BES Booklets making a difference in Africa

Benin - Albert Landé (ZAM)

The B.E.S. Bibletime syllabus is slowly taking root in churches and communities across Benin.  Through the efforts of the Emmaus Bible Correspondence Course team, thousands of children are engaging with Scripture for the first time, thanks to the Bibletime booklets—resources designed to make Bible learning accessible and meaningful for young minds.

Recognising the need for trained Sunday school teachers, our national coordination launched an initiative to equip leaders who can bring these lessons to life. Six dedicated trainers were appointed to lead the charge. Since then, they’ve trained over 100 teachers across five regions, from the lakeside town of Ganvié to the bustling communities of Cotonou and Calavi.

Each training session is a catalyst for change. In Sè Houéyogbé, 48 teachers gathered to learn how to guide children in faith. In Zogbadjè, the Assemblies of God church not only trained 10 teachers but also awarded certificates, a proud first step toward recognising the value of this work.

The impact on children has been deeply encouraging. Séverine, once a timid student, now speaks confidently thanks to what she’s learned. Another student, Hélène, shared that the courses helped her understand something profound: that God loves children, too.

Though Bible study is still not permitted in public schools, many children, especially near our Cotonou centre, come seeking the French Bibletime booklets. Parents, seeing the transformation, often encourage their kids to return for more.

Looking ahead, we plan to launch Bible camps across Benin to widen our reach. These courses are preparing fertile ground, not just for learning, but for lifelong faith.

The journey is just beginning. And we believe that with each child who opens a booklet, the light of God’s Word shines a little brighter in Benin.

Ivory Coast - Monhon Tindé Armand (ZAM)

In June 2025, a shipment of 146 buttery boxes arrived at the bustling port of Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, containing a selection of French Bibletime booklets designed specifically for children. These engaging materials aimed to inspire young hearts and minds with stories and teachings from the Bible. That same month, Monhon Tindé Armand, the dedicated coordinator for Emmaus and B.E.S, organised and conducted an intensive training session for four enthusiastic teachers. This training was focused on effectively utilising the Bibletime booklets in their classrooms, equipping them with the tools and methods necessary to foster a deeper understanding of the lessons among their students.

In a heartfelt letter sent late in June 2025, the Sunday school team from the CMA Church in Toumodikro, Côte d'Ivoire, extended their deep gratitude to Bible Educational Services (B.E.S.) and Revival Movement for their valuable contribution to children’s biblical education.

Thanks to the provision of structured lesson manuals, over 250 children in Toumodikro, and many more beyond, have experienced remarkable progress in their understanding of the Bible. The materials not only simplify complex teachings but also foster active parental engagement, reinforcing spiritual growth at home.

Sunday school teacher Kouamé Kouassi Saint Joseph praised the manuals for being tailored to the spiritual needs of children and teens. "They help the youth know God better and commit to Jesus Christ personally," he wrote.

This testimony is a powerful reminder of how strategic resources and partnerships can transform communities spiritually, one child at a time.

Central African Republic (CAR) - Abed-Négo Ndjama   (ZAM)

Bibletime is making notable progress in engaging children and youth in the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly in Bangui and surrounding areas. During the 2024–2025 period, over 2,300 students participated in the Bibletime programme across two schools and twelve churches, facilitated by 36 trained teachers from five denominations. Key distribution sites included the Complexe Scolaire Évangélique de Yaloké and Complexe Pascal Gonofe in Bangui.

Testimonials highlight the programme's spiritual impact. Mardochée, a fifth-grade student, transitioned from disinterest to enthusiasm for Bibletime, prompting his father to purchase a Bible. A teacher noted that the programme enhanced his biblical knowledge and teaching enjoyment, while a previously sceptical parent expressed interest in obtaining a copy of the materials after observing his son's engagement with the B.E.S. Bibletime booklets.

The team seeks prayers and support for renewed resources and funding to enhance teacher training and expand the Bibletime project to more communities. Despite its effectiveness, Bibletime’s potential is limited by resource constraints. New French materials are expected soon, allowing for planned expansion into additional primary and secondary schools.

Gabon – Gilbert Essone Obiang (ZAM).

In Libreville, Gabon, Gilbert plays a vital role in providing Bible-based learning to children using B.E.S. Bibletime booklets, with over 8,500 students in 17 schools and 80 churches. He eagerly awaits the next shipment of 42,000 French booklets, reflecting the growing demand for the program.

Gilbert’s mission goes beyond distribution; he's focused on fostering a deeper understanding of the scriptures among young learners. Sister Hermine, a Sunday school teacher, shares, "Teaching children is my passion... the B.E.S. Bibletime booklets make my service easier as each child can follow along and complete their homework."

Pastor Marie-Florence emphasises the programme's growth at Pk 8 Christian Alliance School, which received 4,800 booklets for its 1,300 students. Her vision is to expand the resource distribution to other churches and train more teachers, culminating in the exciting prospect of students earning certificates for completing Bibletime courses.

While Gilbert and his team face challenges, such as securing budgets for broader mobilisation efforts, they remain optimistic, taking advantage of the freedom to distribute textbooks across all churches. This dedication, combined with the effectiveness of the Bibletime resources, highlights the inspiring impact of faith in nurturing the next generation in Gabon.