From December 22 to 26, I attended the Benin Mission’s first national camp meeting at Abomey, an ancient city with a rich history. We had planned to go as a family, but Elmire’s young cousin, Marina, who has lived with us since 2005, had surgery some days earlier, and Elmire stayed back to assist her recovery. Culturally, Marina is like our first child, and she calls Elmire and me Mommy and Daddy.

I was sad to be apart from my family on Christmas, but I felt privileged to be at the camp meeting along with more than 500 other people. It was a rich program and a good opportunity to meet church members from all over the country. We had a wonderful parade Saturday afternoon. The new mission president, Pastor Paul Baka, and his wife were introduced, and we had a beautiful farewell ceremony for the outgoing president, Pastor Leopold Agbossassa, and his family. We were privileged to have our Union president, Pastor Guy Roger, and his wife in attendance. I was given the opportunity to assist with the programs and was able to introduce AFM to a large number of people.

We thank God for the good collaboration we have with our mission officials and pastors and lay workers in the field. Thank you to each one of you for your faithful support in 2010. We look forward to great things together with our Lord in 2011.

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