It is no coincidence that our Osborn Ministries International Mission Team is in Benin at this time. Benin is the birthplace of voodoo, and January 10th, is the annual Voodoo festival, where devotees perform animal sacrifices, rituals and ceremonies paying devotion to ancient gods. The entire country is dotted with voodoo temples, and people travel from many nations to observe the ancient demonic practices.
We are not strangers to this nation. In 1974 a desperate plea came from the pastors in Benin to Dr. LaDonna’s parents, Dr. TL & Dr. Daisy Osborn, to conduct an evangelistic crusade in the their nation then known as Dahomey.
When Dr. Daisy arrived in Benin to make arrangements for the crusade, she was greeted warmly by a large group of Pastors who were anxious to see their nation delivered from the “stronghold of voodoo religion.” Although the Osborns were willing to bring the light of the Gospel to this dark area, the fear of the Pastors would not allow them to do so. So instead of proceeding with the planning meeting, the Pastors took Dr. Daisy to the ancient voodoo python temple – as they informed her that before any event could happen in their nation, the voodoo priest would have to give his consent.
Dr. Daisy was furious, and when they arrived she took possession of the giant python, which the people worshipped, and when she did, it became as stiff as a pole in her hands. (Dr. Daisy recounts this chilling story in several of her series, such as the “Demise of Religion.”)
She prophesied to the pastors, telling them that they would be scattered to the villages, political turmoil would be imminent, and much would have to change in them before their nation was ready for an Osborn evangelistic event. Fear covered their faces. They dreaded what was to come.
Dr. Daisy left Benin after the Lord spoke to her one night and told her to leave. Later she discovered that the President of the nation had arranged to ambush her and the Pastors the very next morning. Dr. Daisy postponed the event and the planned crusade did not take place . . . all because of the fear of voodoo retribution toward the church leaders.
Now, more than 40 years later, Dr. T.L. & Dr. Daisy’s daughter, Dr. LaDonna C. Osborn returns to Benin. This time Dr. LaDonna brings instructions and books that will equip and empower the pastors & believers so that they will no longer feel victimized by the voodoo religion in Benin and the intimidation that it has held over the citizens of this great nation. The pastors and the believers will now know the power of Christ working in and through each one of them.
Thanks to our Partners, these Osborn books that were translated, printed, and shipped to Porto Novo, Benin will ensure that what God does during the Festival will continue for many generations to come.
Wherever we preach the Gospel, thousands of books are distributed.
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