West Africa) to give their city a much needed gift: A new hearse. For 30 years, Muslim and Catholic groups in the city had wanted to provide a hearse since few other transportation services were available. In many countries, funeral and burial services are challenging without a hearse, and in Bobo-Dioulasso, the hospitals and funeral homes could not provide this service to families. Then, the two groups approached the Bobo-Dioulasso church, planted by the Burkina Faso EMC denomination, about their desire. With financial support from the denomination and North American partners, the dream has become a reality.
Because of support from the denomination and their North American partners (like FEC), the three local groups were also able to build a garage to store the hearse. Additionally, a special committee was formed to oversee the use and maintenance of it. One leader from the community commented that “Christians are extraordinary people.” The former Burkina Faso denominational president, Siaka Traoré, said, “When we arrived in Bobo-Dioulasso in 2006, our constant prayer was that God would send us to those who want to hear from him, those who are thirsty and hungry for him, or that God would send them to us.” Now, through this partnership, an inroad has been made for the gospel, especially among Muslims.
