Have you ever gone through an experience that has forever changed your life? Have you ever been challenged on your views on education, politics, economics, religion, and everything in between? Has your heart and soul ever been irreversibly touched by complete and unconditional love from an impoverished village of strangers? I can now honestly answer “yes” to all of these questions because of this single missionary trip. I want to thank everyone who supported the Benin Team financially and in prayers for our safety and success.
Benin is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo. Benin was colonized by the French and won their independence only 40 years ago. After a series of military coups, the country went red with a Marxist Leninist ideology in the early 1970s. After being the People’s Republic of Benin for about 15 years, The National Conference voted to abolish the Marxist ideology and move toward a democratic and multi-party system. Benin is now in the first decade of their experience with democracy.
The colorful political past creates an unique environment of blending influences. Economically, Benin is in the beginning stages of capitalism, but most of the country still lives in poverty and has not recovered from their colonization from France. Most of the Benin infrastructure and culture, including education and language, are still French. However, The Communist influence from China shows politically in a very slow, bureaucratic, and corrupt government. The architecture from the last 40 years is also greatly influenced by the financial contributions of the Chinese, including the Benin National Sports Complex. Regarding religion, the country is a blend of Christian, Muslim, and Voodoo Worshippers. Voodoo actually originated in the Benin slave port of Ouidah, which was the primary slave port in West Africa.
By God’s grace, President Mathieu Kerekou of Benin is a Christian and had invited us to his country. He was very supportive of The Benin Team’s efforts and our goals. The president helped arrange our safe travel while in the country and created opportunities to share God’s Word and His love with the Benin nationals. The President also met with our team and talked about his process of “Reconciliation” with the surrounding African countries. Benin is taking their blame for participating and benefiting in the African slave trade and having one of the largest slave ports in Africa at Ouidah. His efforts at “Reconciliation” and forgiveness are truly humbling and speak of God’s Words.
The Benin Team primarily taught basketball and Christian principles to the members of the National Team for Benin and other players being developed in their sports/basketball academy. We also had the opportunity to coach many youth camps, and hundreds of Beninese children came to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The coaches also had the opportunity to play the Benin National Team and we actually won with a burst of scoring in the 4th quarter. The final score was U.S. Coaches 67 and the Benin National Team 47. I somehow scored 10 points, but my main job was to be the scrappy and defensive stopper.
My first missionary trip was a blend of fear and anticipation of what lies ahead. I learned obedience and faithfulness to God, especially when the weather and long coaching days took their toll on me. I rested with comfort that the Biblical missionary Paul shared the Word of God with fear, trembling, and without eloquent words. I allowed my heart and actions to speak for me.
The Benin Team experienced many victories on the court and with the people. We also struggled and transformed from within as our vision united and the fruit of our soul harvest materialized. Our team was also blessed by an amazing trip to the northern part of the country, where we experienced true faithfulness by Christian villages who loved God and their neighbors unconditionally.
This trip to Benin, Africa has forever changed my life and made me a better coach, man, husband, and faithful follower of God. I hope to continue to work with the National Team and the people of Benin to solidify positive change and growth in faith.